Darren Shan is once again successful in continuing to build upon the interest already built up in this addictive series. Darren has to pass five trials to prove himself worthy to be a part of the vampire clan. If he fails, he dies. This book includes several new plot lines that continue to make the series interesting. It takes a whole lot of talent to continue to create more interest in an extremely satisfying series. For those who claim the author is without skill, I say Charna's guts! You just don't get it. This series continues to be all readers can think about until. . . the next installment--The Vampire Prince.