Reviews

Better paced than the last one, though still quite slow. A lot of thinking, sighing, moaning, mulling, re-hashing.
Still it was nice to learn more about Cirque du Freak this time around,

achillreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Another biased rating. How in between Darren feels is shown so well. Ah...I love this series. He wants to be something but is stuck in this half and half purgatory. Can't be a normal child yet not a full on vampire, he doesn't want to hurt others so he starves himself from drinking blood. He doesn't know who to be by the end but he's trying to learn.

libraryofdani's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5/5 stars

my favourite characters are always done so dirty. fun, quick and enjoyable read. i've heard there's way more gore later on in the series, so i'm excited.

lorithereadingfairy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bauke's review against another edition

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dark lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

vikingwolf's review against another edition

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3.0

Darren is a half-vampire now but is refusing to take blood to sustain him,risking his life.He and Mr Crepsley rejoin the Cirque du Freak and darren makes freak and human friends as he ponders his future.But his new friendship with RV is about to change things in his life forever.

A better read as we get to know the circus performers and Darren settles into his reluctant new life.There is more action and gore in this one which is just what I was looking for!

garnetofeden's review against another edition

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3.0

I'm pretty sure I read this book years ago, but my library didn't have the next book in the series at the time, so that's where my encounter with the Cirque du Freak ended until recently. I wasn't entirely sure I had read it until I got to the end - something about the gory and shocking conclusion seemed familiar. I hope that future books will be more enlightening regarding the history and character of Mr. Crepsley; I'd really like to learn more about him.

Spoiler

I have mixed feelings regarding certain aspects of this book. R.V.'s stupidity resulted in Sam's death, and I wish that I knew if it resulted in his own death as well. If he didn't die, it seems like he should be made aware of the full consequences of his actions. I guess I just wish there was more resolution regarding his character. My mixed feelings mainly arise from the fact that the wolf-man continually gets kept around even though he is so dangerous. He has permanently maimed and killed more than once; is it really worth it?

However, I did find it touching that Darren seems to have picked up Sam's tastes; that does make it seem less tragic.

I think I remember Darren tasting blood from his friend's knee in the first book though, so I found his reticence regarding feeding on blood a little strange. Did he not count that instance for some reason?

Rating reviewed 2/8/2023.

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