Part-vampire Darren Shan is traveling again with Mr. Tall and his Cirque du Freak in the 11th and penultimate book in the series. When he returns to his hometown, Darren would love to see his family and friends, but he knows it is too dangerous, especially at this point in his battle with the Vampaneze. Steve Leopard and his evil minions manipulate events to bring about a fight to the death between Steve, the Lord of the Vampaneze, and Darren. The winner will determine the fate of vampires everywhere. The story, fast-paced, violent, and gory, is filled with anger, revenge, and death, with a touch of redemption and a cliff-hanger ending. Readers of the series will anticipate the conclusion, whether they catch the foreshadowing or not. This book is not for the young or faint of heart, but others will eagerly devour it.