Honest review of The Legacy of Frankenstein

by Robin Bailes (Author)

Updated at: 10/02/2025

In Robin Bailes' The Legacy of Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein may be deceased, but his monstrous creation's influence reverberates across time and place. This chilling novel, part of The Universal Library horror series, weaves together disparate narratives linked by the enduring shadow of the creature. From a fanatical Austrian researcher uncovering forgotten secrets to a Cornish village plagued by nocturnal violence, the threads of Frankenstein's legacy intertwine. Each self-contained story explores the monster's lasting impact, revealing how the past relentlessly pursues the present. Though a standalone read, The Legacy of Frankenstein seamlessly integrates this iconic figure into the Universal Library's shared world, delivering a fresh and terrifying take on a classic horror tale.

The Legacy of Frankenstein (The Universal Library)

4.7 / 4 ratings

Review The Legacy of Frankenstein

Oh my goodness, The Legacy of Frankenstein completely blew me away! I went into it expecting a fun, spooky read, given its place in the Universal Library series, but it surpassed all my expectations. Robin Bailes has crafted something truly special here – a story that's both a loving homage to the classic Frankenstein mythos and a bold, fresh reimagining all at once.

What immediately struck me was the scope of the narrative. This isn’t just one story; it's a tapestry woven from several interconnected threads, each exploring a different facet of Frankenstein's enduring legacy. We have the obsessed fan, the struggling artist, the quiet Cornish village disrupted by darkness – each storyline captivating in its own right, yet all subtly linked by the monstrous shadow cast by Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The way Bailes connects these disparate narratives is masterful; it’s suspenseful and satisfying to watch the pieces slowly click into place.

The character of Adam, the creature himself, is perhaps the most significant reinterpretation. This isn't the lumbering brute we often see depicted; Bailes has given him depth, complexity, and a surprising amount of pathos. He's a creature grappling with his existence, his past, and the weight of his monstrous reputation. It's a truly compelling portrayal, one that humanizes him without diminishing the inherent terror he represents. I found myself deeply invested in his journey, experiencing a range of emotions from pity to fear to awe.

And speaking of awe, the nods to the classic Universal films are simply delightful! They're subtle enough not to overshadow the original narrative, but for those familiar with the movies, they add a layer of playful recognition that’s incredibly rewarding. These little in-jokes are like Easter eggs scattered throughout the story, adding a unique flavor for longtime fans. However, even if you're not a Universal monster movie aficionado, this book stands entirely on its own merits. The writing is sharp, the pacing is excellent, and the overall atmosphere is perfectly chilling – the kind that lingers with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

I particularly appreciated the novel's exploration of themes of legacy and the enduring impact of our choices. Frankenstein's actions ripple across generations, affecting lives in ways he could never have imagined. This exploration adds a poignant layer to the horror, making the story more than just a monster tale; it's a meditation on responsibility, consequence, and the inescapable weight of the past.

In short, The Legacy of Frankenstein is everything I ever wanted in a Frankenstein novel and more. It's intelligent, atmospheric, suspenseful, and genuinely moving. It's a testament to Bailes' skill as a writer and a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted horror, clever storytelling, and a truly fresh take on a timeless classic. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this universe – this is a story so rich and layered that one novel simply isn't enough to contain it all. Highly recommended!