Books Like...
The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter Ackroyd is a bold reimagining of Mary Shelley's classic novel, told from the perspective of Victor Frankenstein himself. The book follows Victor's journey from his university days in Ingolstadt to his encounters with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and Dr. Polidori in Oxford and London. Ackroyd weaves together historical themes, scientific discoveries, and the gothic atmosphere of early 19th-century London to create a rich and rewarding reading experience. The narrative style draws readers into Frankenstein's sick mind, offering insights into his complex relationships and interactions with the literary figures of the time.
If you liked The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein, here are the top 8 books to read next:
- #1
In 'This Dark Endeavor', readers are introduced to a young Victor Frankenstein, his twin brother Konrad, and cousin Elizabeth as they embark on a quest to create an Elixir of Life to cure Konrad's mysterious illness. The book is a dark and suspenseful read, filled with adventure, mystery, romance, and dark science. The characters are well-developed, and the story unfolds in a modern and accessible language, appealing to both teenage and adult readers. The plot builds to a climactic ending, leaving readers eager for the sequel.
'This Dark Endeavor' serves as a prequel to Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', offering a gothic twist on the origins of Victor Frankenstein. The narrative delves into Victor's complex character, his relationships with Konrad, Elizabeth, and friend Henry, and his moral dilemmas as he delves into the world of alchemy to save his brother. The book expertly weaves together elements of suspense, danger, and a touch of romance, creating a captivating tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
WE FOUND THE MONSTER ON A ROCKY LEDGE HIGH ABOVE the lake. For three dark days my brother and I had tracked it through the maze of caves to its lair on the mountain’s summit. And now we beheld it, cur... - #2
'This Monstrous Thing' by Mackenzi Lee is a thrilling, hair-raising debut that presents a twist on the classic tale of Frankenstein. The story combines contemporary writing with a fast pace, funny dialogue, and deep insights, exploring the consequences of doing something terrible for someone you love. The novel cleverly incorporates emotions and lessons from Mary Shelley's original work in a relatable manner, keeping readers engaged and eager to turn the pages.
The book is set in an alternate steampunk world, where resurrection is achieved through gears and gadgets, creating a vivid story world. The heart of the story lies in the complex relationship between brothers Oliver and Alasdair, which is portrayed realistically with all its complications, hope, love, and power. Mackenzi Lee's writing style brilliantly captures the essence of the original story while adding her unique touch, making 'This Monstrous Thing' a page-turner read with compelling characters that linger in the minds of readers long after finishing the book.
I stepped backward to Father’s side, both of us watching the gears ease to life and intertwine. The ball joint in the wrist twitched, and Father’s eyes narrowed behind his spectacles. His fingers tapp... - #3
'Monster' by Dave Zeltserman is a unique crime novel that reimagines the classic story of Frankenstein from a fresh perspective. It delves into the complexities of the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his Monster, exploring their intertwined fates and portraying them as both sympathetic and antagonistic figures. The writing style of the book is praised for its passionate portrayal of the original Frankenstein material while adding twists and turns that make the story highly enjoyable.
- #4
Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Maria Griffin is a unique coming-of-age story set in a post-apocalyptic world where people are missing body parts due to an epidemic. The main character, Nell, is a complex and thoroughly developed individual who embarks on a journey to create artificial life, reminiscent of a Frankenstein retelling. The writing style evokes a sense of unpredictability and thought-provoking storytelling, with elements of feminism and inclusivity woven into the narrative.
Just under the surface of the waves where the ocean met the land, a hand without a body reached out for someone to grab it. The hand was wrapped in plastic, so time and water hadn’t eaten it, and its ... - #5
'Prodigal Son' in the series 'Dean Koontz's Frankenstein' by author Dean Koontz is a gripping story set in the modern world where Frankenstein is alive and well, fighting to kill the monster who created him and who wants to create a new world filled with his creations. The plot revolves around a murderer on the loose, with characters like Carson, Michael, Deucalion, Victor, and Roy each having their own motivations and missions. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with multiple storylines that gradually converge to reveal a complex and interconnected narrative.
The writing style of 'Prodigal Son' is fast-paced and engaging, with multilayered storylines, complex characters, and well-developed comic relief. Dean Koontz expertly weaves together two intertwined storylines, one focusing on the detectives O'Connor and Maddison, and the other on Deucalion and Victor, all while balancing elements of mystery, horror, and suspense. The book offers a unique take on the Frankenstein tale, blending elements of classic horror with modern themes and technologies.
Already the morning streets were griddles. None of the airheads on the TV news, however, would try to cook an egg on the pavement. Even journalism school left them with enough brain cells to realize t... 'The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein' by Kiersten White is a twisted retelling of Frankenstein, focusing on the character of Elizabeth Lavenza. The story follows Elizabeth's journey as she navigates the dark and disturbing world of Victor Frankenstein, uncovering his madness and the lengths she will go to survive in a society that undervalues women's lives. Through Elizabeth's perspective, readers witness a narrative filled with gothic atmosphere, complex character dynamics, and a deep exploration of survival and sacrifice.
The plot unfolds with Elizabeth's realization of Victor's disturbing intentions, her struggle to maintain her position in the Frankenstein household, and her quest to uncover the truth about Victor's actions. White's writing style is described as atmospheric and captivating, drawing readers into a feminist tale of resilience and darkness, while skillfully intertwining elements of horror and suspense with the original Frankenstein narrative.
Justine trembled beside me like a newborn rabbit, burying her face in my shoulder. Another bolt lit our carriage with bright white clarity before rendering us temporarily deaf with a clap of thunder s...- #7
'Frankissstein: A Love Story' by Jeanette Winterson is a novel that intertwines two parallel storylines - one set in the past with Mary Shelley writing 'Frankenstein' amidst her circle of friends, and the other set in the present day exploring themes of artificial intelligence, gender identity, and the blurring lines between reality and fantasy. The book delves into philosophical questions surrounding life, death, consciousness, and the implications of scientific advancements in a world filled with sexbots, cryogenics, and AI. Winterson's narrative weaves together these two timelines seamlessly, offering a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of human nature and technological progress.
The novel is praised for its witty dialogue, mind-bending philosophical acrobatics, and social critique, which keeps the readers engaged and entertained. Winterson's storytelling is described as smart, inventive, and seamlessly blending historical fiction with contemporary issues, creating a narrative that challenges perceptions of what it means to be human and the ethical dilemmas posed by modern technology.
What we could see, the rocks, the shore, the trees, the boats on the lake, had lost their usual definition and blurred into the long grey of a week’s rain. Even the house, that we fancied was made of ... - #8
Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi is a dark and powerful novel set in war-torn Iraq during the American occupation. The story follows a second-hand trader who creates a monster from the remains of bomb victims, brought to life through a combination of magic and love. The narrative weaves together the lives of various characters in a Baghdad neighborhood, showcasing the consequences of violence, colonialism, and extremism. As the city collapses, the monster seeks vengeance on those responsible for its creation, blurring the lines between good and evil in a chaotic and dangerous environment.
The explosion took place two minutes after Elishva, the old woman known as Umm Daniel, or Daniel’s mother, boarded the bus. Everyone on the bus turned round to see what had happened. They watched in s...