Reason for Reading: I read all the author's books. This is Oppel's third series for Young Adults and each one has been so completely different from the other. The only thing consistent between them is a dark atmosphere or plot. This time Oppel has entered the Gothic world, set in Eastern Europe near the end of the French Revolution; it is never quite clear whether this is our earth or an alternate reality. Everything feels true and real for this historical time period; it is only when Victor's potions of alchemy provide fantastical results that we enter into a world of magical realism. I did find the book a bit slow to get into but once I caught the flow, I was hooked and found the book hard to put down. There are four main characters and each has their own distinct personality. Victor is not the most likable of the bunch but the book is told from his point of view and this reader found him the most genuine however unreliable he may be :-) I loved the whole Gothic atmosphere, the dark eerie tunnels, forests and sinister scientists. The added magic of alchemy brings that touch of the supernatural to the events to provide an all around gripping story with fantastic plot, characters and atmosphere. The ending wasn't surprising to this reader and yet it was still a shock as it was deftly written, coming out of when least expected and leaves all sorts of plot openings for the next volume which I am eager to read as it will have been released by the time this review has been posted.

This Dark Endeavor is a work of literary art. From the cover, to the plot, to the characters; Oppel was spot on! One of a book's most important assets is its cover, and in this case, This Dark Endeavor certainly has bragging rights! Between the handsome character sketch of Victor on the front, to the haunting buildings eclipsed by unsettle clouds and the blurred edges; I do believe I was completely enthralled with this book before I even read the first page. Having read Kenneth Oppel's previous series; Silver Wing, as a child, I was already familiar with the depth of Oppel's writing and This Dark Endeavor was no exception. Written in the first person perspective of Victor Frankenstein, This Dark Endeavor is truly captivating, allowing you to witness the story first hand through Victor's rebellious mind. There was never a single moment while reading the novel in which I felt bored of the story, with brilliant cliffhangers at the end of chapters and an excellently paced plot (not to fast and not to slow), which was filled with completely unexpected twists ensured that I couldn't stop turning the pages. If you're in search of a wickedly good, well-written YA book with a hint of romance, I urge you to pick up This Dark Endeavor; you won't regret it! -Sarah http://laceandlavenderhints.blogspot.ca