A Gothic Romance with a Playful Twist on a Classic Tale
In the ever-evolving landscape of historical romance novels, few authors dare to resurrect (pun intended) beloved literary characters and reimagine them with fresh perspectives. Sally Thorne, known for her contemporary romance hits like “The Hating Game” and “99 Percent Mine,” takes this bold step in her latest novel, Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match, crafting a whimsical and darkly romantic tale that asks: What if Victor Frankenstein had a sister who wanted to create her perfect match?
The Story at a Glance
Set in 1814 England, we meet Angelika Frankenstein, a wealthy, intelligent, and admittedly peculiar young woman who has exhausted her options in the marriage market. Living in the gothic Blackthorne Manor with her brother Victor, she decides to assist in his experiments to reanimate the dead. However, Angelika has her own agenda—creating the perfect husband from carefully selected body parts.
Strengths & Notable Elements
Creative World-Building
Thorne expertly builds a world where science and romance intertwine, maintaining the gothic atmosphere while injecting her signature wit and humor. The setting of Blackthorne Manor, with its hidden vaults of gold and overgrown gardens, creates a vivid backdrop that feels both authentic to the period and delightfully fantastical.
Character Development
- Angelika: A complex protagonist who evolves from a self-absorbed heiress to a more empathetic and aware individual
- Will/Arlo: The reanimated love interest whose journey of self-discovery drives much of the plot
- Victor: A familiar character reimagined with humor and depth
- Mary: The servant whose tough love adds heart to the story
Romance and Chemistry
The central romance between Angelika and Will/Arlo develops naturally despite its supernatural origins. Their banter is sharp, their intimate moments tender, and their conflicts meaningful. The addition of Commander Keatings as a potential suitor creates genuine tension without falling into typical love triangle tropes.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The novel occasionally suffers from uneven pacing, particularly in the middle sections where the investigation into Will’s identity sometimes drags. Some readers might find the resolution of certain plot threads rushed in comparison.
Historical Accuracy vs. Creative License
While Thorne acknowledges taking liberties with historical details (such as men’s wedding rings in 1814), some readers might find these anachronisms distracting. The modern sensibilities of the characters, while making them relatable to contemporary readers, sometimes strain credibility.
Religious Elements
The revelation of Will’s true identity as Father Arlo Northcott introduces religious themes that feel somewhat underdeveloped and could have been explored with more depth.
Writing Style and Tone
Thorne’s prose successfully balances:
- Gothic atmosphere
- Romantic tension
- Humorous dialogue
- Character introspection
Her writing style remains engaging throughout, though some might find the frequent internal monologues excessive.
Themes and Deeper Messages
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The nature of identity and memory
- The price of privilege and responsibility
- The meaning of true love versus manufactured attraction
- The importance of community and family
- Personal growth and self-awareness
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Historical romance with fantasy elements
- Gothic literature with a modern twist
- Character-driven narratives
- Humor mixed with darker themes
- Fresh takes on classic stories
Comparisons and Context
While unique in its approach, the novel might appeal to fans of:
- “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by Seth Grahame-Smith
- “The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter” by Theodora Goss
- “The Parasol Protectorate” series by Gail Carriger
Final Verdict
Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match is an ambitious and creative reimagining that mostly succeeds in its goals. While not perfect, it offers enough charm, romance, and originality to make it worth reading, especially for fans of gothic romance who don’t mind some historical flexibility and modern sensibilities in their period pieces.
Pros:
- Creative premise
- Strong character development
- Engaging romance
- Well-crafted humor
- Atmospheric setting
Cons:
- Uneven pacing
- Some underdeveloped themes
- Historical inconsistencies
- Occasionally modern tone
Recommendation
Despite its flaws, Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match provides an entertaining and unique reading experience. It’s particularly recommended for readers who appreciate:
- Creative reimaginings of classic literature
- Romance with supernatural elements
- Character-driven narratives
- Gothic atmosphere with humor
The book succeeds most when it focuses on the central romance and character development, making it a worthwhile addition to any romance reader’s library, especially those looking for something different from standard historical romance fare.
Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match represents a bold departure from Thorne’s contemporary romance roots, demonstrating her versatility as an author while maintaining her signature style of witty dialogue and compelling character dynamics. While not every aspect of the experiment succeeds, like its protagonists, the book comes alive with enough heart and charm to overlook its imperfections.