Shan gives a history lesson in Book 4, Vampire Mountain. Darren, Mr. Crepsley, and their vampire friend Gavner Purl face wolves and the vampaneze on their dangerous trek to Vampire Mountain, which is the "heart of the vampire world." Here, we and Darren learn more about the vampire hierarchy, and come to understand that vampires thrive on much more than blood. They are complicated creatures, and they have as many unique cultural habits as humans. Darren meets the most important of the vampires — the Vampire Princes and Generals, whose respect he earns through his cleverness and courage. In Vampire Mountain, Darren discovers his real strengths and weaknesses, learns how to fight like a vampire, and grows more aware of the political and social issues facing his new community.

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