The first book I read that awakened my love to read was Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, so when I heard about Kiersten White’s reimagined take on the story with The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, I was very curious. I also knew her book had an uphill battle to win me over. White has leaped over that high hurdle with room to spare.

In short, White has taken Shelley’s classic and given it new life through the eyes of Victor Frankenstein’s doomed wife, Elizabeth. I don't want to ruin any of the surprises, but what White has accomplished here is a brilliant evisceration of white male privilege.

In regards to the retelling, White chooses an important place to diverge from original story. It’s a great surprise and makes perfect sense given what she aims to accomplish in this story.

I experienced this story through the audiobook, and I want to also praise Katharine McEwan’s reading. She does a fantastic job giving each character their own voice and perfectly captures the mood of this gothic tale without overdoing it.

Also, a last bit of praise for the cover. I'm becoming a true fan of Regina Flath’s work. She does some brilliant covers, and what she produced for this novel is perfect.