Unnatural Creatures

A Novel of the Frankenstein Women

By: Kris Waldherr

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award • Read by Audie Award-winning narrator Barrie Kreinik

"A splendid achievement from a writer at the height of her powers."—Historical Novels Review (Editors' Choice)

"This book has it all. Unnatural Creatures is an atmospheric, reimagined classic about the lines we cross for loyalty and love." —Foreword Reviews

For the first time, the untold story of the three women closest to Victor Frankenstein is revealed in a dark and sweeping reimagining of Frankenstein by the acclaimed author of The Lost History of Dreams and Doomed Queens.

THE MOTHER. Caroline Frankenstein will do anything to protect her family against the nightmarish revolutions engulfing 18th-century Europe. In doing so, she creates her own monster in the form of her scientist son, Victor.

THE BRIDE. Rescued by Caroline as a four-year-old beggar, Elizabeth Lavenza knows the only way she can repay the Frankensteins is by accepting Victor's hand in marriage. But when Elizabeth's heart yearns for someone else, the lives of those she most loves collide with the unnatural creature born of Victor's profane experiments.

THE SERVANT. After an abusive childhood, Justine Moreau is taken in by Caroline to serve the Frankensteins. Justine's devotion to Caroline and Elizabeth knows no bounds . . . until a tragedy changes her irrevocably. Her fate sets her against Victor's monster, who is desperate to wreak revenge against the Frankensteins.

Stunningly written and exquisitely atmospheric, Unnatural Creatures shocks new life into Mary Shelley's beloved gothic classic by revealing the feminine side of the tale.

©2022 Muse Publications LLC (P)2022 Muse Publications LLC

Critic reviews

"A splendid achievement from a writer at the height of her powers." (Historical Novels Review, Editors' Choice)

"This book has it all. Unnatural Creatures is an atmospheric, reimagined classic about the lines we cross for loyalty and love." (Foreword Reviews)

"A thrilling, extraordinary tour de force." (Syrie James, USA Today best-selling author of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen)

Enjoyable but…

The performance was wonderful but the book is just ok. I LOVE books retold from the women’s perspective - Mists of Avalon for example. But, while I enjoyed this aspect of the story and how well they tied actual history into this Frankenstein story, much felt repetitive, unbelievable and unresolved.

What an amazing story!

Cannot say enough good things about this book! I totally enjoyed it. Storyline was Captivating and so enjoyable. Highly recommend!