Hunters of the Dusk (Cirque Du Freak Series #7) » (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.

Setting out from Vampire Mountain, Darren embarks on a mission as part of an elite quartet sent to find the Vampanese Lord. Along their journey, though, they are imparted an ominous prophecy: "...If you have face the Vampaneze Lord four times and fail to kill him, only one of you will live to witness the fall of the vampire clan."

Lori Matthews - VOYA

Darren Shan's adventure as a Vampire Prince continues in volume seven of the series. The war that was foretold by Mr. Tiny has begun. The Vampaneze Lord has arisen and is trying to bring about the destruction of the Vampires. So far, the Vampires are holding their own, but with the Vampaneze Lord's invention of a new breed of half vampires called Vampets, it is getting more difficult for Darren and his followers. It is up to Darren, Larten Crepsley, and the illusive Vampire Prince Vancha March to create a plan to find the Vampaneze Lord and destroy him before it is too late. Mr. Tiny offers the Vampires a small clue when he tells them that they have five chances to kill the Vampaneze Lord, and they have already wasted one by killing Kurdha Smahlt, but Mr. Tiny will not say more. His only advice is to "follow their hearts." Of course, their hearts take them to the Cirque du Freak and Lady Evanna, who has a very disturbing prophecy about Darren. This installment is a must-read for fans of the series. They will not be able to put it down. The prologue at the beginning of the book is great for providing the background of Cirque du Freak for those who are unfamiliar with the series. The story itself is enthralling and will create instant Darren Shan fans of any new readers. As with all books in the series, the cliffhanger ending will leave readers desperate for the next chapter of the Darren Shan saga. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2004, Little Brown, 192p., Ages 11 to 15.