Frankenstein: Prodigal Son
A Novel
by Dean Koontz, Kevin J. Anderson
Bantam 2007
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.8 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- Playing God and the ethics of creation
- Identity and what defines humanity
- Science without morality
- Good vs. evil
- Creator vs. creation
- Isolation and belonging
- Power, control, and hubris
- Partnership and trust
About this book
In modern-day New Orleans, homicide detectives Carson O’Connor and Michael Maddison hunt a meticulous serial killer while an enigmatic, centuries-old figure named Deucalion returns to confront his creator: Victor Helios—once Victor Frankenstein—who is building a "new race" to supplant humanity. As bodies turn up with chilling surgical precision, the detectives’ case collides with Helios’s biotechnological nightmare. Deucalion, burdened by his past and extraordinary abilities, becomes an unlikely ally in a battle over what it means to be human. This reimagining of Frankenstein blends police procedural, horror, and speculative science into a high-velocity thriller.
Setting: Contemporary New Orleans, Louisiana
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frankenstein: Prodigal Son right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Frankenstein: Prodigal Son. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Playing God and the ethics of creation, Identity and what defines humanity, Science without morality.
How long does it take to read Frankenstein: Prodigal Son?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Frankenstein: Prodigal Son takes around 12h to finish. The book has 122,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Frankenstein: Prodigal Son have an AR quiz?
Yes — Frankenstein: Prodigal Son has an AR quiz available, worth 18 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Frankenstein: Prodigal Son?
Frankenstein: Prodigal Son has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.