Saga of Darren Shan Box Set

The Saga of Darren Shan #1-6

by Darren Shan

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Childrens, Young Adult, Dark, Vampires

1 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

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

[Shawna Finnigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.83 stars, rounded up

A Living Nightmare: 3 stars

The Vampire’s Assistant: 3 stars

Tunnels of Blood: 4 stars

Vampire Mountain : 4 stars

Trials of Death: 5 stars

The Vampire Prince: 4 stars

[Niamh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing series. Darren Shan made my childhood so exciting. Shame the movie was so terrible.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darren saga were nearly the best books I've ever read. They're extremelly exiciting and I could never put them down ever since I read the first chapter of Cirque Du Freak. Originally, I wasn't meant to read the whole saga, we were only requested to finish the first book.However, I just felt addicted to them. Although I can't deny that some books in the middle weren't as good as the others, especially Allies of the night,the overall story and most of the books were great. I enjoyed the time when I read them so much.

[Xena · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was 8 I saw a movie my parents rented. The only part of the movie I remembered was the fact that it was a Vampire movie, and saw a guy walking towards his sister all scary, she screamed and he stopped and said "sorry, I was pretending to be a vampire" I couldn't remember what movie it was, but that one Scene stayed stuck in my head for the next 5 years. Just last year I was scrolling through my TV guide on the Syfy channel to see what time the new season of Being Human was gonna start up again. As I was scrolling through what was gonna play until night time, I came across Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire Assistant. I passed it, but then went back. I had priorly found that movie I remembered from when I was 8 and knew the title was some weird name in a different language. That's how I recognized he name. Long story short, I recorded the
Movie, watched it, asked my friends if they saw it, and one if them said she read the books and have yet to seem the movie.

Since I like to read the books and compare them to it's movie, I found my local library and started to read all 12 books. I have to say that the series is looong, but somehow Darren Shan managed to keep it interesting the whole way through. He kept old vampire myths in the book, and also added some other really cool monsters that just fit in the story so well. He also did an excellent job with the story plot, even though I wish he hadn't jumped months and years ahead I between books. It's an excellent read, all the characters have their own personalities and Darren Shan did a marvelous Job at showing his readers how the world of Darren Shan is.

To those who think the author is selfish for naming the main character after himself, read the prologue of the first book, read all of the books, and in one if the books, you'll be sitting there with your mouth wide open saying "oh, aaahhh. I get it now." And if your like me, you'll be recalling back through out the series, look for the clues, Daren Shan gives you so many through out all 12 books.

Highly recommended, for teens and young adults.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was 23 and a 15 year old brother of a friend handed me this series and said I should read it, I mostly started reading it just to amuse him. How little did I know I would get completely sucked into this crazy world. I love the way Darren Shan writes. It's full of twists and turns and I became very attached to the characters. There were several times that I had to stop, put the book down, and walk away just to absorb the twist that had just happened. The whole series was full of great twists and turns and I never really knew what was about to come next. The way the different types of vampires and the societies were portrayed was also a kind of different I enjoyed. I highly recommend this series.

[Dan Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this as a kid

[あatrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorit so far :))))

[Rachel Mcglynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this series as a teen 5/5.
The best memories with this series. Creepy, fast paced and fun.

Perfect introduction into horror.

[Anouska · Rating 4 out of 5]

De boekenreeks waar ik als 12 jarige mezelf in kon verliezen. De boeken zijn echt super, de film was regelrecht kut overigens!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books provided some stiff competition for J.K Rowling in my house, though both hold a very dear place in my teenage heart. I loved this saga, which in my opinion only gets better as the stories progress. The reader is truly taken on a journey with Darren as the narrative develops and becomes more intricate. They are evidence of some fantastic storytelling, which kept me turning pages well after my bed time and going right back to the start to relive it once again!

I still look back on these with fondness, and I know were I to pick these up once again as a adult, they would be just as compelling and impressive to me now as they were then. Its a shame the film was such a disappointment, as had it been done to a better standard I think the story really would have taken off. I would recommend these to anyone who loves to submerge themselves in the fantasy/horror genre, with the added fun of some teenage angst.

[Emmanuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone in their mid twenties, I feel that this series is definitely for young readers. I had issues with some of the pacing in the middle novels and the pros had a variety of quality to it. That being said, I loved the ending. I appreciate when an author can write themselves into a corner and pull off a great ending to a series that leaves the reader thinking about it after finishing it. The series had some great characters, Vancha's my fave, and dark moments for a YA series. I probably won't read the prequels or any other novels by the author, but I am glad that I finished this series from my adolescence.

[Chloe moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it
Great book ever

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

چه نوجوانی بورینگی میشد اگه بدون سپری کردن داستان های دارن شان و لارتن کرپسلی قرار می‌بود بگذره؟

[Ashlee marz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this series as a young teenager and absolutely loved it, buying the books and reading them multiple times over the next few years.

I read them again as an adult and still really enjoy them. The story does feel a bit more juvenile (which is to be expected, it's YA), and is a little slow in some parts. But the ending just blows me away every time. I don't think I've ever enjoyed the end of a really good series, but the way that Shan wraps everything up in such a creative and satisfying way just hits me hard in a way that every reader should get to experience.

I highly recommend this series. The story has many exciting and emotional moments and is definitely my favorite portrayal of vampires so far. But above all, even if you begin this series and aren't impressed with the first few books, the ingenuity of ending is absolutely worth making it to at least once.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Average book rating: 3.8 ⭐

12 book series designed to be read as 4 trilogies: Vampire Blood (1-3), Vampire Rites (4-6), Vampire War (7-9), and Vampire Destiny (10-12). The books within each trilogy are best read back to back since the story continues without much break. Every book begins with a prologue to remind you of what happened in the previous book in case you aren't reading them back to back. Recommended reading age of 9-12, but also very enjoyable as an adult. (I read this series in it's entirety as a child and this is my first re-read in 13 years.)

The story is fast-paced and a little gruesome. While much of the story can be a little predictable, it keeps you on your toes with many plot twists and an ending like no other. Highly recommend.

[Frank Gommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im 26 and even tho is has been 10 years ago when i readed some of the books i would read them again cause i forget a lot of awsome parts of the world and the life Darren lives with the people that he meets, this book writer is a real creator of a wonderfull fantasyworld. Or is it reallife and are we to domb to see it? Are they tricking us? Deff a good one to get your kid, lets say from 11 till 30 years old guys would still be down to reading this kind of stories.

[Nessathecommoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember this series being one of the first vampire books I read (along with Twilight) when I really started getting into reading. I devoured the first book in a day. Up to this day, the plot still feels fresh, unique, and exciting. Maybe it's not the vampire book people are used to with the sensual characters and dark romances, but The Saga of Darren Shan is definitely worth a look if you're up for a different kind of adventure.

[Winnie Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have that one book that we read religiously as a child, and for me that was anything by Darren Shan. He gave me my love for vampires and the weird and the bizarre with a story that gripped me from start to finish. He gave me well crafted characters and a tense plot with some insurmountable odds thrown in. To say I loved the saga of Darren Shan is an understatement, these very books formed so many happy childhood memories.

I highly recommend these books for any tween.

[Megan O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember being in my cousin's house and reading the first chapter in the book. She wouldn't let me borrow it so I stole it from her because I was so engrossed already. The Darren Shan series was my favourite part of my childhood and criminal escapades. Still my favourite series to sit down and devour.

[Uyen Phan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always one of my favorite series, growing up, just right there with Harry Potter. I just reread it after 6-7 years and still cried at /that/ part. Also finished the prequel a few days ago, what a thrill!!! It's such a shame that there are so few fans to interact with right now. This series deserves way more recognition.

[Teresa Plaenksken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and interesting series. If you like vampires and dark themes this is for you. This series does have a main 'prophecy' and vampires which is what first drew me to the books. As I was reading it was sometimes hard to follow what was going on. This is not a series I would read to relax.

Genre: Horror
Appeal: dark tone, short but hard read

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite author ever since I was a teenager, forever keeping me on the edge of my seat. I cant express enough the love I have for Darren Shan's writing. If you like character progression, a solid story line and foundation, the history of these worlds and a bit of gore. This is for you. Prepare to become entranced in these books.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series that got me into reading. Hasn't aged amazingly but still tremendously readable. The ending was a tad fan service and the book where Darren & Hakrat go into the weird dimension was a rare low point in a truly addictive series.

Had the pleasure of meeting Mr Shan a handful of times and he was always a delight.

[Mark Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these books as a child and currently am reading with some of my year six pupils. The exciting, sometimes scary, plot has engaged my reluctant readers. Thoroughly recommend, though these might not be suitable for all, as the concepts explored can be quite dark. A good stepping stone into the horror genre.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in my teens, this series is dark, fantastical and filled with horror.
Following the adventures of Darren Shan and his Vampire companion, the saga delves deep into vampire lore and shan explores a new vision of the vampire.

Excellent reading, leaves the imagination roaming.
Wonderful then and would be wonderful if re-read.
Perfect for anyone who likes a darker narrative.

[Kaushik Prasad · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books by Darren Shan are so cinematic in all the best ways. He creates a fascinating and fast-paced world. It was one of the best reading experiences of my childhood. It's a bummer that the movie adaptations were not as good because this material is totally adaptable. I wish the movies had done it justice.

[Ilona De Ruiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series when i was a teenager, together with my best friend. We bought the books together and read them and then we would discuss it. It was a great time i loved Darren Shan but i hated Desmond Tiny sooooooo much. And Harkat dude, why. It took me way to long to figure Tiny out. Darren o’ Shaughnessey is a master with words.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampires. And NOT the sparkly kind.
Brilliant. Crepsley is hilariously cold and the secret supernatural world that Shan has created is so full of twists and new ideas. Intense, thrilling, unbelievably gripping. And who doesn't love a good vampire?

[Trung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite books when I was a kid. My grandfather gave me enough money to get the first three books and I was able to finish these in one afternoon. It is really addictive, especially at the beginning of the story.

[Heather Agnew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for those wanting to get into reading. The saga provides a whole world of old school vampire myths with Shan’s staple spin. I remember reading these in primary school and not being able to put his books down.