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The Saga of Darren Shan #10
The Lake of Souls
It’s time for Harkat to learn the truth about who he used to be. He and Darren must give themselves to Mr. Tiny and leave the human world behind. Can they survive killer animals, monstrous mutants and fiery, winged beasts? A nightmarish fantasy and the beginning of the end of the final trilogy.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
287 people are currently reading
6997 people want to read
About the author
Darren Shan
243 books8,267 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..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews
June 6, 2019
بهترین جلد مجموعه تا اینجا.
گریز هوشمندانهای از داستان اصلی بود و تم جادویی این جلد برام جذابیت خیلی زیادی داشت.
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یادگاری از کتاب:
مرگ کسی که دوستش داری، دومین چیز وحشتناک در دنیاست. وحشتناکتر از آن، این است که بگذاری این اتفاق طوری به وجودت ضربه بزند که خودت هم - از درون - بمیری.
گریز هوشمندانهای از داستان اصلی بود و تم جادویی این جلد برام جذابیت خیلی زیادی داشت.
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یادگاری از کتاب:
مرگ کسی که دوستش داری، دومین چیز وحشتناک در دنیاست. وحشتناکتر از آن، این است که بگذاری این اتفاق طوری به وجودت ضربه بزند که خودت هم - از درون - بمیری.
July 24, 2023
The Lake of Souls is probably one of my least favorite in this series so far. I stil enjoyed my time with it, but it felt like a side story and a distraction from the main war that the past few books have focused on. It also reads more like a high fantasy story instead of an urban fantasy like the other books have been.
I found the lake to be a really interesting concept. It helped pose a lot of deep, moral questions to the story. The lake also cleared up a lot of the confusion surrounding Harkat. I would love to see the story explore the lore behind the lake at some point.
This one was a fun side quest, but I’m eager to read the eleventh book soon and hopefully get back to the battle. This series is lacking in strong female characters, so fingers crossed that Debbie will live up to her full potential in the final two books in this series.
I found the lake to be a really interesting concept. It helped pose a lot of deep, moral questions to the story. The lake also cleared up a lot of the confusion surrounding Harkat. I would love to see the story explore the lore behind the lake at some point.
This one was a fun side quest, but I’m eager to read the eleventh book soon and hopefully get back to the battle. This series is lacking in strong female characters, so fingers crossed that Debbie will live up to her full potential in the final two books in this series.
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September 4, 2022این تا اینجا سم ترین و "گروتسک"ترین چیزی بود که از دارن شان خوندم. ولی احساس میکنم یکی از کتابهای مورد علاقم از این مجموعه شد...
خلاصه بگم که برگااااااااااام
خلاصه بگم که برگااااااااااام
April 14, 2021
Once again, Darren Shan has done it! This installment is an interesting and fun read. I am enjoying reading about Darren and how mature he has gotten. But... I’m still a bit mad with the death of one of my favorite characters.
Still, this one is really good. The setting comes into play in this one and it’s crazy, but totally awesome!! And I’m also super happy about Ralph Lister being the narrator again. There’s just something in his voice that makes this series all the better!
I’m pretty sure I said this previously, but I’m keeping this review on the shorter side because I want to review the whole series once I’m done.
So without further ago... of course I recommend this to readers!! Those who like a good dash of fantasy, friendship, and craziness, then this is for you!! But do start at the beginning or else you’ll be uber confused.
Still, this one is really good. The setting comes into play in this one and it’s crazy, but totally awesome!! And I’m also super happy about Ralph Lister being the narrator again. There’s just something in his voice that makes this series all the better!
I’m pretty sure I said this previously, but I’m keeping this review on the shorter side because I want to review the whole series once I’m done.
So without further ago... of course I recommend this to readers!! Those who like a good dash of fantasy, friendship, and craziness, then this is for you!! But do start at the beginning or else you’ll be uber confused.
July 20, 2017
آیا دارن برای کمک به هارکات می رود ؟ آیا هارکات ماهیت خود را پیدا می کند ؟ آیا به تنهایی از پس معماها برمی آیند ؟ وآیا می فهمند که برهوتی که در پیش دارند کجاست؟
شاید جوابها آن چیزی نباشند که می خواهند و شاید ترسناکتر از حد تحمل آنها باشد.
شاید جوابها آن چیزی نباشند که می خواهند و شاید ترسناکتر از حد تحمل آنها باشد.
May 28, 2018
دارن با زیرکی داستان رو نوشته . در حالی که روند کلی داستان داشت افت میکرد و خواننده با توجه به اتفاقات آخر کتاب 9 دوست داشت بدونه واقعا چی به سر دارن و استیو میاد، دارن داستان رو عوض میکنه!شما رو میبره به یک سرزمین ناشناخته که باید دیر یا زود بهتون بشناسونه و چه وقتی بهتر از حالا؟
ضمن اینکه داستان یک ماجراجویی به تمام معناست !
ضمن اینکه داستان یک ماجراجویی به تمام معناست !
December 10, 2020
THIS DOES NOT do much for the plot...
...but does provide an interesting story (okay, okay, so it does provide one essential thing to the plot...but I feel like that really could've been summed up on a sentence or two rather than devoting an entire book to it...)
In this harrowing journey, Darren and Harkat embark to save Harkat's mind from nightmares (which are slowly driving him crazy). They need to travel another dimension to figure out who Harkat used to be and hopefully that will be enough to prevent him from dying.
Most memorable: the dragons!! (though, they played a smaller role than that I would have hoped)
Most disappointing: this is still considered the Cirque du Freak series - when was the last time we even saw people from the Cirque? I get that every three books is it's own trilogy but then they should've be collectively called Cirque du Freak if you're not going to deliver on the title!
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...but does provide an interesting story (okay, okay, so it does provide one essential thing to the plot...but I feel like that really could've been summed up on a sentence or two rather than devoting an entire book to it...)
In this harrowing journey, Darren and Harkat embark to save Harkat's mind from nightmares (which are slowly driving him crazy). They need to travel another dimension to figure out who Harkat used to be and hopefully that will be enough to prevent him from dying.
Most memorable: the dragons!! (though, they played a smaller role than that I would have hoped)
Most disappointing: this is still considered the Cirque du Freak series - when was the last time we even saw people from the Cirque? I get that every three books is it's own trilogy but then they should've be collectively called Cirque du Freak if you're not going to deliver on the title!
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December 10, 2023
خیلی حوصلهسربر بود این جلدش 🕴🏻
اسپویل:
ای کاش یکم اون بخش کوردا و هارکات طولانیتر بود...
اسپویل:
ای کاش یکم اون بخش کوردا و هارکات طولانیتر بود...
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March 27, 2009 This is book 10 of the Cirque Du Freak series. In this book Harkat, a Little Person created by a dead soul by Mr. Tiny, is trying to figuire out who he really is. He protected Darren in all his adventures no its Harkat's turn to have one. Mr. Tiny visits the Cirque Du Freak taking Harkat with him to find his real soul. Darren jumps in with Harkat when he was not supposed to but Mr. Tiny allows it anyways. Mr. Tiny sent Harkat and Darren to a harsh desert. After enduring a very long journey thru the desert they have to slay a panther in a jungle, will they make it and find Harkat's soul? Or will they die trying?
I can make a text to text connection. I can connect this to Copper Sun. Harkat is trying really hard to achieve something he wants, and in this case it's his soul. In Copper Sun, Polly tried really hard to make friends with Amari even if it was hard, and from there they both tried really hard to escape to freedom.
I rate this book 5 stars because Darren Shan books never seem to bore me, and I think he is really creative on how he created his own world. Also, since it is near the end of the series I think he did a pretty good job wrapping up and closeing loose ends.
I can make a text to text connection. I can connect this to Copper Sun. Harkat is trying really hard to achieve something he wants, and in this case it's his soul. In Copper Sun, Polly tried really hard to make friends with Amari even if it was hard, and from there they both tried really hard to escape to freedom.
I rate this book 5 stars because Darren Shan books never seem to bore me, and I think he is really creative on how he created his own world. Also, since it is near the end of the series I think he did a pretty good job wrapping up and closeing loose ends.
October 27, 2009
This book is soooo good. I can't put it down. EVER!! I read all nine books in a mounth or so.Right now i'm on the tenth book, and almost finish with this one.I'm looking forward for to the elevnth and twelve'th book.
August 4, 2013
Sadly, I cannot continue with this series. It has just gone on for too long and has lost my interest.
October 31, 2018
I remembered this series of books was one of my reasons as a child to go to the libraries!
enjoyed it at that time
enjoyed it at that time
July 7, 2022
Sheesh. Where to begin with this one? I would start at the beginning but once again the beginning of this book wasn’t actually the beginning. We had another opening with zero context which tried to add drama but it just didn’t.
Let’s take it back a little bit. The ending of book 9. Big death. War seemed to have just gotten started. Much to build on. Right?
Nahhhhhh. Let’s fuck off back in time or to another dimension or to the future (who fucking knows at this point) and run around a jungle with a cannibal pirate chasing panthers and dragons whilst looking for a magical lake to find out who our little goblin mate really was before his ghost was brought back to life?
And the BIG REVEAL for who our mate was made no fucking sense. I can’t even type out how any of this made sense and I cannot believe this is the direction this series went in.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not been a great series but it’s been good enough for me to keep going. However the ending of book 9 (it was all a dream) and this entire atrocity has not left me wanting more.
I will still finish the series seeing as I’ve done 10 out of 12 books but good god this one was BAD.
Let’s take it back a little bit. The ending of book 9. Big death. War seemed to have just gotten started. Much to build on. Right?
Nahhhhhh. Let’s fuck off back in time or to another dimension or to the future (who fucking knows at this point) and run around a jungle with a cannibal pirate chasing panthers and dragons whilst looking for a magical lake to find out who our little goblin mate really was before his ghost was brought back to life?
And the BIG REVEAL for who our mate was made no fucking sense. I can’t even type out how any of this made sense and I cannot believe this is the direction this series went in.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not been a great series but it’s been good enough for me to keep going. However the ending of book 9 (it was all a dream) and this entire atrocity has not left me wanting more.
I will still finish the series seeing as I’ve done 10 out of 12 books but good god this one was BAD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2010
worst in the series
February 2, 2016
book 10:
I can't believe the books actually got better..
Let me start of with the reason I'm reading this saga, while absolutely hating it. when I was around 12 I saw the first book of the saga of Darren Shan in my school library. Obsessed with fantasy as I was, I decided to give it a try. In my 12-year old mind the first book was absolutely amazing, and i couldn't wait for the next one. Sadly, my town's library only had the last 3 books out of a 12 books long saga. I wasn't really a picky reader, so i took them and reading it, sometimes slightly confused with the plot. I loved it, which is not that spectacular since the writer was a bit older now and apparantly better at writing. Now, 7 years later, I decided to finally pick up the other books. In those 7 years I kept telling people how awesome "my favorite books ever" were, and I must tell you, I'm deeply ashamed. The first book was saved by the freshness and upbeat tempo of the story, but after that is was just a spiral downwards. The following books reminded me more of some 7-year old kids making up a story on the playground about vampire princes etc, without any concern for plot and tension. the books were fast paced, as if the writer wanted to get to the "good bits" as soon as possible, and were too detailed on unneccesarry parts, while skipping through what must have been 20 years of Darren Shan's whole life (Mr. Shan, you cant make me believe there is a mountain filled with vampires and the most excited thing that has happened in 8 years was a battle between around 80 creatures and Darren's fight with a bear??)
But now, 4 days and 10 books later, the series actually got interesting. Since the 10th book was exactly where i began all those years ago, this was what i suspected would happen! The story is more interesting and is not just moving in one direction anymore, we have a bit more tension and a interesting setting.
I can't say i love this series already, but we're getting there
I can't believe the books actually got better..
Let me start of with the reason I'm reading this saga, while absolutely hating it. when I was around 12 I saw the first book of the saga of Darren Shan in my school library. Obsessed with fantasy as I was, I decided to give it a try. In my 12-year old mind the first book was absolutely amazing, and i couldn't wait for the next one. Sadly, my town's library only had the last 3 books out of a 12 books long saga. I wasn't really a picky reader, so i took them and reading it, sometimes slightly confused with the plot. I loved it, which is not that spectacular since the writer was a bit older now and apparantly better at writing. Now, 7 years later, I decided to finally pick up the other books. In those 7 years I kept telling people how awesome "my favorite books ever" were, and I must tell you, I'm deeply ashamed. The first book was saved by the freshness and upbeat tempo of the story, but after that is was just a spiral downwards. The following books reminded me more of some 7-year old kids making up a story on the playground about vampire princes etc, without any concern for plot and tension. the books were fast paced, as if the writer wanted to get to the "good bits" as soon as possible, and were too detailed on unneccesarry parts, while skipping through what must have been 20 years of Darren Shan's whole life (Mr. Shan, you cant make me believe there is a mountain filled with vampires and the most excited thing that has happened in 8 years was a battle between around 80 creatures and Darren's fight with a bear??)
But now, 4 days and 10 books later, the series actually got interesting. Since the 10th book was exactly where i began all those years ago, this was what i suspected would happen! The story is more interesting and is not just moving in one direction anymore, we have a bit more tension and a interesting setting.
I can't say i love this series already, but we're getting there
October 5, 2013
It’s been about two years since I read the last Cirque du Freak book, so some of the details of previous books are kind of fuzzy. But judging by the reviews I gave them at the time, it seems that despite a few problems, I’ve enjoyed the series as a whole.
While other installments had some filler and/or unnecessary plot points, The Lake of Souls felt almost entirely unnecessary to the overall plot of Cirque du Freak. It was kind of interesting to find out who Harkat Mulds was in his former life, but an entire book of the series dedicated to an adventure trek to find out who Harkat Mulds was? I think this could have been a subplot somewhere in another book.
On the plus side, Lake of Souls is not boring. Shan has a fun imagination, and he’s not afraid to use it. There were plenty of weird characters and plot twists, and it was interesting to see how Darren and Harkat navigated this world. If this had been condensed into a few chapters in a book about Harkat, I actually would have enjoyed it quite a bit. There is a lot of oddities at play in this one, and it was fun to see how Mr. Tiny created this world. But the whole time I was reading I became more and more irritated by how little this had to do with the vampire/vampaneze war, which is the main thread through all the Cirque books.
One other thing: what the hell was a pirate doing in this story? There was little point for having him, even if he did figure into the story a bit. His character takes the trophy for biggest cornball moment of the series.
Hopefully I finish this series this year. I’ll be glad to move on to other Darren Shan stories after this.
While other installments had some filler and/or unnecessary plot points, The Lake of Souls felt almost entirely unnecessary to the overall plot of Cirque du Freak. It was kind of interesting to find out who Harkat Mulds was in his former life, but an entire book of the series dedicated to an adventure trek to find out who Harkat Mulds was? I think this could have been a subplot somewhere in another book.
On the plus side, Lake of Souls is not boring. Shan has a fun imagination, and he’s not afraid to use it. There were plenty of weird characters and plot twists, and it was interesting to see how Darren and Harkat navigated this world. If this had been condensed into a few chapters in a book about Harkat, I actually would have enjoyed it quite a bit. There is a lot of oddities at play in this one, and it was fun to see how Mr. Tiny created this world. But the whole time I was reading I became more and more irritated by how little this had to do with the vampire/vampaneze war, which is the main thread through all the Cirque books.
One other thing: what the hell was a pirate doing in this story? There was little point for having him, even if he did figure into the story a bit. His character takes the trophy for biggest cornball moment of the series.
Hopefully I finish this series this year. I’ll be glad to move on to other Darren Shan stories after this.
February 19, 2021
آن قدیمها، که من و شما یادمان نمیآید، وقتی مطلبی را آغاز میکردند که به موضوعِ کلّیِ بحث ربطی نداشت، میگفتند: فایدۀ استطرادیّه.
شده است حکایتِ این قسمت از قصّههایِ سرزمینِ اشباح که به مثابۀ یک فایده (فایده که چه عرض کنم، بیشتر ضایعۀ) استطرادیه از داستانِ اشباح و سرزمینِ آنهاست.
فضایِ این قسمت بیشتر حال و هوایِ «دلتورا»یِ امیلی رودا را داشت. هرچند فکر نکنم لازم باشد بگویم که تفاوتِ سطحشان با هم چهقدر است. با این حال این قسمت به عنوان یک ضایعۀ استطرادیّه از آن ضایعاتِ دیگر کمی بهتر بود و قابلِ تحمّلتر. کاش اصلاً دارن شان به آن جهانِ مسخرۀ اشباحش برنمیگشت که در آن تکلیفِ آدم با خودش معلوم نیست.
پ.ن: منطقِ رواییِ دارن شان: الف) گرهافکنی در داستان نیاز است: نگران نباش، دیسموند تینی هست. ب) گرهگشایی نیاز است: نگران نباش: ایوانا هست. :))
شده است حکایتِ این قسمت از قصّههایِ سرزمینِ اشباح که به مثابۀ یک فایده (فایده که چه عرض کنم، بیشتر ضایعۀ) استطرادیه از داستانِ اشباح و سرزمینِ آنهاست.
فضایِ این قسمت بیشتر حال و هوایِ «دلتورا»یِ امیلی رودا را داشت. هرچند فکر نکنم لازم باشد بگویم که تفاوتِ سطحشان با هم چهقدر است. با این حال این قسمت به عنوان یک ضایعۀ استطرادیّه از آن ضایعاتِ دیگر کمی بهتر بود و قابلِ تحمّلتر. کاش اصلاً دارن شان به آن جهانِ مسخرۀ اشباحش برنمیگشت که در آن تکلیفِ آدم با خودش معلوم نیست.
پ.ن: منطقِ رواییِ دارن شان: الف) گرهافکنی در داستان نیاز است: نگران نباش، دیسموند تینی هست. ب) گرهگشایی نیاز است: نگران نباش: ایوانا هست. :))
October 12, 2014
This book answers numerous questions whilst also throwing many more out there to be answered in the final two books.
The main purpose of this book is to help us get answers as to who Harkat really is. Taking place in an unknown location (until later in the book) the characters work through tasks to find out more about Harkat. Whilst it is the longest book in the series it does address many things, giving the reader numerous answers to questions that have been asked in the past.
The main purpose of this book is to help us get answers as to who Harkat really is. Taking place in an unknown location (until later in the book) the characters work through tasks to find out more about Harkat. Whilst it is the longest book in the series it does address many things, giving the reader numerous answers to questions that have been asked in the past.
April 29, 2020
A couple of huge twists in this one. The story is pretty much Harkat Mulds and Darren on a quest to find out who Mulds was when he was alive. Toss in some dragons, cannibalism(?!) and a huge revelation and you have a pretty cool story. It really did get away from the main storyline but I'm assuming it's all going to tie back and become very important later. I'm near the end of the series and I have to say it's bittersweet as it has been a great read.
September 19, 2016
What a great plot twist! Also a great cliffhanger! This, by far, is the most unique of the Cirque Du Freak. At first, I was confused, I thought Darren and Harkat are on an alien planet! Also, Kurda is Harkat! Can't believe it! Dam Darren, you clever! *INSERT MIND=BLOWN GIF HERE*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
4/5 ⭐
This book was unlike any other in this series. It's as if the characters just got plopped into a whole other world (literally, they did) and nothing else from this series that had happened mattered. I'm all for it though, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was a nice break from the events from last book (💔). I can definitely feel this series coming to an end though; ahhh only 2 left 🥲
I was snooping around after reading last book, looking for what's to come in this book. I got the main spoiler 😡 and so the build up to it just wasn't there for me. Also i gathered that this was peoples least favourite book in the series but honestly i loved it. I defo think it was needed to be taken out of the vampire world and into this one, because last book's events was just too sad 💔
OKAY SPOILERS!!
This book was unlike any other in this series. It's as if the characters just got plopped into a whole other world (literally, they did) and nothing else from this series that had happened mattered. I'm all for it though, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was a nice break from the events from last book (💔). I can definitely feel this series coming to an end though; ahhh only 2 left 🥲
I was snooping around after reading last book, looking for what's to come in this book. I got the main spoiler 😡 and so the build up to it just wasn't there for me. Also i gathered that this was peoples least favourite book in the series but honestly i loved it. I defo think it was needed to be taken out of the vampire world and into this one, because last book's events was just too sad 💔
OKAY SPOILERS!!
Read
November 18, 2009The Lake of Souls takes place right after Killers of the Dawn, with Mr. Crepsley dead and Steve's revelation that he is the Lord of the Vampaneze. Darren is unable to cry. He feels numb, but with the help of the bearded lady, Truska, he eventually does so. Mr. Tiny then appears and tells Harkat that if he wants his nightmares (which have returned) to stop, he must walk through a portal that Mr. Tiny makes. Harkat refuses to let Darren go with him. Debbie Hemlock and Police Chief Alice Burgess want to start an army to combat the vampets, but have to get the approval of the vampire princes first, so they are only mentioned briefly. Darren later decides that he should go with Harkat, much to Harkat's dismay. Darren and Harkat then walk through the mysterious portal, and are thrown into a strange, gray world.
Darren and Harkat are forced to complete many diffucult tasks. They first hunt down a black panther and collect a map inside it. Darren finds that the panther's teeth have been marked with letters. They start rearranging the teeth, with Harkat using up all the teeth to get SLAM DARK HUT, and then again to find it reads HARKAT MULDS. Harkat dismisses it as an utter waste of time, as Mr. Tiny loves to meddle with time. Harkat keeps the teeth, saying that they might be useful as they are sharp.
Next they have to steal 'gelatinous globes' from the world's biggest toad. They arrive to see the toad standing in the middle of a lake surrounded by crocodiles. Darren and Harkat zip through the lake, grab a few globes, then run off.
Darren and Harkat eventually meet up with Lady Evanna. Her appearance is completely unexpected, and she does not wish to tell the two how or why she is there. She helps them get across the lake where they meet a man who calls himself Spits Abrams. Spits is a former pirate and heavy drinker, and although Darren and Harkat do not trust him very much, they decide that Mr. Tiny put him in that world for a reason, and decide to take him with them.
They soon reach a small area filled with 'people' which they decide to call Kulashkas (since they are chanting "kulashka" more than any other word.) They are required to steal vials of 'holy liquid'. Darren and Harkat enter the village, Spits being afraid, to find the 'holy liquid' to be the venom from the fangs of a huge creature called the Grotesque. The Grotesque is apparently the Kulashkas' god. Darren and Harkat rush to two vials containing the venom and are attacked by the Grotesque.
Harkat raises the vial as the Grotesque attempts to kill him, and the Grotesque backs off. The Kulashkas arrive, pointing spears at Darren and Harkat, trying to drive them back. They are driven closer to the Grotesque and Darren drives them back with his vial. The chief of the Kulashkas starts trying to speak to them in a non-understandable language, with Darren saying that he can't understand them. The chief starts gesturing that they are free to leave, but must return the vials to the altar which carried them. Darren starts to do so, but a drunken Spits arrives,and cuts the kulashkas with his knife as darren throws one vial at the Grotesque, which explodes, hurting the Grotesque and those nearby it, revealing the liquid to be highly explosive. Harkat sees floorboards underneath them and starts stomping on them. Darren joins in, with Spits saying, "What in the devil's name are ye..." before crashing through the floorboards.
They end up in a tunnel, following it until they reach a room. There is a fridge, which Spits asks about, as he did not have fridges in his time. There are also postcards, signed by Mr. Tiny. Harkat is bothered by the postcards, but does not explain why. They then leave the room, Spits taking a few extra bottles of whiskey.
They soon reach the Lake. It is seen to be covered with dragons and Darren and Harkat figure out that they should make bombs, filling the 'gelatinous globes' with the Grotesque venom and throwing it at the dragons. They finally get up close to the Lake and Spits says that when Mr. Tiny brought him here, he told him that there was a spell on the Lake forbidding dragons to be closer than eight metres to the Lake unless a living person fell into the Lake. Then Spits quotes on how many people are in the Lake of Souls. He starts talking about how the crew on the Prince o' Pariah, the ship he used to serve, loved his meals, revealing that he is a cannibal. Spits says that he plans to stay by the Lake of Souls, feeding of the people who lived there. He is persistently told not to feed on the souls and is accidentally knocked away from the eight metre zone. A dragon soon breathes fire at him and he is seen burning, running around not able to see, and then falls into the lake, breaking the spell.
While being ruthlessly attacked by a dragon, Harkat pulls up his former identity, revealed to be Kurda Smahlt. The world freezes and Mr. Tiny appears to congratulate him. He also tells them, since Kurda and Harkat are of the same soul, only one could survive. It is decided that Harkat will remain alive.
Back at the Cirque du Freak, Harkat removes the panther's teeth and starts juggling the letters around, and just when he reaches HARKAT, he stops, apparently shocked, then rearranges it to find it reads KURDA SMAHLT. Darren then realizes that Harkat's name is an anagram and that the answer was in front of them all along, saying that if they spent more time on the teeth they might not have had to go through all the tasks. Harkat also takes out the postcards, pointing the time and date it was sent, noting that it was all dated twelve, twenty, thirty, and fifty years later. Harkat then reveals his theory: that the barren land they had visited was the future.
It is also told by Lady Evanna that no matter who wins the War of the Scars, either Darren or Steve would become the Lord of the Shadows who is a ruthless ruler of the night.
Darren and Harkat are forced to complete many diffucult tasks. They first hunt down a black panther and collect a map inside it. Darren finds that the panther's teeth have been marked with letters. They start rearranging the teeth, with Harkat using up all the teeth to get SLAM DARK HUT, and then again to find it reads HARKAT MULDS. Harkat dismisses it as an utter waste of time, as Mr. Tiny loves to meddle with time. Harkat keeps the teeth, saying that they might be useful as they are sharp.
Next they have to steal 'gelatinous globes' from the world's biggest toad. They arrive to see the toad standing in the middle of a lake surrounded by crocodiles. Darren and Harkat zip through the lake, grab a few globes, then run off.
Darren and Harkat eventually meet up with Lady Evanna. Her appearance is completely unexpected, and she does not wish to tell the two how or why she is there. She helps them get across the lake where they meet a man who calls himself Spits Abrams. Spits is a former pirate and heavy drinker, and although Darren and Harkat do not trust him very much, they decide that Mr. Tiny put him in that world for a reason, and decide to take him with them.
They soon reach a small area filled with 'people' which they decide to call Kulashkas (since they are chanting "kulashka" more than any other word.) They are required to steal vials of 'holy liquid'. Darren and Harkat enter the village, Spits being afraid, to find the 'holy liquid' to be the venom from the fangs of a huge creature called the Grotesque. The Grotesque is apparently the Kulashkas' god. Darren and Harkat rush to two vials containing the venom and are attacked by the Grotesque.
Harkat raises the vial as the Grotesque attempts to kill him, and the Grotesque backs off. The Kulashkas arrive, pointing spears at Darren and Harkat, trying to drive them back. They are driven closer to the Grotesque and Darren drives them back with his vial. The chief of the Kulashkas starts trying to speak to them in a non-understandable language, with Darren saying that he can't understand them. The chief starts gesturing that they are free to leave, but must return the vials to the altar which carried them. Darren starts to do so, but a drunken Spits arrives,and cuts the kulashkas with his knife as darren throws one vial at the Grotesque, which explodes, hurting the Grotesque and those nearby it, revealing the liquid to be highly explosive. Harkat sees floorboards underneath them and starts stomping on them. Darren joins in, with Spits saying, "What in the devil's name are ye..." before crashing through the floorboards.
They end up in a tunnel, following it until they reach a room. There is a fridge, which Spits asks about, as he did not have fridges in his time. There are also postcards, signed by Mr. Tiny. Harkat is bothered by the postcards, but does not explain why. They then leave the room, Spits taking a few extra bottles of whiskey.
They soon reach the Lake. It is seen to be covered with dragons and Darren and Harkat figure out that they should make bombs, filling the 'gelatinous globes' with the Grotesque venom and throwing it at the dragons. They finally get up close to the Lake and Spits says that when Mr. Tiny brought him here, he told him that there was a spell on the Lake forbidding dragons to be closer than eight metres to the Lake unless a living person fell into the Lake. Then Spits quotes on how many people are in the Lake of Souls. He starts talking about how the crew on the Prince o' Pariah, the ship he used to serve, loved his meals, revealing that he is a cannibal. Spits says that he plans to stay by the Lake of Souls, feeding of the people who lived there. He is persistently told not to feed on the souls and is accidentally knocked away from the eight metre zone. A dragon soon breathes fire at him and he is seen burning, running around not able to see, and then falls into the lake, breaking the spell.
While being ruthlessly attacked by a dragon, Harkat pulls up his former identity, revealed to be Kurda Smahlt. The world freezes and Mr. Tiny appears to congratulate him. He also tells them, since Kurda and Harkat are of the same soul, only one could survive. It is decided that Harkat will remain alive.
Back at the Cirque du Freak, Harkat removes the panther's teeth and starts juggling the letters around, and just when he reaches HARKAT, he stops, apparently shocked, then rearranges it to find it reads KURDA SMAHLT. Darren then realizes that Harkat's name is an anagram and that the answer was in front of them all along, saying that if they spent more time on the teeth they might not have had to go through all the tasks. Harkat also takes out the postcards, pointing the time and date it was sent, noting that it was all dated twelve, twenty, thirty, and fifty years later. Harkat then reveals his theory: that the barren land they had visited was the future.
It is also told by Lady Evanna that no matter who wins the War of the Scars, either Darren or Steve would become the Lord of the Shadows who is a ruthless ruler of the night.
Read
April 1, 2024I think I may have lost my desire to finish this series. I DNF’d this one about 60% of the way through.
After the death in the last book, and then this one feeling like a giant side quest, I just don’t think I am in a place where I want to continue the series.
I went into this over a year ago because I remember loving the movie when I was younger. Of course, the movie was very different to the series, but. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it and it introduced me to the book series. There are definitely some good parts in the series, but also parts that I wonder if they were only introduced to prolong the storyline. Either way, I am glad that I read what I did.
I may come back to finish the last two remaining books, but I’m not sure yet. We’ll see!
After the death in the last book, and then this one feeling like a giant side quest, I just don’t think I am in a place where I want to continue the series.
I went into this over a year ago because I remember loving the movie when I was younger. Of course, the movie was very different to the series, but. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed it and it introduced me to the book series. There are definitely some good parts in the series, but also parts that I wonder if they were only introduced to prolong the storyline. Either way, I am glad that I read what I did.
I may come back to finish the last two remaining books, but I’m not sure yet. We’ll see!
March 31, 2020
از بهترینهای این مجموعهست این کتاب. حداقل تا الآنی که ۲کتاب مونده تا پایان.
معمایی که به دنبال جواب و راز پشتش هستیم و کششی که در طول داستان داشت و پایانبندی عالی، باهم باعثشدن از جالبترینهای این مجموعه باشه.
معمایی که به دنبال جواب و راز پشتش هستیم و کششی که در طول داستان داشت و پایانبندی عالی، باهم باعثشدن از جالبترینهای این مجموعه باشه.
May 14, 2025
This was not my favorite book in the series. Darren and Harkat go on a side quest to find out about Harkat's past and wind up in a place called The Lake of Souls. The reveal was an interesting concept, but to me it deterred from the main part of the story. It's still a fantastic series and I can't wait to read the last 2 books in the series.
December 10, 2014
I personally liked.....no loved the book. In the 11th book of the series Darren Shan really showed off his ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. He uses tension and excitement around every corner and uses some gruesome imagery and foreshadowing.
Darren and Harkat are the two main characters and seem to come closer somehow during their latest adventure traveling to a barren waste land that might be the future of Earth depending on the outcome of the war of the scars. Darren and Harkat seem to find out more about each other the longer they are together and seem to become even better friends. Even after finding out about Harkats past identity Darren wouldn't leave the side of Harkat. That shows that Darren has grown to judge people in the present, because it doesn't matter what you did in your past
Further into the book, Darren shows to be growing up in a extraordinary way when he followed Harkat through the portal to find out who he was in his past life before becoming a little person to work at the Cirque. For a little person to figure out who they were before their new life, they have to go through a life threatening quest through a barren waste land that is in another time and space to a lake filled with the souls of the damned. After every battle and close brush with death, Darren seems to be growing a little at a time. He seems to pick up on some of the vampire ways that were never taught to him by his mentor or fellow princes, or his followers. He just seems to pick them up on his own and it shows that he is beginning to comprehend what it really means to be a vampire and a vampire prince.
The story never really told of what time or place that it was set to take place, but seeing as how in some scenes that it had under ground safety bunkers, I would put the setting somewhere around the modern era and the near future. The story does take place during the war between the vampaneze and the vampires, the war is aptly named 'The War Of The Scars'. its said that the winner of the war will become the lord of the shadows. 'The Lake Of Souls' is the 11th book in the Cirque Du Freak series. In the beginning of the book, Darren and Harkat are back at the Cirque and Darren is still trying to get over the death of beloved friend and mentor to the Vampire ways and lifestyle. His name was Mr. Crepsley. After having a nice visit with Truska,(the lady that can grow a beard and suck the hair back into her face) Darren was finally able to cry for his dead vampire mentor.
If I had to recommend this book to anyone it would probably be to people between the ages of 14-17. Someone who can handle reading the profane language in a mature manner who can handle it.
Darren and Harkat are the two main characters and seem to come closer somehow during their latest adventure traveling to a barren waste land that might be the future of Earth depending on the outcome of the war of the scars. Darren and Harkat seem to find out more about each other the longer they are together and seem to become even better friends. Even after finding out about Harkats past identity Darren wouldn't leave the side of Harkat. That shows that Darren has grown to judge people in the present, because it doesn't matter what you did in your past
Further into the book, Darren shows to be growing up in a extraordinary way when he followed Harkat through the portal to find out who he was in his past life before becoming a little person to work at the Cirque. For a little person to figure out who they were before their new life, they have to go through a life threatening quest through a barren waste land that is in another time and space to a lake filled with the souls of the damned. After every battle and close brush with death, Darren seems to be growing a little at a time. He seems to pick up on some of the vampire ways that were never taught to him by his mentor or fellow princes, or his followers. He just seems to pick them up on his own and it shows that he is beginning to comprehend what it really means to be a vampire and a vampire prince.
The story never really told of what time or place that it was set to take place, but seeing as how in some scenes that it had under ground safety bunkers, I would put the setting somewhere around the modern era and the near future. The story does take place during the war between the vampaneze and the vampires, the war is aptly named 'The War Of The Scars'. its said that the winner of the war will become the lord of the shadows. 'The Lake Of Souls' is the 11th book in the Cirque Du Freak series. In the beginning of the book, Darren and Harkat are back at the Cirque and Darren is still trying to get over the death of beloved friend and mentor to the Vampire ways and lifestyle. His name was Mr. Crepsley. After having a nice visit with Truska,(the lady that can grow a beard and suck the hair back into her face) Darren was finally able to cry for his dead vampire mentor.
If I had to recommend this book to anyone it would probably be to people between the ages of 14-17. Someone who can handle reading the profane language in a mature manner who can handle it.
December 21, 2012
About the Book:
Shan takes a step back from the War of Scars and focuses on a character that we all have come to know and love: Harkat Mulds. Harkat's nightmares have returned, and Mr. Tiny shows up to transport Darren and the Little Person to another world so that the latter can figure out who he was in his past life.
Review:
Well, this book has definitely taken a different path from the rest of the series, and I must admit I very much enjoyed it. It was like a nice vacation, only not so relaxing. Darren and Harkat must come across a series of trials so that they may reach the lake of souls. Shan did a wonderful job at creating action in this book. It was definitely a page turner. His monstrous creatures were extremely vivid as well, such as the giant (and I mean GIANT) toad. I especially liked the Grotesque. It was completely unique and revolting. In this book, we are also introduced to the Kulashkas, which seem to be kinsfolk of the Guardians of Blood that we witnessed in the Vampire Mountain trilogy. I still wish we could have learned more about the Kulashkas/Guardians of Blood and their culture. Why do they milk the Grotesque? Why do they eat the dead? Hell, how did the Grotesque even come into being?
Then, once more, Shan continues to drop surprises and twists. I was especially shocked when I found out where they were and who Harkat was. Now, with the hint Mr. Tiny leaves, you may be able to figure it out on your own though it seems to have surprised a good chunk of people. This was definitely my favourite of the series so far, and I cannot wait to read the final two.
Shan takes a step back from the War of Scars and focuses on a character that we all have come to know and love: Harkat Mulds. Harkat's nightmares have returned, and Mr. Tiny shows up to transport Darren and the Little Person to another world so that the latter can figure out who he was in his past life.
Review:
Well, this book has definitely taken a different path from the rest of the series, and I must admit I very much enjoyed it. It was like a nice vacation, only not so relaxing. Darren and Harkat must come across a series of trials so that they may reach the lake of souls. Shan did a wonderful job at creating action in this book. It was definitely a page turner. His monstrous creatures were extremely vivid as well, such as the giant (and I mean GIANT) toad. I especially liked the Grotesque. It was completely unique and revolting. In this book, we are also introduced to the Kulashkas, which seem to be kinsfolk of the Guardians of Blood that we witnessed in the Vampire Mountain trilogy. I still wish we could have learned more about the Kulashkas/Guardians of Blood and their culture. Why do they milk the Grotesque? Why do they eat the dead? Hell, how did the Grotesque even come into being?
Then, once more, Shan continues to drop surprises and twists. I was especially shocked when I found out where they were and who Harkat was. Now, with the hint Mr. Tiny leaves, you may be able to figure it out on your own though it seems to have surprised a good chunk of people. This was definitely my favourite of the series so far, and I cannot wait to read the final two.
Read
June 12, 2023This is one of the best Cirque books yet! Love a whole book dedicated to my boy Harkat Mulds. I love the escape room vibes and can't wait to learn more about Mr. Tiny's deal. Very disturbed yet entertained by Spits the pirate.
March 26, 2009
In the 11th book of the best selling Cirque du freak series by Darren Shan,'Lake of souls harket goes and find out about his past. Harket is a little person who is dress in blue robes,no ears,no sense of taste or smell,and eats almost anything.This book shows him and Darren who goes to a quest to find Harket's past. They went against a jaguar,through a tunneled room,dragons and a lake of souls which shows all bad Vampires and vampaneze that broke the rule and didn't flow to paradise. The met a drunk guy and fed from him and helped him escape hes destiny to wait for strange people which are them. they went through a alter which scarafices girls and people to there great lord of wisdom and they destroy there god and the strange religion went against them.
I can connect to this because once me and my family went camping and were exploring someplace and then we met a hobo that told us a way and i got lost and thankfully came out safe and i also encountered a wolf so i was very frightened. Just like when Darren and harket got lost in the fog and a jaguar came and attacked them while they were traveling
i rated this book a 5 stars because it was verry detailed and it really draws your attention and you cant notput the book down. Once your done you are egared to get the next book because of how good it is.i recommand this book to teens and people that likes aa great fantasy and friendship with adventure packed in the hundreds of pages.
I can connect to this because once me and my family went camping and were exploring someplace and then we met a hobo that told us a way and i got lost and thankfully came out safe and i also encountered a wolf so i was very frightened. Just like when Darren and harket got lost in the fog and a jaguar came and attacked them while they were traveling
i rated this book a 5 stars because it was verry detailed and it really draws your attention and you cant notput the book down. Once your done you are egared to get the next book because of how good it is.i recommand this book to teens and people that likes aa great fantasy and friendship with adventure packed in the hundreds of pages.
July 21, 2013
After the devastating events at the end of book 9 I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. I knew a huge gap would be left by the fallen and I wasn't sure how it would move forward without him.
But Darren is our storyteller and he manages to spin his tale and make everything work. Although I still deeply missed our fallen comrade.
This book mainly focuses on Darren and Harkat, it is time for Harkat to discover the truth about his past and journey through barren lands, dark tunnels, big lakes and dragon infested mountains. Possibly the hardest journey they have faced yet, they are on their own and there is no going back until their quest is fulfilled.
I found parts of this a bit silly and wasn't sure all things were necessary - I really didn't like Spits Abrams, he creeped me out and just made me wonder what he was on!
It also takes you away from the Battle of Scars and the impending Vampire War. It seems a bit strange to move away from that when you are on the edge of a mass battle, but I suppose Shan is saving that for the last book or 2 in the series. And it was a nice change in some ways. I like Harkat as a character and was intrigued by the ending when we discover who he was. I won't give it away but I never expected it.
Looking forward to seeing how the series ends, but will be sad when I have to let it go.
But Darren is our storyteller and he manages to spin his tale and make everything work. Although I still deeply missed our fallen comrade.
This book mainly focuses on Darren and Harkat, it is time for Harkat to discover the truth about his past and journey through barren lands, dark tunnels, big lakes and dragon infested mountains. Possibly the hardest journey they have faced yet, they are on their own and there is no going back until their quest is fulfilled.
I found parts of this a bit silly and wasn't sure all things were necessary - I really didn't like Spits Abrams, he creeped me out and just made me wonder what he was on!
It also takes you away from the Battle of Scars and the impending Vampire War. It seems a bit strange to move away from that when you are on the edge of a mass battle, but I suppose Shan is saving that for the last book or 2 in the series. And it was a nice change in some ways. I like Harkat as a character and was intrigued by the ending when we discover who he was. I won't give it away but I never expected it.
Looking forward to seeing how the series ends, but will be sad when I have to let it go.
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