Cirque Du Freak: Trials of Death

by Darren Shan

Book Overview

The trials: seventeen ways to die unless the luck of the vampire is with you. Darren Shan must pass five fearsome Trials to prove himself to the vampires clan - or face the stakes of the Hall of Death. But Vampire Mountain holds hidden threats. Sinister, potent forces are gathering in the darkness. In this nightmarish world of bloodshed and betrayal, death may be a blessing...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316603953
• ISBN13: 9780316603959
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Harrowing trials - I'm not sure I'd want any part of them

In my review of Trials of Death, I said that I was concerned with the way things were heading, and hoped that the trials Darren would be faced with would be not of the garden variety. I need to retract that statement. The tests that Darren undertook were challenging and very well written. And the author did not spare Darren an ounce of respite. Authors *need* to hurt their characters, and this author put Darren through the wringer. These challenges slayed Darren to the bone - burned him, scarred him, and at one point nearly killed him if not for an intervention from an unlikely source. Because of this, Darren is shamed, and the entire Vampire community is up in arms over what to do. Anyone who does not complete the Trials of Death, or has someone intervene on their behalf is dishonered, and the fate is death. As usual, the book is full of twists and turns, was delightful to read, and had a terrific, terrific cliffhanger. Also, there was a stunning turn of events that I'm sure left most readers of the book with their jaw on the floor.

this series is one of the best I have ever read.

if you want to read the "Cirque Du Freak" books, please start with number 1. if you don't, it is unlikely that you will understand much. these books have a devoted fan base, and you can visit the authors website, (www.darrenshan.com) and look at the beautiful fan art that some kids have drawn. I have read every book in this series up to Trials of Death, and I am trying to get my hands on "the vampire prince". these books really make you want to keep reading, and most of the books end with you wondering what will happen next. and don't let reading level fool you- I am in the eigth grade, 13 years old, and I love these books. these books are written WONDERFULLY, they are full of emotion, action, violence, and gore. some parts are also very very sad, and I almost cried a few times, which is something I am not at all likely to do. but be warned, these books aren't for kids who are scared easily. there is an awful lot of death and graphic violence, which I think is great, but might upset the faint of heart. if you like books about vampires, fantasy, or just want something great to read, buy the first book in this series today! and these books aren't about dracula-style vampires- the creatures in these books are VERY believable. don't expect them to grow fangs or change into bats. from this series, my favorite characters were Evra Von, Darren Shan, and Kurda Smahlt (although he did something... well, read and find out). overall, this entire series is GREAT. please please please read them! each book seems better than the last one! and on a sad note, the author has sold the movie rights. you might think that is great, but I have a horrible feeling that the movie will be rated PG and the characters will be messed up. oh well. READ THESE BOOKS!

Another Great Addition to the Cirque Du Freak series

Continuing approximately four hours after the conclusion from book four, "Trials of Death" tells of Darren's trials that he must undertake to gain support to the vampires. Although the book is a little slow at the begining, it really picks up pace when the trials are selected and what the trials involve. The ending is very cliffhanging because of a traitor that becomes known in the last chapter, and what happens to Darren when he finds out about the traitor. I cannot wait till September when the next book will come out.

Best book in the Series!

Darren Shan is the newest (and youngest) addition to the dark world of vampires. In the newest thriller in the series, Darren must prove himself to the vampire clan by finishing five dark and deadly trials. With his only other option being death, Darren must overcome the tests he is given one by one...With a twist, turn and cliffhanger at every page, Shan has niched a new notch in the the pole of horror writing.