In this sequel to This Dark Endeavor, Oppel continues the story of young Victor Frankenstein, as he-along with friends Henry and Elizabeth-travels into a netherworld to find and rescue his twin brother, Konrad. But dark spirits look to circumvent this family reunion and cause further pain-and Victor must determine if he craves power more than love. Narrator Luke Daniels skillfully portrays Victor, capturing both his arrogance and naive moments of grandeur. In his rendition of Elizabeth, Daniels employs a higher pitch and evokes her strong convictions. Additionally, the narrator lends appropriate and unique voices to the book's other characters and provides solid and entertaining narration throughout, modulating tone, emphasis, and timing to ratchet up moments of drama. Ages 12-up. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 9 Up-In Kenneth Oppel's sequel (2012) to This Dark Endeavor (2011, both S & S), brilliant, arrogant, and inquisitive 16-year-old Victor Frankenstein is desperately mourning the recent death of this twin brother, Konrad. Although he had sworn off the use of dark magic, when Victor discovers a text that convinces him he can bring Konrad back to life, he enlists the aid of Elizabeth, Konrad's heartbroken betrothed (whom Victor covets for himself), and their best friend, Henry, to help him enter the spirit world. Together they construct and grow a mud body into which they plan to release Konrad's spirit. Creepy at times (with butterflies which attach like leeches, bringing the teenagers their hearts' desires while stealing their life forces for an evil purpose), this gothic horror story will keep listeners enthralled. While the men's voices are compellingly narrated by Luke Daniels, the female voices are lacking. Elizabeth, a spirited character with a mind of her own, generally sounds subdued, often speaking in a whisper. Victor's voice is a delight: abrasive, supremely self-confident, and yet likeable. Gentle music is played at the beginning and end of each disc. A must-have where A Dark Endeavor or Mary Shelley's Frankenstein are popular.-Julie Paladino, East Chapel Hill High School, NC (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.