RTW: August Read

Road Trip Wednesday is a 'Blog Carnival' where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question that begs to be answered. In the comments, you can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic. 
 

This week's topic:

What was the best book you read in August?

I've read a really wide variety of books this month, but two really stood out:

This Dark Endeavor - Kenneth Oppel

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 Konrad’s 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. (from Goodreads)

This was recommended very highly to me by my sister, and the fact that it is basically a prequel to the Frankenstein story by Mary Shelley (which I've read) was really fascinating. We're inside of Victor Frankenstein's mind and as such, we get a glimpse into his motivation for doing the things he does which will eventually lead to his creation of the famous monster. Victor is rash and impulsive and at times arrogant, but ultimately he's just craving a little praise for his abilities—understandable when he's held up against his own seemingly perfect twin brother. This Dark Endeavor takes Frankenstein's wackadoodle re-animator and turns him into a sympathetic individual who we actually want to see succeed in his endeavor, as dark as it may be. Plus, there's romance and a fascinating setting—Geneva. Enough said.

 

*

The Girl of Fire and Thorns - Rae Carson

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do. (from Goodreads)

After speeding through Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore back in the spring, I was looking for more great fantasy and Rae Carson definitely delivered. (As did Jess Silverstein at Reading on the F Train—I won this on her blog!) This was unlike anything else I've ever read, which right away made it appealing. The setting was reminiscent of one of the settings in Tamora Pierce's Alanna series (which I also love), and added a lot to the story. As for the MC Elisa, I thought her story was compelling right from the beginning. This is definitely an underdog story meets a 'chosen one' story, which was an interesting pairing. Elisa is weak as often (if not more) than she is strong, and I loved that about her. Her growth as a character was noticeable and believable, in my opinion. A great group of companions, super creepy enemies, romance, and a compelling heroine...all great reasons to check this one out. This is the first in a series, and I really look forward to reading more of Elisa's story.

How about you? Read anything good in August?