This Dark Endeavor Audiobook, by Kenneth Oppel Play Audiobook Sample

This Dark Endeavor Audiobook

This Dark Endeavor Audiobook, by Kenneth Oppel Play Audiobook Sample
Currently Unavailable
This audiobook is no longer available through the publisher and we don't know if or when it will become available again. Please check out similar audiobooks below, and click the "Vote this up!" button to let us know you're interested in this title. This audiobook has 8 votes
Read By: Luke Daniels Publisher: Brilliance Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 5.33 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.00 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein Series Release Date: August 2011 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781455802944

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

26

Longest Chapter Length:

25:18 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

07:24 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

18:31 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

12

Other Audiobooks Written by Kenneth Oppel: > View All...

Publisher Description

In this prequel to Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, Frankenstein, sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein begins a dark journey that will change his life forever. Victor’s twin, Konrad, has fallen ill, and no doctor can cure him. Unwilling to give up on his brother, Victor enlists his beautiful cousin Elizabeth and his 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.

Download and start listening now!

"Using language evocative of the Victorian era, Oppel has created a "prequel" to Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN. Told from the point of view of Victor when he is sixteen years of age, this describes the illness of his twin brother Konrad. Other characters include their parents, friend Henry, and distant cousin Elizabeth. Polidori also figures into the story, which is very cinematic. The descriptions of swordfights, escapes, and other action sequences would make this a wonderful film. The writing is somewhat elevated, which is to the author's credit, giving it a real feel of the time period and perhaps enriching the vocabulary of older tweens and teens who will enjoy this. I can't wait for the next episode."

— Penny (5 out of 5 stars)

This Dark Endeavor Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.8695652173913 out of 53.8695652173913 out of 53.8695652173913 out of 53.8695652173913 out of 53.8695652173913 out of 5 (3.87)
5 Stars: 12
4 Stars: 18
3 Stars: 14
2 Stars: 2
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The new part of the story is fine - problem is once you get 60% of the way through this book actually ends. The rest of the content is the original Frankenstein by Mary Shelly. I wouldn't have wasted my money if I knew almost half the book was one that I already owned. "

    — Amy, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The new part of the story is fine - problem is once you get 60% of the way through this book actually ends. The rest of the content is the original Frankenstein by Mary Shelly. I wouldn't have wasted my money if I knew almost half the book was one that I already owned. "

    — Amy, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved it. As a fan of Mary Shelley's book and a twin myself Kenneth portrayed both Victor Frankenstein and the dynamic between twins extremely well. "

    — Crystal, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved it. As a fan of Mary Shelley's book and a twin myself Kenneth portrayed both Victor Frankenstein and the dynamic between twins extremely well. "

    — Crystal, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Kenneth Oppel rarely disappoints, and he certainly didn't this time. I love young Victor! He made a really creepy man sexy. Weird but true. Please say there will be a sequel!!!! This was fascinating and his best book since the amazing Matt Cruse. "

    — Jams, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Kenneth Oppel rarely disappoints, and he certainly didn't this time. I love young Victor! He made a really creepy man sexy. Weird but true. Please say there will be a sequel!!!! This was fascinating and his best book since the amazing Matt Cruse. "

    — Jams, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A pretty good book, worth a read, just didn't love it enough to do a full out review of it. "

    — Samantha, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A pretty good book, worth a read, just didn't love it enough to do a full out review of it. "

    — Samantha, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Review to come via Fresh Fiction "

    — Krystal, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Review to come via Fresh Fiction "

    — Krystal, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a fabulous book! I really took my time reading it, but it picked up near the end and had some definite twists. The writing was wonderful, and I loved reading a book with such a flawed main character. I will absolutely be reading the second! "

    — Roxanne, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a fabulous book! I really took my time reading it, but it picked up near the end and had some definite twists. The writing was wonderful, and I loved reading a book with such a flawed main character. I will absolutely be reading the second! "

    — Roxanne, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Extremely smooth writing style. Engaging, though not always likeable characters. Great prequel to the much loved Frankenstein. Everyone should read this book. I do prefer the other cover. "

    — Jessica, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Extremely smooth writing style. Engaging, though not always likeable characters. Great prequel to the much loved Frankenstein. Everyone should read this book. I do prefer the other cover. "

    — Jessica, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was amazing. It really helped me think of the scientist's (Victor Frankenstein's) past. Thoughtfully written. "

    — Bubbles, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was amazing. It really helped me think of the scientist's (Victor Frankenstein's) past. Thoughtfully written. "

    — Bubbles, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " okay - It was a slow start for me but halfway through it really picked up and I enjoyed the book. There is some adventure and science fiction in here. Good start to the prequel series! "

    — Krissy, 10/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " okay - It was a slow start for me but halfway through it really picked up and I enjoyed the book. There is some adventure and science fiction in here. Good start to the prequel series! "

    — Krissy, 10/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved this book - you don't have to be a fan of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to enjoy this, but it is a fun "prequel" if you are. This story is well written and has good suspense. "

    — Sandy, 10/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved this book - you don't have to be a fan of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to enjoy this, but it is a fun "prequel" if you are. This story is well written and has good suspense. "

    — Sandy, 10/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was ok. It was a very easy read. I dislike the ending it was underdeveloped in my opinion. I also felt it was a little to juvenile to be considered YA. "

    — Margarita, 2/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was ok. It was a very easy read. I dislike the ending it was underdeveloped in my opinion. I also felt it was a little to juvenile to be considered YA. "

    — Margarita, 2/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very different from other books that have crossed my path recently. I am not one for period verbage, so it took me a bit to get into the story. After I was able to get past that, the story was very addictive. "

    — Lenmeo, 12/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very different from other books that have crossed my path recently. I am not one for period verbage, so it took me a bit to get into the story. After I was able to get past that, the story was very addictive. "

    — Lenmeo, 12/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Gives insight to the motives behind the making of "Frankenstein". "

    — Sabrina, 10/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A great book for at-risk readers or anyone who loves a good adventure book. It was too gruesome for me in some parts, but kids would love it. "

    — Deborah, 10/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A great book for at-risk readers or anyone who loves a good adventure book. It was too gruesome for me in some parts, but kids would love it. "

    — Deborah, 10/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Gives insight to the motives behind the making of "Frankenstein". "

    — Sabrina, 10/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " As a big fan of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley I was really disappointed in this book. I do not believe it catched the slightly gothic and mysterious aura that Shelley's Frankenstein has. Also, the book was pretty forgettable. "

    — Alex, 11/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " As a big fan of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley I was really disappointed in this book. I do not believe it catched the slightly gothic and mysterious aura that Shelley's Frankenstein has. Also, the book was pretty forgettable. "

    — Alex, 11/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a very good, well-written book with a DEVASTATINGLY abrupt ending. "

    — Josie, 11/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a very good, well-written book with a DEVASTATINGLY abrupt ending. "

    — Josie, 11/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Audio version grows on you. story moves fairly quick. interesting take on how Frankenstein came to be. good for guys "

    — Sarah, 11/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Audio version grows on you. story moves fairly quick. interesting take on how Frankenstein came to be. good for guys "

    — Sarah, 11/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It is a tall order to write a prequel to Mary Shelley's masterpiece. The literature does not even come close. Still, a fun look back into the young mind on the cusp of twisted thinking, belonging to one Victor Frankenstein. "

    — Nicole, 11/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It is a tall order to write a prequel to Mary Shelley's masterpiece. The literature does not even come close. Still, a fun look back into the young mind on the cusp of twisted thinking, belonging to one Victor Frankenstein. "

    — Nicole, 11/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A pretty good book, worth a read, just didn't love it enough to do a full out review of it. "

    — Samantha, 10/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A pretty good book, worth a read, just didn't love it enough to do a full out review of it. "

    — Samantha, 10/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Awesome! Loved this story. Can't wait for the next one! "

    — Austin, 10/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Awesome! Loved this story. Can't wait for the next one! "

    — Austin, 10/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A story of Victor Frankenstein and events in his youth that lead to his obsessions in Frankenstein. Oppel really knows how to write a good story which appeal to both boys and girls. "

    — Megan, 10/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A story of Victor Frankenstein and events in his youth that lead to his obsessions in Frankenstein. Oppel really knows how to write a good story which appeal to both boys and girls. "

    — Megan, 10/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I think Oppel has done an interesting and very successful job of establishing a passionate and believable youngVictor Frankenstein. And, I think it hits the spot for his target audience! "

    — Ann, 10/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I think Oppel has done an interesting and very successful job of establishing a passionate and believable youngVictor Frankenstein. And, I think it hits the spot for his target audience! "

    — Ann, 10/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " FUN! this book made me want to pack my bags and go on a journey to find the most impossible things!i loved the bond between the characters and i thought Victor was great! this book was such good fun and was so easy to read!loved it!! "

    — Eilishk, 10/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " FUN! this book made me want to pack my bags and go on a journey to find the most impossible things!i loved the bond between the characters and i thought Victor was great! this book was such good fun and was so easy to read!loved it!! "

    — Eilishk, 10/19/2011

About Kenneth Oppel

Kenneth Oppel is the author of numerous books for young readers. His award-winning Silverwing trilogy has sold over a million copies worldwide and been adapted as an animated TV series and stage play. Airborn won a Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award and the Canadian Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s literature; its sequel, Skybreaker, was a New York Times bestseller and was named Children’s Novel of the Year by the Times. Born on Canada’s Vancouver Island, he now resides in Toronto with his wife and children.

About Luke Daniels

Luke Daniels, winner of sixteen AudioFile Earphones Awards and a finalist for the Audie Award for best narration, is a narrator whose many audiobook credits range from action and suspense to young-adult fiction. His background is in classical theater and film, and he has performed at repertory theaters around the country.