Title: Tunnels of Blood
Author: Darren Shan
First published January 1, 2000
173 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780007435586
Rating: 4.14
Overview
Darren is back with his mentor, Mr. Crepsley, and his friend Evra Von, the snake-boy. This time they visit the city where Darren meets a girl named Lucy.
But their fun is short-lived as they discover a series of corpses drained of blood. Darren and Evra suspect Mr. Crepsley’s involvement and follow him around the city until they encounter a terrifying creature that threatens to end their lives.
Will they be able to save themselves and the city from this creature of the night? Find out in Tunnels of Blood by Darren Shan.
About the Author
Darren Shan, also known as Darren O’Shaughnessy, is an Irish author born in London, England on July 2, 1972. He has authored multiple book series including The Saga of Darren Shan (known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States), The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B.
In addition, he has written stand-alone novels such as The Thin Executioner, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Shan has also written books for adults under the name D.B. Shan, including The City Trilogy, and Lady of the Shades.
Notably, he is also a writer of adult fiction under the name Darren Dash.
Editoral Review
Darren Shan’s Tunnels of Blood is a thrilling and suspenseful addition to the renowned Cirque du Freak series. Published on January 1, 2000, this young adult novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, death, and acceptance in a unique and captivating way.
Shan, a British author, has been acclaimed for his contributions to the horror genre. The plot centers on the lead character, Darren Shan, a half-vampire who serves as the assistant to Larten Crepsley, a full-fledged vampire.
The duo travels to the city of Mr. Crepsleys childhood to help the young vampire defeat his arch-nemesis, the Vampaneze Lord. However, the journey unravels in unexpected ways, displaying the author’s aptitude to keep the plotline unpredictable and thrilling.
Shan also portrays the setting, the blood-soaked underground tunnels in the city, as eerie and formidable, sparking unease and fear in the readers. One of the strengths of Tunnels of Blood is its character development.
Shan effectively depicts the complexities, nuances, and growth of his characters, making them relatable and endearing. The protagonist Darren Shan, in particular, displays growth and maturity as he grapples with the consequences of his choices, both internally and externally.
Additionally, the author’s writing style and pacing are commendable. The book moves at a brisk pace, never losing the reader’s attention, and even when the plot takes a slower turn, the author’s smart writing pulls through.
On the downside, the book assumes that you have read the previous books in the series. Newcomers to the series may find it challenging to understand the backstory and relationships between the characters.
The book also seems to recycle some original concepts from the previous books, which may appear repetitive to some readers. Overall, Tunnels of Blood is a well-executed novel that would appeal to readers who enjoy horror, adventure, and suspense.
Shan’s writing style continues to captivate readers with raw emotions and palpable fear, providing an immersive and enjoyable reading experience. I would recommend this book to young adult readers ages 14 and above.
It serves as an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and justice in the face of adversity.
Score: 4/5
