"Before Cirque Du Freak...Before the war with the vampaneze...
Before he was a vampire.
Larten Crepsley was a boy.
As a child laborer many centuries ago, Larten Crepsley did his job well and without complaint, until the day the foreman killed his brother as an example to the other children.
In that moment, young Larten flies into a rage that the foreman wouldn't survive. Forced on the run, he sleeps in crypts and eats cobwebs to get by. And when a vampire named Seba offers him protection and training as a vampire's assistant, Larten takes it.
This is his story."-goodreads
I love, love, LOVE the Cirque Du Freak series and The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan. This book is the first in a four book series chronicling the life of Larten Crepsley (you know, pre Darren). I really liked Larten Crepsley throughout the Cirque Du Freak series so when I found out that there was going to be four books starring him that come before it I was so excited!
When I picked up "Birth of a Killer" I expected a book that was as good as the Cirque Du Freak series, probably similar, with Crepsley as the main character. This book was way more! I liked it better then I liked most of the Cirque Du Freak series. I'm not sure if this is because I like Crepsley better as the main character or if it is because Mr. Shan has developed more as an author since writing the Cirque Du Freak books, but whatever it is, it's great.
I liked seeing the beginning of what turned Crepsley into the great mentor and overall person in Darren's life. I thought the story was good with surprising turns, and new likeable characters. It was also really interesting to see Crepsley as the 'assistant' rather than Darren. Of course, there's also Darren Shan's amazing writing style which I enjoyed throughout the Cirque Du Freak books and The Thin Executioner before this.
I can't say much more without creating a rather spoiling review, but it was great! If you enjoyed other books by Darren Shan then you'll probably love this one as well! Also, the sequel, "Ocean of Blood" comes out this month!
8 comments:
Such a great book! My favourite one by Darren Shan! I am actually gonna squeal with delight when 'Ocean of Blood' comes out!!!! :D
It was fantastic! Yes, it's one of my favorites. I really liked the books toward the end of the Cirque series and The Thin Executioner, so I think it's tied with them.
I've seen them about but have never read any Shan books, but I might have to take a look at them now because this one sounds great! Nice review!
Thanks!
They're all really good. I've never read his series "The Demonata" I admit, but other than that I know they're great.
I was a bit disappointed by this book - I missed some new points, new ideas. But still it was a nice read and I really enjoyed some of the "old" characters. And of yourse I'm going to read "Ocean of Blood", too. It just can get better. (:
Oh really? Too bad. Yay for definitely reading Ocean of Blood. They really do get better though as they go on, his books, don't they?!?
(Gosh, next time I'll check my comment before I post it. xD)
And yes - they do! This is one reason why I'm optimistic. I've already pre-ordered the hardcover and can't wait for the book to be published. :D
Yes, I'm going to get it as soon as it gets out as well. I can't wait either. Yay optimism.
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