Cirque Du Freak: Sons of Destiny, Vol. 12

Cirque Du Freak: The Manga #12

by Darren Shan, Takahiro Arai (Artist)

Dead if he loses - damned if he wins. The time has finally come for Darren to face his archenemy, Steve Leopard. One of them will die. The other will become the Lord of the Shadows - and destroy the world.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Vampires, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Horror, Supernatural

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2012

About the author

Librarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.

Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..

Reviews

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Truthfully, as my friend said the end of this book made me want to...

punch a wall
cry
laugh
smile
stare blankly into space
laugh
and cry again!

I'm happy Mr. Cepsley and everybody else lived, I'm sad because Darren never falls in love with Debbie, or gets the chance to make all theses amazing friends. So happy... so sad... so... confused not about the ending, just how I feel, only one word to describe this amazing conclusion to this amazing book...
WOW!

[Bobby Hougen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

In my opinion, the Cirque Du Freak series is overall a solid four stars, but this final volume is just a disappointment. Definitely feel like I need more closure.

Another series review coming soon...

Update: Series Review

Cirque Du Freak- 4 stars

After 6 years, I've finally finished this series. Gotta say, I enjoyed the Cirque Du Freak series a lot more than I expected. Anyways, Cirque Du Freak tells the story of Darren Shan, a soccer playing carefree teenager who eventually becomes a vampire's assistant to a performer from the Cirque Du Freak. As a new half-vampire, Darren is forced to give up his life as a human and enter the world of the vampires where he overcomes numerous obstacles and grows along the journey. Each volume of the manga series kept introducing more lovable characters and the storyline kept getting darker and I loved it...until the final volume. The ending is the one of the most important parts of any story, so it's crucial to execute it in the most favorable way, which I felt it wasn't. Now that I let the ending of Cirque Du Freak sink in, I'm disappointed. Last night, I kept thinking about different ways that the series could've ended and I found out that I liked my alternative ending a lot better. To avoid spoilers, I won't say what happens at the end. All I'll say is that at the end, I felt sort of cheated by the author due to the twist because it felt forced and ended abruptly with very little explanation as to the aftermath of other characters (but that may be because it's a manga adaptation, so it's condensed).

Although this is a review on the manga adaptation, I know I missed a lot from the books, so eventually I want to read the novels.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Cirque Du Freak.

[Ash Ebrahim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this book but I find 3 stars is just a bit too low but nevertheless it's a manga it only took me less than an hour to finish it so...
The story was ok I liked it but the end I dunno it was kinda funny. I just don't like the way when writers involve their books in the plot, it's kinda stupid.
Anyways I just can't believe I've been reading the manga series fro two and a half years I will really miss it and it will always be a part of my teenage hood. Wow many things ghave changed the past two and a half years and I remember when I was reading the third volume and said to my self WOW I will be in the middle of high school and now I am only three terms left and I will be done with school.

[Audrey Hacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic end to the Cirque du Freak Manga series. This series really held true to the books, and it added a whole new layer to the Cirque du FReak experiance. I am sad that this is over and had a great journey reliving the story.

[Meri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying end to the series adaptation that stuck closely to the source material. The final few panels were particularly poignant.

[J Jahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

pues como para que me haya quemado la saga en tan sólo dos días, no pudo haber sido otra que por dos razones: una, por su extensión (que no supera las 120 páginas cada uno), y la otra, por lo tremendamente buena que está.
Debo decir que aunque la temática de vampiros no es lo mío, me alegro haber seguido la recomendación de una amiga mía para que la leyera, porque ha sido muy grata la experiencia. lo máss bueno de esto es que a pesar de lo corto de los libros, no lo parecían, porque en cada uno ocurían tantas cosas que te mantenían en la espera y completamente sorprendido.
No, en este libro debo decir que así como lo predijo darren al inicio, no iba a terminar con algo feliz. Fue un libro y una saga muy realista, que se evocó en algo nada fantaseado y le dieron un final que aunque muy triste, fue justo. qué espera uno normalmente en libros como estos? bueno, hay una guerra, matan a uno de ellos para que no sea el malo y no domine, y el otro junto con su clan viven en paz... alto, alto! mejor piénsenselo mejor. cuando llega el momento de enfrentarse tanto darren como el lord vampanés, habrá algo que los dejará boquiabiertos. descubrimos la naturaleza de mr. Tiny, y qué tanto tiene que ver con ambos.
En verdad, recomiendo muchísimo esta saga, es un tópico completamente diferente del resto de novelas que han escrito del género (me perdonarán los fans, pero ni se atrevan a comparar esto con crepúsculo, no tiene absolutamente nada que ver).
puntuación a toda la serie? 4.5.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This manga adaptation of the final book in the Cirque Du Freak series is almost more powerful than the book it is modelled on. The artwork perfectly conveys the final battle between the vampires and vampaneze, and helps give Shan's script even more punch than usual. The last few chapters are especially fantastic, and even brought a tear to my eye, despite having read the original novels many times before.

[edel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dat ending.
Everything I know is a lie.
As you can tell, I'm getting lazy with my reviews.
But. Seriously. Dat. Ending.

It was a surprising twist, of course. I know there are some people who express a lot of distaste over it or think it's a cop-out, but I thought it was clever. Really clever.

I didn't see that coming and I'm kinda cursing over the fact that I didn't see any of it... Damn.

[Rachel W · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAY! after all this time, i finally found the last four books!! took me 2 years! they didn't have e-copies, no online scans, no library books, none at any of the local stores. had to order it in eventually. i loved the original cirque du freak series, and i love manga, so what could be a better combo! they are awesome, though i will miss darren and all of his friends.

[Addysonpackomink]

Sons of Destiny was really emotional for me, it also haves some plot twists that make the story amazing. Story started with just a young child living a normal life who wanted to be like his dad (Dermot Shan) The young boy by the name of "Darren Shan" went to go to a Freak show with his best friend "Steve." It didn't go well when Darren got into a deal that he couldn't refuse. Darren had to become a vampire's assistant, the vampire's name was Mr. Crepsley. It was time of the vampires to have a meeting at Vampire Mountain. Darren has to prove himself worthy to the rest of the vampires if he wanted Mr. Crepsley to live and Darren ended up meeting his old best friend, Steve Leonard. Desmond Tiny also warned about the The Vampineze Lord which is a huge threat to Vampire kind. As Darren went to go fight with his friends by his side, he encountered Steve who identified himself as the Lord of Vampineze. Darren had no choice but to fight. Darren lost one his great best friends and refused to go to vampire mountain and while the vampires try to locate Steve. Soon Darren and Steve found each other fighting in his hometown. But Darren found Steve’s son who’s is also Annie’s son by the name of Darius, he was blooded by his father to turn him into a Vampineze. Soon Darren and Steve fought to the death alone while his friends fought off the other Vampineze but they both found out about Desmond Tiny was their father but Darren couldn’t finish off Steve as he was bleeding out but he made Steve finish Darren off, if one of them killed each other the other would become the destroyer of the world. Darren and Steve both died as they fell into the river and their souls got lost into the lake of souls. Soon Darren got pulled from the lake of souls by Evanna and both went to go see Desmond Tiny. Desmond would reincarnate Darren into a little person and made him go back to when him and Steve visited Circus Du Freak. Soon Darren found himself as a little person in different timeline or time to go stop himself from making a deal with Mr. Crepsley, Faking his death, as well as ruining his friendship with Steve. Darren soon prevented the incident from ever happening, Steve and Darren were still best friends in the end. Sorry for the spoilers.

[Brittany Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 12 of the Cirque du Freak manga, adapting Sons of Destiny, delivers a powerful and emotionally charged continuation of Darren Shan’s epic journey. Illustrated with dynamic intensity by Takahiro Arai, this volume expertly balances thrilling supernatural battles with deep explorations of fate, loyalty, and sacrifice, immersing readers in the escalating conflict between vampires and vampaneze.

Arai’s artwork is exceptional, capturing the raw emotion and fierce determination of the characters through expressive facial details and fluid action sequences. The use of shadow and contrast enriches the dark, foreboding atmosphere that permeates the story, while meticulously detailed backgrounds and character designs bring the supernatural world vividly to life. The panel layouts maintain a gripping pace that propels the narrative forward while allowing for poignant character moments.

The manga remains faithful to the novel’s core themes, delving into the intertwined destinies of Darren, his allies, and his enemies. Through visual storytelling, the volume deepens the emotional impact of the characters’ struggles, emphasising the weight of choices and the inevitability of fate in their war-torn world.

In conclusion, Volume 12 of the Cirque du Freak manga is a five-star instalment that combines breathtaking art with compelling narrative depth. It is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and supernatural drama, offering an unforgettable chapter that resonates with themes of destiny, loyalty, and sacrifice.

[Imogen Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are always a lot of highs and lows when finishing a long awaited book series. I tend to be a mixed bag of emotions judging how much I have enjoyed the series asking myself would I like to start reading the series again or recommend to a friend.

I heavily recommend any of Darren Shan's book to any friends who wants to start reading one of this book series. I would start from the beginning Cirque Du Freak being a vampire fan. Although the ending of Sons Of Destiny is a little bit clouded as I keep coming with alternative endings to Darren's final ending as I would treasure a happier meeting with Mr Crepsley again in his new life it would really bring a smile to many fans faces.

I enjoyed reading the manga version much better than I thought as Takahiro Arai's work is a amazing fit with the story line I loved his versions of all of the characters of Cirque Du Freak I definitely love Mr Tall and Mr Crepsley throughout the series not forgetting Evra the lovable snake boy. I miss reading the series all ready I think I start from book one again.

[M]

Re-read this after years (I think I'd read the whole manga run 4 or 5 times) and I overestimated my memory of what happens lol. There was a lot I didn't understand/remember (which is also why there's no rating).

That said, I remember how taken I was with this series when I was 13-14, and the story is just as gripping as it was then. It's all very well thought-through and though I don't love the ending I think it's true to the essence of the series. I'd actually forgotten the manga was based on novels, so I think next time I have a craving for this story I'll pick those up.

Amazing and tightly written manga though - if looking at giant manga runs (coughNarutocoughBleachcough) gives you the hives, this is where it's at.

[The Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shancus is dead. Steve has escaped. And Darius was blooded as a Vampaneze. The only path now is to attempt a reblooding, then to track down Steve and put an end to him.

The end of the story is nigh and Destiny awaits the outcome.

That ending though, I can’t go into detail or I’ll ruin it. It was definitely a bittersweet ending but fulfilling. And now I’m stuck in a book hangover.

A wonderful story full of twists and turns, danger and death, friends and enemies. And an ending you’ll never see coming. Best vampire story I’ve read in a long time.

This series has 12 volumes and is based on the Darren Shan novel series Cirque du Freak.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these books, but I didn't like the ending. I got the impression from the manga that Darren had loved the people he met (Gavner, Crepsley, snake-boy, all the friends he made,) and even though some of them died, I would have thought that he would have thought the good times and the adventures he had were worth all the pain he went through as a vampire. I didn't like how they had spent twelve books building up this world and the war, and at the end the solution to the problem was to erase everything. I want a real ending to the book.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book while on a trip and it had a recommendation from J. K. Rowling on the cover. It was actually better than I had anticipated. I was reading it solely to fulfill a reading challenge and since it was Volume 12 in a series, I had very low expectations. Abounding with vampires and vampaneze, vampets, and various other vampire related characters, it nonetheless offered some bit of entertainment to me as the reader. I do not plan on reading Volumes 1-11, but it was better than expected.

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending was kind if weird. But good series.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Carlos]

best books

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so sad that I have finished this series, it was such a joy to read.

[Brynja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm marking this down for the whole series. My friend recommended it to me.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well... there was a twist I didn't see coming but wasn't entirely surprised by...

I'm actually quite pleased with how this story all ended. I give props to Darren Shan for having an happy ending with some sacrifices. There was some creativity to the creation of this ending. It wasn't so cut and dry.

Now, to the twist ending... I mean, I always suspected Mr. Tiny was behind all of it. I mean, it wasn't difficult to tell just by looking at him. Not to mention during the moments he showed up and how he acted, it was obvious that in the end, he was the ultimate bad guy. However, I hadn't figured that Darren and Steve were actually his own children! I figured he just picked them out of the crowd because of who they were and could tell how their fates and destinies would go. However, I feel like making him his actual children was unnecessary... and if Mr. Tiny can see the future, how did he not see Darren's "betrayal" that he wouldn't blindly follow him.. ESPECIALLY since Darren was ALWAYS standoffish with Mr. Tiny? I mean, really... none of that should have been a surprise to Mr. Tiny. I also didn't understand Evanna's reasons for saving Darren and bringing him back to life... if what happened is just going to happen between two different people, why bother saving him? Or is that the point? Is she constantly stopping the cycle? Why save Darren if it's just going to happen all over again with someone new? It makes no sense to me.

Despite those criticisms, I really really enjoyed this series a lot. I don't really have any intentions of reading the original novels. I'm happy with the manga adaption. Darren Shan has a well done storyline and Takahiro Arai did a great job bringing it to life through his art. I definitely recommend checking this series out! It's an interesting take on the whole vampire thing. It brings something different to the craze. And there are some super fun characters :-)

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! -just finished... Such a great ending! I never saw these twists coming and don't know why. A great and emotional wrap-up to an amazing and well-thought out series!

[Myka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. This is it. I can't believe my 10+ relationship with this series is in a sense over. After catching up with the book series, the manga was a joy to read and rekindle my love for it. It gave me something to look forward to every once in a while. This and the entire manga adaptation as a whole is nothing short of one of the most amazing things that sucked me completely in and I am going to miss it terribly!

It hasn't been that long since I read the book, but the manga in general and specifically this volume just adds something that is almost impossible to do with just words. Takahiro Arai's artwork is absolutely spot on for this series.

There is stuff about the ending that still slightly bother me. The fact that the diaries Darren writes become the books, but it's very minor and doesn't change at all the overall experience for me.

For fun. My top 4 CdF characters:
1. Larten (duh)
2. Kurda
3. Darren
4. Gannen

And in the words of Mr. Shan...



And hope really really hard for a manga adaptation of Demonata.

[Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The point where Darren causes Steve to kill him, thus messing up Des Tiny’s plans, is one of my favourite moments in the series and is depicted well by Arai. As this is one of my favourite parts I obviously remembered it, what I did not remember however was the fact that Mr Tiny is actually Darren and Steve’s real father.
I love the front cover of the volume picturing Darren and Steve fighting the final fight and then back when they are children playing together again. It was great to see Darren go back into the past and get to see everyone again, particularly Crepsley.
This was a great end to the manga series that has done justice to Shan’s books.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The time has come: as the world teeters on the edge of destruction, the war of vampires climaxes, and friends fight for their lives against terrifying enemies, Darren faces his ultimate foe for the title of Lord of the Shadows - knowing that, win or lose, he will be leaving something behind. "Sons of Destiny" brings an epic series to a grandiose close with this dramatic finale that will have "Cirque Du Freak" fans freaking out until the last page. Shan and Akai deliver a thrilling end to a manga that will delight readers for sure!

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this BACK in middle school and was the 1st Manga I have ever read before and was LITERALLY what got me into reading PERIOD.
Vol. 9 was the first time i have ever cried when reading something...
I love all the characters. I have never read the books because in my mind I don't understand how it could ever be better than this version from Arai Takahiro.
I LOVE THIS MANGA
THIS IS IN MY TOP 5 MANGA EVER I CAN'T GUSH ABOUT IT ENOUGH

[Mitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been reading this series for a year now and none of the books disappointed me and it was recommended to me from my brother. With the final battle with his former friend, now his greatest enemy, approaching Darren now has to prepare to kill Steve. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books because it is my favorite series of books.

[Miguel Amador · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the final book of cirque Du freak by Darren Shan i think is a unanumous graphic novel for young adults because it shows a lot of action which i personaly like. Mostly the thing i like about the book is because of the drama which sad deaths in order to complete something which also makes up to an awsome ending of who wins the war and who dies in it.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading the graphic novels of this series, it brought everything back to me. I also found the drawings of the characters fitted my idea of what they looked like in my head. I recommend this if you have read and loved the books.