A review by alternbruno
The Lake of Souls by Darren Shan

2.0

Quite a relief, I must say so. After the dreadful three previous books, this one is almost accomplished. First, it takes place in a different location, which comes as something refreshing. Secondly, our boy Darren is more a support character than a main one. Thirdly, something important is revealed that mildly revives the story.

Having said that, it is not good enough. This newer world has the intention to be apocalyptic but it gives more primal sad vibes than anything. The barren land is not even a resource, more like an accident. Deux ex machina happens all over the place with Evanna appearing out of thin air.

It baffles and angers me to discover that everytime something interesting is about to happen, the author just dampens it. The horrible foreshadowing is almost insulting at this poing, the teen readers are not mentally or excitement machines you can just pump and pretend them to act surprised.

The only bright side of this "craft" is that I am close to finish them. Just two more books to go and the pain will be over, or at least I hope so.