For everyone who has devoured every book in the Cirque Du Freak series, but is still thirsting for more, or for those who are still summoning up the courage to open the first book, this novel, a prequel, is your chance to join in the spooky literary thrill show. Larten Crepsley did not set out to turn others into vampires, or to become a vampire, himself, for that matter. When the story opens, Larten is just a boy supporting himself by working in a factory. But when the foreman capriciously kills Larten’s cousin, he quickly responds by making the man pay with his own life. Forced to flee, Larten is barely surviving when a vampire, Seba, offers him protection, and training, as his assistant. The beginning of Larten’s terrifying journey from impoverished boy to famous vampire is not for the faint of heart, but, in the midst of this Halloween season, this novel is a bone-chilling treat.