Cirque Du Freak: The Manga: Omnibus Edition, Vol. 4

Cirque Du Freak: The Manga #7-8

by Darren Shan, Takahiro Arai (Artist)

Setting out from Vampire Mountain, Darren embarks on a mission as part of an elite quartet sent to find the Vampanese Lord. Along their journey, though, they are imparted an ominous prophecy: “...If you have face the Vampaneze Lord four times and fail to kill him, only one of you will live to witness the fall of the vampire clan.” 

Genres: Manga

384 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Librarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.

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 is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..

Reviews

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ★

this series is so nostalgic for me and im loving reading it all over again in manga form

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some fun things going on, but nothing crazy.

[Brittany Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 4 of the Cirque du Freak manga, adapting Vampire Mountain, delivers a thrilling and atmospheric chapter that deepens the dark, supernatural world introduced in earlier volumes. Illustrated by Takahiro Arai, this instalment captures the tense, eerie environment of Vampire Mountain with stunning artistry and masterful storytelling, immersing readers in a tale of survival, loyalty, and transformation.

Arai’s detailed artwork brilliantly conveys the imposing and labyrinthine nature of Vampire Mountain, with shadowy corridors and ominous settings that heighten the suspense. The characters’ expressions and postures are rendered with emotional depth, vividly portraying Darren’s fear, determination, and growth amidst the dangers lurking in the mountain’s depths. Action sequences are fluid and dynamic, balancing moments of quiet tension with bursts of intense conflict.

The manga remains faithful to Darren Shan’s original themes, exploring the complexities of trust, courage, and identity in a hostile and mysterious world. The visual format enhances these themes by providing immediate emotional resonance and amplifying the claustrophobic and perilous atmosphere of the tunnels and chambers beneath the mountain.

Pacing is expertly handled, blending fast-paced action with introspective scenes that develop character relationships and internal struggles. The volume ends on a suspenseful note, compelling readers to eagerly anticipate the next chapter of Darren’s harrowing journey.

In conclusion, Vampire Mountain, as adapted in Volume 4 of the Cirque du Freak manga, is a five-star success, an evocative, thrilling, and emotionally engaging entry that richly expands the saga’s dark fantasy universe. This volume is essential reading for fans of supernatural adventure and graphic storytelling alike.

[Void · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was easy to understand more then I thought it would be and it was actually really fun to see how the story goes even tho I haven't read the other manga's before this one!!

I will definitely try the other ones before and after this one!