Victor and Konrad, twins, are very different in personality. Victor is harsher, far more passionate, and has a cruel streak; Konrad is more peaceful and has a "cooler" personality. Victor, finding some secrets his father had hidden, begins to dabble in alchemy.

Elizabeth, a very distant cousin to the twins, soon becomes both of their love interest...and brings about trouble between the formerly friendly brothers. Elizabeth is no shrinking violet, she is quite brave and clever. It is easy to see why the two boys would be attracted to her.

For the majority of the story, the three main characters are a happy threesome...until Konrad is stricken ill. Konrad's illness is serious; Victor is desperate to find a cure to help his brother. In his desperation, Victor does not make the best decisions. These decisions will come back to haunt him, but they make for a very interesting story.

THIS DARK ENDEAVOR is perfect for getting the boy or girl who refuses to read to take a chance. The events are fast- paced and very intriguing. The characters are easy to connect to. The ending will leave the reader dying for the next in the series.