Cirque du Freak, Volume 4: Vampire Mountain

Cirque Du Freak: The Manga #4

by Darren Shan, Takahiro Arai (Illustrator)

Darren Shan and Mr. Crepsley embark on a dangerous trek to the very heart of the vampire world. But they face more than the cold on Vampire Mountain--the vampaneze have been there before them. Will a meeting with the Vampire Princess restore Darren's human side or turn him further into the darkness?

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

186 pages, Library Binding

Published January 26, 2010

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Anthony L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this part of the series because it shows that life is not always easy also it show him and his friends growing up. So far the series is getting so good that I want to get the entire series myself.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be better than the last volume.

[Vendea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upíří hora je můj nejoblíbenější díl :333 Protože prostě Kurda a spol. Na manze je super, že je všechny vidíte... a byly tam i boxerky se slonama! Tohle byla prostě dokonalost.

5/5*

[Siobhan Louise Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟

[Sarah Maddaford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realize that Darren ages at 1/5 of the rate of a normal person, but I still would have liked to see him look a bit older... I guess it helps the contrast between him and Evra, but I just feel like the reader misses out on something by having him so young. This is the first book of the Vampire Mountain arc. I think it suffers a bit by trying to shove a whole novel (even a short juvenile level one) into a single graphic novel. Also, at this point, there are several characters introduced all at once and if one of them hadn't been a girl I would have had real difficulty keeping them straight. This is one reason I'm glad for the art: I can actually see the different characters rather than just trying to picture them separately in my brain. I did absolutely love the wolves. The fact that wolves are so connected with vampires is such a nice change from the usual trope of them being mortal enemies. That and the wolf pup was absolutely adorable. There was some violence: some one dies and a giant bear is killed, but it isn't as graphic as the last one. There might have been a couple of curses, but I don't really think so. There is no sex although it is either in this book or the next that vampire mates are explained.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very curious to me why Darren Shan the author decided to call this series Cirque du Freak when really Darren Shan the character is hardly ever even at the Cirque du Freak. It started out that way, but it's moving away from the cirque.

This volume was a wee bit boring in comparison to the rest as it was setting us up for Darren's big vampire initiation. It was nice to get to meet some other vampires and their vampire mountain is pretty cool. And I was totally jealous when Darren got to snuggle up and sleep with the wolves. Not fair :-p

Mr. Crepsley is definitely my favorite character. And I remember in my original review for volume 1 I mentioned Darren being adorable and then changing my mind... well I'm back to thinking he's adorable again. Lol... I started thinking so again in the last volume.

Onward to see if Darren can pass his trials (which, I'm sure without even a spoiler ruining it for me, he probably does).

[Btheilmanngohr3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, We have Darren travel to Vampire Mountain. Along the way, they meet up with one of the vampire generals, whose name I forget. Anyways, they reach the mountain, vista the people, but we also learn that Darren will have to face challenges, known as the trials. As usual, I enjoyed the book.

[Kushnuma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vampire Mountain is volume 4.

Many characters are introduced in this novel and Darren is told that he must go through an initiation trial before he can be accepted.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love my some Cirque Du Freak! I loved seeing the vampire mountain. Super excited for the trials!

[Brittany Fletcher]

Volume 4 of the Cirque du Freak manga, adapting Vampire Mountain, delivers a thrilling and atmospheric chapter that deepens the dark, supernatural world introduced in earlier volumes. Illustrated by Takahiro Arai, this instalment captures the tense, eerie environment of Vampire Mountain with stunning artistry and masterful storytelling, immersing readers in a tale of survival, loyalty, and transformation.

Arai’s detailed artwork brilliantly conveys the imposing and labyrinthine nature of Vampire Mountain, with shadowy corridors and ominous settings that heighten the suspense. The characters’ expressions and postures are rendered with emotional depth, vividly portraying Darren’s fear, determination, and growth amidst the dangers lurking in the mountain’s depths. Action sequences are fluid and dynamic, balancing moments of quiet tension with bursts of intense conflict.

The manga remains faithful to Darren Shan’s original themes, exploring the complexities of trust, courage, and identity in a hostile and mysterious world. The visual format enhances these themes by providing immediate emotional resonance and amplifying the claustrophobic and perilous atmosphere of the tunnels and chambers beneath the mountain.

Pacing is expertly handled, blending fast-paced action with introspective scenes that develop character relationships and internal struggles. The volume ends on a suspenseful note, compelling readers to eagerly anticipate the next chapter of Darren’s harrowing journey.

In conclusion, Vampire Mountain, as adapted in Volume 3 of the Cirque du Freak manga, is a five-star success, an evocative, thrilling, and emotionally engaging entry that richly expands the saga’s dark fantasy universe. This volume is essential reading for fans of supernatural adventure and graphic storytelling alike.

[J Jahir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es la hora de que Darren se acostumbre y conozca su nueva vida. 6 años despuéss de lo ocurrido en los túneles, debe marchar para ir junto con larten a "la montaña de los vampiros", ya que se hará la reunión de todos los vampiros que se realiza cada 15 años aproximadamente, y para lo cual servirá para que conozcan a Darren y lo acepten como uno de los suyos. pero el camino no será fácil. además, les acompañará en su viaje además de Evra, Gavner y crepsley, una Personita. Así se les llama a los asistentes que se encargan del cirque, son criaturas que no son capaces de hablar ni de saborear la comida, todo parece ser creación de mr. Tinny. Pero con ésta pasa algo en particular. se llama Harkat y sí puede hablar. sigue manteniendo la constitución de una personita pero habla. entre jadeos al principio. por qué lo hace? es algo que se descubre después.
Uno de los personajes de la montaña que me cayó súper bien, es Seba. Con decirles que hasta ponía de regaño a larten! es uno de los generales más viejos y sabios.
Y bien, ya aquí nos introducimos más al mundo de la sociedad vampírica como lo ha diseñado larten... y el libro termina con un cliffhanger bastante interesante.

[Kara Wilhite · Rating 3 out of 5]

vampire mountain was alright if I had to chose it would be the worst of the series but still good. It was about the characters going to vampire mountain. Not much happened that was why I would say it was the worst of the series. They did face some challenges but they quickly over cam it and went on. They also had some friendly encounters such as wolves which are friendly to vampires.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darren travels high and low with his mentor until finally arriving at the meeting place of the Vampire Princes, where his deadly initiation has finally begun. "Vampire Mountain" is a thrilling entry in the "Cirque Du Freak" series that comes off the pages through the brilliant work of Arai and enticing storytelling of Shan. Readers beware, because the dangers are about to increase tenfold!

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. Darren Shan has grown into a great man. Perhaps he should be called a vampire, but he is stil growing into that identity and he is but a vampire's apprentice. In this adventure he meets challenges that make him into something greater than he was and even greater than the monsters, wolves, and vampires from which he learns. This is a great step in his adventures of a life.

[Carrie-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet more new characters, I can't say much because volume 4, but it's cool because I haven't read the original series in so long, so it's fun to see bits I have forgotten about (and also bits that I have a great memory of, like Arra Sails!)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cirque du Freak has and always will have a special place in my heart reading the Manga adaptation is an enjoyable read the art work is gorgeous the characters are still as fun and loving as I remember this was a fun read and I can't wait to read volume 5 ^^

[Maximus · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six stars? LOVED IT. AMAZING.

[Chastin Davalos · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was a really good book and i didnt really like it though

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another nice volume. The lore of this world seems quite interesting.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Kristin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really a book by itself. Unfinished.

[Angie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. This author is one of my favorite authors ever. The art in this is also amazing.

[Makaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My God this book!
Cirque Du Freak Vol. 4 by Darren Shan shows foreshadowing in the best way I have seen every! The main character is forced to do a lot of difficult terms he has to do or he will be put to die. It's so scary to be honest I wanted to through the book away everytime something bad happened! I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers and adventure seekers! This is my review on Vol. 4 of Cirque Du Freak.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure I trust any of these new characters! Plus, this volume ends on a cliffhanger, with Darren facing a series of deadly tests to prove himself!

[David Kernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is really good in detail and introducing new characters, I hope this stays the same or improves in future books.

[Chaseh]

I thought this book was ok, it wasn't the best book i've ever read. In the beginning of the book it was pretty boring because there was alot of dialogue and empty space, but towards the end/middle it started to get more interesting and action filled. In the book some areas were interesting and somewhere just boring throughout the book.

This isn't the best book I have ever read but, it wasn't the worst. In my opinion it wasn't that good but everyone has their own opinions and preferences on things. My favorite part in the book was when Darren came in contact with the wolves and had to test his vampire abilities to escape his sticky situation.

[Selena Pigoni · Rating 2 out of 5]

So... we're getting into the "let's put children in dangerous situations for no reason at all" tropes...

So first, we have Darren getting into a fight with a vampire he has no chance of winning and shouldn't have gotten any hits (cheap or otherwise) on his opponent. Thankfully, he still gets his butt handed back to him, but he still got a couple good hits against the other vampire. A vampire that, according to the manga, no one's beaten in more than 11 years.

Next, we have the deadly trials. Darren's probably in his 20s at this point, but he's still got the body of a child and is a couple hundred years younger than all the people who say "Let's give him the trials!" That just seems ridiculous. I know they're vampires, but they've said their numbers are dwindling. Why kill children? -_-

Also, where are all the female vampires? Hundreds of vampires in one place, and we see only one.

Lots of things bothered me in this volume. These were just a few of them.

[Francisco]

In this book Darren must face the Council of General Vampires. It is not just the facing of the Generals that should be worrying Darren. Along the way they will encounter both new and old characters from the previous books. Some friendly, some not so friendly, including the vampaneze.
This fourth book in the Cirque Du Freak series is another fast paced page-turner with enough plot twists to keep you wanting more.
As we delve further into the vampire world we can't help but wonder when or if Darren will be restored to a human or become a full-fledged vampire. As we learn more of the vampire history and traditions you yearn to learn what Darren's fate will be.More and more details of the ways of vampires are revealed in the book, more characters are introduced and a few surprises about old characters are uncovered.

[Jason Shackman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was decent. The beginning stunk but the end was good. Darren goes off to Vampire Mountain to go to the Vampire Council meetings. They are held 1ce per 12 years. They go off to the Mountain and meet Garvner Purl on the way. Darren meets wolves and fights a bear on the way with vampaneeze blood. When they get there, Darren hangs out, meets vampires and has a challenge on the Bars with Arra Sails who he loses to. Then him and Mr Crepsley go off to see the Princes. The Princes do not aproove of his young blooding and make him go through the trials to prove himself. I think the 5th book will be interesting and will start it Monday.