Teri Aspinall &
The Vampire’s Assistant (The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 2) by Darren Shan

This book introduces a character named after the author, Darren Shan, as he gets wrapped up in the world of Cirque du Freak, a magical and sinister circus that comes to town. The protagonist is a young boy and there are no bizarre twisted love stories or love triangles here. There is a touch of youth, the circus, a truly incredible unique world setting, and the tests and bonds of friendship, family, and faith. At first the plot seemed too young to me, the writing slightly awkward, too childlike and easy to zip through, to where I was wondering if the intended audience was too young for me to enjoy this story. However, almost midway through the author picked it up and the tale became absolutely fascinating with improved literary style. Also the author employed too many exclamation marks at first, reminding me of Goosebumps but with darker themes for older kids. This is definitely not your typical magical middle school kind of read. It does not shy away from graphic violence and gory scenes, but it also wasn't too much to the point that makes you gag. I'd say it's just a healthy amount for a middle school book. I can see why this series is popular. It is very enjoyable and easy to read. It does not have that epic plot and adventure. This book feels more like a prologue to a bigger series. Even so, it manages to hook my attention until the end. The characters were great. I especially love the relationship Darren had with his family and also with Steve. I have a feeling we'll see more of him in the series soon enough. The pacing was just alright, not too fast paced but it doesn't waste time on filler either. I recommend this book for kids who outgrew Goosebumps but still love the horror genre.

Darren Shan was just an ordinary schoolboy - until his visit to the Cirque Du Freak. Now, as he struggles with his new life as a Vampire's Assistant, he tries desperately to resist the one temptation that sickens him, the one thing that can keep him alive. But destiny is calling... and the Wolf Man is waiting. The ensemble of bizarre circus characters was truly intriguing - from his new friends and the unusual problems they face, to the leaders in charge who he must be wary of in both power and crossing lines, to some of the difficult and at times morally questionable work, Darren is also cursed with trying to accept what he now is and what he must do to survive. Sounding more emo than it really is, the boy doesn't struggle too much on page but instead experiences with a rampage of other emotions relating to interesting plot details. Mr. Crepsley is slowly growing on me. I could have done without him the first book, took him or left him, but here he's more enjoyable in his role. It's a little over 200 pages, and with the quick action and something new always happening, it's a quick read. Even if there is a vampire theme and the cover is a bit eerie for youngsters, it's more of a drama piece than anything thrillerish. There are horrifying incidents that occur, but these are all seriousness, no cheese.

The Vampire's Assistant was an excellent young adult novel that is full of thrills and chills! I watched the movie adaption of this series YEARS ago, and I had been dying to pick up this series. Unfortunately for me, the bookstore is big and full of millions of books so I'd forget what I was looking for the minute I walked in. Luckily for me, I walked into a bargain bookstore and found an old, extremely damaged version of this book for clearance - so of course I bought it! A little water never hurt anybody! I hadn't read the first book in this series, but jumping right in was super easy! This book was fun, full of silly frights and awesome character development, and made me remember why I loved vampire novels in my youth! This book is quick - it moves fast and keeps you interested at every turn. There's some really creepy bad guys, Evra (the snake boy), a wolf man, and some awesome parental-yet-not-so-parental adults hanging around. It's definitely the type of horror book I would read as a kid (but it doesn't scare me at all now - adult me has worse things to be afraid of...like politics and bills...ick). I highly recommend this book to anyone considering introducing their children to YA books with horror or vampires in it. It's fun and creepy in all good ways! It'll keep the adults interested too! Four out of five stars!

It has been so long since I've last read this series. I used to be so obsessed, and I guess I still am XD I wish the writing was a little more complicated and detailed, but given that it's YA that's not so much an issue for me. The style matches its intended audience so I really can't complain. In terms of first novels, this was definitely a captivating introduction. I absolutely got caught hook, line, and sinker. It wouldn't have been a very good stand alone novel--it's very obvious that it was intended as a series. Tbh I lowkey wish Mr. Crepsley was a sexier anti-villain, but this is a YA novel so the vampires don't have to be sexy... but still... the heart wants what the heart wants XD bUT, this book/series will always remain one of my faves because when I say I want vampires, this is exactly what I mean!!! Dark, brooding, gothic, creepy creatures of the night who have complicated relationships with life and death, and are not at all one-dimensional. Tbh, this is just an overall, well-written novel, and idk if Darren Shan writes novels for adult audiences, but I really have to check it out because if he does I must read some!

I'm reviewing the whole series here. Overall the series gets a 4/5 stars. It was super good, and I enjoyed the type of vampires that are described here, which are vastly different from the likes of Edward Cullen and The Salvatore Bros. This is gritty, grungy, and immersive in the world of vampires, death, and mystery.

very well written

A living nightmare was good. But this one bored me to death. Darren shows over emotion when its not required and vice- versa. And i did miss steve.

Always a good read when it's written by Darren Shan!! Make sure you check his work out, he has some amazing books in his repertoire!

The ending is the only reason this book got 3 stars out of me. It was poignant and dramatic. The first 3/4ths of the book though ... eesh. I am very happy I'm not an angsty teenager anymore.

huh.

Read these as a child and found them just as amazing now as I did back then. Truly feel for all these characters!

As I already read the manga I knew most of the plot (but it's been like 4 years soooo yeah), but it still ripped my heart out. Even after volume 9 of the manga, and the plot there, I think this one was just sadder. While 9 really really REALLY rips your heart out, this one is longer, and slower, and much more depressing. Darren battles himself, and his fighting with Crepsley add a tone of sorrow to the over all plot, and while Darren finds friends, it's very clear that something awful will happen, and Darren blames himself for a large part of it. While I love the Vampire belief of someone living inside of you, it was still really sad. Beautifully done, Mr. Shan. :)

I've heard lots about Cirque du Freak, about how it's quite good, has odd wording as Darren Shan was in middle school when he wrote it, but after first the movie (mediocre), then the manga (quite good) I knew I had to pick it up. Bought the first 3 books and swore to start it this year. When I opened it today I wasn't sure of much beyond the plot thanks to the manga, but didn't expect to finish it in a few hours! Despite the lightning pace (not always a good thing) the plot was (as I knew) well thought out and accurately expressed. A few terms were a bit odd in places, but nothing that could jar you out of the story. It was well done and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to cracking open book 2, The Vampire's Assistant.

After the crazy last volume I wondered how this volume could top it and OH IT DID AND IT HURTS!!! *ahem* First of all, this volume started after a WICKED cliffhanger that I'm not looking forward to in the books as I own 8 but not 9. Darren and the other two hunters were tricked and only got away by the skin of their teeth, but an ally was left behind, and then they're captured by the police of all things. Things go from bad to worse, to hellish, to NO YOU CAN'T DO THAT NOOOOO!!!! Plus that ENDING!!! The twist!!! I died. Oh it killed me. I knew this was coming as I warned after I read volume 1 (seriously that's all I read and was warned). And of course the wicked twist that is the clincher for this novel...is revealed halfway through the stupid movie. -_-+ WHY!?! This book built me up, had me begging for more, make we freeze in horror, then smile with relief, and then RIPPED MY HEART OUT WITH A SPORK. IT HURT. A LOT. I can't bear to let this volume go. I just wanna hug it and pretend the events didn't happen. For someone spoiled, this hurt worse than Allegiant. Yes. ALLEGIANT ISN'T AS HEARTBREAKING!!!! Darren Shan, you're a genius! YA'LL NEED TO READ THIS SERIES. READ IT! DO IT!

Ooh, more revelations in this volume, getting closer to the big reveal! It was really interesting where I couldn't predict the characters goals very well, as what was happening didn't line up exactly with the identity of the Vampaneze Lord. I really enjoyed seeing Darren's team finally on the front lines, as well as all the romance! The only odd thing was the school system of this European nation matching with the ideas of a Japanese school. Oh well, the mangaka is from Japan, so it's understandable. :)

** spoiler alert ** Whoa! Things are really picking up, and I'm eager to see when Darren finally learns who the Vampaneze Lord is (CURSE YOU MOVIE FOR SPOILING THAT! My friends were pissed it spoiled me and now I'm annoyed too). I enjoyed seeing Darren's growth, mental, emotional, and... Physical? That was unexpected! I loved the new characters, and seeing the war playing out, though I wish we saw more of the actual war. It's similar to Hunger Games with the MC being the only voice, and not always being the best voice to see the whole world. And yet, so addicting! Love Darren!

Wow, what a roller-coaster of a volume! I never knew where the story was going to take me next, nor what was in store for Darren and the others! The deaths were sad but I'm eager to see what's going to happen next!

I remember reading this when I was like 11 and it was pretty scary. Now, it's basically like any other scary children's book. If I had thought this was anything more than a children's book I would've been disappointed because the writing and character building were terrible and inconsistent, but I can look past it. The story was really fun, although unrealistic at times (besides the supernatural parts). Great cliffhangers too. But it wouldn't work if you haven't read these as a child.