Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real.

They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.

Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one's own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: 08/23/2011
ISBN: 9781442403154
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.59h x 5.82w x 1.05d
Award: Governor General's Literary Awards - Finalist
Award: Bram Stoker Awards - Nominee
Award: Tayshas Reading - Commended
Award: Texas Lone Star Reading List - Commended
Award: Manitoba Young Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Young Adult Canadian Book Award - Finalist
Award: Isinglass Teen Read Award - Nominee
Award: Iowa Teen Award - Nominee
Award: Evergreen Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Nominee

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 06/06/2011
Booklist 06/01/2011 pg. 84
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2011 pg. 55
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2011
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2011 - Book Of Special Distinction
Voice of Youth Advocates 10/01/2011 pg. 391 - Recommended - Hard To Beat
School Library Journal 10/01/2011 pg. 144
Shelf Awareness 08/23/2011
Shelf Awareness 07/06/2011
Quill & Quire Books of the Yr 12/01/2011 pg. 18
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2012 pg. 108 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 145776 / This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
Reading Level: 4.9 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 11