This book is the second of ‘The Saga of Larten Crepsley’. This is a four book series about Mr Crepsley’s life before he met Darren Shan at the Cirque Du Freak. The books combined ultimately display 200 years in the life of a tormented, valiant vampire. Ocean of Blood in particular has been described as the darkest, most profound of all. This entry focuses on Larten during his most indecisive years. The author explains how while most of his books are fantastical, dealing with vampires, demons and magic, they are simultaneously a way for him to look at the real world and explore real life issues. Perhaps this or these books are an exploration at the dark side of human nature which is the main reason I was intrigued by the book.

The reason why I was fascinated by the book is that the protagonist Larten is depicted within the tempestuous years of teenage life unlike the rest of the books. Of course, Larten isn’t really a teenager in the book, yet when you read it you rarely get the impression it is about a grown man as he is displayed as a stroppy, hormonal, and indecisive being.