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The Saga of Larten Crepsley (1) - Birth of a Killer
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Review
Praise for Cirque Du Freak:
“…fast-paced and compelling book … full of satisfyingly macabre touches…which 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
Praise for The Vampire’s Assistant:
“The Vampire’s Assistant blazes a thrilling, gruesome trail through a fascinating plot.”
The Good Book Guide
Praise for Vampire Mountain:
“Get your teeth into it!”
Funday Times
Product Description
Following the massive success of the Demonata series, Darren Shan is back where it all started – telling the life story of the vampire Larten Crepsley. Spanning centuries and continents, taking in sea voyages, murder, war and love, this is the epic, bloodsoaked tale of a vampire who started out a nobody… and ended up changing the world forever.
When Larten escapes the terrible workhouse in which he toils, he doesn’t know that he is running from an early death… into another kind of transformation. After meeting the mysterious vampire Seba Nile while sheltering for the night in a crypt, Larten finds himself drawn into the shadowy world of the vampire Clan. As he travels and learns, Larten finds himself enjoying the adventure he has always dreamed of, seeing a world beyond any he suspected in his poverty-stricken youth.
But Larten begins to discover something else, too. Much like death, becoming a vampire is something you can’t come back from…
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As a 15 Year Old emphatic reader, I don't struggle to get through 3 or 4 novels a week plus - but it's still rare that I manage an entire 250 page novel in one 2 1/2 hour sitting. Birth of a Killer is another fabulous instalment to an already incredible repertoire by Darren Shan. I ordered the book from amazon a few days ago, but a friend gave me their copy, saying I had to read it immediately. I started at 9 O'Clock this morning (during an exam revision session in school) and powered through, not being able to look up - as I quite literally found my self hurling through Larten's initial adventures with him on every turn of the page. Before I knew it my school bell was ringing at 11:10 but I couldn't get up! I genuinely couldn't bring myself to put the book down! Unfortunately, by the time I'd finished it, break was over and everyone was coming back into the room ... but it was worth it!
I think this book shows another side to Shan. Having not read The Demonata Series I'm unable to comment on those, but from my experience of The Saga of Darren Shan he is a writer who draws readers in by bundling them from one fast paced action sequence to the next, and indeed from reading some of The Demonata reviews this is the impression I get. The Birth of a Killer takes a step back, especially in the first half of the book, and looks more at the emotional side of things, especially as Larten makes the decision between becoming a Vampire's Assistant and committing himself to a life of darkness, or staying in the human world and ... I wont tell you what drove him to becoming a Vampire - that would spoil it! This somewhat more emotional outlook, in no way impairs the story line though! Shan makes sure we're always well stocked on bloody feuds and heart stopping punch-ups - indeed the murder the title refers to comes only 40 or 50 pages in. There is quite literally, never a dull moment.
As to whom I would advise this book to? Anyone. The best thing about this book is probably the fact that it doesn't rely on having read The Saga of Darren Shan. Although it is a prequel, there is nothing to suggest you would have less understanding, or get less out of the book, having not read about Larten's adult life. We are set the scene brilliantly in the initial chapters about Larten's childhood, vanquishing the need to understand him as an adult during the Cirque du Freak years. Obviously, I think this series concept may be more aimed at males, but it is not gory in anyway, despite murders, so I would wholeheartedly recommend it to women as well. For the same reason, I don't think younger readers would have a problem. the language is not overly challenging, and I think it will provide the same brilliant reaction to everyone - young and old. I would recommend it to anyone, and I hope - after seeing the amazing reviews and buying the book - you will too.
I think this book shows another side to Shan. Having not read The Demonata Series I'm unable to comment on those, but from my experience of The Saga of Darren Shan he is a writer who draws readers in by bundling them from one fast paced action sequence to the next, and indeed from reading some of The Demonata reviews this is the impression I get. The Birth of a Killer takes a step back, especially in the first half of the book, and looks more at the emotional side of things, especially as Larten makes the decision between becoming a Vampire's Assistant and committing himself to a life of darkness, or staying in the human world and ... I wont tell you what drove him to becoming a Vampire - that would spoil it! This somewhat more emotional outlook, in no way impairs the story line though! Shan makes sure we're always well stocked on bloody feuds and heart stopping punch-ups - indeed the murder the title refers to comes only 40 or 50 pages in. There is quite literally, never a dull moment.
As to whom I would advise this book to? Anyone. The best thing about this book is probably the fact that it doesn't rely on having read The Saga of Darren Shan. Although it is a prequel, there is nothing to suggest you would have less understanding, or get less out of the book, having not read about Larten's adult life. We are set the scene brilliantly in the initial chapters about Larten's childhood, vanquishing the need to understand him as an adult during the Cirque du Freak years. Obviously, I think this series concept may be more aimed at males, but it is not gory in anyway, despite murders, so I would wholeheartedly recommend it to women as well. For the same reason, I don't think younger readers would have a problem. the language is not overly challenging, and I think it will provide the same brilliant reaction to everyone - young and old. I would recommend it to anyone, and I hope - after seeing the amazing reviews and buying the book - you will too.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I am half way through the book now, and have had to force myself to put it down to save some of it for later. So far I have found it thoroughly enjoyable, and a looking forward to finishing it, which for someone who rarely reads, making an exception to anything written by Darren Shan, is quite something. It is refreshing to have a book which is more similar to some of the earlier [simpler] books in the series which I preferred to the madness that was towards the Demonata series. Overall, I am enjoying it and am eager to read the next installment in this new [hopefully exciting] quadrilogy.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Another triumph by Darren Shan! Just when I was sad that I had finished all the Demonata books and already had read the Vampire saga the author comes up with another fantastic story to keep you happy. As with all of Darren Shans books they are not just for teenagers but make exhilarating and adventurous reads for adults with an imagination as well! If you are a fan get this book now, if you are new to Darren Shan then start with the Vampire saga, either way you will not regret it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
brilliant.
i love all the darren shan books and ive read most of them but this must be in the top 3. i read it all on the same day i bought it. Read more
Published 7 months ago by MinsterMinor
Excellent!
Another fabulous read by Darren Shan! Being a huge fan of The Saga of Darren Shan, I was a little bit dubious when I heard he was writing a prologue of sorts. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Emily2009
Great story. Brill Shanster stuff...
I've read all the Demonata and Saga of DS books. (Some of them twice).
I am very impressed with this book. Read more
I am very impressed with this book. Read more
Published 15 months ago by J. M. Jones
Recommended
Brilliant book. Every bit as good as the first saga.
Couldn't put it down.
Can't wait for the next one.
Couldn't put it down.
Can't wait for the next one.
Published 15 months ago by Mr. S. Way
Teenager reading material
I was on tenterhooks as to whether this would arrive in time for Christmas, it did with days to spare. My son informed me that the story did not disappoint. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mrs. Tracey Stephenson
You Might Just Say This Book Is A Killer
When terrible events force young Larten Crepsley to flee his home he finds himself alone in the world. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mrs. D. M. Sutton
I've been left with Mixed Feelings...
...at the end of the book. Overall I liked the story and the beginning was catching and moving at the same time, but as the narrative progressed I felt that Larten's character... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Glyph07
Birth of a Killer
This is the first book in the new four book saga by Darren Shan. It's the highly anticipated prequel to his previous saga - The Saga of Darren Shan - and it's all about a certain... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Amber
The Journey Begins For Larten Crepsley
Darren Shan Birth Of a killer is One Hell of a book non stop action from start to finish a great way to start a journey for a trainee vampire
Story:
Darren Shan... Read more
Story:
Darren Shan... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Yoda Pow3r
Great idea!
I have to say, this is probably my favourite book thats been released recently, my favourite books of all time are the books of 'the saga of darren shan' in that well written... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Nicola
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