Cirque Du Freak #5

Trials of Death

Darren Shan

In book 5 Darren takes part in the “Trials of Initiation”. The trials are a series of tests that vampires used to have to do to prove themselves to the Vampire Princes. Now it is only used for people who want to become a general or if they want to show they are a good vampire, but Darren has to do the trials because Mr. Crepsley made him a vampire when he was only a child. Darren chooses to stand up for his mentor.The first of five trials are “The Aquatic Maze,” which is a maze that fills steadily with water while Darren has to get through while dragging a rock half his weight. The second Trial is “The Path of Needles,” which is a tunnel full of sharp racks which break badly and are as sharp as knives. The third Trial is “The Hall of Flames,” which is a metal room with holes that shoot out flames (I liked this part the most) Darren must remain in the room for fifteen minutes, trying not to be burned alive.He finishes three, and is rescued by Harkat during the fourth when he fights two boars (wild boars infected with vampire blood). As the interference is illegal and counts as a loss, he does not survive according to the Vampires, Darren is sent to die at the Hall of Death. Kurda persuades him to run away. They are halfway when Gavner catches up with them and tags along. They cross across an army of 37 vampaneze Kurda tells Darren to run and Gavner and Kurda fight them. Darren turns back and watches as Kurda swings his knife into Gavner killing him. It turns out that Kurda was with the vampaneze. Kurda argues that his intentions True, and that he just wanted the vampires to be together with the vampaneze. Darren then runs throughout the many tunnels and reaches the Hall of final Voyage. Kurda chases after Darren. Darren then jumps into the river and shouts “Even in death, may I be triumphant!” as the current swiftly carries him away ending the book.