As this sixth volume in the series opens, Darren Shan is surviving a near drowning and struggling to return to Vampire Mountain in order to warn the others of the secret plan to invite the vampaneze into Vampire Mountain, where they are certain to gain control. The story has numerous plot twists and decent characterization. There is plenty of blood, gore, and suspense. However, this novel doesn't stand on its own. The fantasy setting is consistent throughout the series, but readers have to know what the protagonist has already been through to see why he is motivated to take the risks he does. Strictly for fans of the previous books.