A Living Nightmare (Cirque Du Freak, #1)

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A Living Nightmare (Cirque Du Freak #1)

by Darren Shan

3.98 · rating details · 11,545 ratings · 1,412 reviews

In the tradition of Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot, Cirque Du Freak is the frightening saga of a young boy whose visit to a mysterious freak show leads him on a journey into a dark world of vampires. Filled with grotesque creatures, murderous vampires, and a petrifying ending, Cirque Du Freak will chill, thrill, and leave readers begging for more.

Hardcover, 266 pages

Published August 1st 2008 by Little, Brown Young Readers (first published January 1st 2001)

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

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Aug 22, 2011

Sita Sargeant rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, own, paranormal, reviewed

This has got to be one of the best books I have ever read! I used to hate reading I found it a chore. I only read school books. This book changed that normally I'm not normally into horror books but Darren Shan is different he is such a cool and likeable person. I reccomend this book to anyone who likes reading, this book is a great start to a series I loved. I re-read the series all the time. If you read it, then I am 86% sure you will love it.

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Apr 16, 2010

Qt rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: halloween, horror-supernatural

I found this to be easy to read and surprisingly engrossing--I stayed up late to finish it. I see why it's such a popular series! I'm not sure yet if I will read more in the series, but I'm glad I read this one.

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Nov 22, 2011

Myvampfiction rated it

· review of another edition

review by Megsly

*Warning: possible spoilers ahead.*

A few weeks ago, this charming little movie called The Vampire's Assistant came on my television and I, being obsessed with vampires as everyone knows, just had to watch and I was extremely impressed by the originality of the movie so when I unearthed the series, The Saga of Darren Shan, I dove right in.
A Living Nightmare is book one of the The Saga of Darren Shan, otherwise known as Cirque du Freak. It introduces u...morereview by Megsly

*Warning: possible spoilers ahead.*

A few weeks ago, this charming little movie called The Vampire's Assistant came on my television and I, being obsessed with vampires as everyone knows, just had to watch and I was extremely impressed by the originality of the movie so when I unearthed the series, The Saga of Darren Shan, I dove right in.
A Living Nightmare is book one of the The Saga of Darren Shan, otherwise known as Cirque du Freak. It introduces us to Darren Shan, a young boy who's an avid soccer player, has an insane obsession with spiders, and a somewhat bad-boy best friend named Steve. The books are clearly geared towards younger audiences, especially with the main character being so young. I'm under the impression that he's 12 or 13 in the series, due to the fact that he is constantly referred to as a child, by others and by himself.

First off, I'd like to point out that the first book in this series is not very well written. There are tense errors and an extreme number of punctuation errors, but the plot itself is fascinating and quite frankly, I had no problem overlooking the errors while reading. We're introduced to Darren, who seems to have a knack for doing things he probably shouldn't do, usually under the influence of his best friend Steve. First thing they do? Attend a freak show. An extreme freak show. While there, they witness a horrifying wolf-man who bites off a audience member's hand (literally, a wolf man; he's half human, half man. He is by no means a werewolf), a lady who can grow a beard to the floor in seconds, only to retract it once again, a contortionist, a man who two bellies who devours broken glass and Mr. Crepsley, the spider tamer who has a rare and extremely dangerous tarantula named Madam Octa.

Steve, who has an obsession with all things vampire, immediately recognizes Mr. Crepsley as a vampire who's portrait he's seen in an old book. When they go to leave the Cirque du Freak, Steve lags behind, sending Darren on ahead so that he can confront Mr. Crepsley about what he knows. Darren, being the ever inquisitive boy, lingers in the shadows to listen to the exchange, where he hears Steve lay out his life story and beg the vampire to change him into one of them. The vampire refuses, for rather interesting reasons, and Steve makes a vow to destroy him one day. At this point, Darren flees, but in his mind he can only imagine the extreme pleasure he would have at owning Madam Octa. A few nights later, and after very little conversation between him and Steve (Darren is put off by the fact that his best friend would actually desire to become a blood sucking vampire), Darren returns to the circus to steal Madam Octa away from the vampire. Surprisingly enough, he succeeds and returns home with a brightly colored, massive and highly deadly tarantula.

A week or two passes and Darren is slowly mastering the techniques of the flute and doing tricks with Madam Octa, when Steve discovers the spider in his room. One thing leads to another and Steve gets bitten by the deadly spider, leaving him laying near death in a hospital bed. In an effort to save his friend, after the doctors have proclaimed they have no way of curing Steve from the strange ailment that has overcome him, Darren heads off to find Mr. Crepsley and save his friend.

Surprisingly, Mr. Crepsley is waiting for Darren, fully aware of what has transpired and willing to strike a deal. In exchange for saving Steve's life, whom Mr. Crepsley claims is evil, Darren would have to become a half vampire and pledge his life to assisting Mr. Crepsley. Reluctantly, and with much disdain, Darren accepts the situation and becomes a half vampire through an interesting version of vampire to human blood transfusion. His death his faked, and he leaves his family and friends behind to start off a new life as the reluctant assistant to a vampire whom he hates.
But shortly thereafter, Darren discovers that one person didn't fall for the faked death (which was extremely elaborate, it's rather fascinating to read) and is faced with one highly pissed off Steve who accuses Darren of intentionally stealing his dream and making the spider bite him, therefore becoming a vampire in Steve's stead. Threats are made, and Darren's world is further shaken to the point where he has extreme doubts in his own decisions and wonders if it would have been better to just allow Steve to die, therefore leading in to the much better written, and truly awesome second book, The Vampire's Assistant.

Despite the fact that this book had some serious flaws in writing, I truly enjoyed it. I've already devoured the second book, and will save that review for later but I find that this is a series that is worth reading. It's geared towards younger audiences, the characters are surprisingly well developed, and more importantly, are true to their ages. These kids are kids, they act like kids, they talk like kids, they deal with issues as children do so I think the author did a fabulous job keeping true to the ages. Also, the plot intricate but not over powering, and it's an extremely easy read. I read the first two books in one rainy day. I definitely find this to be a book worth picking up, and I hope some of you give the series a chance!(less)

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Jul 07, 2010

Realteenreviews rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Vampires

The Gist

Darren Shan and his best friend Steve get tickets to see the Cirque Du Freak (a freak show). After the show Steve recognizes one of the performers as a vampire and when Steve confronts the vampire at the end of the show Darren learns some interesting information about his friend. Later when Darren and Steve get into some trouble and Steve’s life is on the line Mr. Crepsley offers to help but only if Darren will become his assistant. Darren has to then choose between saving...moreThe Gist

Darren Shan and his best friend Steve get tickets to see the Cirque Du Freak (a freak show). After the show Steve recognizes one of the performers as a vampire and when Steve confronts the vampire at the end of the show Darren learns some interesting information about his friend. Later when Darren and Steve get into some trouble and Steve’s life is on the line Mr. Crepsley offers to help but only if Darren will become his assistant. Darren has to then choose between saving his best friends life and leaving his family and friends forever to become a creature of the night.

What We Think

Reviewed by The North Star

I actually found out about the cirque du freak series when I went to the movies and saw a trailer for the movie. The movie looked interesting so I went and got the book (I always read the book before seeing the movie). I couldn’t put this book down and luckily i had bought the first three books because I read the first two books in a day. These books were really really interesting and a whole lot better than the twilight books (which I do like so…). The writing in this book in phenomenal. Darren Shan really makes you think because I have never read a book where the name of the main character is the name of the author(besides in non-fiction books). I thought that was really cool. This book is not like the other vampire books because although some of the main characters are vampires it is not at all anything like Stephenie Meyer’s vampires. These vampires are way more awesome and just a hot. The other thing I really liked about this book/series was all the twists and turns it takes. When my friend and I were reading it at the same time she even fell for some of the tricks that he planted in there and she never falls for those things. Even when your expecting something to happen something else happens it’s crazy you always have to expect the unexpected. The other great thing about this book is that it’s not just a girl book anybody can read it. Darren Shan has such fantastic writing any gender can read it because it is not leaning towards one or the other.

Real Teen Rating~ A+: Why are you still reading this go buy the book NOW!

Reviewed by Dream Catcher

I love this book. It’s really good. But, I have to disagree with the North Star. Darren Shan’s writing isn’t phenomenal. It’s average. There’s nothing wrong with average writing of course, especially if it’s backed up with a good plot line and unique ideas. Personally, I don’t think it was the best book I’ve ever read, or the best writing I’ve ever seen. Don’t get me wrong, I love this book, and it’s series, but it’s just not my favorite. I’m not a fan of a lot of exclamation points when it comes to writing. Put too many in and the story begins to sound childish. Unfortunately, this book had a few too many exclamation points for my taste, but that’s just my opinion. On a happier note, I love the characters in this story. You get attached to them and feel what their going through with them. They made you interested in reading the second in the series, and then the third, and then the fourth. All in all, a very good series, definitely worth reading.

Real Teen Rating~ A: Go Buy Now.(less)

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Mar 06, 2009

Mr. Z rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: a-classroom-library, horror-scary-supernatural

After reading this, I couldn't help but laugh. As a reading teacher, I'm always reading books to determine whether or not my students might enjoy reading them, too. However, this school year, several of my students have been recommending books TO ME to read! This is another such recommendation. I have heard from many students how much they enjoy the Cirque Du Freak series, so I decided to give the first book a try. Now, I do I not typically enjoy reading gruesome/spine-tingling horror novels, bu...more

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Oct 30, 2009

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Younger vampire story readers and older ones who enjoy kid's books

Shelves: horror, favorite-or-autobuy-author, owned-copy, part-of-a-series, vampire, children-s-book, thriller-suspense

Warning: I am keeping this review on the vague side because Shan's books are more fun if you don't know what's going on before you read them.

Well, this was a very interesting book. I didn't really like the idea of the freak show, but I did think that it was a novel way to introduce this story, and a different sort of motif for a children's series. I've seen this series at the bookstore for years now, and waffled about reading it. The freak show concept turned me off. I am just not ...moreWarning: I am keeping this review on the vague side because Shan's books are more fun if you don't know what's going on before you read them.

Well, this was a very interesting book. I didn't really like the idea of the freak show, but I did think that it was a novel way to introduce this story, and a different sort of motif for a children's series. I've seen this series at the bookstore for years now, and waffled about reading it. The freak show concept turned me off. I am just not into it, I must admit. I don't even like circuses (I went to a few as young child, but they are scary and sad to me). For some reason, This kind of reminded me of The Traveling Vampire Show by Richard Laymon, but these stories unfold quite differently, and the latter is not a children's book by any stretch.

A Living Nightmare is definitely written for a target audience of older children and younger teens. At some times, the writing seemed a bit juvenile. I feel bad for saying that. I think it's because I read Lord Loss first, which was about a teenager, but I feel was written in a way that seemed more mature and advanced enough that an adult reader didn't even notice that it was for children. I can't blame Mr. Shan for targeting a younger audience, if I chose to read a children's book. So I am not trying to sound judgmental or snooty. It was merely an observation on my part.

The beginning is very sound, and sets you up to hold your breath to see how 'Darren Shan' manages to get on the path that he is walking in life (or afterlife I should say). The descriptions of the freak show are somewhat interesting, but it's not something I find that exciting. Yet there are eerie moments that caught my imagination as I waited to see what would happen next.

'Darren Shan,' which is a psuedonym, (Since this is written as a boy telling his story, there is a foreword that states that all the character's names are made up to protect the real life people) is a protagonist that you can feel for. He is just a boy, not evil, and not super-good either, and he makes some bad decisions that come back to haunt him. He doesn't always own up to his faults, but in the end, he makes a choice that I admired for its maturity. In fact, the repercussions of this choice actually made me cry. It just struck me as pretty awful what has to happen in order for things to work out for Darren's family. I was really impressed that Darren Shan (the author) was fearless enough to incorporate this aspect into a children's book.

The look at vampire lore had a life of its own. It had some familiar conventions, but the manner in which a person becomes a vampire was something I haven't read anything like before. That part was pretty cool, and some of the mechanism of vampirism and how they apply to Darren's situation specifically.

I thought Darren had a very good relationship with his family, and I really liked how he was so close and loving with his younger sister, Annie. It was sweet how they got along so well and loved and watched out for each other. Darren has a complicated relationship with his best friend, Steve, who is a very troubled boy, and a catalyst for the events that occur in this book. This relationship will continue in the later books with some twists that I look forward to reading.

I decided to give this book four stars because it's a good book and it was fun and involving. There were scenes where I gasped out loud. I was waiting for dinner and I actually groaned on a part that was pretty shocking and outrageous. The guy standing across the way from where I was sitting looked at me and smiled. I smiled back sheepishly before I was quickly immersed back into this story. That said, I must admit that, had read I this before Lord Loss, I would really be cheering. But Lord Loss set me up for higher standards that this one didn't quite meet. However, I can see children and some adults who like eerie, yet fun little vampire suspense tales targeted towards older children, really getting a kick out this story. I definitely want to continue the series to see what happens to Darren, because this story is just getting started.(less)

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Mar 13, 2008

Manshui rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Freaks

Cirque Du Freak #1: A Living Nightmare
Darren Shan
183 Pages
HaperCollins Publishers
UK £4.99
ISBN: 0-00-675416-3
A Living Nightmare will bring a chilling sensation right after you read the book told by the gruesome-styled author Darren Shan who is also the protagonist of the story. This book one of the series does not only demonstrate the ordinary school boy with a normal life but extended beyond to vampirism and his break of friendship by misunderstandings. The p...moreCirque Du Freak #1: A Living Nightmare
Darren Shan
183 Pages
HaperCollins Publishers
UK £4.99
ISBN: 0-00-675416-3
A Living Nightmare will bring a chilling sensation right after you read the book told by the gruesome-styled author Darren Shan who is also the protagonist of the story. This book one of the series does not only demonstrate the ordinary school boy with a normal life but extended beyond to vampirism and his break of friendship by misunderstandings. The protagonists and the antagonists of this book really stoned the moments that reveals the bonds and connections in a certain degree. As simple as an invitation ticket can lead to the extraordinary problems in which the characters must sustain and cope upon. It may deal with blood but its well worth it. As Darren stated, “If I ever get the chance to betray you, I will. If the opportunity arises to pay you back, I’ll take it. You’ll never be able to trust me.” The addictive and tingling page-turner will take fear to the next level for readers.
Darren Shan, known as the protagonist of the story, started off having a normal life with friends, family, and school. As the story goes on the Cirque Du Freak, known as Circus of Freaks, came to town. They were not ordinary people, matter of fact they may not even be humane. When Darren and his friends discovered the ticket to enter, with a price, they must figure out who will go. At night you are greeted by freaks who will entice you to enter but also scare your brains out. A vampire by the name of Mr. Crepsley will impact both Darren and Steve’s lives. Just know that in the vampire hood you are no longer ordinary…and BLOOD is what you must deal with.
The horror forged within this book will tell you a story long to remember and fear. I enjoy how this book displays the smooth approach into the story which is very addictive yet scary. I always luxuriate the author’s writing style with revolving themes and the format because it always tells the reader that “you got to read on or you will miss the adventure!” You may think that horror may not be your type of genre but there’s always this sweet yet deadly flavor that will enhance the thoughts you’ve stirred when reading. I truly recommend this momentum book for horror freaks and whoever that feels curious. And remember to enjoy the fascinating front cover illustration!
The author Darren Shan does not only write a book. He does not only create a story that reveals a story behind it. There’s always this connection between the title, story, and illustration. In his amazing and compelling story he brings the show ALIVE! Darren will face the unimaginable. Blood, vampire, freaks, and even a taste of death!

(less)

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Nov 14, 2008

Franklin rated it

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Recommended to Franklin by: Jirokou

Shelves: novelly-fiction

This book was so scary, but it was AWESOME! I can't wait to read the next one.

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Dec 30, 2010

♫ נєηη - ѕσυℓ σƒ ѕσυη∂ ♫ rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: novel, series, supernatural, disappointing-books, covers-i-♥

Because of all of the great reviews of this book (I mean, JK Rowling! Seriously. If she wrote something as amazing as Harry Potter, she has to have a pretty good book taste), I picked up this book with a bit of reluctance, hoping that it wasn't just all hype. I still have to finish some other books before I read this, but I'm actually pretty excited to read it, too.

{After Book Review}

Did I enjoy it?

Yes.

Did I expect it to be better?

Yes.

...more

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Jun 23, 2011

Andrea rated it

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Recommends it for: All ages

Recommended to Andrea by: chapterchicks

Cirque Du Freak is really popular. I even saw a jock at my school reading them, which is quite surprising.. So, I got this book last night, and I'm done. And I loved it! At first I read the introduction, and I was like, wow, this is real? Now, I do not think it is. Because well, vampires, and a huge colorful spider named Madam Octa? Yeah, I don't think so. But, I loved the characters.
So, I watching one of those book hauls/reviews on YouTube. The videos with the username chapter chicks. Yea...more

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Oct 22, 2010

Rio rated it

· review of another edition

I chose this book because it seamed like a intrsting book. It was an intresting book no I am going to read the next book. The reason why I'm going to read "The Vampire's Assistant". "A Living Mightmare" is a good book the reason why is because it is intresting to me. The bigist problem is his friend gets biton in the neck by a spiter and he is in the hospital and the only way that he can save his friend is if he became a asistant to a vampier. At the end of the problen h...more

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May 05, 2010

Kate rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: own, part-of-a-series, ya-teen, horror

BEFORE:
Okay, first thing's first: I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THESE BOOKS! I usually don't post comments before I read books but I am just so psyched! Secondly, to all you people out there who have already read these books and loved them, I must confess that I have committed a horrible crime. This is a crime that only true book-lovers know: I saw the movie first. I know, I know, I am a terrible person. The crime I have committed goes against everything I believe in when it comes to books ma...more

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Sep 25, 2010

Adam rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Horror lovers, vampire lovers, thrill lovers.

Shelves: fantasy, mystery-and-horror, favorites

Ah. Cirque Du Freak. One of my all time favorites. I cant say enough about these books.
Do NOT judge a series by its first book. Sure its good, but you dont realize its AMAZING until a few books in. But all epics are like that, right? And yes. This is an epic. And it is epic. So if you have read the first, liked it but didnt want to read the other ones immediantly, then I say- DO IT!!!
What is it about? Vampires, vampaneze, wolves, freaks, witches, wizards, romance, death, twists, surp...more

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Feb 26, 2009

Debbie rated it

· review of another edition

For young adult boys I would probably give this a 3.5 but for adults I would rate this at a 2. I did see on IMDb that they are making a movie out of the book.

Description: Darren Shan’s an ordinary schoolboy, until he and his best friend Steve get tickets to the Cirque Du Freak, a bizarre freak show featuring such arcane performers as Hans Hands, Gertha Teeth, the Wolf Man and Rhamus Twobellies. In the midst of the ghoulish excitement, true terror raises its head when Steve recognise...more

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Feb 18, 2009

Tevin G added it · review of another edition

Cirque du freak

I recommend this book to people who likes scary books, and I just love the book. It starts out boring but it gets interesting. You see story is about a boy named Darren Shan who wins a ticket to the circus. Darren and his crazy friend Steve went to the circus and saw wonderful things, especially a beautiful arachnid named Madam Octa who’s master is named Mr.Crespley who is my favorite character because he’s so mysterious and always knows anything that you ask him, an...more

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Jan 27, 2009

Zhong rated it

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Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare is the first book in Darren Shan’s saga. And the protagonist of the book is the author, Darren. This fictional story started when Darren receive a traveling circus ticket from Steve, one of his best friend. The Cirque Du Freak collection consists of memories of Darren Shan. I recommend it to those who seek the extraordinary.
The story starts in the circus show, where Darren’s life flipped up-side-down. Thinking this was one of the ordinary magic tricks, D...more

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Dec 22, 2008

Travis rated it

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In the book Cirque Du Freak a Living Nightmare a boy name Darren Shan, the main character of the book is a teenage boy who has to face many obstacles in this book. Because of him, his best friend is in danger of dying because of poisonous spider bite. Just because of one mistake he did, he lost his best friend. He went to a circus and took the vampire’s spider. So he has to help his friend from dying by going through this dangerous path, which is to go to the vampire that owns the spider. But he...moreIn the book Cirque Du Freak a Living Nightmare a boy name Darren Shan, the main character of the book is a teenage boy who has to face many obstacles in this book. Because of him, his best friend is in danger of dying because of poisonous spider bite. Just because of one mistake he did, he lost his best friend. He went to a circus and took the vampire’s spider. So he has to help his friend from dying by going through this dangerous path, which is to go to the vampire that owns the spider. But he had to risk something that would change his life forever if he wanted the antidote. If you like a book about vampires and action then you will love this book. If you don’t then you will love it after you read it.
This book gave attention to the reader because it is full of surprises. For example, the two kids Darren and Steve were in the circus and they are watching the wolf man being passed around and from out of no where the wolf man woke up and ate the women’s arm and she screamed. It was so unexpected and no one could have predicted that the circus people can fix her arm back till after you read it. So that would want to make you want to read more and further in the book. when I was reading it I didn’t expected that to happen and also I didn’t even know I would like this book till I read it and now I’m done with the whole series. In the middle of the story it also makes you want to read more and not stop because in the middle of the story Darren’s best friend Steve got bit by a spider and he has to see the vampire who owns the spider for the antidote and the vampire said he will give it to him if he turns to a vampire and goes with him everywhere. So it makes you want to read more by predicting what will happen next with the decision the character makes.
The problem of the story is that Darren’s best friend, Steve is dying because of the spider Darren took from one of the circus freak and that freak is a vampire. It all started when Darren and his friends are in the school play ground and they find an advertisement on the floor and it is an advertisement that has the coming circus Cirque Du Freak. So they wanted to go but they didn’t have enough money so they all chipped in money and they decide to let Darren and Steve go. After the circus show, Steve went to talk to the spider tamer which is the vampire and Steve asked to be a vampire to him but the vampire said that Steve was too evil to be a vampire. While Steve was talking to the vampire Darren was eavesdropping. So later on when Steve left Darren sneak inside and saw the spider in the gage. So he decided to take the spider when no one was there. So he had the spider for a few days and practice to tame the spider. One day when Steve came over Darren’s house, Darren showed the spider to him and Darren tried to tame the spider but it bit Steve and he has to go to the hospital and the doctors said he will die. So Darren has to go to the vampire to get the antidote from him, but the vampire said he will exchange it if Darren will turn into a vampire and travel with him. So he had to choose between his best friends or he will change his life forever. So after the spider problem he has another problem.
Darren is a nice guy who loves spiders and when he was young he had a pet spider but it died because in this cartoon show he watched he saw someone vacuumed a person and the person came out so he tried it with his spider but it dies. He loved spiders so much he was entertained when he saw the act on the spider and the tamer performing in the circus. Also that is a reason he took the tamers spider and he tried to tame it.
I was caught by the surprising moments and the exciting moments in this book. Also the plots and the decisions wanted me to read more and more. The constant surprises, intense moments, the decisions, the curiosity and the friendship between the characters. The story is a fantasy of two kids going to a mysterious circus and many surprises and the courage and the friendships and the decisions makes the reader’s want more. Readers will be surprised that the book ended like this, but it doesn’t, this is a series and you can get those books so you don’t have to wait. Pick up a copy of Cirque Du Freak the Living Nightmare and be ready to predict what will happen next.

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Jan 29, 2012

Butter Knife Gal rated it

· review of another edition

Hey, I just gotta say, this book rocks! I read it a couple years ago and still remember the series filled with surprises. It was scary, but not quite as scary as Shan's other series the Demonata series (check that out too!). Yeah, back then in 5th grade, I went through a horror book phase, good times, good times. While everyone else was crushing over Edward Cullen, I was busy reading about vampaneze and giant spiders. Why? Because I'm just that cool. *sarcastic expression*.

Okay...moreHey, I just gotta say, this book rocks! I read it a couple years ago and still remember the series filled with surprises. It was scary, but not quite as scary as Shan's other series the Demonata series (check that out too!). Yeah, back then in 5th grade, I went through a horror book phase, good times, good times. While everyone else was crushing over Edward Cullen, I was busy reading about vampaneze and giant spiders. Why? Because I'm just that cool. *sarcastic expression*.

Okay, back to the book. It tells of a boy named Darren Shan and his friend going to a wild circus show with his friend, Steve Leopard. Things don't go as planned, to say the least. Darren has always been fascinated with spiders, and when he sees an act with a trick performing one, he can't help himself. He snatches the spider under the owner's nose. But then disaster strikes when a day later, his buddy gets bitten by the extremely poisonous spider (named Madame Octa, for the record.). The craziness presumes wen the panicked Darren goes back to the owner of the spider begging for antidote, The owner, Mr. Crepsley agrees, but only if they make a deal. I might want to clarify that Mr Crepsley reveals he is a vampire. Oh, and the deal is that Darren must leave his whole life behind to become the Vampire's Assistant in order to save his friend.

Yes, this book is crazy. Yes this book is weird. Yes, the covers are odd, abstract, and ones that you may not want your friends to see. Yes, this books causes you to lose sleep reading. Yes, you may deniie with all your might you never touched this book ever in your life. Yes there are vampires. Yes, it is semi scary. Yes, Darren Shan is a mad genius. Yes, I talk a lot bout books. Yes, you should read this book. Yes, yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes (I million yeses later), yes I like saying yes.

Well, I probably weirded you out with that rant, but the book is weird in a good way! Check it out, it's way better than the movie! I mean JK Rowling recommends it for crying out loud, and the author Darren Shan is British or something! And he has the same name as the main character! Obviously the book has to be good, right!? Yes, yes they are, so go down to the library or whatever and buy it, check it out, ect.! NOW! :) Pretty please!(less)

· see review

Jan 06, 2012

Liz rated it

· review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I have to echo other reviewers about the many technical writing shortcomings in this. It's a study in telling instead of showing, the character voices were off, most of the characters were less than two dimensional and the kids didn't sound anything like kids. I also found the treatment of animals/arachnids -- and the kids' reactions towards it -- very disturbing.

Even if you somehow manage to get past all that, or simply don't know enough about good story telling (or care about animals...moreI have to echo other reviewers about the many technical writing shortcomings in this. It's a study in telling instead of showing, the character voices were off, most of the characters were less than two dimensional and the kids didn't sound anything like kids. I also found the treatment of animals/arachnids -- and the kids' reactions towards it -- very disturbing.

Even if you somehow manage to get past all that, or simply don't know enough about good story telling (or care about animals) for this to bother you, the godawful science should get you. These are things that, in the age of Animal Planet and the various CSI shows, even kids should know.

There were three jarring science errors, the last of which completely blew the ending, the author's credibility, and any suspension of disbelief.

1) The author doesn't have clue one about spiders, at least not how they feed. They don't eat solid food and they certainly don't eat pizza or lettuce or rip apart their food. They ingest the liquid remains of their prey.

2) What circulatory system was the author using for the blood exchange? Because it sure wasn't the human one. With the caveat that I am in no way a medical professional, a quick online look at the human circulatory system shows that there might be a bit of a problem forcing blood into the system via both sets of fingertips. Also, forcing blood at speed into a circulatory system already at full capacity is likely to result in a major circulatory collapse.

Now, if the author had at any time given even a cursory explanation of the two above problems, maybe placing them under the cover-all of "magic," I may well have let them pass under suspension of disbelief. But there's not much he could have said to explain away the travesty of Darren's faked death.

3) Where to start with this? SPOILERS is probably the best place. Darren drinks something that slows his heart and breathing rate, then Crepsley breaks his neck, but without breaking his spinal cord. Then he tosses Darren out a window to fake his death.

Assuming that the fall itself didn't cause the broken pieces of bone to sever Darren's spinal cord, that in this CSI age, no one noticed that the position of a body pushed/thrown out a window differs from that of one resulting from an accidental fall, that no one noticed a lack of rigor or lividity, that moving Darren's body didn't sever his spinal cord, that the coroner was an utter and complete incompetent and never took the liver temperature or an x-ray of Darren's spine, that the death of a child under suspicious circumstances wouldn't call for a mandatory autopsy, then I suppose it's believable. But not if you know anything about forensics.

The only thing I can give credence to is the lack of embalming and rapid burial, and that's assuming that "Shan" is Jewish. I don't recall anything saying that, but I'd rather assume it than have to chalk up one more mistake due to the author's poor research.

I will admit to some slight curiosity as to how the story progresses, but not enough to subject myself to more of this kind of bad writing and lack of subject knowledge.

Really, all of these problems could've been solved by a good editor and a little time on Google. The fact that this is the finished product is an insult to the readers and casts a bad light on the publisher for allowing this into print.

If you don't know anything about good writing and have never seen/read anything about science/zoology in your life, then you'll probably like this book. However, if you have even a cursory education, you'll want to stay away from this one. (less)

· see review

Dec 14, 2011

Liyana rated it

· review of another edition

Tell me: how many of you read the Cirque du Freak series before you found out that the movie was coming out this year? *looks around*

...oh.

Well, that's really the only reason I started reading this. I've heard many good things about this series but since I'm a contrary person, I thought it was all hype. Luckily for me, I put my doubts to rest and actually tried this book out.

It starts off well. The protagonist calls himself Darren Shan. He's not actually Darren Sha...more

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Nov 29, 2011

Rencca Brandte rated it

· review of another edition

Originally, I was looking for The Hunger Games when I found the book and I thought it was interesting. Since I was working on a poetry collection at the time revolving around fear, and since it had the commendations of J.K. Rowling printed on the front page, I decided to buy it.

I was dismayed at first to learn that it was more of a children's book. I had expected it to be a more mature read (being a horror story and all), but I grew to like it as it went on. This simplistic style of st...moreOriginally, I was looking for The Hunger Games when I found the book and I thought it was interesting. Since I was working on a poetry collection at the time revolving around fear, and since it had the commendations of J.K. Rowling printed on the front page, I decided to buy it.

I was dismayed at first to learn that it was more of a children's book. I had expected it to be a more mature read (being a horror story and all), but I grew to like it as it went on. This simplistic style of story-telling works positively for the book as it goes on, as it leaves the reader free to his thoughts and imagination. Personally, near the end, the frustrating simplicity had me bawling in tears.

Darren Shan manages to tell an incredibly gripping and realistic story firsthand. His characters are complete with silly, unabashed blunders familiar to all of us who has ever lived in real life, and this is something I praise about the book. Instead of generally appealing characters with calculated flaws, Darren creates them fleshed out as unpredictable and sometimes even immature. The qualities are controlled enough to not repel the reader, but more to incorporate a sense of reality in the story. This is a story about children, and the reader is hearing a story about children. Not heroes chosen out of prophecy, nor adults with a rock-solid sense of justice. This is a story about children and their mistakes.

Moreover, this is a story about atoning for your mistakes and a story of friendship.

Darren makes an unbelievable decision halfway through the book, and by this time, the reader has already grown enough sympathy for him that the reader has no choice but to stay reading until the end. Cirque du Freak may be a freak show and it does deliver some shocking and horrific moments during its run, but it is what Darren is forced to forgo because of his actions after the show that makes the book truly frightening. From there, the reader is plunged into a moving, possibly traumatizing, account of Darren's story and character, his answer to the daunting question that seems to be the very core of the series:

How far will you go for your friends?

It is there that this ceases to be merely a children's story and becomes a story for all of us, showing us that a strange, football-playing boy not even in his teens can take the responsibilities and convictions that most men don't have, and accept choices that most men won't take. An excellent read.

(less)

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Nov 01, 2011

Chiara (Oscuro y Seductor Romance) rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

· see review

Oct 28, 2011

John Gatchel rated it

· review of another edition

Cirque Du Freak A Living Nightmare By Darren Shan

Hello my name is John gatchel and today I am going to tell you about a fiction book called Cirque Du Freak by Darren O'Shaughnessy born 2 July 1972 in London, England, who commonly writes under the pen name Darren Shan is an Irish author. He has also written the Demonata, Koyasan, The Thin Executioner, The City Book Trilogy, and the saga of Larten Crepsley.
The Story’s main character is Darren Shan and Steve Leonard (leopard) Darr...moreCirque Du Freak A Living Nightmare By Darren Shan

Hello my name is John gatchel and today I am going to tell you about a fiction book called Cirque Du Freak by Darren O'Shaughnessy born 2 July 1972 in London, England, who commonly writes under the pen name Darren Shan is an Irish author. He has also written the Demonata, Koyasan, The Thin Executioner, The City Book Trilogy, and the saga of Larten Crepsley.
The Story’s main character is Darren Shan and Steve Leonard (leopard) Darren is Steve’s best friend they hung out together everywhere they go and do everything together Darren Loves Spiders and that is what gets him in this mess. Steve is a hot headed Hellion and throws wild temper tantrums at even the slightest things.
Mr. Dalton is there history teacher that subs for their teachers that day and Steve Leonard is his favorite student. Annie is Darren Shan’s little sister. Tommy Jones Alan Morris friends of Darren Shan and Steve Leonard and many other characters that come through the rest of the book and Series.

This book is about 2 kids Darren Shan and Steve Leonard who go to a freak show and Darren is amazingly fascinated by a spider he sees with one named Larten Crepsley and Steve Leonard then goes to face Larten and knows his truth and Darren Shan then sees him facing and hears things that will soon haunt him for the rest of his life he goes after a spider that will change his life and it gets him in a whole lot of trouble with his Steve in the hospital and him “Dead” He is then blackmailed in order to save his best friends life who later hates him his entire life and nothing he says can change the fact that Steve hates him because he feels betrayed by his best friend because he thinks that Larten and Darren Were trying to kill him at the hospital later Darren Dies and Steve does not believe it so he tries random things to try and prove that he was still alive and well but he was just faking it. And he gets changed into a half vampire when Steve finds out he gets angry toward Darren and Swears his vengeance on his right hand he puts a Cross into it and swears he will kill Larten Crepsley and Darren Shan.
This book I loved because it keeps the reader wondering and gazing at what is going to happen next it has plot twists and anything else anyone can ever want and you cant just guess whats going to happen next the author Darren Really did well on this book I would recommend it to anyone that likes Vampires or just good old fiction storys.
Well thank you for reading this Book report of Cirque Du Freak By Darren Shan I learned from this book that Darren Shan will do anything to save his best friend Steve Leonard no matter the costs or what he has to do in order to help him.

(less)

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Oct 17, 2011

Caden Gatherum added it · review of another edition

Mrs. Hansen English 8
Caden Gatherum

Cirque Du Freak
A Living Nightmare

The story was about a kid named Darren and his friend Steve go to a Cirque Du Freak show. Darren stole a vampire’s big spider then the vampire came to his house and killed him and the vampire made him his assistant.

The main characters are, Darren, Mr.Crepsley and Steve. Darren is the boy who stole the spider from the vampire at the Cirque Du Freak show. Mr. Crepsley is t...more

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Oct 12, 2011

Raleigh rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2011q1

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really liked this book because it kept me entertained from beginning to end. It is full of action, drama, and sometimes even comedy. It's basically about a boy (who's name is Darren Shan and is the main character throughout the series) and his friend, named Stephen Leonard, who invites Darren to a freak show. Darren accepts the invitation and is incredibly excited to go. Stephen loves comic books, and he thought that the freak show would be the perfect opportunity to see some real comic bo...moreI really liked this book because it kept me entertained from beginning to end. It is full of action, drama, and sometimes even comedy. It's basically about a boy (who's name is Darren Shan and is the main character throughout the series) and his friend, named Stephen Leonard, who invites Darren to a freak show. Darren accepts the invitation and is incredibly excited to go. Stephen loves comic books, and he thought that the freak show would be the perfect opportunity to see some real comic book type people. Darrens favorite act was the vampire and the spider, the vampire made the spider do strange and incredible things. After the show, Darren snuck back stage and stole the vampires spider, Madam Octa. Darren is in love with spiders, and he thought Madam Octa was absolutely beautiful. The next day, Stephen came over to Darrens house to see the spider, while holding her and letting her crawl all over him, he was bitten. Madam Octa is the most poisonous spider in the world, her venom kills it's victoms slowly and painfully, and stephen only has about 3 days to live. While he is in the hospital paralized, Darren desperately searches for a way to save his best friend, so he decides to find the vampire he stole Madam Octa from, in hope to recieve an antidote. When Darren finds the vampire, he persuades him to give him the antidote, but in return, the vampire asks Darren to become a vampire and be his assistant. Darren is terrified to become a vampire and leave his entire family and normal life behind, but he wants to save his friend, so he accepts the offer. Mr. Crepsley, the vampire, turns Darren into a vampire and gives him an elixer that makes his heart rate slow down so it is undetectable, and it makes his body stiff, as if her were really dead. Mr. Crepsley makes him fake his death by falling out of his 3 story house window, Darrens family buries him in the cemetary, and later on that night Mr. Crepsley digs him up. After that, they go to the hospital and give Stephen the antidote while he's sleeping, so he doesn't ever know where Darren went when he wakes up a day later. After they give him the antidote, they then go back to the freak show camp. Darren is scared, but in a way, ready for his new life as the vampires assistant. The book series is called Cirque Du Freak, it is a 12 book series, and they are a lot of fun to read.(less)

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Sep 07, 2011

miyna chen-powell rated it

· review of another edition

Darren Shan and his best friend, Steve Leonard, had read horror comics and stories about werewolves and vampires the entire childhood life. When the Cirque du Freak came to town, they desperately wanted to go so they did everything they could to buy the tickets and sneak out of their houses. As they watched the entire freak show, Mr. Crepsley and his giant spider, Madam Octa, caught their eyes. Darren had always been amazed by spiders. After the show, Steve pleads Mr.Crepsley to turn him into a ...more

· see review

Sep 07, 2011

qiqing rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: adv, 10th-grade-adv

Darren Shan's friend found a place call cirque Du Freak. And Steve get the ticets to the Cirque Du Freak, and have only 2 tick, but they have 4friends. Then they have to battle to get the tickets. to see the Cirque Du Freak show. In battle Steve and Darren won the tickets. when the wiching the last act of the show know avampire comes out and Steve know about it, but no one knows about it. Steve tell Darren to go back home.and Steve talk to Mr.repsley(the vampire). But Darren did not liste...more

· see review

Aug 28, 2011

Vincent Kyin rated it

· review of another edition

As soon as i saw this book i had to read it. I love to read scary books. My friends have told me to try this book out so i did. This book is about Darren Shan and his best friend Steve Leopard sneaking out to go to a freak show. His friend Steve always had a thing for stuff like that, wolf man,and vampires.During the show Darren and Steve are fascinated by this vampire, Mr.Crepsley and his poisonous spider. After the show Steve asks him about turning him into a vampire. But Mr.Crepsley tastes hi...more

· see review

Aug 28, 2011

Sam Ng rated it

· review of another edition

Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan is about a teenage boy, Darren, and his best friend, Steve, going to a mysterious freak show. To their surprise, the people in the freak show are not acting, but instead they are actually born that way. Darren and Steve end up getting pulled into something much bigger than they imagined because Steve decides to accuse one of the freaks as a vampire. The theme of this book is do not believe everything you hear. I believe this is the theme of the story because Darr...more

· see review

Jul 31, 2011

Stephen Roode rated it

· review of another edition

I read this book when it first came out in the 90s and even at the age of 10 I knew this book was truly awful maybe because being a young aspiring writer it jades you so you see through a lot of things which is a curse.

Plot.
Very predictable

Characters
Everyone in this book is a complete and utter douche none of them are redeeming in anyway which makes reading harder because if characters annoy you they are just irritating.

Writing style
This book got s...more

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About Darren Shan

Librarian's note: Also writes under the name D.B. Shan.

Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He also is currently writing The Demonata series, as well as a series of books...more

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Books by Darren Shan

The Vampire's Assistant (Cirque Du Freak, #2)

The Vampire Prince (Cirque Du Freak, #6)

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Quotes from A Living Nightmare

“A world of "if"s, but it would make no difference. If I could go back in time... but I couldn't. The past was behind me. The best thing now would be to stop looking over my shoulder. It was time to forget the past and look to the present and future.” — 135 people liked it

“I don't like it, but my hands are tied. I just want you to know this: if I ever get the chance to betray you, I will. If the opportunity arises to pay you back, I'll take it. You'll never be able to trust me.” — 80 people liked it

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