I was thrilled to hear that DFB was doing a prequel to Frankenstein (This Dark Endeavour is by Canadian author Kenneth Oppel – who was a bit of a child prodigy in the children’s book world like Mary Shelley herself who wrote Frankenstein at age 18) – but when I read the synopsis, I realized that – because it’s a prequel – it is highly likely that one important thing might be missing from the book: Frankenstein’s monster! Say it isn’t so!

1831 engraving for Mary Shelley’s book reveals a buff monster

I’ve loved Frankenstein’s monster since I saw the black and white movie starring Boris Karloff … and I’ve weirdly identified with monsters of that ilk throughout my reading and movie watching life.

You know, the kind of monster whose grotesque exterior conceals a human soul? Read the rest of this entry »

Here is the Canadian trailer for Ken Oppel’s fantastic new title, THIS DARK ENDEAVOUR:

In this prequel to Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, Frankenstein, 16-year-old Victor Frankenstein begins a dark journey that will change his life forever. Victor’s twin, Konrad, has fallen ill, and no doctor is able to cure him. Unwilling to give up on his brother, Victor enlists his beautiful cousin Elizabeth and best friend Henry on a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life. Impossible odds, dangerous alchemy and a bitter love triangle threaten their quest at every turn.

Victor knows he must not fail. But his success depends on how far he is willing to push the boundaries of nature, science, and love – and how much he is willing to sacrifice.

This atmospheric, romantic thriller - from the author of HALF BROTHER - will be published here in October.. And we can’t wait! Learn more here.

Out in the UK on October 6th.