This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Growing up, twin brothers Victor and Konrad Frankenstein fill their lives with imaginary adventures…until the day they stumble upon The Dark Library, where they discover secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is drawn back to The Dark Library and uncovers an ancient formula, beginning a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life. Their success depends on how far they are willing to push the boundaries of nature, science…and love.

A prequel to Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein, Printz Honor-winning author Kenneth Oppel’s book has already been optioned for a movie by Summit Entertainment, the producers of the Twilight films.

“Oppel’s novel is a gripping tale of undying devotion, mixing hope with foreboding.”
-The Horn Book, starred review.

“Oppel’s tale is melodramatic, exciting, disquieting…a delicious mix.”
-Publisher’s Weekly, starred review.

“Oppel has reinvented the gothic thriller for modern readers. The narrative crackles with tension, emotions run high, and the atmosphere is perfectly dark and brooding. The Shelleys would be proud. I definitely recommend you check out the book when it’s published. I anticipate This Dark Endeavor will get a lot of attention, and rightly so.” 

-Rick Riordan, best-selling author of the Percy Jackson series.

“Oppel grapples with the human duality of animal and soul in ways that recall (but don’t repeat) Shelley’s similar thematic explorations as he revitalizes the classic horror tale for a new generation.” 
-Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review.