I didn't know what to read next, even though Blood Song was already on my currently reading list, so I decided to rearrange a part of my bookshelf. I noticed book 3 lying around with a couple of other random books. I then had a slight feeling of wanting to continue on with the series. I heard nothing but great things, but book 1 managed to disappoint me. Setting the bad past experience of book 1 aside, I decided to read the book 2 and decide after if I would finish the series or not. Despite the 3 star rating I gave this, I have to admit that I can't wait to finish all of the books in the series.This can be considered one of those YA-horror books that you should've read when you were actually a young-adult. I'm turning 20 this year, so I didn't find anything creepy about this novel. What I liked though would be the coming-of-age feeling it had. I like reading about an adventure of a kid growing up, so this series might be the thing to read, and hopefully resurrect the YA genre for me. I've given up on the genre way too long ago, but I still try to read a few of them once in a while and see if something floats my boat. This is one of those boat floaters, and I'm glad I continued on.This second novel was way superior to the first one. All introductions aside, it was a great novel of adventure. The writing was okay for me, it didn't have any major issue so I don't have much to complain about. The plot was also consistent, and the latter parts had a good amount of action. I liked reading about how the main character had to make important life decisions. Hopefully he grows older in the next novels, because I would like to see the possible development of the main character. While reading this, I remembered an episode from Fairly Odd Parents wherein Timmy Turner joined the circus for a day, but ended up missing his family so he decided to go home. This series seems like that at first, but the main character didn't go back, he became a full member of the circus. I would love to read more about his adventures with Cirque Du Freak, and thankfully there are 10 more books in the series.3/5 stars. Nothing spectacular, but it's one of the few YA series that managed to catch my attention. I'm sure the author has more tricks up his sleeves in the next novels.
The Vampires AssistantBy: Darren ShanTwilight? Evermore? No, this isn't your average vampire book. Not all lovey-dovey, but real vampires. This book has no love, but it had cruelty. This book has things that Twilight and Evermore hid from you. This is just the second of the twelve books.Darren, the main character in the book, gives up his human life to become a vampire in order to save his best friend, Steven. Steven, in the first book, A living Nightmare got bitten by Mr. Crepsley's spider, Madam Octa. Mr. Crepsley is the person who blooded Darren to make him a vampire. You should read the first book before reading this. In this book, Darren is the assistant of Mr. Crepsley, he learns the way of becoming a vampire, learns the danger of becoming a vampire, and learns the behavior of a vampire. Vampires don't kill when they feed, they just get enough blood to satisfy them. If I was Mr. Crepsley, I would be patient with Darren because Darren became a vampire at such a young age. Patience is needed to teach someone that became blooded at the age of 14.I absolutely loved this book. I borrowed the whole series at once, just so I can finish it all within about 5 days, so I don't need to leave myself hanging. Although I've reread this book tons and tons of times, I still get the same feeling when certain things happen. This book can't compare to Harry Potter though, cause that is my first favorite book. I loved this book because it was interesting to see how many different kinds of vampire books are there.I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't like Twilight. This book has a bit of love in it, but isn't all over love like Twilight. Every library has this book, probably even the school library. This book is so awesome, don't miss a chance to read it!
What do You think about The Vampire's Assistant (2002)?
This book was much better than the last due to the large amount of action within it and reading in more detail about the cirque du freak was definitely more attention grabbing and interesting, you got to know the characters behind the acts and that made it even better. There was a lot of humor, sarcasm, gore and even some death in this one which made it absolutely gripping to read. Although this book provided action and lots of it it gave a sense of mystery too. It's a shame Darren seems to not
—Nikki May
This book was quite gruesome but I liked it all the same. It is about The Vampires Assistant (Darren Shan) returning to the Cirque Du Freak with his guide Mr Crepsley (he was the one who turned him into a half-vampire). The difficult bit in the book comes when Darren Shan realises that he cannot stick to his humanity because he has to drink blood to survive. And he can't play with normal kids because he has powers and he might hurt them. So the whole book is about this struggle. Now I am reading number 3.By Cormac aged 9.
—5inabus
What makes Darren Shan's books a great read is that even though they're over 200 pages long, I can easily finish them. The action within this book is very quick and there's always something new for you to read. The ending for me was a little shocking, but the way that Darren Shan writes makes you want to read the next book. The Vampire's Assistant is the 2nd book in a series of seven books. After reading the Dreamcatcher which was over 800 pages long this was an easy read and very quick. For many this book might seem scary especially just by looking at the cover. However, when you start reading personally I don't find it scary and I know it's unrealistic. Even though this book is fantasy Darren Shan creates a lot of imagery for me as a reader. I feel like I can imagine everything and it's like a movie playing in my head. The more you read the closer you feel to the characters and with a strong relationship you start to feel nervous, when they feel nervous, and relieved when they feel relieved. Darren Shan writes in a way that as a reader you become part of the book, and that's what makes it so fun to read his books.
—Susan
