🎃 Young Adult Horror −16%

Classic Starts(r) Frankenstein (Reissue)

✍️ Mary Shelley
Reader Score
4.5
(6 reviews)
$9.99 $12.00 Save $2.01 (16%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Mary Shelley's classic tale of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creation.

This edition presents Mary Shelley's story about a scientist who creates a monster using dead bodies and electricity. The narrative focuses on Dr. Victor Frankenstein and the damage he causes. It is published by Union Square Kids as part of the Classic Starts series. The book was released in February 2026 with ISBN 9781454942313. It appeals to fans of gothic fiction and supernatural stories. The text does not include new chapters or sections. It remains a compelling read for those interested in classic literature. The story highlights the consequences of scientific experimentation. It is suitable for readers who enjoy tragic narratives. The edition is designed for young adults and general audiences. It maintains the original tone and themes of Shelley's work.

Key Themes
scientific creation irreparable damage gothic horror
Literary Context

Mary Shelley wrote this story nearly two centuries ago. It remains meaningful today for its exploration of science and morality. The text is part of the Classic Starts series published by Union Square Kids. It fits within the traditions of horror and gothic fiction.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Bram Stoker · H.P. Lovecraft · The Picture of Dorian Gray
🎃
Young Adult Horror
🏛 Union Square Kids 📅 2026 📖 160 pages 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781454942313

📝 Description: Classic Starts(r) Frankenstein (Reissue)

Mary Shelley wrote this tragic narrative about a scientist who creates a monster. The story follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein as he uses bits of dead bodies and electricity to fashion a new form of life. He eventually discovers the irreparable damage caused by his actions. This reissue from Union Square Kids brings that nearly two-century-old tale to modern readers. The text remains compelling for its exploration of creation and consequence. It draws on gothic traditions and supernatural fiction elements. The book suits those interested in classic horror literature. It may not appeal to readers seeking contemporary fast-paced thrillers. The narrative structure focuses on Victor's journey and his monstrous creation. There are no additional chapters or sections listed in the provided material. The story stands as a significant work in the genre of horror. Readers will find it engaging for its historical context and thematic depth. The edition is published by Union Square Kids. It carries the ISBN 9781454942313. The release date is February 10, 2026. This version is part of the Classic Starts series. It offers a direct approach to Shelley's original vision without added commentary. The text is presented in standard book format. It remains relevant for its examination of scientific ambition and moral responsibility.

💎 Our verdict on Classic Starts(r) Frankenstein (Reissue)

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
While this Union Square Kids reissue successfully presents Shelley’s tragic narrative in a format suitable for young adults, it is not for everyone. Readers seeking contemporary fast-paced thrillers or modern reinterpretations will likely find the slow, methodical exploration of Victor Frankenstein’s journey tedious. The text does not include new chapters or sections, meaning there is no added value for those already familiar with the plot who crave novelty. It remains a significant work in horror history, but its appeal is strictly limited to those interested in classic literature and gothic fiction. Those expecting graphic violence or immediate gratification should look elsewhere. It is a scholarly choice for thematic study rather than casual entertainment.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This edition is ideal for young adults and general audiences seeking to engage with the roots of classic horror literature without the barrier of archaic prose interpretation, as it maintains the original tone. Readers interested in gothic traditions and supernatural stories will appreciate the direct approach to Shelley's vision. It serves those who value thematic depth over fast-paced action, offering a compelling examination of creation and consequence. The reissue makes this nearly two-century-old tale accessible for modern readers who enjoy tragic narratives and historical context. It is particularly suitable for students or enthusiasts of dark fantasy and psychological horror who wish to understand the origins of the monster mythos. By removing added commentary, it allows for an immersive experience of the author's original intent regarding scientific ambition.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —
⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
Seekers of gothic atmosphere and philosophical dread will cherish this foundational text. If you crave modern, adrenaline-fueled pacing or quick resolutions, this slow-burn tragedy may not suit you.

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 6 reviews
5
3
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0
G
Greg V.
January 6, 2026
Exactly as described

Ordered it for Halloween and it came in time. Genuinely unsettling in places, and it earns it without cheap tricks.

R
Rachel C.
November 29, 2025
Almost perfect

First order from this shop. The monster is scarier for how little you see of it. Gorier than the description lets on, if that matters to you. Happy enough with the purchase.

K
Karen J.
November 21, 2025

Got it as a gift for a friend who loves the genre. Slow burn, but the burn is the point. Great value for what you get.

T
Tom C.
October 21, 2025
Worth the read

Finally got around to ordering this. The prose is clean and the scares land because the characters feel real. Delivery took a bit longer than quoted.

D
Diana A.
August 20, 2025

Bought this for my brother and ended up reading it first. It pairs well with the classics it is clearly in conversation with. It is the kind of horror that rewards reading with the lights on. Five stars from me.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Yes, it presents Shelley’s original narrative without added commentary or modern alterations, offering a pure reading experience.
Published by Union Square Kids in 2026, it provides clean, accessible prose ideal for new readers entering the gothic canon.

📖 Who should read this

Seekers of gothic atmosphere and philosophical dread will cherish this foundational text. If you crave modern, adrenaline-fueled pacing or quick resolutions, this slow-burn tragedy may not suit you.

📜 Historical context

Mary Shelley’s 1818 masterpiece stands as the bedrock of scientific horror, bridging Enlightenment rationalism with Romantic era angst. By framing creation through galvanism and grave-robbing, she established tropes that define the genre. This edition preserves the raw, unadulterated voice that influenced decades of supernatural fiction, reminding us that the true terror lies not in the monster, but in the hubris of playing God.

✍️ More books by this author Mary Shelley

All books by this author →

You might also like

See more →
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 🏆 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
4
Mary Shelley
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
$4.99
86
Read →
Gris Grimly's Frankenstein: A Graphic Novel
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Mary Shelley
Gris Grimly's Frankenstein: A Graphic Novel
$17.99
86
Read →
The Raven and Other Writings
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
3
Edgar Allan Poe
The Raven and Other Writings
$8.99
86
Read →
Apt Pupil 🏆 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.3
8
Stephen King
Apt Pupil
$14.00
86
Read →
The Mist -12%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
4
Stephen King
The Mist
$14.00 $16.00
86
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist