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Cirque Du Freak: The Manga #6
Cirque Du Freak, Vol. 6: The Vampire Prince
Darren Shan, the vampire's assistant, faces certain death. Branded a traitor, betrayed by a friend, hunted by the vampire clan - can Darren reverse the odds and outwit a Vampire Prince and scores of murderous vampanese, or is this the end of thousands of years of vampire rule?
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2010
25 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
Darren Shan
243 books8,285 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 30 reviews
September 9, 2016
The Vampire Prince is volume 6.
By the time I got to this book I realised what what going to happen and who Harkat is.
By the time I got to this book I realised what what going to happen and who Harkat is.
March 11, 2016
Yay the wolves made a return in this volume!! That was super fun!
I kind of figured Kurda's "betrayal" was going to be a positive one, especially when Darren started his "ZOMG NOOOOO KILLING IS BAAAAD" business. Though there is some part of me that is like "Yeah whatever, you wouldn't have killed Gavner then" because of the simply fact that Kurda didn't even TRY talking to Gavner about what he was up to. If they were friends, why wouldn't he had done that? He didn't even give Gavner a chance to understand or agree with him. So there is that.
How will the battle shift now? I also wasn't surprised by the ending. I knew that was coming since Darren and Larten arrived at vampire mountain.
I kind of figured Kurda's "betrayal" was going to be a positive one, especially when Darren started his "ZOMG NOOOOO KILLING IS BAAAAD" business. Though there is some part of me that is like "Yeah whatever, you wouldn't have killed Gavner then" because of the simply fact that Kurda didn't even TRY talking to Gavner about what he was up to. If they were friends, why wouldn't he had done that? He didn't even give Gavner a chance to understand or agree with him. So there is that.
How will the battle shift now? I also wasn't surprised by the ending. I knew that was coming since Darren and Larten arrived at vampire mountain.
March 2, 2019
I remember reading from the original book, I cried so much because I felt the betrayal that Darren Had with Kurda, I was so sad an frustrated at first and then scared with the message he gave before sending him to his death. I will always see him as a good vampire trying to make everything better in his own way.
February 25, 2015
Okay first off, I know that this whole series is basically some kind of wish fulfillment (you can't make it more obvious than by naming the character after yourself), but seriously the solution to a death sentence isn't to change or add a clause to the rules but to make him a prince! I mean make a hero clause or something don't just give a maybe 22 year old kid ultimate power in the vampire clan... It was out of nowhere and it doesn't make much sense on any level. Other than that, I'm surprised that vampires aren't better trackers than they seem to be because they couldn't find Darren even though he was hanging out with the wolves nearby and apparently not covering his tracks. Also, why didn't Darren run to tell the princes right after he saw Gavner get stabbed? I would have just out of fear. I get that he wanted to be there for his friend so that he wouldn't die surrounded by enemies, but he gave himself away and almost put his entire race in peril. I'm sure Gavner would have understood. Other than those things, the story was exciting and Darren's feelings after the battle were genuine, heartfelt and completely understandable. All the death really was a waste, but Kurda's plan would have resulted in similar casualties and had to be prevented. There's quite a bit of killing in this book as well as Darren getting bashed around by the elements. No cursing or sex to speak of though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2015
In this book, we have Darren from the hall of final voyage fall out of the vampire mountain. Luckily, we meet rudi, the cute wolf Darren met on his way to the mountain. With time, Darren built up his strength and soon returned to vampire mountain to tell the vampire princes that Kurda was a traitor. He does, Kurda dealt with, and everyone is preparing a battle with the vampaneze. They end up winning, but the best part in the book has to be Kurda's confession. Here, we realize that the vampaneze were only wanting peace, so they could prevent the reign of the dangerous vampaneze lord. Then, Kurda is killed. Darren also becomes a prince. But the moment with Kurda really makes you think "was he really the real bad guy?" It's just such a powerful moment. Great series.
March 31, 2015
Darren was half vampire he is still a boy.According to the vampire rule he cannot be blooded for no reason.He have to go through the trial.He faced certain death to complete the trial but he got help and it will lead to death.Darren have someone he trusted but did not know who he is.He came up with a escape plan but he found vanpaaneze by the cave.He knew vanpaneze were vampires enemy and when someone he trust told him to run and continue to battle along with one of friends He was the enemy.He had killed Darren teacher/friend.
March 13, 2018
Kurda is a traitor! He murdered Gavner! And the only one who knows the truth is Darren. But Darren is exiled lest he be put to death for failing his fourth trial.
But the pieces are coming together and the one object that could save the vampire race from the Vampaneze lord is at risk as Kurda is about to be made a prince. Darren can’t hide forever.
Lots of fighting, more deaths, and a conclusion of this story arc. But still no Steve.
This series has 12 volumes and is based on the Darren Shan novel series Cirque du Freak.
But the pieces are coming together and the one object that could save the vampire race from the Vampaneze lord is at risk as Kurda is about to be made a prince. Darren can’t hide forever.
Lots of fighting, more deaths, and a conclusion of this story arc. But still no Steve.
This series has 12 volumes and is based on the Darren Shan novel series Cirque du Freak.
May 3, 2018
Darren is on the run as vampires search for his supposedly traitorous blood - but no way is he giving up without a serious fight! "The Vampire Prince" speeds up the action and intrigue in this stellar entry to the "Cirque Du Freak" series. The art of Arai shines as the story grows in tension and daring, that takes readers on an epic journey!
September 5, 2018
I chose the book CIRQUE DU FREAK; The Vampire Prince , written by Darren Shan, it takes place in The Vampire Mountain. The genre of the book is fantasy as well as horror.
There are two main characters in the story, an antagonist and a protagonist. The antagonist is Kurda Smahlt. Kurda is considered as as a atrocious person as he has disobeyed all the rules of the Vampires. In addition, Kurda has killed Gavner who is Darren Shan's best friend. Plus , the vampires do not like the Vampaneze. The protagonist is Darren Shan (you can tell that this is the author)as he has stopped Kurda from being trusted by the Vampire princes. Mr. Crepsley is also one of the most important characters because Mr. Crepsley has been blood feeding Darren. If he was not in the book, Darren would not have been there, if Darren was not there, the book would not have existed.. The important minor characters are the higher princes. They are the princes who crowned the newest vampire prince, Darren Shan. The higher princes are also the people who make up the rules for the mountain.
The book started by Darren going through the cave. It was calm at first but, it started to get intense by him bumping into rocks, his leg getting stuck in two big rocks, and falling down the waterfall. After all that happened, Darren could not believe that he survived from the fall and the bad things he had been through. After Darren survived, he had to go to the wolf pack to survive the winter with food. If he was not with the wolfpack, he would have starved to death and by freezing in the cold weather. The part which caught my attention the most was when Darren exposed Kurda Smahlt. That part was very interesting for me as all the audience members in the crowd were so quiet. Suddenly, all the people started booing, throwing trash at Kurda. It was actually not fun for Darren to see Kurda executed as he was his best friend. Also one of the best parts for me was when Darren had a flute to control the spiders and it was funny hearing the vampaneze shout and yell for their lives.
One of the major problems of the story was that Kurda Smahlt accomplished to kill Gavner.Gavner is one of the trial members for the Cirque Du Freak. Kurda wanted to kill him as Darren and Gavner knew about what the vampaneze have done. After he killed Gavner, he was searching for Darren. He could not find Darren because he was already in the wolf pack. So, Darren told the older princes about Kurda, so then he was executed.
On the other hand, the other problem was that there was a big war against the vampaneze and the vampires and on the the higher princes were blinded by a blade thrown by on of the vampaneze. And they have to face the music by more spiders of Darren. The war was won the vampires and the punishment for Kurda was execution.
At last, the vampaneze were all down and sad while there was a new vampire prince. Darren Shan.
There were two themes for my book. Royalty and Betrayal. It is royalty as the princes have royal for the vampires. Betrayal as Kurda has betrayed the vampire kingdom. I would recommend it to people that like fantasy which is creepy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2025
Volume 6 of the Cirque du Freak manga, adapting The Vampire Prince, is a gripping and emotionally intense instalment that delves deeply into the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and identity within the vampire world. Illustrated with striking artistry by Takahiro Arai, this volume masterfully captures the tension and intrigue surrounding the enigmatic Vampire Prince and Darren Shan’s evolving role in the supernatural conflict.
Arai’s artwork is both detailed and atmospheric, skillfully portraying the opulent yet perilous world of the vampire elite. The characters’ emotions are rendered with nuance and intensity, conveying inner turmoil, ambition, and fragile alliances. Action scenes are choreographed with fluidity and precision, enhancing the dramatic stakes and immersing readers in the unfolding power struggles.
The manga remains faithful to Darren Shan’s original themes, exploring the burdens of destiny, the complexities of friendship and betrayal, and the quest for self-understanding amid chaos. The visual medium amplifies these themes, providing immediate emotional resonance through expressive character designs and dynamic panelling.
Pacing is expertly balanced, combining moments of suspenseful confrontation with introspective scenes that deepen character development and heighten narrative tension. The volume ends with compelling cliffhangers, propelling readers eagerly into the next chapter of Darren’s perilous journey.
In conclusion, Volume 6 of the Cirque du Freak manga—The Vampire Prince—is a five-star adaptation that expertly blends thrilling supernatural drama with profound emotional depth. It stands as an essential volume for fans of dark fantasy and graphic storytelling, delivering a richly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Arai’s artwork is both detailed and atmospheric, skillfully portraying the opulent yet perilous world of the vampire elite. The characters’ emotions are rendered with nuance and intensity, conveying inner turmoil, ambition, and fragile alliances. Action scenes are choreographed with fluidity and precision, enhancing the dramatic stakes and immersing readers in the unfolding power struggles.
The manga remains faithful to Darren Shan’s original themes, exploring the burdens of destiny, the complexities of friendship and betrayal, and the quest for self-understanding amid chaos. The visual medium amplifies these themes, providing immediate emotional resonance through expressive character designs and dynamic panelling.
Pacing is expertly balanced, combining moments of suspenseful confrontation with introspective scenes that deepen character development and heighten narrative tension. The volume ends with compelling cliffhangers, propelling readers eagerly into the next chapter of Darren’s perilous journey.
In conclusion, Volume 6 of the Cirque du Freak manga—The Vampire Prince—is a five-star adaptation that expertly blends thrilling supernatural drama with profound emotional depth. It stands as an essential volume for fans of dark fantasy and graphic storytelling, delivering a richly immersive and unforgettable experience.
October 3, 2017
¡Agárrense! Aquí en el inicio vemos a un darren bastante debilitado, perdido y recibiendo ayuda de quien menos pensaba uno que recibiría: los lobos. En cierta forma eran parientes de los vampiros, y en su viaje para llegar a la montaña en el libro 4, se hizo amigo de uno de ellos. ¿cómo llegó en ese estado? todo tiene que ver con el fracaso en la cuarta prueba gracias a Harkat, quien en un impulso lo salvó de ser matado por un jabalí vampirizado. a partir de esa interrupción drástica, el consejo toma la necesidad de matarlo, por lo que con ayuda de Kurda huye. A estas alturas no se preocupen si doy spoilers, es difícil no hacerlo si queremos comentar el progreso de una serie, por lo que no digan que les estoy arruinando historia jaja.
un libro interesante, donde vemos al protagonista levantarse y enfrentarse a su realidad... aunque él al final recibirá algo que no se espera.
un libro interesante, donde vemos al protagonista levantarse y enfrentarse a su realidad... aunque él al final recibirá algo que no se espera.
June 18, 2023
Continues to be my favorite !!!
♾️/5🌟
This series holds a special place in my heart and I will continue to give it an infinite amount of stars whenever I read it !!!
The original was heartbroken and seeing scenes of Gavner, Arra, hell even the vampanze come to life in art form broke me in the best possible way the mangaka did a wonder job drawing these characters giving them life and staying true to the source material while adding his own twists that fit perfectly with the story love it 💜💜💜💜💜
♾️/5🌟
This series holds a special place in my heart and I will continue to give it an infinite amount of stars whenever I read it !!!
The original was heartbroken and seeing scenes of Gavner, Arra, hell even the vampanze come to life in art form broke me in the best possible way the mangaka did a wonder job drawing these characters giving them life and staying true to the source material while adding his own twists that fit perfectly with the story love it 💜💜💜💜💜
May 14, 2019
I'm continuing to be impressed by the way Takahiro Arai wraps up each book without losing the heart and spirit of the original source material. It was great seeing Darren reunited with some familiar faces in the opening chapters and growing as a character.
The ending still came as a gut-punch but whatever. I knew what I was signing up for with Darren Shan's work!
The ending still came as a gut-punch but whatever. I knew what I was signing up for with Darren Shan's work!
June 3, 2018
Great conclusion to this story arc, albeit somewhat predictable. The characters are yet again lovely and most have won a place in my heart. The truth being in the middle and the world not being black and white is a refreshing metaphore for a YA story.
October 26, 2010
this book was less intense than the 5th book because things started to mild down and settle in the beginning of the book. there were not much intense fighting but people died, it was so sad because my favorite characters died. it turned out that the traitor from the previous book was trying to join the two vampire races together and be at harmony in order to protect themselves against the vampaneze lord. He plans was to save the clan but he still had to died because he still broke the law and caused the death of many. I don't hate him actually he's one of my favorites but he caused two of my other favorite characters to die so i have mixed feelings.
October 16, 2012
I chose this book because it has allot of creepyness and horror.
The vampire prince is a sequeal to the trials of death. It al began when darren has been chosen to become the new vampire prince. Darren is a half-vampire and is very rare Mr crepsley has blooded him to become his assistant. He has to help the vampire community and take down the vampaneze lord. It wil not be an easy trip for him. In the end he leaves vapire mountain and heads for the vampaneze lord my favorite quote was "you only get one chance Darren, if you do not complete this we are a shame for life". I would reccomend this book to people if they like horror and comedy. There is a bit of comedy.
October 24, 2012
what do i say about this...
*insert not bad meme*
because this is not that bad, i might be reading the series for a while buuut if it kinda face kicks me in a way i will stop
if you don't understand when a book "face punts" you then it means that the story when down the crapper so bad it was a kick in the face for the reader
*insert not bad meme*
because this is not that bad, i might be reading the series for a while buuut if it kinda face kicks me in a way i will stop
if you don't understand when a book "face punts" you then it means that the story when down the crapper so bad it was a kick in the face for the reader
July 29, 2013
This book is about Darren Shan finding out how and when Kurda will lead the vampaneze in to Vampire Mountain. He also meets his old wolf pack friends and surprisingly they lead him to the vampaneze! I would recommend this book to all boys and girls that like vampires and heart racing action!!!
May 7, 2016
Wow, what a roller-coaster of a volume! I never knew where the story was going to take me next, nor what was in store for Darren and the others! The deaths were sad but I'm eager to see what's going to happen next!
August 15, 2022
Every time I read re-read this my favorite series I find something new I love about it. Kurda despite his actions and how he is view by the other characters and readers is truly one of Darren's trues friends.
May 29, 2016
its alright
May 27, 2014
I think this is a great horror film series. It tells about paranormal creatures working in a circus. Darren made a great discovery in this series to me.
September 10, 2016
Keeps getting more good and interesting with each volume.
July 6, 2015
Went on holiday before I could finish this book. What a book! Huge reveals and plot twist!
February 16, 2016
I think it was cool but it was not cool that a lot of people were killed.It was sad.
October 28, 2016
"spoilers out there" the book was very good my favorite part is when the war began the vampires won but we lost two great friends
December 19, 2016
Man I love this series and revisiting it. The wolves were definitely my favorite in this particular book. I can't wait to see Darren age, see Evra again, and hopefully see Crepsley get a girl!
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February 12, 2018i read it three times
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews