 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan Series
- By Darren Shan
- Genre: Horror
Common Sense Media says
Vampire horror series may hook reluctant readers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the author claims in the introduction that this is a true story, which some young readers may find confusing. Also, many new fans may result from the release of the fall 2009 movie The Vampire's Assistant, which is based on the first three books, all reviewed here. As a horror series featuring circus freaks and vampires the violence is to be expected, but only gets gory at the end of each book. The most notable moments are when limbs are bitten off and characters lose their stomachs to attacks. By the third installment a crazed creature is on the loose killing indiscriminately.
What's the story?
Darren's best friend, Steve, finds a flier for an illegal freak show, which they sneak out one night to attend. Among acts such as a wolf-man (who bites off the hand of a woman in the audience) and a snake-boy, they see the vampire Mr. Crepsley and his trained poisonous spider. Darren is smitten with the spider and returns to steal her. When Steve is bitten by her, only Mr. Crepsley has an antidote to her poison. But there's a price, and Darren becomes a half vampire, learning the vampire ways, sometimes following the Cirque, and other times joining Mr. Crepsley on secret errands.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why these books are appealing. Does the violence disturb you? Do you enjoy the fantasy?
What do you think about this take on the vampire legend? What's different from other books you've read or movies you've seen?
What do you think about Darren's struggle to avoid human blood?
Where do you think the "little people" came from?
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AGE
Great for Tweens!
I think this book was very good. Although it did have violence and a few curse words I think this book was a good read. I would recommend this book for people who aren't scared to read a good horror book and for kids probably over 11 or 12.
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AGE
awesome book ! :]
well, i was in my classroom, and found the second book. i read it and loved it! except, i havent read anymore. i was just wondering, are all the books linked, or are they all one story? S:
i want to read more, but i also want to know if i should still read the first?
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AGE
I loved it!
One of the best series I've read. I read the series when I was in 6th grade. I was 10. It was in 2006. I may not be the best one to judge the vampire element, since i read those kind of books so much, but it's not all the book is about. It shows how the real world is, or at least how hard it is, trying to do whats right, and then being hurt for it. Nonetheless, it's an amazing book!
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AGE
Second best series I've ever read!!
I love Cirque Du Freak. Darren Shan is an amazing author and everyone would like it.
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AGE
amazing book. i read them when i was 12 but they are OFF for people under 13!! If a movie: Rated PG-13 borderline R for semi-graphic violence, language, and disturbing images. more graphic than actual movie
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AGE
Best book series in the world!
LOVE it amazing book series! MUCH better then Twilight! Lots of violence and action perfect fro me. Some language but I do'nt care. Not much romance so whatever. Ever time I read it I can't stop! The best Book series EVER!!
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AGE
Ideal for Tweens but under 12s won't get it
Perfect book for 12+ Basically a violent, bloody and exciting version of Twilight. But definately not for under 12s as the first book is sad and depressing and the others include more blood and fighting. The storyline may also be confusing for them as there is a lot going on and it's spooky as well as violent.
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AGE
If you can read it, then it's right for you
This is the best series EVER! especially in a time of twilightified vampires. Best book saga of all time. Very creative, Darren's the best horror author yet (tied with Ray Bradbury and Stephen King)
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AGE
i loved this book. their was nothing wrong i read it when i was 8. i fell in love with this book. i have read this series 3 times. a great classic
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Kid, 11 years old
January 4, 2011
AGE
Awesome for tweens
When I read this book I fell in love with it. Its not too bad because unless kids really saw people doing these things and they aren't too descriptive. Still its a little violent
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| Author: | Darren Shan |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Publisher: | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date: | April 12, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 266 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 10 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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