Birth of a Killer

Birth of a Killer is the first book in a new series that form a prequel to the best-selling sequence The Saga of Darren Shan, and tells the story of Larten Crepsley and his transformation from an ordinary human boy into a supernaturally strong, ferocious, and near-immortal vampire.

Fans of the previous series will recognise many familiar faces, and the novel fleshes out the backstory admirably, though as a consequence newcomers may find themselves a little lost and might be better advised to start with the first novel, Cirque Du Freak. Shan’s writing is action-packed and pleasingly violent, and will no doubt appeal bloodthirsty younger teenagers, though potential readers should be warned that if they choose this book they will be in for a dark and scary ride!