The Lake of Souls
Cirque Du Freak, No. 10
by Darren Shan
The Lake of Souls is the tenth book in the fast-paced, violent vampire series by
Darren Shan. After Book 9, this one moves at a slightly more sedate speed, though the plot
still storms along with plenty of action. In this book, half-vampire Darren Shan (yes,
the main character and author have the same name), joins his friend Harkat (a "little
person," which seems to be a short Frankenstein-esque creature) in search of Harkat's
original identity. It's not an idle search; if Harkat doesn't learn his true identity
and accept it, he'll go mad from the nightmares that plague him. Naturally, the journey
cannot be easy, and we meet plenty of really disgusting monsters (and one equally disgusting
human) along the way. Although filled with gross-out, there is less of the gory violence
found in Book 9. I still feel the books are a little dark and violent for kids under 10,
but I can see how they would be extremely appealing to male reluctant readers. The characters
are loyal, fierce, and resourceful. The book is sprinkled with little puzzles to keep
the reader eager for Book 11 when it comes along, but the plot does come to a full and
satisfying conclusion for this segment of Darren's journey to who-knows-what horrifying
destiny. If you like your horror stories a little on the gross side, you'll love it. |
The Book |
Little, Brown and Company / TimeWarner |
September 2005 |
Hardbound |
0316156272 |
Fantasy / Children [Age Level: 9 - 12] |
More at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Jan Fields |
Reviewed 2005 |
NOTE: Reviewer Jan
Fields is the editor of Kid Magazine Writers emagazine and has written dozens of
stories and articles for the children's magazine market. |
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