3.5⭐️

This is one of my favorite books of the series. Well written and has a great pace throughout. I enjoyed the character growth from multiple characters

I like the action and excitement of the trials Darren has to undertake to prove he's a vampire of good standing, and that we get more of an understanding of the vampire clan and the threat the vampaneze pose.
I hate the ending, another heartbreaking moment I can never get over.. As if Sam wasn't bad enough!

I’m... DEVASTATED. But omg. This one is my favorite so far.....!!

This was the fifth instalment in the Darren Shan saga and one of my favourites to date!

Those endings... what is your fucking problem Darren Shan

4.5 stars ✨ for this beauty!

This series is indeed more and more interesting. We have this action-packed novel where Darren Shan faces a few death trials, but when the little person does something he shouldn't for his friend, everything goes downhill!

You can't get bored with this one, it is full of action. From the start of the trials, to the cheerful games and party the vampires have, to the twists and turns that lead this series on a whole different path.

I love Mr. Crepsley more than ever before and there were some emotional parts where I actually cried.. For real.

I am going to listen to the 6th book now, and I can proudly say that I'm at the half of the series. I do hope Darren will be okay. And I am so sad that one of the characters that I enjoyed died at the end.

This was the second book read for my "30 books in 30 days" challenge.

In this 5th book of the Cirque de Freak series, Darren is still at Vampire Mountain. He has to face five trails, known as the Trials of Death. Darren must compete the trials to prove he has what it takes to be a vampire. Five trials must be completed. The trials get their name from the fact that if you can't compete them, you are sentenced to death. They are also called that because many vampires die in an attempt to compete the trials.

The trials are chosen at random. None of them is easy. Darren's life is put in danger during each trial.

If you've read any of my previous reviews of the books in this series, you will know that I am reading them at my son's request. He said the story got more interesting as the series progressed, and I think I agree with that assessment. This book was more interesting than the last one, and the ones before that.

However, having said that, I must point out that the author, Darren Shan, has a habit of repeating the word "snapped." This word is used over and over to indicate that one vampire is upset with another when speaking. For instance, here is one line from the book:

"No time for explanation," Kurda snapped.

As I said, this "tag" is used often, not only throughout this book, but in the other books I've read so far. Granted, the author changes this up a bit by using "snarled" or "barked" occasionally, but the word "snapped" seems to be his favorite.

All in all, though, this is a pretty good book.

Thankfully this one is a bit more interesting that the previous 2.
BUT...not sure if this books are worth the money.
You have to buy all of them to have an entire novel.
All the books are finishing with TO BE CONTINUED...so annoying.

Lucky I bought them second hand, new I will never buy it

Trials of Death by Darren Shan is another intense and action-packed installment in the Cirque du Freak series that definitely kept me on the edge of my seat! As a fan of the series, I was eagerly anticipating this book, and while it didn't quite blow me away like some of the earlier installments, it was still an excellent read that pushed the story forward in a way that kept me hooked until the very end.

The plot in Trials of Death is gripping. Darren Shan, now fully immersed in the vampire world, faces a series of brutal challenges that test his loyalty, strength, and emotional resolve. The trials themselves are intense and brutal, with each one pushing Darren to his limits in ways that felt raw and emotional. I loved how the stakes kept getting higher, and it really showcased how Darren is growing — physically, mentally, and emotionally. The tension throughout the book is palpable, and I was constantly worried about what would happen next.

One of the things I appreciate most about Darren as a character is how realistic his internal struggle is. His journey is not just about becoming stronger, but about figuring out who he is and what he wants out of this strange, often cruel world. His internal conflict between wanting to stay human and embracing his vampire nature is both relatable and heartbreaking. His growth in this book feels earned, and I really enjoyed seeing how he processed all of the dark, difficult situations he faces.

The supporting characters are just as engaging as ever. Mr. Crepsley remains mysterious and fascinating, and I love the complex relationship he has with Darren. Their mentor-mentee dynamic is one of my favorites in the series, and I appreciate how it continues to evolve. The tension between them, especially as Darren undergoes his trials, makes their relationship even more compelling. I also liked how the book introduces a few new characters and brings back some familiar faces, adding layers to the overall story.

The pacing of the book is fast, which I really enjoyed. Darren Shan keeps the action and suspense at a high level, and there are very few slow moments. That being said, there were parts where I felt like the trials were getting a bit repetitive, especially as the challenges themselves started to feel a little too similar. It didn’t completely take me out of the story, but I did find myself wishing for a bit more variety in the types of challenges Darren faced. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise exciting book.

The ending was, as always, a huge cliffhanger. Darren Shan knows how to leave you wanting more, and I definitely couldn’t put the book down once I got close to the end. The twists in the finale had me immediately reaching for the next book, as I was dying to know what happens next!

Overall, Trials of Death is a fantastic continuation of the Cirque du Freak series. It’s fast-paced, emotional, and packed with intense moments that kept me hooked throughout. Darren’s journey continues to be compelling, and I’m excited to see where his path leads next. I’d highly recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy and coming-of-age stories, though I would say the series as a whole is definitely best enjoyed in order. Four stars — definitely worth the read!

The action really picks up here in Book 5! We see Darren with a thirst to prove himself, and then have to hold his own in the Trials. I enjoyed the background and traditions during the festival, and how Harkat becomes a more well-rounded character. The ending leaves me hungry for more, and to see how Darren will fare beaten, betrayed, and on his own.

Waduh endingnya bikin pengen langsung baca lanjutannya... tp baru nyewa sampai nomor ini doang...