Allies of the Night (Cirque Du Freak Series #8) » (Reprint)

"I was born in London in 1972 and moved to Ireland when I was 6 years old, where I've lived ever since. I always wanted to be a writer - I've loved telling stories since I was a child. I started out writing books for adults, and managed to get a couple published. One day, on a whim, I decided to try a book for children. The result was Cirque Du Freak. Much to my surprise, it took off, and I became a de facto children's author! Since then I've used my ill-gotten gains to buy lots of comic-strip art and travel the world. When I'm not working or traveling, I like watching movies.

Darren Shan, Vampire Prince and vampaneze killer, is obliged to attend school! But homework is the least of Darren's problems. Bodies are piling up. Time is running out. And the past is catching up with the hunters fast!

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-Darren Shan, a 21st-century vampire prince, and his friends, Mr. Crepsley and Harkat, are on a quest to stop the Lord of the Vampaneze. When a series of murders takes place in Mr. Crepsley's hometown, they stop the search for the evil lord to look for the murderer, whom they suspect is also vampaneze. School officials become aware that Darren, who looks like a 15-year-old despite actually being 20+, is in town, and he is forced to attend school. His English teacher, Debbie Hemlock, is his ex-girlfriend, all grown-up. Darren is attacked by a hooked-hand creature and is saved by his childhood friend, Steve. Soon, acquaintances and classmates are being slain, and Darren, Mr. Crepsley, and Harkat, as well as Debbie and Steve, begin tracking the killer through underground tunnels. This horror/mystery tale takes a strange twist when Steve's motives to aid the friends are exposed and Debbie is taken hostage. The plot moves slowly until the killings begin, but then the story takes off. Darren is a likable hero, but other characters are not well developed. Gory fight and murder scenes and some profanity are included, but are in keeping with the story line. Fans of the series will enjoy this cliff-hanger and look forward to the next installment.-Heather Ver Voort, Washington West Elementary, Olean, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.