Tools for this page
Print

Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan Series

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

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    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.

Did this review help you decide?

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?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan Series?

  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 60 member reviews

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
    Flag as inappropriate
  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
    Flag as inappropriate
  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

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.