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Cirque Du Freak: The Manga #10
Cirque Du Freak, Vol. 10: The Lake of Souls
Darren and Harkat face monstrous obstacles on their desperate quest to the Lake of Souls. Will they survive the savage journey? And what awaits them in the murky waters of the dead?
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2011
32 people are currently reading
1130 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 10, 2018
I had to put this series down a few years back for, I don't know what for, but I did. I thought I was going to have to start over, but I decided not to. Picking back up with Volume 10 didn't leave me wondering what happened before, the story seemed to flow that well.
March 11, 2016
What the what!!?!?!?!
This was a really, really random volume. It's like we got the meat of the story in the last volume and then Darren Shan the author was like "Oh yeah, I suppose I better wrap up Harkat's story before we figure the rest of this out. So here you go... also.... randomness."
Everything about this volume was strange, even up to who Harkat really was. I mean.... I think I get the purpose? But at the same time, it really feels like all of that was pointless... like I said, I think I get it... While it does make sense, it still is rather pointless. I'm not sure if anyone else feels that way, but I certainly do.
Well, now that that randomness is out of the way, back to the main story!! I want to see how it all goes down!
p.s. I don't know if I've stated this yet, but I really really really love Mr. Tall. He is most excellent.
This was a really, really random volume. It's like we got the meat of the story in the last volume and then Darren Shan the author was like "Oh yeah, I suppose I better wrap up Harkat's story before we figure the rest of this out. So here you go... also.... randomness."
Everything about this volume was strange, even up to who Harkat really was. I mean.... I think I get the purpose? But at the same time, it really feels like all of that was pointless... like I said, I think I get it... While it does make sense, it still is rather pointless. I'm not sure if anyone else feels that way, but I certainly do.
Well, now that that randomness is out of the way, back to the main story!! I want to see how it all goes down!
p.s. I don't know if I've stated this yet, but I really really really love Mr. Tall. He is most excellent.
August 20, 2011
Even though I wondered who Harkat was before he died (and Darren needed something to kick his butt back into gear after his loss), I felt this volume was pretty much a throwaway. It was interesting and fast paced (and it may tie into things later on) for now though the only thing it accomplished is to take up time that could have been spent hunting the Vampeneze Lord with surprising help from a police chief and Debbie.
Weird violence in this volume including people getting eaten and attacked by various animals, messing with souls and other odd body mutilations. There is a tribe of natives but not really any nudity or sex. I don't remember much language although the pirate is a cannibal and has a fairly foul mouth even if he doesn't use any actual obscenities.
Weird violence in this volume including people getting eaten and attacked by various animals, messing with souls and other odd body mutilations. There is a tribe of natives but not really any nudity or sex. I don't remember much language although the pirate is a cannibal and has a fairly foul mouth even if he doesn't use any actual obscenities.
March 18, 2013
I'm not a fan of fillers. I hate fillers. It reminds me of my Bleach and Naruto days. I gave up on those franchises solely because of the filler episodes. Yes, I could have skipped them but I'm a firm believe of "all or nothing." This was my attitude to this book. It was something I just had to get through.
However, I've read through the whole series now and I see the significance of this volume. Still, at first, it read like a filler. It was interesting in a way, but I couldn't help but think, "Really??" But it was necessary. Clever.
The ending was pretty clever as well. Darren Shan. Nice.
However, I've read through the whole series now and I see the significance of this volume. Still, at first, it read like a filler. It was interesting in a way, but I couldn't help but think, "Really??" But it was necessary. Clever.
The ending was pretty clever as well. Darren Shan. Nice.
November 21, 2011
Well I loved the ending and it was shocking and all.
The whole book was kinda boring but intresting, it was all about finding Harakat's true identity and in the end of the book you will know.
In my opinion the book felt like a extra book or something it was really ONLY bout finding harakat's identity. but there are 2 volumes left so let's see.
The whole book was kinda boring but intresting, it was all about finding Harakat's true identity and in the end of the book you will know.
In my opinion the book felt like a extra book or something it was really ONLY bout finding harakat's identity. but there are 2 volumes left so let's see.
June 9, 2025
Volume 10 of the Cirque du Freak manga, adapting Lake of Souls, immerses readers in a dark and emotionally charged chapter of Darren Shan’s supernatural journey. Takahiro Arai’s evocative artwork masterfully captures the eerie and foreboding atmosphere surrounding the mysterious Lake of Souls, enhancing the story’s tension and emotional depth.
Arai’s detailed illustrations bring to life the haunting landscapes and supernatural entities that inhabit the lake’s shadowy realm. The characters’ emotions—ranging from fear and desperation to resolve and hope—are vividly portrayed through nuanced facial expressions and dynamic body language. Action sequences are rendered with fluidity and intensity, balancing suspense with moments of quiet reflection that deepen the narrative’s resonance.
The manga adaptation faithfully conveys the novel’s central themes of sacrifice, courage, and the struggle between light and darkness. Through its visual storytelling, it heightens the psychological complexity of Darren’s trials and the moral choices he faces. The interplay of light and shadow within the panels amplifies the atmosphere, making the supernatural elements both captivating and chilling.
Pacing is expertly managed, blending thrilling action scenes with introspective moments that develop character relationships and inner conflicts. The volume’s cliffhanger ending leaves readers eagerly anticipating the continuation of Darren’s perilous quest.
In conclusion, Volume 10—Lake of Souls—stands as a five-star highlight in the Cirque du Freak manga series. It is an intense, immersive, and emotionally compelling adaptation that brings Darren Shan’s dark fantasy world to vivid life. This volume is a must-read for enthusiasts of supernatural adventure and graphic storytelling.
Arai’s detailed illustrations bring to life the haunting landscapes and supernatural entities that inhabit the lake’s shadowy realm. The characters’ emotions—ranging from fear and desperation to resolve and hope—are vividly portrayed through nuanced facial expressions and dynamic body language. Action sequences are rendered with fluidity and intensity, balancing suspense with moments of quiet reflection that deepen the narrative’s resonance.
The manga adaptation faithfully conveys the novel’s central themes of sacrifice, courage, and the struggle between light and darkness. Through its visual storytelling, it heightens the psychological complexity of Darren’s trials and the moral choices he faces. The interplay of light and shadow within the panels amplifies the atmosphere, making the supernatural elements both captivating and chilling.
Pacing is expertly managed, blending thrilling action scenes with introspective moments that develop character relationships and inner conflicts. The volume’s cliffhanger ending leaves readers eagerly anticipating the continuation of Darren’s perilous quest.
In conclusion, Volume 10—Lake of Souls—stands as a five-star highlight in the Cirque du Freak manga series. It is an intense, immersive, and emotionally compelling adaptation that brings Darren Shan’s dark fantasy world to vivid life. This volume is a must-read for enthusiasts of supernatural adventure and graphic storytelling.
March 13, 2018
Darren is in shock after Crepsley’s death and it seems no one can pull him out of it.
But when Mr. Tiny comes to start Harkat on the journey to find his past life, Darren volunteers to go with his friend. The world they’re dropped in is bizarre and dangerous but it’s all or nothing because if they fail, Darren won’t be able to return to face Steve the Vampaneze Lord.
I’ll say this, I wasn’t expecting Harkat’s former life to be him.
This series has 12 volumes and is based on the Darren Shan novel series Cirque du Freak.
But when Mr. Tiny comes to start Harkat on the journey to find his past life, Darren volunteers to go with his friend. The world they’re dropped in is bizarre and dangerous but it’s all or nothing because if they fail, Darren won’t be able to return to face Steve the Vampaneze Lord.
I’ll say this, I wasn’t expecting Harkat’s former life to be him.
This series has 12 volumes and is based on the Darren Shan novel series Cirque du Freak.
November 18, 2017
Una aventura se prepara. ahora será únicamente entre Harkat, la Personita, y Darren, para que el primero descubra finalmente quién fue en el pasado y porqué está ayudando a Darren a cumplir su misión. Lo que se descubre es realmente impresionante. deben ir al lago de las almas para extraer el alma y así saber la identidad de Harkat. En el camino serán ayudados por Esputos Abrams, aunque oculta sus reales intenciones.
April 9, 2018
A terrifying journey lays ahead for Harkat, but at least he has Darren at his side as the duo head off in search of the Lake of Souls. "Cirque Du Freak" takes a break from the larger conflicts to focus on the interesting cast of characters fans have come to know and love. Arai keeps the story of Shan flowing with beautiful art as secrets surface and dangers are thrown at our heroes!
July 1, 2019
Though this is one of my least favourite books in the series because of the break in tension/fighting, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this volume.
I think a lot of that was down to how Takahiro Arai paced each chapter in a fun and enticing way. We didn't linger too long in each scene yet it was enough to not leave us wanting. I had a lot of fun with this one!
I think a lot of that was down to how Takahiro Arai paced each chapter in a fun and enticing way. We didn't linger too long in each scene yet it was enough to not leave us wanting. I had a lot of fun with this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
Minus one star for Crepsley's death. I loved him so much, he was my favourite character and his death was brutal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2014
In this book while everything was going ok, Mr tiny pays a visit to Vampire Mountain to tell them that the vampeneze lord is planning to attack. He can tell this by having the ability to looking in to the future. He picks only three vampires to stop the vampeneze lord because only they can stop this, the chosen ones were Darren, Mr Crepsley and one random person they must find along the way.
My favourite character in this book is Mr Tiny, six centuries ago he was the one who built Vampire Mountain with his army called the little people. The little people are dressed in their old traditional blue robes but there intensely strong while still being short. Mr Tiny is the only non-vampire to have access to the princes hall .He is feared by many vampires since him coming to the mountain is very rare and he is known for bad news. He also has a very short temper and little patience for any things in is way and once he is mad he starts glowing bright red. I like him because he’s one of those characters you wouldn’t mess with and he only pops up when the situation is deadly and because he likes to get involved and have fun at the same time.
The most exciting part for me was when Mr tiny was having an argument with the princes and the many vampires in the hall about having only three vampires to take on this this journey, Tiny said there must be only three since others will just get in the way and ruin their chances, but the princes were not satisfied with only three taking on this quest instead of the whole clan so instead he decided to show the vampires a glimpse of his power by slamming his staff into the ground then the whole roof above the vampires started to shake the massive roof over them so hard it began to crack and almost collapse the whole mountain down on them. The vampires immediately agreed to his terms and pleaded him to stop this destruction and Tiny
My favourite character in this book is Mr Tiny, six centuries ago he was the one who built Vampire Mountain with his army called the little people. The little people are dressed in their old traditional blue robes but there intensely strong while still being short. Mr Tiny is the only non-vampire to have access to the princes hall .He is feared by many vampires since him coming to the mountain is very rare and he is known for bad news. He also has a very short temper and little patience for any things in is way and once he is mad he starts glowing bright red. I like him because he’s one of those characters you wouldn’t mess with and he only pops up when the situation is deadly and because he likes to get involved and have fun at the same time.
The most exciting part for me was when Mr tiny was having an argument with the princes and the many vampires in the hall about having only three vampires to take on this this journey, Tiny said there must be only three since others will just get in the way and ruin their chances, but the princes were not satisfied with only three taking on this quest instead of the whole clan so instead he decided to show the vampires a glimpse of his power by slamming his staff into the ground then the whole roof above the vampires started to shake the massive roof over them so hard it began to crack and almost collapse the whole mountain down on them. The vampires immediately agreed to his terms and pleaded him to stop this destruction and Tiny
November 26, 2016
This is one of my favourite books in the Darren Shan series, so it was great to see how Arai has adapted it into a manga.
I really liked the little family scene with Evra’s family at the Cirque du Freak. The bit with Truska was also really sweet. The moment when Darren finally caves to his feelings of loss for Lartin was really moving and brought a tear to my eye.
It was interesting to see how Arai interpreted the other/future world. The leopard that he drew was huge and very viscous looking, which even though that is how it is described in the novel, I always imagine it as looking just like an ordinary leopard but bigger. I liked the dragons and the temple creature was brilliantly grotesque. The ‘Kulashkas’ were weird but good, whereas Spits was just horrid. I really liked the way that Kurda was presented in this manga. I think that he looked much nicer than in the previous volumes. He seems really kind and somehow weary.
I noticed that there is a least one extra clue in the manga as to Harkat’s identity before it is revealed. On the front cover of the volume Arai has added three scars to Harkat’s face which is a vampeneze symbol of which Kurda was the only vampire to have.
This was a good adaption of the novel and receives three stars.
I really liked the little family scene with Evra’s family at the Cirque du Freak. The bit with Truska was also really sweet. The moment when Darren finally caves to his feelings of loss for Lartin was really moving and brought a tear to my eye.
It was interesting to see how Arai interpreted the other/future world. The leopard that he drew was huge and very viscous looking, which even though that is how it is described in the novel, I always imagine it as looking just like an ordinary leopard but bigger. I liked the dragons and the temple creature was brilliantly grotesque. The ‘Kulashkas’ were weird but good, whereas Spits was just horrid. I really liked the way that Kurda was presented in this manga. I think that he looked much nicer than in the previous volumes. He seems really kind and somehow weary.
I noticed that there is a least one extra clue in the manga as to Harkat’s identity before it is revealed. On the front cover of the volume Arai has added three scars to Harkat’s face which is a vampeneze symbol of which Kurda was the only vampire to have.
This was a good adaption of the novel and receives three stars.
October 25, 2012
I thought it was an awesome book. One of the best books if not the best book of the series. Some people may find the book and series confusing. If you read it and understand it geat. There are many mysteries and I hope you do read the series.
July 31, 2013
This book is about Darren and Harkat going into a different world to find Harkat's true human body when he was alive. It turns out that he is Kurda the vampire traitor!!!!!!! I would recommend this book to all boys and girls that like vampires and heart racing action!!!
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October 27, 2012i so excited
August 14, 2015
I'm crying.
March 30, 2014
Loved the graphics in this Manga really brought the book to life!
July 24, 2014
Wondered what the Lake of Souls would look like. And imagined Harkat to look a little different. But still like this anyway. This one was weird.
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December 18, 2014haven't read yet
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June 4, 2015Nice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2015
Finially get to know who Harkat really is! It made alot of sense
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November 27, 2015The lake of souls is truely an amazing book, it had me at the edge of my seat-literally. Right when I was done reading it I went to go find the 11.
August 6, 2016
I like but don't love the artwork, definitely helps to recap the story!
March 18, 2014
Awesome:) a page turner!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews