Cirque Du Freak (The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 1) and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more

Buy New

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
Buy Used
Used - Very Good See details
Price: £2.80
Fulfilled by Amazon

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Colour:
Image not available

 
Share your own customer images
Search inside another edition of this book
Start reading Cirque Du Freak (The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 1) on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

Cirque Du Freak (The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 1) [Paperback]

Darren Shan (Author), Takahiro Arai (Illustrator)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (125 customer reviews)
RRP: £6.99
Price: £4.99 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £2.00 (29%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Usually dispatched within 9 to 13 days.
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.

Formats

 Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition £3.98   -- --
Library Binding £13.41   -- --
Paperback £4.19   -- --
Paperback, 28 May 2009 £4.99   -- --
Audio, Cassette, Audiobook --   -- --
Books Trade-In
Amazon.co.uk Trade-In Store
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Special Offer until June 30, 2013: Receive an additional £5 promotional Gift Certificate, when you trade-in at least £10 worth of books. Learn more.

Book Description

Publication Date: 28 May 2009 | Series: The Saga of Darren Shan (Book 1)

The amazing manga retelling of Darren Shan’s international best-selling vampire saga, with illustrations by Japanese artist Takahiro Arai.

Darren Shan is just an ordinary schoolboy – until he gets an invitation to visit the Cirque du Freak… until he meets Madame Octa… until he comes face-to-face with a creature of the night!

Soon Darren is caught up in a web of terror from which he cannot escape, with his best friend’s life hanging by the finest of threads. Darren must make a bargain to save Steve, but the only one that can help is not human and only deals in blood…

The stunning illustrations and manga format give a new dimension to this ever-popular vampire saga, available for the first time in translation in the UK. This will be a must-have for Shan fans and manga aficionados alike.

Special Offers and Product Promotions

  • Amazon Family members enjoy 20% off every delivery of nappies. Join today to get your discount, as well as a free trial of Amazon Prime and up to £50 worth of offers every month.

  • Darren Shan: The Master of Horror. Dare you read more?


  • Exclusive Extract

    Read an extract from Cirque Du Freak. [PDF viewer required]


Frequently Bought Together

Cirque Du Freak (The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 1) + The Vampire's Assistant (The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 2) + Tunnels of Blood (The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 3)
Price For All Three: £13.97

Some of these items are dispatched sooner than the others.

Buy the selected items together

Product details

  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks; Manga edition edition (28 May 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0007320876
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007320875
  • Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 12.5 x 19 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (125 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 60,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Darren Shan Page
Darren Shan
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.

Product Description

Amazon Review

Darren Shan seems like your average boy--he likes playing football with his mates, passing notes in class and loves spiders. Then, one day, his best mate Steve gets tickets for a banned freak show and Darren starts experiencing things that no average boy would dream of. At the Freak show he sees a limb-chewing wolf man, a woman who can grow a beard in front of your very eyes, a snake boy and a goat-eating tarantula called Madame Octa. But what about the mysterious people in blue-hooded robes whose faces you never see? And is Mr Crepsley really a vampire?

Don't be deceived by the facetious tone of the narrator, this book will have you screaming out in revulsion and horror. Wrap yourself up in your duvets and get prepared to be scared. This is outrageously gruesome:

Anyway, that's enough of an introduction. If you're ready, let's begin. If this was a made-up story, it would begin at night, with a storm blowing and owls hooting and rattling noises under the bed. But this is a real story, so I have to begin where it really started ... It started in the toilet.
Cirque du Freak is Darren Shan's first novel and the first in a series highlighting Darren's adventures and misadventures. You'll be baying for blood if you miss out.

And, remember, it's all true. (Age 10 and over) --Nicola Perry --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

Cirque Du Freak
“…fast-paced and compelling book which engages the reader’s attention early and keeps it up to the very end. Full of satisfyingly macabre touches, it explores the powerful fascination of the dangerous and unnatural and, also, movingly the obligations of friendship. The narrator struggles with his conscience and with the unforseen consequences of his actions, both foolish and noble, which make for a plot full of twists – while the climax is fittingly unexpected and leaves the reader hungry for more.”
JK Rowling

‘Brilliant, macabre tale.’
Guardian

"I read Cirque Du Freak last week. I loved it. I love the way you manage to juggle the funny with the unpleasant, the affection with the hurt. It's
great story-telling."
Roddy Doyle

The Vampire’s Assistant
“The Vampire’s Assistant blazes a thrilling, gruesome trail through a fascinating plot.”
The Good Book Guide

Vampire Mountain
“Get your teeth into it!”
Funday Times

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
See all Product Description
Inside This Book (Learn More)
Browse and search another edition of this book.
Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Search inside this book:

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?

› Explore similar items

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Obviously better than Twilight...(for boys anyway) 18 Oct 2009
By Master L. Ryan
Format:Paperback
Take it from an 18 year old who hasn't been able to put down these books in over 7 years, this series is well worth the read. Cirque du Freak sees the start of a young Darren Shan's adventure into the world of vampires. Although not my favourite of the series, it gives an incredible introduction to a storyline that's bigger than anyone (apart from Darren himself) could have imagined. Dark, witty and increasingly gory, this book will entice all who read it, unless there's something wrong with the part of your brain that perceives AWESOMENESS.
During the time since I bought these books, they have converted a non-reader (my older brother) and entertained an avid reader (my mum), so from both perspectives you just KNOW they're good.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read!! 3 Mar 2004
By Ryan
Format:Paperback
One of the best books I've read in a long time. I bought it not expecting much from it, but boy, was I wrong!!?? It had me gripped from beginning to end, and I just couldn't put it down. It is absolutely fantastic and has a cleverly constructed, witty and exciting plot, although some parts of the book are really sad. This book was so good that as soon as I finished this book I immediately ordered the other 8 books, in the series, that were published at that time (there are now 10, the 10th is even better!!). If you haven't read this yet, you really don't know what your missing!!

READ IT NOW!!!!

1 Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Same great story, easy to read when you get the hang of it's layout 21 Jun 2009
By K. Ryan
Format:Paperback
Ok, just so you know, I'm a pretty big fan of Darren Shan's books. I've read them for years and 'The Saga of Darren Shan' are my favourite books he's written. Especially Cirque Du Freak, which this happens to be the manga version of.
If you haven't ready the original story of Cirque Du Freak, the basics of it are a boy called Darren and his friend Steve go to a freak show called 'Cirque Du Freak'. The main act that stands out is Larten Crepsley and Madame Octa the spider. I would say more, but I would start spoiling the story then.
This book is the manga version of the story and it sticks, as far as I can see, pretty much exactly the same as the original book. The drawings are brilliant and, if like many you don't like reading books for too long, this will take you very little time to read if you stick at it.
My only word of caution with this is the way it's set out. I've read manga before, so I know how it's set out. Basically, the books are backwards. So you start from the back and work your way forwards. With the pages you start from the right, go left and work your way down each page this way. The book doesn't tell you how it's read though, so those who are buying this as Darren Shan fans might be a bit confused at first. Once you've got the hang of it though, it's easy to read.
All in all, great book. If you love the story, I would REALLY reccommend it. If you haven't read manga before, though, it might be a little bit tricky to get the hand of reading it at first. But when you get used to it, it's easy to read.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this! 8 Oct 2000
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I would say this book is humorous, upsetting and emotional in some parts, but mostly SCARY! Actually, 'scary' doesn't describe it. 'Haunting' is a better word.

It didn't end how I thought it would, but I suppose Darren does tell you at the start of the book, that this is real life, and things don't always end happily. The chapter where Darren says his goodbyes made me cry!

Part of what makes it so haunting, is how every major event links so perfectly to the last, how a school boy's curiosity can lead to such horrific happenings, that he has to face more or less alone. I really like Darren's character. Even though he stole Madame Octa, he gives up everything to save his friends life. And still he can put on a brave face!

I would recommend the book to anyone aged 10 and up (yes, adults too!), who like imaganitive stories, to get into a young mind and have a good SCARE! It certainly left me hungry for more.....

Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Marvellous 3 July 2006
By Scully Bloke VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
My 14 year old son read the Cirque du Freak book and told me how good it was. I then read it (in 1 sitting), and immediately bought the remaining 11. We spent the next 2 weeks reading them all.

Its simply a marvellous story and adventure. Each book leaves you wanting to start the next. It brings the reader to humour, then dark humour, then it scares you then makes you laugh.

I am 47 and have read thousands of books, and I would put this series in the top three.

Absolutely Marvellous entertainment.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Manga conversion just seems so right for this story 29 Jun 2010
By Madiha Hamid
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've read all 12 of the Darren Shan books in this series and I loved them all dearly. Normally I am hesitant about conversions into any other form than the original. I heard about the movie and was horrified when I watched the trailer; everything was wrong, Darren was wrong, Mr Crepsley was wrong it was just...all wrong. I didn't watch that movie surprisingly. The Manga seemed more promising so I ordered it to give it a go and I was pleasantly surprised. Firstly, the story of Darren Shan translates well into a Manga in my opinion. The characters follow the essence of what they were in the book and I didn't feel anything was misrepresented. In fact, this comic draws very well on those same things that were endearing in the book. The drawing of the characters are excellent and I'm happy to read in it that the author collaborates with the actual author Darren Shan as much as possible which is why the Manga just feels so right when I'm reading.

I wish I could think of some more constructive criticism that could help some prospective buyers but my love of this volume is clouding everything so I'm afraid I'm no good. Read another review! :D
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?   Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
We use this book in class for KS3 students. The children really like it and even reluctant readers go on to read other books in the series.
Published 1 month ago by K. Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars great
bought the first 4 books for my little brother as a birthday present, they arrived quickly and he loves them!
Published 2 months ago by Lrunning
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Second time reading this series. Amazing read and written very well. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good read :)
Published 2 months ago by Zoeeoxo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
First of the Darren Shan saga and a good lead up for the next Darren Shan book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Published 3 months ago by Joe
5.0 out of 5 stars BEST AUTHOR
Darren Shan you write the best books in the world! If you like horror read all Darren Shan's books! Please write more books Darren Shan.
Published 4 months ago by Jack Dacre
5.0 out of 5 stars Cirque Du Freak
highly recommend this book, i thoroughly enjoyed it and am very eager to read the rest of the Saga. definitely 5 stars :)
Published 4 months ago by Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
This book is very interesting and I would recommend to anyone, boy or girl , young or old. Even though I don't usually read scary book I really enjoyed this book!!
Published 4 months ago by Welsh rugby
5.0 out of 5 stars Cirque Du Freak (The Saga of Darreb Shan, Book 1)
I think this book is really good it would be brillant if they could do more films, because pearsonly i think it is a brillant film and sould do more. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs Debra Joll
5.0 out of 5 stars Not for those brought up on Enid Blyton or Laura Lee Hope
I read this book because it was a set book for a year 8 English course. I found parts macabre and others quite disturbing. Read more
Published 4 months ago by P. A. Copley
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
I am in year 7 and this is the book we read in English.

I would recommend this book to everyone. Read more
Published 4 months ago by BSSFC
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

There's a problem loading this menu at the moment.

Learn more about Amazon Prime.

    Your Shopping Basket is empty.

    Give it purpose -- fill it with books, DVDs, clothes, electronics and more.

    If you already have an account, sign in.

    There's a problem previewing your shopping basket at the moment.

    Check your Internet connection and go to your cart, or try again.

    View Shopping Basket (0 items)

      Customer Discussions

      This product's forum
      Discussion Replies Latest Post
      No discussions yet

      Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
      Start a new discussion
      Topic:
      First post:
      Prompts for sign-in
       


      Active discussions in related forums
      Search Customer Discussions
      Search all Amazon discussions
         
      Related forums

      Listmania!

      Create a Listmania! list

      Look for similar items by category

      Feedback


      Amazon.co.uk Privacy Statement Amazon.co.uk Delivery Information Amazon.co.uk Returns & Exchanges