The Horn Book Guide

OLDER FICTION

Oppel, Kenneth

Such Wicked Intent: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, Book Two

310 pp. | Simon | August, 2012 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4424-0318-5 $16.99

(2) YA Oppel's second imagined Frankenstein origin story (This Dark Endeavor) begins after Konrad's death, as Victor mourns his twin brother's loss and rejects alchemy. Discovery of an ancient text revives Victor's hopes, and he attempts creation of a replica body for Konrad's spirit to inhabit. Oppel's impressive storytelling ability, vividly descriptive language, and further development of complex characters keep the narrative engaging.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012