by Darren Shan
First published 2002
Darren Shan leads an ordinary life until he sneaks out with his best friend Steve to attend a mysterious traveling freak show called Cirque Du Freak. The performance features genuine monsters and supernatural acts that both fascinate and terrify the boys. When Steve recognizes one of the performers as a vampire, their night takes a deadly turn. Darren finds himself drawn into a dark world he never knew existed, forced to make impossible choices that will transform him completely. His desperate attempts to save his friend lead him down a path where he must abandon his human life and embrace something monstrous. The story explores the price of curiosity and the bonds of friendship when faced with supernatural forces beyond comprehension.
Genres: fantasy, horror, supernatural, young-adult
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Cirque Du Freak
Paperback · Scholastic Book Services
Content warnings: violence