A review by mjohnsen
Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is also a reread/read aloud for my students.  I have a soft spot for this book because objectively the writing is not that complex or good, but Shan does know how to grip his younger readers.  I would say some of the more spookier moments happen toward the end, and the story suffers from a lot of telling instead of showing.  I will say knowing how the series ends, Darren Shan (the author) did plot this series well.  I am reading the second book for my students now, so that is something.