Title: Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare
Author: Shan, Darren
Publisher: Little, Brown Books, 2002
ISBN-13: 0316605107
Genre: Vampire Fiction
Reading Level: 650 Lexile
Interest Level: 10+
Readers Annotation: Are vampires real? What are their powers? Can we become one?
Plot:
These are all questions that Shan explores in the book series Cirque Du Freak. In this first book, Darren explains that real life can be messy and cruel. He and his friend decide to go to a freak show that comes to town secretly. There they see many different acts including a man who trains a tarantula to do whatever he wants. Darren's friend Steve not only recognizes the spider man Mr Crepsly, but he wants to be just like him, a vampire. Darren over hears a conversation between Mr Crepsly and Steve. The vampire will not turn Steve because he has "bad blood." Darren is more interested in the spider than vampires and he steals he tarantula to do tricks in his room. When he shows Steve the spider, it bites Steve who is sent into a violent illness. In order to save Steve, Darren must face his fears and talk to the one being who can save him, Mr. Crepsly.
Review:
This book is a quick read because it is so interesting. Shan grabs the reader from the beginning and does not let go even at the end. There is no surprise that this turned into a series that is loved by many. The characters are interesting and the question of the meaning of friendship is key to this story. Darren must make a choice to end his life the way he knows it to save Steve. The reader is left wanting for more in the second book.
Similar Materials:
Goosebumps Series- R.L Stine
The Cirque Du Freak Series
The Cirque Du Freak Series
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