The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is a gorgeously dark retelling of Mary Shelley’s hit horror tale Frankenstein. In this article, we have given you a spoiler-free review of this book.
About The Book
Title: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
Author: Kiersten White
Genre: Historical fiction, Young Adult, Horror
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Type: Standalone
Pages: 304
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
Elizabeth Lavenza hasn’t had a proper meal in weeks. Her thin arms have bruises from her “caregiver,” and she is on the verge of being thrown into the streets until she is brought to the home of Victor Frankenstein, an unsmiling, solitary boy who has everything–except a friend. Victor is her escape from misery. Elizabeth does everything she can to make herself indispensable. And it works. She is taken in by the Frankenstein family and rewarded with a warm bed, delicious food, and dresses of the finest silk. Soon she and Victor are inseparable. But her new life comes at a price. As the years pass, Elizabeth’s survival depends on managing Victor’s dangerous temper and entertaining his every whim. Behind her blue eyes and sweet smile lies the calculating heart of a girl determined to stay alive no matter the cost . . . as the world she knows is consumed by darkness.
Review of The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
You’ve heard of Frankenstein, right? That classic horror novel from 1818 that kicked off the entire science fiction genre? Well, here’s a little twist. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is not just a retelling—it’s a game-changer.
Now, if you’re familiar with the original, you know Elizabeth is just Victor Frankenstein’s fiancée. She’s barely a blip in the grand scheme of things, only mentioned a couple of times. But in Kiersten White’s version? Elizabeth is a whole different beast. She’s not just a pretty face waiting to be rescued; she’s a survivor.
This isn’t just a story about some poor girl caught up in a mad scientist’s world. Nope. Elizabeth’s journey is one of fierce survival in a society where women’s worth is reduced to their looks and their ability to please men. Victor? Sure, she loves him, but it’s also clear she knows her survival is tied to his whims. But don’t be fooled by her sweet, ladylike demeanor. Behind that smile is a woman who’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it through the world stacked against her.
“They had stripped us of everything we were taught made us women and then told us we were mad.”
– Kiersten White
And let’s talk about the cover for a sec. Have you seen it? It’s gorgeous. Seriously, from the color scheme to that needle on the front, it’s like the cover is telling the story itself. I mean, they even struck out Frankenstein—subtle, but clever. Everything about it just works, tying perfectly into the themes of the book. And the title? Simple but layered with meaning. Trust me, it’s all intentional.
Now, the book starts a little slow, but don’t let that throw you off. Once you hit the first flashback, the pace picks up, and you’re hooked. It’s like a train that slowly starts moving, picks up speed, and then, just when you think it’s over, it slows down to give you that bittersweet ending. And while the conclusion might not have been perfect, it left me with a feeling I can’t quite shake—a mix of satisfaction and a little sadness.
The writing? Oh, it’s stellar. The transitions between past and present are seamless. Seriously, not once did I get lost or confused, even without fancy fonts or asterisks. Kiersten White nails the third-person perspective, capturing Elizabeth’s complex feelings in a way that’s both delicate and raw. Plus, there are some stunning quotes sprinkled throughout that’ll have you pausing to reflect.
As for Victor… ugh, I hate him. But also, I love him? There’s something about him—his charm, his madness, his sheer psychopathy—that’s so magnetic. Every time he was on the page, I could feel the chills crawling up my spine. But let’s be clear: he’s not the hero here. That title belongs to Elizabeth and the women she encounters along the way. These women, each one grappling with the harsh realities of their time, were powerful in their own right. And it was gut-wrenching to see them paying the price for simply being born women.
If there’s one thing I’d critique, it’s the last third of the book. The pacing dips a little before it wraps up, but that’s a small nitpick in an otherwise brilliant read.
Elizabeth’s quest to uncover Victor’s madness is easily the highlight of the novel. It’s dark, it’s twisty, and at times, it made me feel a little queasy—but in the best possible way. This book isn’t just a read; it’s an experience. And honestly? I’ll carry it with me for a long time.
P.S. Even if you know the original Frankenstein, you won’t see the plot twists coming. Trust me.
Conclusion
Rating: 5 / 5 ; Our Rating Guide
Recommendation: 100% YES!
“I, however, was perfectly aware of my beauty. I considered it a skill, alongside speaking French, English, Italian and German. It was a language of its own, in a way. One that translated well in different circumstances.” – Please, how can you still not be interested in reading this book?
If you’re looking for a psychological thrill that will wreck your mind (in the best way), you need to read this.
About the Author
Kiersten White is a New York Times bestselling author. She was born in Utah in 1983 and graduated from Bringham Young University in 2004 with an English Degree. White won Bram Stoker Award in 2018 with her novel The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein. She has written various books covering a variety of genres, including fantasy, historical fiction, and paranormal. Her notable works include The Conqueror’s Saga, Paranormalcy, and The Guinevere Deception. She currently lives with her family in San Diego, California.
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