Teen Review: Such Wicked Intent

Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel


First let me say that you should not hold by opinions as truth and that you should not let them change yours. If you have not read this book already do not read this review for it might contain major spoilers. That said, lets move to the review.

I would give Such Wicked Intent, by Kenneth Oppel, 8 stars out of 10. There are many reasons why this book is good rather then why it is bad. Overall though, I enjoyed reading it and would definitely consider it a book to put on your reading list. That said, there are many reasons why this book is not a 10, and why I was slightly disappointed in it.

First of all, you must understand that this book is a prequel series to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; which is one of the top 10 books I have ever read. It is unparalleled because of its fantastic uniqueness. If you have not read this book I would strongly advise you to read it as soon as possible, not only because it is worth reading (which it totally is) but because there are so many allusions to it in Oppel's series. It also helps you greatly understand Victor and his characteristics which Oppel has brought out in his series. Moving on, one of the biggest problems I had with this book was that I felt that it broke a major rule. Let me explain: There are many rules that not only does Oppel set for his series in his first book, This Dark Endeavor, but there are also rules that are set for him by Mary Shelly through Frankenstein. Those rules he agreed to follow when he decided to write a prequel series to it, regardless of whether he knew it or not. I feel like he breaks these rules when he decides to set his second book in the afterlife. Frankenstein was a purely hypothetical scientific book. Although it involved bringing something to life, it never dabbled in the afterlife or spiritual things but used scientific basis in order to create the creature. And Oppel does a terrific job in following that in his first book. While the first book does bring in alchemy, Oppel portrays it as a misunderstood science rather than a magical or spiritual concept. All the ingredients in This Dark Endeavor are practical and realistic and all the potions effects can be seen as creative chemistry. (view spoiler)[But in his second book, Oppel breaks this rule, with the integration of spiritual rituals and visiting the afterlife. Not to mention ghosts and demons. Through this he breaks a rule that I though was essential to the series, and takes away from its glory. I understand that authors are usually the ones who break all the rules and regulations they can find through their writing, but I have never seen an author break the rules set by his own series. Is this a bad thing? I would say no, but if it was the author's intent, I would say he did not succeed in his efforts. (hide spoiler)]

Regardless, there are a bunch of things that make this book good and worth reading. It is interesting to see how Victor progresses in his selfishness and his ambition. It’s fun to read about the relationship between Victor and Elizabeth and how their tensions change and grow. Despite its faults, I can’t wait for the next book in the series and it can't come out soon enough.

I hope you enjoyed the review,
Patrick F.