SUCH WICKED INTENT by Kenneth Oppel

Hardcover, 310 pages

Published August 21st 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (first published August 2nd 2012) 

ISBN: 1442403187

Source: Publisher

Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

Devotion turns deadly in this second Gothic thriller from Kenneth Oppel.When does obsession become madness? Tragedy has forced sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein to swear off alchemy forever. He burns the Dark Library. He vows he will never dabble in the dark sciences again—just as he vows he will no longer covet Elizabeth, his brother’s betrothed.

If only these things were not so tempting.

When he and Elizabeth discover a portal into the spirit world, they cannot resist. Together with Victor’s twin, Konrad, and their friend Henry, the four venture into a place of infinite possibilities where power and passion reign. But as they search for the knowledge to raise the dead, they unknowingly unlock a darkness from which they may never return.

My Thoughts:

While THIS DARK ENDEAVOR is a fine Gothic read brimming with dark madness, its sequel, SUCH WICKED INTENT by Kenneth Oppel is a perfect example of how a second book in a trilogy can be spot on brilliant and fascinating.  For me, it was an eagerly anticipated novel that was delightfully mysterious and seductive.

The sequel of SUCH WICKED INTENT begins days after it's predecessor with Victor's father obliterating the dark library and Victor's hopes of ever seeing his brother again. Victor understands and is saddened by this act but it is nothing compared to the grief that he and Elizabeth are experiencing over recent events. It is this grief and desperation that causes him to quickly turn on his vow when he finds a gateway into the spirit realm, unleashing a possibility that he cannot deny. Soon he and his trusted accomplices devise a plan that is deadly as it is ingenious, but such hopes and dreams are truly the stuff made of nightmares.

I thought I was prepared for the whatever Kenneth Oppel had in store for me with SUCH WICKED INTENT but I was not ready for the nefarious nature of it's storyline. This world that he has created is unique as it is mysterious and with a gothic edge that only adds to it's glamor. It is beautifully sinister while exuding a seductive quality much like the black butterflies (now I am totally scared of them, eeep!!) that were paramount to this storyline. Yet, despite that I was wholly seduced by this deliciously dark read that was filled with moments of pure adrenaline rushed fear and anticipation.

While hosting a unique storyline this book also presents a very memorable character:  Victor Frankenstein. An individual whom is utterly captivating and his inner dialogue gives one insight to his darker, baser self. He is constantly battling those demons and most times he is in control, but when his innermost beast takes over it provides for some intoxicating reading. Victor is complex and at times intense and conceited but it is always known that love rules his every action and I could read about him all day. Now I cannot wait until the next journey that he embarks on because I know it will be insanely addictive.

SUCH WICKED INTENT is a must read for fans of THIS DARK ENDEAVOR. It is darker, creepier and better than it's predecessor and well worth every minute.