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Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan Series

(2004, Fiction - Horror, Written by Darren Shan)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Vampire horror series may hook reluctant readers.

Themes in this book include:   friendship, growing up, honesty
updated 10.14.09

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–12

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Friendship and personal sacrifice are big themes. But there's also plenty of lying, blackmail, and stealing.

  • Role models:

    Darren is an incredibly conflicted character. He steals and lies but pays for his actions by having to sacrifice himself. He refuses to drink human blood for a long time, despite what it does to his health. He's concerned about the possibility of becoming evil because he's a half vampire and recognizes other characters as evil and to be avoided. He comes up with a clever plan to save a friend but puts innocent lives in danger to enact it. Mr. Crepsley made a mistake in making Darren a vampire but seems to act in Darren's best interests most of the time. Darren watches a lot of television during the day while he waits for Mr. Crepsley to wake up.

  • Violence:

    Hands are bitten off. A near-fatal poisoning. Wild animals and livestock are killed frequently, with mentions of necks broken. Bones chewed. Grisly deaths by evisceration. Blood usually sucked from humans with no intention of killing -- until the third book, when a special vampire kills indiscriminately (taking the essence of that person along with all their blood). Sad death of a friend and another almost killed. Mentions of past murders.

  • Sex:

    Mild romance by the third book, with a couple of kisses. Mention of a hotel guest parading around without his clothes.

  • Language:

    A bit of mild swearing, mostly "hell."

  • Consumerism:

    Mention of The Simpsons.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults and teens drink wine.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan Series

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.

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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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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    dragondude123
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    BEST BOOK EVER!!!

    AWESOME BOOK!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    mkalv
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Vampire stories more interesting than Twilight

    This series about a boy who becomes a vampire through a series of events is a very interesting read for older kids. The upcoming movie seems only okay.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  3. Adult Reviewer
    -Ms.Shan
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 5.0

    this book was.. AWESOME! READ IT!

    it was the first actual series i read, i read it when i was 8 but finished when i was 10 for the series. The first book hooked onto me, and i didn't want the series to end. I give this book like 10/5 stars.. MATT YOU ARE WAYYY OFF ON THE STARS

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    GICreepsly
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Perfect for anyone who doesn't take stories TOO seriously.

    First book I even liked!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    gothqueen CC
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Oh dude! I'm not even kidding on how awesome this series is, there are 12 books and the are so many twists and turns no way could put this book down. Darren has so many flaws which we all do and it's easy to see his struggles throughout the books

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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