What do you think?
Rate this book
The Saga of Larten Crepsley #3
Palace of the Damned
Before Madame Octa...
Before the Cirque...
Before Darren Shan...
Larten Crepsley was a young man.
After failing his mentor and killing the entire crew of a ship in a bout of revenge for the death of his assistant, Larten is bereft with guilt. He no longer has the drive to live the vampiric life, and hides out in Paris, masquerading as a human. There, he finds some happiness, even falling in love with a girl. But the darkness inside him is too great for humanity, and he is forced to make a hide in the shadows of the human world, or take his place among the vampire clan and protect those weaker than himself. But enemies are waiting, traps are laid, and Larten's path is bound to be strewn with bodies.
This is his story.
Before the Cirque...
Before Darren Shan...
Larten Crepsley was a young man.
After failing his mentor and killing the entire crew of a ship in a bout of revenge for the death of his assistant, Larten is bereft with guilt. He no longer has the drive to live the vampiric life, and hides out in Paris, masquerading as a human. There, he finds some happiness, even falling in love with a girl. But the darkness inside him is too great for humanity, and he is forced to make a hide in the shadows of the human world, or take his place among the vampire clan and protect those weaker than himself. But enemies are waiting, traps are laid, and Larten's path is bound to be strewn with bodies.
This is his story.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
92 people are currently reading
2841 people want to read
About the author
Darren Shan
243 books8,271 followersLibrarian'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..
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..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
June 21, 2023
۴.۵
-این بهتره که از یکی که دوستش داشتی صدمه ببینی؛ تا اینکه کلا ندونی دوست داشتن چیه:))))
-این بهتره که از یکی که دوستش داشتی صدمه ببینی؛ تا اینکه کلا ندونی دوست داشتن چیه:))))
August 24, 2021
از دو کتاب ابتدایی جذاب تر بود ولی همچنان ترجمه پر از مشکل...(مترجم خانم فرزانه کریمی انتشارات قدیانی چاپ دوم ۱۳۹۲)
نه تنها مشکل ممیزی و تغییرات بی جا و عجیب بلکه متاسفانه گاهاً اشتباه در ترجمه!
سه نمونه برای مثال:
The second he saw her:
ترجمه در متن: همان بار دوم که به او نگاه کرده بود!
It took you long enough to notice:
ترجمه در متن: به اندازه کافی نگاه کردید!
He thought the Prince had a rash and mentioned it to him:
ترجمه در متن: فکر کرد پاریس عجله کرده و با او تماس گرفته است!!!!!!
از نظر بنده بزرگترین پیامد که این اتفاق بی اعتمادی به مترجم و ناتوانی در لذت بردن از کتاب است...
نه تنها مشکل ممیزی و تغییرات بی جا و عجیب بلکه متاسفانه گاهاً اشتباه در ترجمه!
سه نمونه برای مثال:
The second he saw her:
ترجمه در متن: همان بار دوم که به او نگاه کرده بود!
It took you long enough to notice:
ترجمه در متن: به اندازه کافی نگاه کردید!
He thought the Prince had a rash and mentioned it to him:
ترجمه در متن: فکر کرد پاریس عجله کرده و با او تماس گرفته است!!!!!!
از نظر بنده بزرگترین پیامد که این اتفاق بی اعتمادی به مترجم و ناتوانی در لذت بردن از کتاب است...
October 9, 2024
Volume 3 of the Saga of Larten Crepsley and vampires aren't such bad chaps after all - and it seems most of them, but not all, are male. The story opens in the icy wastes of Greenland with Larten carrying baby Gavner to an almost certain doom. First he clashes with a polar bear, which leads to the question: who will win a fight between a frost-bitten vampire and a hungry female polar bear protecting its young? Well, the story is about vampires so that's not much of a spoiler. The unlucky bear provides Larten with a fur coat and raw meat to keep him going, and the partially digested contents of the beast's stomach more or less works as baby-food for Gavner. They plod on until they come across the long lost ice tomb of the vampire hero Perta Vin-Grahl.
It's a nice opening, though the relevance of the tomb other than as a place of refuge from the freezing wind, escaped me. Larten and Gavner aren't there long and then, suddenly, we're into Part Two and everyone has moved to Paris in 1906 and Larten has fallen in love with the non-vampire Alicia. While Larten was tearing the polar bear into bloody fragments, and during some later periods in which acts of violence dominate, I could see why this is a YA book. However, with Alicia, whom Larten later marries, the novel drifts into a romanticism on the border of adult sentiment. I even felt at one point that Larten was going to go all Proustian and have a madeleine moment sniffing his hip flask of human blood. It's very sweet and gentle and though the love story collapses into a frenzy of vampiric anger when Larten's old-time friend Tanish Eul bites the wrong girl and kills her, it re-emerges later to come to a poignant conclusion. The end of Volume 3, that is. Larten and the now moodily adolescent Gavner are left as not the best of friends.
An enjoyable read and with not so much blood as one might expect from a vampire novel. Vampires rarely bite to kill - apparently. They are not unlike vampire bats in the real world. They suck only as much blood as they need and anaesthetize the wound with their saliva. It's the vampaneze who are the uncontrollable delinquents of vampiredom. They deserve a book of their own and I am sure if Mr. Shan hasn't already written one, he will.
It's a nice opening, though the relevance of the tomb other than as a place of refuge from the freezing wind, escaped me. Larten and Gavner aren't there long and then, suddenly, we're into Part Two and everyone has moved to Paris in 1906 and Larten has fallen in love with the non-vampire Alicia. While Larten was tearing the polar bear into bloody fragments, and during some later periods in which acts of violence dominate, I could see why this is a YA book. However, with Alicia, whom Larten later marries, the novel drifts into a romanticism on the border of adult sentiment. I even felt at one point that Larten was going to go all Proustian and have a madeleine moment sniffing his hip flask of human blood. It's very sweet and gentle and though the love story collapses into a frenzy of vampiric anger when Larten's old-time friend Tanish Eul bites the wrong girl and kills her, it re-emerges later to come to a poignant conclusion. The end of Volume 3, that is. Larten and the now moodily adolescent Gavner are left as not the best of friends.
An enjoyable read and with not so much blood as one might expect from a vampire novel. Vampires rarely bite to kill - apparently. They are not unlike vampire bats in the real world. They suck only as much blood as they need and anaesthetize the wound with their saliva. It's the vampaneze who are the uncontrollable delinquents of vampiredom. They deserve a book of their own and I am sure if Mr. Shan hasn't already written one, he will.
April 30, 2015
جلد سوم هم خوب بود.درد عذاب وجدان و نبخشیدن خود نسبتا خوب به تصویر کشیده شده بود.
بخشی از کتاب که برام قابل تامل بود رو هم در ادامه می آرم:
لارتن صادقانه گفت:« و من خیلی خیلی قدرش را می دانم. اما چرا نجاتِ من؟ از میان همه ی کسانی که لب چنین پرتگاهی پایشان می لغزد، چرا من را باید عقب بکشید؟»
آقای تَینی شانه بالا انداخت:«این سرنوشت تو بوده.»
لارتن به نشانه ی مخالفت سر تکان داد:« سرنوشت من این بود که سقوط کنم.شما عوضش کردید.»
آقای تَینی گفت:«من کردم؟» چشم هایش برق زدند. «شاید سرنوشت من این بوده که تو را نجات بدهم. در این صورت، سرنوشت واقعی تو همین بوده، نه مرگ.» آقای تَینی به قیافه سردرگم لارتن خندید. «ممکن است سرنوشت مثل یک معمای پیچیده به نظر بیاید، اما ته وجودش ساده است. "نزدیک بود از دست برود" ها و "ممکن بود وجود داشته باشد"ها چیزی غیر از سایه های سرنوشت نیستند. توی زندگی، هر کسی فقط یک راه پیش رو دارد. تو فکر می کردی که کارِت اینجا تمام می شود.اشتباه می کردی.»
قصر مردگان حماسه کرپسلی۳ صفحه ۴۰-۴۱
بخشی از کتاب که برام قابل تامل بود رو هم در ادامه می آرم:
لارتن صادقانه گفت:« و من خیلی خیلی قدرش را می دانم. اما چرا نجاتِ من؟ از میان همه ی کسانی که لب چنین پرتگاهی پایشان می لغزد، چرا من را باید عقب بکشید؟»
آقای تَینی شانه بالا انداخت:«این سرنوشت تو بوده.»
لارتن به نشانه ی مخالفت سر تکان داد:« سرنوشت من این بود که سقوط کنم.شما عوضش کردید.»
آقای تَینی گفت:«من کردم؟» چشم هایش برق زدند. «شاید سرنوشت من این بوده که تو را نجات بدهم. در این صورت، سرنوشت واقعی تو همین بوده، نه مرگ.» آقای تَینی به قیافه سردرگم لارتن خندید. «ممکن است سرنوشت مثل یک معمای پیچیده به نظر بیاید، اما ته وجودش ساده است. "نزدیک بود از دست برود" ها و "ممکن بود وجود داشته باشد"ها چیزی غیر از سایه های سرنوشت نیستند. توی زندگی، هر کسی فقط یک راه پیش رو دارد. تو فکر می کردی که کارِت اینجا تمام می شود.اشتباه می کردی.»
قصر مردگان حماسه کرپسلی۳ صفحه ۴۰-۴۱
December 2, 2020
در جبهۀ جبری باسمهای
قسمتِ سوم از چهارگانۀ «حماسۀ کرپسلی» دارن شان به شرحِ وقایعِ زندگیِ «لارتن کرپسلی» پس از دورانِ بهاصطلاح «تولگی» وی تا تبدیل شدنِ وی به یکی از ژنرالهایِ قبیلۀ اشباح میپردازد. ضربآهنگِ داستان نسبت به دو قسمتی قبلی کمی کندتر شده است و با این حال همچنان پرشهایِ زمانیِ بلند گاهی باعثِ گسستگیِ رشتۀ افکارِ خواننده (از حیثِ لذّت بردن از دستان و نه گم کردنِ خطّ آن) میشود.
فصلِ اوّلِ کتاب به ازجانگذشتگی و نومیدیِ لارتن و تصمیمِ خطرناکی که در انتهایِ آن پس از کشفِ قصرِ مردگان میگیرد میپردازد. تصمیمِ وی با وجودِ مسئولیّتی که برایِ حفاظت از کودکی که بههمراهِ وی است حاکی از عدمِ ثباتِ شخصیّتی وی است. ممکن است که این تصمیمات بهخاطرِ سرخوردگیهایِ دورانِ تولگیِ وی بوده باشد و یا اینکه همانطور که صریحاً نیز به آن اشاره میشود، حادثۀ کشتی و عدمِ تواناییِ وی برایِ بخشیدنِ خودش منجر به اتّخاذِ چنین تصمیمی شده باشد که در هر دو صورت مذموم است؛ امّا ظاهراً نویسنده به چنین اخلاقیّاتی اعتنا نداشته و حتّی گامِ خود را فراتر گذاشته و شخصیّتِ اصلیِ خود را به قعرِ هلاکتِ مبنایی میکشاند. تقدیری که سبب میشود شخصیّتِ اصلیِ داستان در داستان ادامۀ حیات دهد، کمی بزرگنما شده و البتّه بیپیرنگ به داستان وارد میشود. چراکه تا قبل از آن از تاریخِ کلّیِ «دیسموند تینی» چیزِ زیادی به خواننده ارائه نشده است، چه برسد به جزئیّاتِ شخصیّتی و یا اهدافِ سلبی و یا ایجابی. این جبرگرایی (خواسته یا ناخواسته) سببِ بیاعتمادیِ خواننده به آنچه در ادامه از تصمیمگیریهایِ شخصیّتی خواهد دید منجر میشود. این جبرگرایی یک جبرگراییِ تحمیلشده به مخاطب است برایِ اینکه آمادگیِ هرگونه نقضِ شخصیّتی، رفتاری و یا روابطِ علّتومعلولی را داشته باشد، نه نوعی از تقدیرگرایی که در فردی چون «تال» بهخوبی درآمده است.
با این همه، آنچه در ادامۀ کتاب برایِ نگهداری از کودک و یا رفتار با او برایِ فرار از جفایی که در حقّ او شده است، کمی از لحاظِ عقلانی رنگ میبازد. ورودِ «الیشیا» به داستان یکی از همان شتابزدگیهایی است که داستان را از قوّت انداخته است و خواننده را به اجبار به سمتِ مقصودِ نویسنده میکشاند.
وقف کردنِ لارتن خود را برایِ تعالیِ آرمانهایِ قبیله و تبدیل شدن به ژنرال از طرفی یکی از نقاطِ مثبتِ کتاب است که البتّه بیشتر از وقایعِ قمستِ قبلی تغذیه میگردد و نه نیمۀ اوّلِ همین کتاب. با این حال اتّفاقاتی که برایِ شبحِ مجرمِ بریده از قبیله «تانیش یول» میافتد بیشتر به تحریبِ شخصیّتیِ وی دامن میزند و نه محوِ خطوطِ صفرویکی در شخصیّتپردازی. درست است که ممکن است اشباح خطاکار از کار دربیایند؛ امّا جنایتی که تانیش یول مرتکبِ آن میشود، نحوۀ پرداخت به آن و روابطّ علّتومعلولیِ آن (برایِ مثال ترس از شبحوارۀ قاتل، عرضۀ لارتن به مرگ و روانه کردنِ اتّهامها بهسویِ او) چیزی نیست که از شخصیّتِ ارائهشدۀ تانیش یول برداشت شود. تانیش یول یک شبحِ خوشگذرانِ بیاعتنا به قبیله است، و نه الزاماً یک شبحِ جانی برایِ بقایِ خوشگذرانیِ خود. دیگر اینکه این حوادث در مواردی به دنیایِ خیالیِ نویسنده از اشباح و وضعِ روابطِ حاکم بر آن خللهایی وارد میکند که از دیدِ نویسندۀ تیزبین مخفی نمیماند.
قسمتِ سوم از چهارگانۀ «حماسۀ کرپسلی» دارن شان به شرحِ وقایعِ زندگیِ «لارتن کرپسلی» پس از دورانِ بهاصطلاح «تولگی» وی تا تبدیل شدنِ وی به یکی از ژنرالهایِ قبیلۀ اشباح میپردازد. ضربآهنگِ داستان نسبت به دو قسمتی قبلی کمی کندتر شده است و با این حال همچنان پرشهایِ زمانیِ بلند گاهی باعثِ گسستگیِ رشتۀ افکارِ خواننده (از حیثِ لذّت بردن از دستان و نه گم کردنِ خطّ آن) میشود.
فصلِ اوّلِ کتاب به ازجانگذشتگی و نومیدیِ لارتن و تصمیمِ خطرناکی که در انتهایِ آن پس از کشفِ قصرِ مردگان میگیرد میپردازد. تصمیمِ وی با وجودِ مسئولیّتی که برایِ حفاظت از کودکی که بههمراهِ وی است حاکی از عدمِ ثباتِ شخصیّتی وی است. ممکن است که این تصمیمات بهخاطرِ سرخوردگیهایِ دورانِ تولگیِ وی بوده باشد و یا اینکه همانطور که صریحاً نیز به آن اشاره میشود، حادثۀ کشتی و عدمِ تواناییِ وی برایِ بخشیدنِ خودش منجر به اتّخاذِ چنین تصمیمی شده باشد که در هر دو صورت مذموم است؛ امّا ظاهراً نویسنده به چنین اخلاقیّاتی اعتنا نداشته و حتّی گامِ خود را فراتر گذاشته و شخصیّتِ اصلیِ خود را به قعرِ هلاکتِ مبنایی میکشاند. تقدیری که سبب میشود شخصیّتِ اصلیِ داستان در داستان ادامۀ حیات دهد، کمی بزرگنما شده و البتّه بیپیرنگ به داستان وارد میشود. چراکه تا قبل از آن از تاریخِ کلّیِ «دیسموند تینی» چیزِ زیادی به خواننده ارائه نشده است، چه برسد به جزئیّاتِ شخصیّتی و یا اهدافِ سلبی و یا ایجابی. این جبرگرایی (خواسته یا ناخواسته) سببِ بیاعتمادیِ خواننده به آنچه در ادامه از تصمیمگیریهایِ شخصیّتی خواهد دید منجر میشود. این جبرگرایی یک جبرگراییِ تحمیلشده به مخاطب است برایِ اینکه آمادگیِ هرگونه نقضِ شخصیّتی، رفتاری و یا روابطِ علّتومعلولی را داشته باشد، نه نوعی از تقدیرگرایی که در فردی چون «تال» بهخوبی درآمده است.
با این همه، آنچه در ادامۀ کتاب برایِ نگهداری از کودک و یا رفتار با او برایِ فرار از جفایی که در حقّ او شده است، کمی از لحاظِ عقلانی رنگ میبازد. ورودِ «الیشیا» به داستان یکی از همان شتابزدگیهایی است که داستان را از قوّت انداخته است و خواننده را به اجبار به سمتِ مقصودِ نویسنده میکشاند.
وقف کردنِ لارتن خود را برایِ تعالیِ آرمانهایِ قبیله و تبدیل شدن به ژنرال از طرفی یکی از نقاطِ مثبتِ کتاب است که البتّه بیشتر از وقایعِ قمستِ قبلی تغذیه میگردد و نه نیمۀ اوّلِ همین کتاب. با این حال اتّفاقاتی که برایِ شبحِ مجرمِ بریده از قبیله «تانیش یول» میافتد بیشتر به تحریبِ شخصیّتیِ وی دامن میزند و نه محوِ خطوطِ صفرویکی در شخصیّتپردازی. درست است که ممکن است اشباح خطاکار از کار دربیایند؛ امّا جنایتی که تانیش یول مرتکبِ آن میشود، نحوۀ پرداخت به آن و روابطّ علّتومعلولیِ آن (برایِ مثال ترس از شبحوارۀ قاتل، عرضۀ لارتن به مرگ و روانه کردنِ اتّهامها بهسویِ او) چیزی نیست که از شخصیّتِ ارائهشدۀ تانیش یول برداشت شود. تانیش یول یک شبحِ خوشگذرانِ بیاعتنا به قبیله است، و نه الزاماً یک شبحِ جانی برایِ بقایِ خوشگذرانیِ خود. دیگر اینکه این حوادث در مواردی به دنیایِ خیالیِ نویسنده از اشباح و وضعِ روابطِ حاکم بر آن خللهایی وارد میکند که از دیدِ نویسندۀ تیزبین مخفی نمیماند.
March 12, 2020
Review on BookLover
In the third book of his Saga, Larten grows quite a lot. He's got a baby to take care of, one he doesn't wish to be the father of. And, as he meets an old friend, Larten seems to find a life of peace. Or so he thinks, before all goes to Hell (or, better, to the Lake of Souls!).
As I said before, the Larten Crepsley books are a bit more mature than the Darren Shan saga. I'm sure a lot depends on the fact Larten's books are directed towards older readers, but I am also certain that it depends on the protagonist too.
In this third book, Larten mostly struggles in the Human world and finally finds his place in the Vampire world; he faces feelings of Love and Loss, he finds himself in hard places. And yet, he also finds his true family, and old characters we have learned to love in the Darren Shan saga reappear here to be a huge part of Larten's life.
This book, in particular, features my favourite character of the original Saga, and we get to know so much about him! I'm talking about Gavner Purl, of course. I don't want to spoiler anything, but I'm gonna say this: the final pages of this volume are now my favourite of the year. I do not care we're only in March. They win.
Speaking of characters... A lot of them we've met already. Vancha, Seba, Arra, Arrow, Mika, Evanna... We have the pleasure (or displeasure, depends if you like the character or not) to meet them in the past and see how they have evolved and how they became who they are in the Darren Shan Saga.
I was mostly pleased with the Arrow arc myself: this is the Vampire Prince we've had less information on in all the books, and in the original Saga he looks so... stoic. Here, we manage to see emotions. We get to see what makes him Human. Vampire. You understood, c'mon.
I also really like Arra. As always, she's got her priorities in check and has no time for lovebirds coming her way when she's got stuff to do. Go, Arra. Be the Vampire Princess we always deserved and never got.
But I have to say: I'm "angry" at the author this round.
This book contains one of my favourite scenes, concerning Seba and Larten. And I can't believe for the life of me that the author made Larten say the F-word (No, not the bad word) to Seba, and we didn't get a similar scene between Darren and Larten. I am extremely disappointed, here. Also gonna throw it in here, but Darren should've called Seba "grandpa" at least once. Don't fight me on this, I am right.
Speaking of style and language, I think, as a non-native English speaker, this is an accessible book. Okay, maybe you have to be at least a B1-level, but it's readable. I want to compare his children's books to his adult books and see how I feel.
Anyways, I got to the point that when I make games where someone has to guess what book I'm reading currently, they just go with "A Darren Shan one". Unfortunately, it's not always the case, but it says a lot about me raving about this author's books with my friends!
In the third book of his Saga, Larten grows quite a lot. He's got a baby to take care of, one he doesn't wish to be the father of. And, as he meets an old friend, Larten seems to find a life of peace. Or so he thinks, before all goes to Hell (or, better, to the Lake of Souls!).
As I said before, the Larten Crepsley books are a bit more mature than the Darren Shan saga. I'm sure a lot depends on the fact Larten's books are directed towards older readers, but I am also certain that it depends on the protagonist too.
In this third book, Larten mostly struggles in the Human world and finally finds his place in the Vampire world; he faces feelings of Love and Loss, he finds himself in hard places. And yet, he also finds his true family, and old characters we have learned to love in the Darren Shan saga reappear here to be a huge part of Larten's life.
This book, in particular, features my favourite character of the original Saga, and we get to know so much about him! I'm talking about Gavner Purl, of course. I don't want to spoiler anything, but I'm gonna say this: the final pages of this volume are now my favourite of the year. I do not care we're only in March. They win.
Speaking of characters... A lot of them we've met already. Vancha, Seba, Arra, Arrow, Mika, Evanna... We have the pleasure (or displeasure, depends if you like the character or not) to meet them in the past and see how they have evolved and how they became who they are in the Darren Shan Saga.
I was mostly pleased with the Arrow arc myself: this is the Vampire Prince we've had less information on in all the books, and in the original Saga he looks so... stoic. Here, we manage to see emotions. We get to see what makes him Human. Vampire. You understood, c'mon.
I also really like Arra. As always, she's got her priorities in check and has no time for lovebirds coming her way when she's got stuff to do. Go, Arra. Be the Vampire Princess we always deserved and never got.
But I have to say: I'm "angry" at the author this round.
This book contains one of my favourite scenes, concerning Seba and Larten. And I can't believe for the life of me that the author made Larten say the F-word (No, not the bad word) to Seba, and we didn't get a similar scene between Darren and Larten. I am extremely disappointed, here. Also gonna throw it in here, but Darren should've called Seba "grandpa" at least once. Don't fight me on this, I am right.
Speaking of style and language, I think, as a non-native English speaker, this is an accessible book. Okay, maybe you have to be at least a B1-level, but it's readable. I want to compare his children's books to his adult books and see how I feel.
Anyways, I got to the point that when I make games where someone has to guess what book I'm reading currently, they just go with "A Darren Shan one". Unfortunately, it's not always the case, but it says a lot about me raving about this author's books with my friends!
November 25, 2018
I'll review the series properly when I finish the last one but I am really impressed with the way these books are written!
April 11, 2025
this one was pretty good! it was fun to see larten’s love story play out and arra’s introduction as a vampire was fun. insane cliffhanger to end on if you read this before the original series. excited to see how the last one goes, but also sad to leave this world
January 20, 2014
Larten is at rock bottom when he flees the ship with the baby, escaping to Greenland where he plans to let himself die. He discovers a legendary vampire palace and his life is saved by Desmond Tiny who indicates that he has an important future ahead of him.
Having his life saved by the creepy thing that is Desmond Tiny sends fear through Larten, as does the responsibility of being father to the baby, now named Gavner. It was interesting to see his true connection to Larten after him being one of my favourites in the SODS. This back story was interesting though I always find it harder to engage with books set in France for some reason. I found the love story a bit slow in places but it didn't spoil the book in any way and you know it is going to be important for the continued development of Larten's character. Having Larten guilt ridden and longing to atone for his sins adds another interesting dimension to his character.
The slimy Tanish is back and you just want to yell at Larten not to get involved with him because you know it is going to end badly. Tanish, of course, lives up to his reputation as a coward and destroys Larten's hopes for a happy life. You also long for Larten to just give Gavner a damn hug and warn him that Uncle Tanish is evil!
This book is set against the backdrop of WW1, a type of warfare that shocks the vampire race and they stay well clear, no longer looking for entertainment from it. I think this reaction from the monsters says a lot about humanity and their desire to destroy everything.
Another enjoyable book in the series and I will be looking forward to book 4!
Having his life saved by the creepy thing that is Desmond Tiny sends fear through Larten, as does the responsibility of being father to the baby, now named Gavner. It was interesting to see his true connection to Larten after him being one of my favourites in the SODS. This back story was interesting though I always find it harder to engage with books set in France for some reason. I found the love story a bit slow in places but it didn't spoil the book in any way and you know it is going to be important for the continued development of Larten's character. Having Larten guilt ridden and longing to atone for his sins adds another interesting dimension to his character.
The slimy Tanish is back and you just want to yell at Larten not to get involved with him because you know it is going to end badly. Tanish, of course, lives up to his reputation as a coward and destroys Larten's hopes for a happy life. You also long for Larten to just give Gavner a damn hug and warn him that Uncle Tanish is evil!
This book is set against the backdrop of WW1, a type of warfare that shocks the vampire race and they stay well clear, no longer looking for entertainment from it. I think this reaction from the monsters says a lot about humanity and their desire to destroy everything.
Another enjoyable book in the series and I will be looking forward to book 4!
May 29, 2018
"روحت حتما راهی بهشت می شود "
آغاز کتاب خسته کننده بود یا حداقل من اینجور فکر می کنم . هیچ وقت از ماجراهایی که توی کولاک و برف رخ میده خوشم نمیاد چون نویسنده غیر از توصیف شدت سرما و سختی حرکت و کم شدن دامنه دید و... چیز دیگه ای واسه توصیف نداره اما تجربه ثابت کرده همه نویسنده ها حداقل یکبار این فضا رو توصیف می کنند .
کرخی داستان رو دیسموند تینی از بین برد . با حضور به هنگام و ناگهانیش . پیرمردی که با توصیفات کتاب به نظر نمیاد خیلی پیر به نظر برسه و همیشه همه ماجرا ها زیر سر اونه .
بعد از این ماجرا روند داستان خوب بود . توصیف حالات لارتن خیلی خوب در اومده بود .
و چند فصل آخر روند بسیار سریعتری داشت . و آخر کتاب با یک تعلیق خوب تموم شد .
توی این کتاب دارن تنفرش از جنگ رو با توصیفات خوبی نشون داد . و نکته جالب توجه این بود که توی این مجموعه دارن به مکان ها و تاریخ های واقعی اشاره میکنه . خیلی زیاد . کاری که توی مجموعه قصه های سرزمین اشباح از اون سر باز میزد .
همیشه فکر می کردم وقتی کتابی رو بخونی و آخرش رو بدونی نمیتونی ازش لذت ببری . اما دارن شان با این مجموعه نشون داد که گرچه نمیشه به طور کامل لذت برد ، اما میشه داستان رو دوست داشت .
آغاز کتاب خسته کننده بود یا حداقل من اینجور فکر می کنم . هیچ وقت از ماجراهایی که توی کولاک و برف رخ میده خوشم نمیاد چون نویسنده غیر از توصیف شدت سرما و سختی حرکت و کم شدن دامنه دید و... چیز دیگه ای واسه توصیف نداره اما تجربه ثابت کرده همه نویسنده ها حداقل یکبار این فضا رو توصیف می کنند .
کرخی داستان رو دیسموند تینی از بین برد . با حضور به هنگام و ناگهانیش . پیرمردی که با توصیفات کتاب به نظر نمیاد خیلی پیر به نظر برسه و همیشه همه ماجرا ها زیر سر اونه .
بعد از این ماجرا روند داستان خوب بود . توصیف حالات لارتن خیلی خوب در اومده بود .
و چند فصل آخر روند بسیار سریعتری داشت . و آخر کتاب با یک تعلیق خوب تموم شد .
توی این کتاب دارن تنفرش از جنگ رو با توصیفات خوبی نشون داد . و نکته جالب توجه این بود که توی این مجموعه دارن به مکان ها و تاریخ های واقعی اشاره میکنه . خیلی زیاد . کاری که توی مجموعه قصه های سرزمین اشباح از اون سر باز میزد .
همیشه فکر می کردم وقتی کتابی رو بخونی و آخرش رو بدونی نمیتونی ازش لذت ببری . اما دارن شان با این مجموعه نشون داد که گرچه نمیشه به طور کامل لذت برد ، اما میشه داستان رو دوست داشت .
April 30, 2019
"Vandžo?"
"Pro tebe pane Vandžo, s dovolením." Pak ale zamrkal, odplivl si na područku trůnu, hlučně si uprdl a zazubil se. "Vsadím se, že tohle jsi nečekal!"
:D
"Pro tebe pane Vandžo, s dovolením." Pak ale zamrkal, odplivl si na područku trůnu, hlučně si uprdl a zazubil se. "Vsadím se, že tohle jsi nečekal!"
:D
January 14, 2012
3,5
_______________________
An Larten Crepsleys Händen klebt Blut. Nicht weil er ein Vampir ist, sondern weil er in einem Anflug von Wahnsinn, Trauer und Wut über den Tod seiner Assistentin Malora eine komplette Schiffsmannschaft und die restlichen Passagiere regelrecht schlachtete. Nur einen kleinen Jungen verschonte er, ein Baby. Dieses Kind ist es auch, das er mit auf die Insel aus Eis nimmt – Grönland, wie wir später feststellen werden. Dort möchte er es keineswegs aufziehen, sondern jemanden finden, der für es sorgt oder aber eine Höhle, in der er das Kind der Natur überlassen kann, ohne dass wilde Tiere sich später an dessen Leiche gütlich tun. Er selber will sich in Kämpfe stürzen, bis sein Gegner endlich der Gewinner ist.
Dass es dazu nicht kommen wird, ist klar, aber dass ausgerechnet der geheimnisvolle und bösartige Mr. Tiny sich einmischt, ist verstörend. Das Schicksal hat wohl noch einiges vor mit Larten, und wenn Mr. Tiny sich persönlich dafür einsetzt, heißt das nichts Gutes.
Jahre später hat Larten sich in Paris als Vur Horston ein neues Leben aufgebaut, samt Partnerin und Kind. Doch die Frau, die er liebt, weiß nichts von seinem eigentlichen Wesen und dem Kind ist er kein Vater, da er doch einst selbst dessen eigentliche Eltern tötete. Trotzdem waren es gute Jahre – nur mittlerweile genug davon, schließlich will sich das Schicksal auch mal wieder amüsieren.
Ihr glaubt nicht, wie unglaublich froh ich bin! Perfekt war zwar auch dieses Buch wieder nicht, aber nach dem enttäuschenden zweiten Band geht es endlich wieder in die richtige Richtung. So will ich meinen Shan haben! Nur noch ein bisschen konstanter und dann bin ich vollauf zufrieden.
Was natürlich wie in den vorherigen Bänden eine Rolle spielt und mir auch hier wieder sehr viel Spaß gemacht hat, ist das Auftauchen einiger Charaktere. Nicht unbedingt die Fürsten oder Seba Nile – die gehören längst schon wieder zum Ensemble hinzu. Andere wiederum finden erst ihren Weg in Lartens Leben und am meisten davon hat mich wohl der überrascht, der von der ersten Seite an dabei ist. Was nicht heißt, dass bei anderen keine unerwarteten Verbindungen auftauchen, im Gegenteil. Am meisten hab ich mich aber – und ich denke, das kann ich verraten – über Arra Sails gefreut. Mal ganz unter uns: Das war gleich der nächste Pluspunkt für das Buch!
Ansonsten unterscheidet es sich aber ein bisschen von seinen Vorgängern. Da wäre zum einen die Tatsache, dass es nahtlos an Band 2 anschließt, was nichts Übliches bei Darren Shan ist. Zum anderen ist das Buch nicht so extrem zerstückelt wie beispielsweise Band 2. Zwar gibt’s auch hier wieder Passagen, zwischen denen Jahre liegen, aber dieses Mal hatte ich nicht das Gefühl, dass mir dadurch wichtige Informationen durch die Lappen gehen. Das mag auch daran liegen, dass wir uns immer mehr dem Larten nähern, den wir aus der Darren-Shan-Saga kennen – das Gefühl ihn zu kennen ist bereits da und da muss nicht alles en detail geschildert werden. Außerdem sind die Passagen dazwischen zusammenhängend und kontinuierlich, sowohl was die Umgebung als auch die Charaktere angeht. Und das über die Kapitel hinweg! So bietet sich ein Ganzes an und keine Aneinanderreihung von verschiedenen Szenen – unnötig zu erwähnen, dass sich das viel schöner lesen lässt, oder?
Außerdem ist dies, glaube ich, das erste Mal, dass der Autor uns tatsächlich konkrete Jahreszahlen und Orte liefert. Ansonsten ist das alles ja immer ein bisschen schwammig gewesen – in beiden Buchreihen – und auch wenn irgendwie klar war, dass das Ganze in Europa stattfindet und zum Beispiel Darren in Zeiten moderner Technik geboren wurde, so gab es nie konkrete Daten. Nun aber wissen wir genau, dass er in Paris ist, dass er zu einem Zeitpunkt im Jahre 1906 lebt und dass später der erste Weltkrieg tobt – erfrischend anders für Mr. Shans Verhältnisse, weswegen es mich auch so gefreut hat.
Und trotzdem. Trotzdem, trotzdem, trotzdem. Manchmal musste ich mich ernsthaft fragen, wo der rote Faden hin verschwunden ist, auch wenn ich mich beim Lesen nie gelangweilt habe. Mal abgesehen davon, dass manch Sache regelrecht unlogisch wirkte: Wenn zum Beispiel erwähnt wird, dass Paris Larten und Vancha mental den Weg weisen kann. Vielleicht lässt mich einfach mein Gedächtnis im Stich, aber konnte über diese Verbindung – wenn sie zugelassen wird! – nur der Anwender den Standort des anderen erfahren? Von Kommunikation war, soweit ich mich erinnern kann, nie die Rede. Aber vielleicht ist das auch nur so ein Fürstending, das ich schlichtweg vergessen habe.
Wenn Larten aber jemanden retten muss, weiß, dass es schon zu spät sein kann und eigentlich jede Minute zählt, und er trotzdem monatelang an einem Ort verweilt, dann hat das nichts mit meinem Erinnerungsvermögen zu tun, wenn ich deswegen leicht irritiert bin. Das war zum Glück aber auch der „schlimmste Moment“, über den ich nicht glücklich bin, den ich aber verschmerzen kann. Ein bisschen.
Etwas zweifelhaft wirkte auch das Ende auf mich. Es ist ein Cliffhanger, andererseits aber auch nicht. Wenn man die Darren-Shan-Saga gelesen hat – und meiner Meinung nach lohnt sich die Larten-Crepsley-Saga nur dann –, weiß man sowieso, wie die Situation ausgeht. Und selbst wenn man Neuling ist, reicht es, die kurze Leseprobe für Band 4 zu lesen, was in fünf Minuten erledigt ist. Da wird der Ausgang auch verraten – allerdings deutet das Ende hier auf ein paar neue, aufregende Fakten hin, die für mich das perfekte Ende für Band 3 gewesen wären. Ich kann Band 4 nun jedenfalls kaum mehr erwarten – ein Gefühl, das ich nach Band 2 leider nicht hatte und umso schöner ist es jetzt.
Shan’s back! Ein bisschen besser kann und soll es ruhig noch werden, aber wir sind wieder auf dem richtigen Weg. Das Buch bietet sich als Ganzes dar, ist spannend, lustig und überraschend und für Fans auch endlich wieder sowas wie ein Muss – zumindest fast. An mancher Stelle geht ein bisschen die Logik abhanden, aber trotzdem lässt sich dieses Buch gut genießen – sehr beruhigend, wenn ihr mich fragt!
_______________________
An Larten Crepsleys Händen klebt Blut. Nicht weil er ein Vampir ist, sondern weil er in einem Anflug von Wahnsinn, Trauer und Wut über den Tod seiner Assistentin Malora eine komplette Schiffsmannschaft und die restlichen Passagiere regelrecht schlachtete. Nur einen kleinen Jungen verschonte er, ein Baby. Dieses Kind ist es auch, das er mit auf die Insel aus Eis nimmt – Grönland, wie wir später feststellen werden. Dort möchte er es keineswegs aufziehen, sondern jemanden finden, der für es sorgt oder aber eine Höhle, in der er das Kind der Natur überlassen kann, ohne dass wilde Tiere sich später an dessen Leiche gütlich tun. Er selber will sich in Kämpfe stürzen, bis sein Gegner endlich der Gewinner ist.
Dass es dazu nicht kommen wird, ist klar, aber dass ausgerechnet der geheimnisvolle und bösartige Mr. Tiny sich einmischt, ist verstörend. Das Schicksal hat wohl noch einiges vor mit Larten, und wenn Mr. Tiny sich persönlich dafür einsetzt, heißt das nichts Gutes.
Jahre später hat Larten sich in Paris als Vur Horston ein neues Leben aufgebaut, samt Partnerin und Kind. Doch die Frau, die er liebt, weiß nichts von seinem eigentlichen Wesen und dem Kind ist er kein Vater, da er doch einst selbst dessen eigentliche Eltern tötete. Trotzdem waren es gute Jahre – nur mittlerweile genug davon, schließlich will sich das Schicksal auch mal wieder amüsieren.
Ihr glaubt nicht, wie unglaublich froh ich bin! Perfekt war zwar auch dieses Buch wieder nicht, aber nach dem enttäuschenden zweiten Band geht es endlich wieder in die richtige Richtung. So will ich meinen Shan haben! Nur noch ein bisschen konstanter und dann bin ich vollauf zufrieden.
Was natürlich wie in den vorherigen Bänden eine Rolle spielt und mir auch hier wieder sehr viel Spaß gemacht hat, ist das Auftauchen einiger Charaktere. Nicht unbedingt die Fürsten oder Seba Nile – die gehören längst schon wieder zum Ensemble hinzu. Andere wiederum finden erst ihren Weg in Lartens Leben und am meisten davon hat mich wohl der überrascht, der von der ersten Seite an dabei ist. Was nicht heißt, dass bei anderen keine unerwarteten Verbindungen auftauchen, im Gegenteil. Am meisten hab ich mich aber – und ich denke, das kann ich verraten – über Arra Sails gefreut. Mal ganz unter uns: Das war gleich der nächste Pluspunkt für das Buch!
Ansonsten unterscheidet es sich aber ein bisschen von seinen Vorgängern. Da wäre zum einen die Tatsache, dass es nahtlos an Band 2 anschließt, was nichts Übliches bei Darren Shan ist. Zum anderen ist das Buch nicht so extrem zerstückelt wie beispielsweise Band 2. Zwar gibt’s auch hier wieder Passagen, zwischen denen Jahre liegen, aber dieses Mal hatte ich nicht das Gefühl, dass mir dadurch wichtige Informationen durch die Lappen gehen. Das mag auch daran liegen, dass wir uns immer mehr dem Larten nähern, den wir aus der Darren-Shan-Saga kennen – das Gefühl ihn zu kennen ist bereits da und da muss nicht alles en detail geschildert werden. Außerdem sind die Passagen dazwischen zusammenhängend und kontinuierlich, sowohl was die Umgebung als auch die Charaktere angeht. Und das über die Kapitel hinweg! So bietet sich ein Ganzes an und keine Aneinanderreihung von verschiedenen Szenen – unnötig zu erwähnen, dass sich das viel schöner lesen lässt, oder?
Außerdem ist dies, glaube ich, das erste Mal, dass der Autor uns tatsächlich konkrete Jahreszahlen und Orte liefert. Ansonsten ist das alles ja immer ein bisschen schwammig gewesen – in beiden Buchreihen – und auch wenn irgendwie klar war, dass das Ganze in Europa stattfindet und zum Beispiel Darren in Zeiten moderner Technik geboren wurde, so gab es nie konkrete Daten. Nun aber wissen wir genau, dass er in Paris ist, dass er zu einem Zeitpunkt im Jahre 1906 lebt und dass später der erste Weltkrieg tobt – erfrischend anders für Mr. Shans Verhältnisse, weswegen es mich auch so gefreut hat.
Und trotzdem. Trotzdem, trotzdem, trotzdem. Manchmal musste ich mich ernsthaft fragen, wo der rote Faden hin verschwunden ist, auch wenn ich mich beim Lesen nie gelangweilt habe. Mal abgesehen davon, dass manch Sache regelrecht unlogisch wirkte: Wenn zum Beispiel erwähnt wird, dass Paris Larten und Vancha mental den Weg weisen kann. Vielleicht lässt mich einfach mein Gedächtnis im Stich, aber konnte über diese Verbindung – wenn sie zugelassen wird! – nur der Anwender den Standort des anderen erfahren? Von Kommunikation war, soweit ich mich erinnern kann, nie die Rede. Aber vielleicht ist das auch nur so ein Fürstending, das ich schlichtweg vergessen habe.
Wenn Larten aber jemanden retten muss, weiß, dass es schon zu spät sein kann und eigentlich jede Minute zählt, und er trotzdem monatelang an einem Ort verweilt, dann hat das nichts mit meinem Erinnerungsvermögen zu tun, wenn ich deswegen leicht irritiert bin. Das war zum Glück aber auch der „schlimmste Moment“, über den ich nicht glücklich bin, den ich aber verschmerzen kann. Ein bisschen.
Etwas zweifelhaft wirkte auch das Ende auf mich. Es ist ein Cliffhanger, andererseits aber auch nicht. Wenn man die Darren-Shan-Saga gelesen hat – und meiner Meinung nach lohnt sich die Larten-Crepsley-Saga nur dann –, weiß man sowieso, wie die Situation ausgeht. Und selbst wenn man Neuling ist, reicht es, die kurze Leseprobe für Band 4 zu lesen, was in fünf Minuten erledigt ist. Da wird der Ausgang auch verraten – allerdings deutet das Ende hier auf ein paar neue, aufregende Fakten hin, die für mich das perfekte Ende für Band 3 gewesen wären. Ich kann Band 4 nun jedenfalls kaum mehr erwarten – ein Gefühl, das ich nach Band 2 leider nicht hatte und umso schöner ist es jetzt.
Shan’s back! Ein bisschen besser kann und soll es ruhig noch werden, aber wir sind wieder auf dem richtigen Weg. Das Buch bietet sich als Ganzes dar, ist spannend, lustig und überraschend und für Fans auch endlich wieder sowas wie ein Muss – zumindest fast. An mancher Stelle geht ein bisschen die Logik abhanden, aber trotzdem lässt sich dieses Buch gut genießen – sehr beruhigend, wenn ihr mich fragt!
December 15, 2024
And here we are. Just one book until the bittersweet end.
Larten raised Gavner, found love and then had to flee as the true coward Tanish let humans be killed and then put the blame on Larten to safe his own life.
He redeemed himself, got to find Alicia again and then did what he had to do - went after Tanish and told Gavner the truth.
This book showed so much more. No - every book in this series gives insight and every time I am like "No way".
He raised Gavner, learning that he was killed in Cirque du Freak must have hurt more than anything. And I guess I will read of that in the next book?
Anyways, to not just read about the backstory of characters but be brought to the happening is even more interesting than I would have initially thought.
I am very much excited for the next book, even though it'll be the last one. I hope we get some CdF scenarios in Larten's P.O.V. and maybe even a short moment of him being dead and realising that he got to Paradise.
Larten raised Gavner, found love and then had to flee as the true coward Tanish let humans be killed and then put the blame on Larten to safe his own life.
He redeemed himself, got to find Alicia again and then did what he had to do - went after Tanish and told Gavner the truth.
This book showed so much more. No - every book in this series gives insight and every time I am like "No way".
He raised Gavner, learning that he was killed in Cirque du Freak must have hurt more than anything. And I guess I will read of that in the next book?
Anyways, to not just read about the backstory of characters but be brought to the happening is even more interesting than I would have initially thought.
I am very much excited for the next book, even though it'll be the last one. I hope we get some CdF scenarios in Larten's P.O.V. and maybe even a short moment of him being dead and realising that he got to Paradise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
“You didn't want to die. Most mortals don't, even if they find themselves in as desolate and soul-destroying a spot as you. Almost all of those who take their own lives wish at the last moment that they hadn't. They see at the end how much they've given up, how precious life is, even when it's treated them like dirt and crushed their dreams. Many think they've passed beyond hope, but they never really have, not until they pass beyond life itself. Alas, that knowledge comes too late for most would-be-suicides and they die with regret. Very few are offered the chance that you have been handed.”
Even better than the last installment in the series. I'm truly enjoying reading this series as we're slowly obtaining information about Larten's past that were brushed away in Cirque Du Freak. In this installment, we learn about G Purls, Vancha March's appointment as a prince, Arrow's 'rock bottom', Larten's experience with airplanes, & Larten's lost love.
Even better than the last installment in the series. I'm truly enjoying reading this series as we're slowly obtaining information about Larten's past that were brushed away in Cirque Du Freak. In this installment, we learn about G Purls, Vancha March's appointment as a prince, Arrow's 'rock bottom', Larten's experience with airplanes, & Larten's lost love.
March 23, 2022
What a whirlwind of emotions this book has everything suspense, love, loss, drama, redemption, questionable motives, political unrest its very well thought out and wrapped neatly in a bow for you highly recommend and great for a 3rd book can't wait to read the 4th
June 22, 2019
I swear this man.. This man is truly noble no matter what
October 18, 2011
(Originally posted @ CSI:Librarian.)
3.5 Stars - I could not be happier (or more relieved) to report that Palace of the Damned was vastly more enjoyable and engaging than the previous book in Larten's Saga.
Events, emotions, and reflections were still overly summarized and I would have liked more detail. I didn't feel like Shan was bored or in a rush when it came to the writing itself, but the summarizing definitely made the minor characters read a bit flat from time to time. I liked them well enough including Larten's love interest who actually had a really cool role to play. Bringing back Larten's former comrade Tanish added an interesting, intriguing twist to the book, but my favorite sections were when Larten spent time around responsible, ancient members of his own kind who had more purpose to their existence and less need to wander around being useless in the middle of a battlefield.
Overall, there was plenty of forward momentum. I felt like the story finally started to go somewhere and I was pleased when the book ended on a promising cliffhanger. The ongoing struggle between regular vampire versus vampaneze was handled well too. I especially liked Larten trying to figure out what he is and what he wants to be. There isn't a lot of horror in Palace of the Damned, but I really enjoyed how flawed Larten was. He made so many mistakes and didn't always learn from them. He also didn't necessarily find happiness or love that will endure through the centuries either, which is sort of refreshing considering that he is a vampire.
In conclusion, quite good and a decided improvement over Ocean of Blood. I'm a bit sad that there's only one book left in the Saga of Larten Crespley, but I'm also excited to learn that Shan is working on a 12-book series called Zom-B.
3.5 Stars - I could not be happier (or more relieved) to report that Palace of the Damned was vastly more enjoyable and engaging than the previous book in Larten's Saga.
Events, emotions, and reflections were still overly summarized and I would have liked more detail. I didn't feel like Shan was bored or in a rush when it came to the writing itself, but the summarizing definitely made the minor characters read a bit flat from time to time. I liked them well enough including Larten's love interest who actually had a really cool role to play. Bringing back Larten's former comrade Tanish added an interesting, intriguing twist to the book, but my favorite sections were when Larten spent time around responsible, ancient members of his own kind who had more purpose to their existence and less need to wander around being useless in the middle of a battlefield.
Overall, there was plenty of forward momentum. I felt like the story finally started to go somewhere and I was pleased when the book ended on a promising cliffhanger. The ongoing struggle between regular vampire versus vampaneze was handled well too. I especially liked Larten trying to figure out what he is and what he wants to be. There isn't a lot of horror in Palace of the Damned, but I really enjoyed how flawed Larten was. He made so many mistakes and didn't always learn from them. He also didn't necessarily find happiness or love that will endure through the centuries either, which is sort of refreshing considering that he is a vampire.
In conclusion, quite good and a decided improvement over Ocean of Blood. I'm a bit sad that there's only one book left in the Saga of Larten Crespley, but I'm also excited to learn that Shan is working on a 12-book series called Zom-B.
December 29, 2011
I have been a huge fan of Darren Shan ever since I first read a book by him, which was Demon Thief. He's one of my top five authors EVER! Can you guess why? Well, this book is one of the reasons he's one of the best authors out there.
First of all, I have to add, this book was an improvement to Ocean of Blood. I'm not saying Ocean of Blood was bad. It was just a "slower" story.
This book picks off where Ocean of Blood ended. Larten is not all alone. He's accompanied with the baby he rescued.
We further get to know about Larten's past.
The book starts mysteriously. The element of mystery lurks through every page.
The writing style has evolved even further, and you can know that Darren Shan is now writing for a more mature audience who has grown up with his stories.
For me, the best thing in this book,the series as well, is the appearance of characters we know from The Saga of Darren Shan series.
We get to know the identity of the boy Larten rescued.
We also get to know about Larten's love life and what happens.
There's lots of bloodshed, action, love, and hurt.
You never know what happens next in a Darren Shan book, or how a chracter ends up. Dead? Alive?
This book also had memorable quotes that exposed life experiences to us. My favorite one is:
"Loss affects each of us differently. Those who hate are doomed to become slaved of their hatred. It consumes them like a disease but it is an illness they cannot-or do not want to-live without."
This book was very enjoyable. Can't wait to read the final book in the series and say goodbye to Larten Crepsley.
First of all, I have to add, this book was an improvement to Ocean of Blood. I'm not saying Ocean of Blood was bad. It was just a "slower" story.
This book picks off where Ocean of Blood ended. Larten is not all alone. He's accompanied with the baby he rescued.
We further get to know about Larten's past.
The book starts mysteriously. The element of mystery lurks through every page.
The writing style has evolved even further, and you can know that Darren Shan is now writing for a more mature audience who has grown up with his stories.
For me, the best thing in this book,the series as well, is the appearance of characters we know from The Saga of Darren Shan series.
We get to know the identity of the boy Larten rescued.
We also get to know about Larten's love life and what happens.
There's lots of bloodshed, action, love, and hurt.
You never know what happens next in a Darren Shan book, or how a chracter ends up. Dead? Alive?
This book also had memorable quotes that exposed life experiences to us. My favorite one is:
"Loss affects each of us differently. Those who hate are doomed to become slaved of their hatred. It consumes them like a disease but it is an illness they cannot-or do not want to-live without."
This book was very enjoyable. Can't wait to read the final book in the series and say goodbye to Larten Crepsley.
October 22, 2011
Actually 4.5 stars
I honestly didn't enjoy the second book as the first, but after reading this book I think that the prequel series is back to its right track.
The story starts with Larten Crepsley with the baby facing the killing cold. Larten is lost and cold with a baby that he can't take care of, and he has no idea why he saved him, until he finds this cool palace.
I expected the story to focus on the supposedly PALACE OF THE DAMNED, but it didn't. In the cover (UK cover ofc)The palace looks too magical and a whole book can be made about it but sadly it didn't.
The palace part lasted for one part only and I was like IS THAT IT!!!! But the story turned out to be better. Larten goes to Paris (Country not character) so Paris, France and he meets this beautiful lady called Alicia with red her and a sexy figure and he falls in love with her and he wants to settle his life and purify the sins he made in his past, but can he really do that?
The book contained romance and a warm hearting story about sacrafices and promises and leaving the ones you love to protect them.
In this book some of our favorite characters appear in it such as Lady Evana (The sexiest ugliest character I've ever read) and Mr. Tiny (Lady Evana's creepy father who's obsessed with destiny and somehow controls it) and Arra ( You will meet her fully nude in the book ;P) and Vancha and also Kurda.
My favorite part in the book was probably when Alicia took back her words that was really amazing and sad.
A prequel series that is really worth the try.
I honestly didn't enjoy the second book as the first, but after reading this book I think that the prequel series is back to its right track.
The story starts with Larten Crepsley with the baby facing the killing cold. Larten is lost and cold with a baby that he can't take care of, and he has no idea why he saved him, until he finds this cool palace.
I expected the story to focus on the supposedly PALACE OF THE DAMNED, but it didn't. In the cover (UK cover ofc)The palace looks too magical and a whole book can be made about it but sadly it didn't.
The palace part lasted for one part only and I was like IS THAT IT!!!! But the story turned out to be better. Larten goes to Paris (Country not character) so Paris, France and he meets this beautiful lady called Alicia with red her and a sexy figure and he falls in love with her and he wants to settle his life and purify the sins he made in his past, but can he really do that?
The book contained romance and a warm hearting story about sacrafices and promises and leaving the ones you love to protect them.
In this book some of our favorite characters appear in it such as Lady Evana (The sexiest ugliest character I've ever read) and Mr. Tiny (Lady Evana's creepy father who's obsessed with destiny and somehow controls it) and Arra ( You will meet her fully nude in the book ;P) and Vancha and also Kurda.
My favorite part in the book was probably when Alicia took back her words that was really amazing and sad.
A prequel series that is really worth the try.
April 6, 2013
Look at Hipster Larten Crepsley wearing a Spirithood.
***
I think I love these books too much to notice any plausible flaws.
The plot-line, as usual, was fascinating and unpredictable, as well as clever, with the typical Darren Shan style (i.e. past events you thought minor and unremarkable come back and bite the characters in the arse).
His characters, as always, have flaws AND qualities (even the 'bad' characters); no one is perfect. The women are strong, be it physically or mentally or emotionally. Despite the novels being for children, Shan still tackles serious and complex issues, or introduces important life concepts throughout his novels. Bravery, redemption, forgiveness, respect, good character and standing...which is often missing from many modern YA and children's novels.
My only gripe with this series is, oddly enough, because it's in third person rather than first person (quasi-diary format - specifically the Darren Shan Saga), all the explanations of events and vampire culture the reader is given sound a bit cringey, whereas in the original saga, it felt more like we were learning these cultures and concepts with Darren on his journey, rather than an almost foot-note reference insert informing you throughout the novel.
Ironic because I normally think first person YA novels sound childish.
***
I think I love these books too much to notice any plausible flaws.
The plot-line, as usual, was fascinating and unpredictable, as well as clever, with the typical Darren Shan style (i.e. past events you thought minor and unremarkable come back and bite the characters in the arse).
His characters, as always, have flaws AND qualities (even the 'bad' characters); no one is perfect. The women are strong, be it physically or mentally or emotionally. Despite the novels being for children, Shan still tackles serious and complex issues, or introduces important life concepts throughout his novels. Bravery, redemption, forgiveness, respect, good character and standing...which is often missing from many modern YA and children's novels.
My only gripe with this series is, oddly enough, because it's in third person rather than first person (quasi-diary format - specifically the Darren Shan Saga), all the explanations of events and vampire culture the reader is given sound a bit cringey, whereas in the original saga, it felt more like we were learning these cultures and concepts with Darren on his journey, rather than an almost foot-note reference insert informing you throughout the novel.
Ironic because I normally think first person YA novels sound childish.
November 11, 2011
This is the 3rd book in the saga of Larten Crepsley. This one was very interesting, it started to tie into the things that happend in the 1st and 2nd book with Tanish Eul and Wester Flack. It tells the stories of what happends when he was a Cub, and what happends when he suddenly falls in love with a human.
This book was really good. I generally like all Darren Shan's books, I justr have nothing bad to say about them, they're that great. He his a master story teller.
SPOILERS!!!
This story tells of how Larten fares with the young child he took with him from the ship after he killed the baby's parents, who is now named Gavner Purl. Larten escaped from the ship with the child and headed for Greenland where he planed to find a decent resting place for himself and the child. Upon days and days of traveling he find a cave which so happens to be the Palace of Petrta-Vin Grahl; his vinal resting place. Which has been finally found after hundreds of years of search by many vampires.
This was just such a great book, so many events and interesting folds coming together. I eagerly await to read the last book in the series!
This book was really good. I generally like all Darren Shan's books, I justr have nothing bad to say about them, they're that great. He his a master story teller.
SPOILERS!!!
This story tells of how Larten fares with the young child he took with him from the ship after he killed the baby's parents, who is now named Gavner Purl. Larten escaped from the ship with the child and headed for Greenland where he planed to find a decent resting place for himself and the child. Upon days and days of traveling he find a cave which so happens to be the Palace of Petrta-Vin Grahl; his vinal resting place. Which has been finally found after hundreds of years of search by many vampires.
This was just such a great book, so many events and interesting folds coming together. I eagerly await to read the last book in the series!
April 27, 2016
Palace of the Damned starts off with a big surprise as Destiny steps in and changes the fate of Larten's course and possibly the fate of the entire vampire clan. While Ocean of Blood had a definite sad tone to the book, in Palace of the Damned Larten's spirits seemed to pick up a bit more after his sudden meeting with Destiny. Larten even settles down for a while until an old "friend" of his pops up and his hard won peace comes crashing down.
November 7, 2011
i was really excited about this book, but to tell the truth im really disappointed,i was expecting more action violence in the story so i liked the previouse parts, and the first one is still my favorite
March 24, 2022
This one was better than the others in my opinion, but it still bounced around a lot. I enjoy the story though and I'm glad to learn more about Larten as a character as he had been one of my favorites from the original series.
October 10, 2011
Excellent installment of Larten's past - great cliffhanger
October 30, 2011
Its amazing and lartens love life was so touching but to bad they didn't give two chapters for the forth book at the end but other then that i loved this book.
April 13, 2014
not bad...
November 16, 2019
***ENGLISH REVIEW BELOW***
En ik heb het derde boek uit! Net als met de andere boeken was dit een leuk boek, en de schrijfstijl is makkelijk te lezen. Het is een snel verhaal waar ik snel doorheen las. Ik denk dat dit boek een volwassenere Larten Crepsley laat zien, meer zoals we hem kennen van de Darren Shan saga. Ik geniet van deze serie, maar ik denk dat het al hebben gelezen van de Darren Shan saga me een beetje beperkt in het genieten hiervan, omdat ik al weet hoe sommige dingen gaan eindigen. Ik ben nu vooral aan het lezen om erachter te komen . Oh, en ik vond het leuk dat we zagen hoe . In ieder geval, dit was een leuk boek, en ik ga zeker deze serie afmaken!
***ENGLISH REVIEW***
And I finished the third book! As with the other books, it was a fun book, and the writing is easy to read. It's a fast-paced story that I read through quickly. I think this book showed a more mature Larten Crepsley, more as we know him from the Darren Shan saga. I'm enjoying this series, but I think that having read the Darren Shan series might be hampering my enjoyment, because I already know how some things are going to end. I'm now mostly reading to see . Oh, I liked that we got to see how . Anyway, this was fun read, and I'm definitely going to finish this series!
En ik heb het derde boek uit! Net als met de andere boeken was dit een leuk boek, en de schrijfstijl is makkelijk te lezen. Het is een snel verhaal waar ik snel doorheen las. Ik denk dat dit boek een volwassenere Larten Crepsley laat zien, meer zoals we hem kennen van de Darren Shan saga. Ik geniet van deze serie, maar ik denk dat het al hebben gelezen van de Darren Shan saga me een beetje beperkt in het genieten hiervan, omdat ik al weet hoe sommige dingen gaan eindigen. Ik ben nu vooral aan het lezen om erachter te komen . Oh, en ik vond het leuk dat we zagen hoe . In ieder geval, dit was een leuk boek, en ik ga zeker deze serie afmaken!
***ENGLISH REVIEW***
And I finished the third book! As with the other books, it was a fun book, and the writing is easy to read. It's a fast-paced story that I read through quickly. I think this book showed a more mature Larten Crepsley, more as we know him from the Darren Shan saga. I'm enjoying this series, but I think that having read the Darren Shan series might be hampering my enjoyment, because I already know how some things are going to end. I'm now mostly reading to see . Oh, I liked that we got to see how . Anyway, this was fun read, and I'm definitely going to finish this series!
June 9, 2025
Palace of the Damned, the seventh installment in The Saga of Darren Shan, delivers a dark and intense continuation of the epic vampire saga, immersing readers in a world fraught with danger, intrigue, and supernatural horror. Darren Shan’s storytelling here is at its most compelling, weaving together elements of suspense, action, and psychological depth to create a narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
Set within the eerie and foreboding confines of the Palace of the Damned, a haunting fortress that serves as the battleground for deadly confrontation, the novel pulses with tension and a relentless sense of impending doom. Shan’s vivid and atmospheric descriptions transport readers to a chilling realm where every shadow hides a threat, and survival hinges on cunning, strength, and unyielding resolve.
At the heart of the story is Darren Shan’s evolution as the Vampire Prince, grappling with the burdens of leadership amid escalating war between vampires and vampaneze. The novel explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of power, as Darren confronts enemies both external and internal. Shan’s nuanced character development allows readers to engage deeply with Darren’s struggles, fears, and determination, making his journey profoundly human despite the supernatural setting.
The pacing is expertly controlled, balancing intense action sequences with moments of introspection that heighten the emotional stakes. Shan’s ability to craft suspenseful, unpredictable twists keeps readers engaged, while the richly layered mythology of the vampire world expands with each chapter.
In conclusion, Palace of the Damned stands as a five-star achievement in Darren Shan’s saga, blending dark fantasy, horror, and poignant character drama into a gripping and unforgettable tale. It deepens the series’s mythos and emotional complexity, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the saga’s next chapter.
Set within the eerie and foreboding confines of the Palace of the Damned, a haunting fortress that serves as the battleground for deadly confrontation, the novel pulses with tension and a relentless sense of impending doom. Shan’s vivid and atmospheric descriptions transport readers to a chilling realm where every shadow hides a threat, and survival hinges on cunning, strength, and unyielding resolve.
At the heart of the story is Darren Shan’s evolution as the Vampire Prince, grappling with the burdens of leadership amid escalating war between vampires and vampaneze. The novel explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of power, as Darren confronts enemies both external and internal. Shan’s nuanced character development allows readers to engage deeply with Darren’s struggles, fears, and determination, making his journey profoundly human despite the supernatural setting.
The pacing is expertly controlled, balancing intense action sequences with moments of introspection that heighten the emotional stakes. Shan’s ability to craft suspenseful, unpredictable twists keeps readers engaged, while the richly layered mythology of the vampire world expands with each chapter.
In conclusion, Palace of the Damned stands as a five-star achievement in Darren Shan’s saga, blending dark fantasy, horror, and poignant character drama into a gripping and unforgettable tale. It deepens the series’s mythos and emotional complexity, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the saga’s next chapter.
March 14, 2013
Larten Crepsley is running from a horrible sin he just committed. After slaughtering almost the entire crew of the Pearly Tornado, he has docked at Greenland and is making his way across the icy island with the baby he has silently vowed to protect. Larten vows to find a cave to put the baby to rest in and find his own death. This part of the book was very heart wrenching. Larten believes that there is no redemption for the sins he has committed on that ship. He views himself as the monster others must surely pin him as.
After suffering though the cold, he finally comes upon an opening in a cave. He is astonished to find the missing ice tomb of Perta Vin-Grahl. He views this as good as any place to lay to rest the child and take his own life, but is shocked to realize at the last minute that he repents and actually finds reason to continue. Thankfully Desmond Tiny steps in to save the day. Larten soon finds himself alive and still in charge of the baby boy. I was shocked when I found out that the baby was none other than Gavner Purl! He is a highly respected General in The Cirque Du Freak series!
Larten soon makes a life for himself and Gavner in Paris. He now goes by the name of Vur Horston in an attempt to leave his ugly deeds in the past. Although he tries to find a better life for the young boy, he shows him no compassion and keeps him at arms length. In an attempt to protect the boy's feelings he believes this is the right thing to do, but ultimately he is hurting the boy far worse by pushing him away. Larten falls in love with a young woman named Alicia Dunyck who immediately accepts Gavner as her own and soon finds himself engaged and prepping for a human life. Alicia is not aware that Larten (Vur) is a vampire, nor does she know that Vur is not his real name. Everything seems to be going great for the couple until an old friend makes a reappearance.
Tanish Eul disappeared long ago after shaming himself in front of his fellow cubs. Now he is back wealthy, cold hearted, and obese; a completely different man than Larten remembers. He propositions Larten with a partnership. Tanish runs a couple of casinos and "escort" services. Larten reluctantly agrees against better judgement. I found this hard to accept. I am always one to follow my better judgement, and I was upset that Larten so foolishly threw his aside. He would have found himself in a better position had he heeded his conscience.
Larten soon realizes that something is not right. Women that work for Tanish are disappearing. He approaches his friend and brings to light the evidence he has come across. He is taken by surprise by how uncaring Tanish appears to be after hearing the information. Larten decides he can only take matters into his own hands. Tanish is still a coward and is still allowing others to fall in his stead. I despise Tanish's character. He represents everything I hate in a person. He is arrogant, cowardly, pompous, and has no heart. I was secretly hoping for his untimely death. We see Larten's true character shine through in this moment. He has compassion for others and does not stand by while others perish. He wants to help make matters right. I was happy to see his honor shine in a moment like this. It made his character all the more likable! Larten ends up having to answer for his heroism though.
Tanish betrays Larten in a moment of pure selfishness. He attacks Larten just when he receives the upper hand in battle against a vampaneze. In a show of mercy, Larten refuses to turn on his friend and loses everything. Tanish murders an innocent and accuses Larten of being a vampire. He has no choice but to flee and leave his family behind. My heart broke at this part for Larten. Although he was destined for greater things, Alicia did make him happy and he did love her. He knows that things will never be the same after she finds out who he really is. I was so disgusted with her at this point. Loving a person means you love them even in their times of pain and shame. She turned her back on him in the moment of his greatest need. That said to me that she did not love him as much as she claimed.
Larten decides it is time to return home to Vampire Mountain and continue his training to become a General. He found his way on his journey back. He realized that becoming a General and seeing his friends is what he has been missing all along. Larten is concerned that his past sins will be what condemns him to death once he reaches the Mountain and so he shows up with a heavy heart. Yet, even the worst sins can be forgiven when the sinner has truly repented as Larten soon comes to find out. After completing the rest of his training, Larten finally becomes a General. He has come a long way since first being blooded.
Arra Sails also shows back up in Larten's life in this book. She is now a vampiress and is on her way to becoming a General. I was really hoping that this would be the time for them, but she is very focused on her training and so asks Larten to give her time. I like Arra Sails. She gives Larten a challenge in his life. She is exactly what he needs to bring him out of this pity party he has for himself.
I was quite saddened when Larten goes back to Paris to find out what happened to his lost love. He comes to find out she got remarried and had a child. I could not imagine the pain this would wreck if I were in the same position, but Larten decides he must find them to make sure they are alright. What he finds is not what he thought. Alicia is widowed and left with a young child and Gavner has run off. He went away with Tanish when he made a reappearance in their lives a couple years after everything hit the fan. Larten is livid. How dare he come back for the boy!
When push comes to shove, this book sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. I was so upset with the injustices Larten had to face. He lost so much and all for nothing. He has suffered immensely. The way that he downgrades his character is dreadful. We as readers can see the good and just in him. We see how caring and compassionate he really is. I was touched by the brief encounter Seba and Larten shares when he makes it back to Vampire Mountain. This was definitely a good book, and I would recommend it to any reader.
After suffering though the cold, he finally comes upon an opening in a cave. He is astonished to find the missing ice tomb of Perta Vin-Grahl. He views this as good as any place to lay to rest the child and take his own life, but is shocked to realize at the last minute that he repents and actually finds reason to continue. Thankfully Desmond Tiny steps in to save the day. Larten soon finds himself alive and still in charge of the baby boy. I was shocked when I found out that the baby was none other than Gavner Purl! He is a highly respected General in The Cirque Du Freak series!
Larten soon makes a life for himself and Gavner in Paris. He now goes by the name of Vur Horston in an attempt to leave his ugly deeds in the past. Although he tries to find a better life for the young boy, he shows him no compassion and keeps him at arms length. In an attempt to protect the boy's feelings he believes this is the right thing to do, but ultimately he is hurting the boy far worse by pushing him away. Larten falls in love with a young woman named Alicia Dunyck who immediately accepts Gavner as her own and soon finds himself engaged and prepping for a human life. Alicia is not aware that Larten (Vur) is a vampire, nor does she know that Vur is not his real name. Everything seems to be going great for the couple until an old friend makes a reappearance.
Tanish Eul disappeared long ago after shaming himself in front of his fellow cubs. Now he is back wealthy, cold hearted, and obese; a completely different man than Larten remembers. He propositions Larten with a partnership. Tanish runs a couple of casinos and "escort" services. Larten reluctantly agrees against better judgement. I found this hard to accept. I am always one to follow my better judgement, and I was upset that Larten so foolishly threw his aside. He would have found himself in a better position had he heeded his conscience.
Larten soon realizes that something is not right. Women that work for Tanish are disappearing. He approaches his friend and brings to light the evidence he has come across. He is taken by surprise by how uncaring Tanish appears to be after hearing the information. Larten decides he can only take matters into his own hands. Tanish is still a coward and is still allowing others to fall in his stead. I despise Tanish's character. He represents everything I hate in a person. He is arrogant, cowardly, pompous, and has no heart. I was secretly hoping for his untimely death. We see Larten's true character shine through in this moment. He has compassion for others and does not stand by while others perish. He wants to help make matters right. I was happy to see his honor shine in a moment like this. It made his character all the more likable! Larten ends up having to answer for his heroism though.
Tanish betrays Larten in a moment of pure selfishness. He attacks Larten just when he receives the upper hand in battle against a vampaneze. In a show of mercy, Larten refuses to turn on his friend and loses everything. Tanish murders an innocent and accuses Larten of being a vampire. He has no choice but to flee and leave his family behind. My heart broke at this part for Larten. Although he was destined for greater things, Alicia did make him happy and he did love her. He knows that things will never be the same after she finds out who he really is. I was so disgusted with her at this point. Loving a person means you love them even in their times of pain and shame. She turned her back on him in the moment of his greatest need. That said to me that she did not love him as much as she claimed.
Larten decides it is time to return home to Vampire Mountain and continue his training to become a General. He found his way on his journey back. He realized that becoming a General and seeing his friends is what he has been missing all along. Larten is concerned that his past sins will be what condemns him to death once he reaches the Mountain and so he shows up with a heavy heart. Yet, even the worst sins can be forgiven when the sinner has truly repented as Larten soon comes to find out. After completing the rest of his training, Larten finally becomes a General. He has come a long way since first being blooded.
Arra Sails also shows back up in Larten's life in this book. She is now a vampiress and is on her way to becoming a General. I was really hoping that this would be the time for them, but she is very focused on her training and so asks Larten to give her time. I like Arra Sails. She gives Larten a challenge in his life. She is exactly what he needs to bring him out of this pity party he has for himself.
I was quite saddened when Larten goes back to Paris to find out what happened to his lost love. He comes to find out she got remarried and had a child. I could not imagine the pain this would wreck if I were in the same position, but Larten decides he must find them to make sure they are alright. What he finds is not what he thought. Alicia is widowed and left with a young child and Gavner has run off. He went away with Tanish when he made a reappearance in their lives a couple years after everything hit the fan. Larten is livid. How dare he come back for the boy!
When push comes to shove, this book sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. I was so upset with the injustices Larten had to face. He lost so much and all for nothing. He has suffered immensely. The way that he downgrades his character is dreadful. We as readers can see the good and just in him. We see how caring and compassionate he really is. I was touched by the brief encounter Seba and Larten shares when he makes it back to Vampire Mountain. This was definitely a good book, and I would recommend it to any reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews