This marks the fourth book I've read in the Cirque Du Freak series, and I keep expecting to be disappointed, waiting for the magic to run out. Thankfully, the series is still strong and still gripping.

One of the things I like best about the Cirque Du Freak series is that the protagonist, Darren Shan (yes, also the author's name...which I thought was a pretty hilarious thing to do, thought I bet his intention was to make it more 'real' for the young adult audience), never has an easy time. Considering that the series is twelve books long, it's almost a given that he isn't going to die. But he is constantly making tough choices and put in difficult situations that constantly build his character. I'm a sucker for characters that strive to better themselves, or that become stronger characters throughout the story.

In this installment, Darren and Mr. Crepsley (his vampire mentor) make the trek to Vampire Mountain (if I have any gripe against the CDF stories, it is that the names can be a bit corny). Vampire Mountain is essentially headquarters for the vampire race. But getting to the mountain is far from easy, and vampires pride themselves on being tough resilient creatures.

This book lacks much direct conflict, with the exception of few fight scenes. Additionally, there is a lot of tension built around a predicted war with the vampaneze (another corny name). But the real fun in this book is how much the reader learns about the vampires. Much of the information is revealed in dialogue, which is usually a no-no in fiction, but Shan writes it so smoothly that it's easily forgivable. Moreover, the world of the vampires is quite interesting and combines familiar legend with unique world-building on Shan's part.

I'll be diving into book #5 momentarily...

Loved this book in the series when I read it first time and nothing changed today. I was thrilled since the beginning and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

Another great adventure for Darren Shan, a bit less complete in itself, it's really a piece in this awesome story and it open up for the next one in a good way, but in itself, even if the characters evolve and we learn more about the vampire world, alone, it felt less complete then the other volume who could have been read has stand alone in some and still be enjoyable. I really looking forward reading another one, probably around next month! One of the best, if not the best, fantasy series for children I've read since Harry Potter. A series that deserve more love and to be talk about way more!

These books just keep getting better!!! I love pretty much all the characters by this point. Darren is especially great, probably because he’s growing up and is less annoying now.

I also love their journey in this particular installment. Vampire mountain is pretty awesome. It was super interesting reading of the vampires and their traditions etc.

I’d write a longer review, but I have got to start the next one right now. Obviously I really recommend this!!! Especially for those into vampire books!!

This book is so juicy. The cast grows, developing and/or introducing Gavner, Harkat, Arra, Kurda...

3.5 stars for this interesting adventure!

And this is how my 30 books in 30 days journey starts. This was the first book in this personal challenge that I listened to.
To see what I'm talking about, please check my newest blog post: https://silvermoonreads.wordpress.com...

Getting back to this, we finally see the Generals and Princes in the Vampire Mountain, get to know more of the Blood Stone and meet some new fresh characters.

I loved the wolves Darren encountered in their way to the Mountain and I wish they could re-appear lately in the story. The author has this power of creating lovely characters that you wish to see again and can't split apart from them.
I still can't believe 6 years have passed since the last book's content. I wonder what have they done meanwhile.

But nonetheless, I am thrilled to see what trails will Darren have to face in the next book, which will be the one for tomorrow's pick!

3.75 out of 5.

This book was fun and quick.
I liked the time jump since the last book, though it did feel like it took away from some of the potential developments that could have happened between Darren and Evra after the end of the last book.

The vampire lore is ever growing and I really enjoyed the new characters added to the cast.

Will say, pretty exist to have the reason there are fewer female vampires as it being because they wouldn't be able to have children if they turned. Not a good look. Plenty of women choose not to have kids so that just felt like a weak explanation.

Fortsatt lika bra som de tidigare!

باور نمیکنم مستر کرپسلی همینطوری الکی دارن و وارد این داستان کرده. تازه اون به کنار حالا همه یه گوشه نشستن این بچه از همه جا بی خبر مجبوره خودشو به ملت اثبات کنه. چقدر نامعقول و مسخره هستن این جماعت ومپایری
البته بطور ضمنی اشاره کرد که دارن یه جنمی توش بود که منو وادار به اینکار کرد. ولی باز خیلی روش تاکید نکرد
بریم ببینیم در ادامه چی به چیه

این جلد رو خیلییی دوست داشتمممم

چقدر از آقای کرپسلی و گاونر خوشم میاد :(




اسپویل:


مطمئن بودم آخرش دارن یه راهی پیدا میکنه به تالار مرگ =)))))
این قوانین اشباحم مسخره و احمقانستاااا
یعنی چی آخه یکی شکست خورد اعدامش میکنن؟

Re-reading 7.5.17: Důvod, proč celou sérii miluju tak moc. Upíří hora, která představuje ty nejúžasnější postavy na světě (i mého knižního manžela). A samozřejmě Gaver ve svých žlutých trenkách s růžovými slony. To neomrzí nikdy. Je škoda, že už brzy přijde masakr :((

Není nad to si zopakovat jeden z nejlepších dílů série! Kurda ♥, Gavnerovy trenky, ošklivá nemluvňata, Vanez, Arra, senilní Seboun a další! A hrozba pána vampýrů.. Bojte se!

He looked like a nice old uncle but was really a cruel, dark-hearted man who'd cut your tongue out as soon as say hello to you.