librariann's review against another edition
4.0
After visiting a secretive freak show, young Darren Shan 'dies' and becomes a vampire's assistant. A fast paced and exciting beginning to the series, with a cliffhanger ending. Also recommend: Shusterman's Full Tilt, Sleator's The Boy Who Couldn't Die, Westerfeld's Peeps.
toystory242's review against another edition
3.0
So I literally got this book a million years ago because when I was 11 one of my teachers said that it was super scary and if we ever needed to read something around Halloween this was the series we should go for.
When I was 11, I remember distinctly thinking "HECK NO!" While horror is still not my favorite, and I will never see a horror movie in theaters ever, I enjoy horror in books every once in a while (if done well!) This was not horrifying--more paranormal. It probably still would have freaked me out as an 11-year-old, but I kinda wish I'd read it maybe when I was like 15 instead of 19? It's definitely a book aimed at younger children--all those 11-year-olds that were more interested in creepy things than I was. Darren's age is never disclosed in the book, but I'd say he's probably 12 or 13. He's definitely in middle school. Maybe even 5th grade.
This book was 100% a set up book, especially since there are ELEVEN more omg help. It was super duper easy to read, which meant I read it in like 25 minutes. I'd say I enjoyed it! I actually think vampires are really cool when they're utilized well. I'm really hoping that if I continue with the series (which I might, since they're, again, super quick reads) that they get better and better. I really hope that we see more of Darren's family, because he seemed to actually really care for them and his sister is awesome. So even though some stuff went down at the end we still have quite a few opportunities for them to come backkkk....
When I was 11, I remember distinctly thinking "HECK NO!" While horror is still not my favorite, and I will never see a horror movie in theaters ever, I enjoy horror in books every once in a while (if done well!) This was not horrifying--more paranormal. It probably still would have freaked me out as an 11-year-old, but I kinda wish I'd read it maybe when I was like 15 instead of 19? It's definitely a book aimed at younger children--all those 11-year-olds that were more interested in creepy things than I was. Darren's age is never disclosed in the book, but I'd say he's probably 12 or 13. He's definitely in middle school. Maybe even 5th grade.
This book was 100% a set up book, especially since there are ELEVEN more omg help. It was super duper easy to read, which meant I read it in like 25 minutes. I'd say I enjoyed it! I actually think vampires are really cool when they're utilized well. I'm really hoping that if I continue with the series (which I might, since they're, again, super quick reads) that they get better and better. I really hope that we see more of Darren's family, because he seemed to actually really care for them and his sister is awesome. So even though some stuff went down at the end we still have quite a few opportunities for them to come backkkk....
hayley12337's review against another edition
3.0
I'm definitely too old for this book, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I read it 5-10 years ago. Although I did enjoy aspects of it, the writing style was slightly hard to get used to.
But this saga has been on my bookshelf for years and I'm determined to read them all.
But this saga has been on my bookshelf for years and I'm determined to read them all.
jshorton's review against another edition
2.0
Reading this because a student actually brought me his copy from home. It's horribly written, but I see why it appeals to a certain group of students.
Ok- now that I'm finished I can fairly say that this was a pretty awful book. That said- I'll probably read the next one, because I have a deal with a student for him to read a book of my choice in return.
Ok- now that I'm finished I can fairly say that this was a pretty awful book. That said- I'll probably read the next one, because I have a deal with a student for him to read a book of my choice in return.
supreme's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
zaisgraph's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is the story of Darren. He is a juvenile thief, blackmailer, and a pathological liar. He also let a very old man suck his fingers.
I may continue this saga down the road since I own the boxset. Was attracted to it because I also love freak shows! This book would've rocked if I read it when I was younger. Sad.
I may continue this saga down the road since I own the boxset. Was attracted to it because I also love freak shows! This book would've rocked if I read it when I was younger. Sad.
ladybuglissajo55's review against another edition
4.0
I think that I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I were the target audience-- younger and more into stories like this. I'm positive I would have EATEN THIS UP as a kid!! It has its issues and I probably won't continue with the series, but ! Don't regret reading it.
youreadtoomuch's review against another edition
5.0
Such a fun and easy book! Kid steals spider from vampire, spider bites best friend landing him in a coma, kid seeks help from vampire and gives up life to save best friend, best friend finds out kid's a vampire's assistant now and vows revenge because it should have been him.
I remember reading this is middle school and being like, "Damn, when am I going to fake my death to become a vampire?"
I remember reading this is middle school and being like, "Damn, when am I going to fake my death to become a vampire?"