Lyons Regional Library

Algebra class, two old friends, and a creature with deadly hands test Darren's determination as he travels to Mr. Crepsley's home town to search for the murderous vampaneze.

The lives of Darren and Harkat are at risk as they face monstrous obstacles on a desperate quest to the Lake of Souls.

As Darren faces the final showdown with his archenemy, Steve Leopard, he seeks a way to trick destiny and avoid the requirement that one of them die and the other become Lord of the Shadows, fated to destroy the world.

Betrayed by Kurda and reeling from the brutal slaying of Gavner, the vampire's assistant, Darren Shan, finds himself branded a traitor and hunted by the vampire clan.

"Accompanying his master, Mr. Crepsley, on a trip to the city, half-vampire Darren Shan is ready to enjoy a pleasant holiday away from the Cirque du Freak with his friend Evra. But when he learns of a string of grisly murders whose victims have been drained of blood, Darren begins to suspect that his mentor may be involved. Has Mr. Crepsley crossed the line, or could it be that some creature more fearsome than a vampire haunts the city's streets?"...

"Endeavoring to learn more about who Harkat truly is, Darren and Harkat journey to the Lake of Souls. Facing unending twists, turns, and trials, the two of them eventually find themselves at the edge of a lake teeming with souls. Time to go fishing! If Darren and Harkat can reel in the little person's soul, they might be able to find out more about Harkat's past ... and Mr. Tiny's cruelty."--Amazon.com.

Visiting his hometown with the Cirque Du Freak, Darren falls into a vampaneze trap and is shot with a bowgun by Steve's son, Darius. Saved by the vampirites, Darren is reunited with his friends, but another enemy attack leads to Evra's son, Shancus', abduction. With Darius held hostage in order to strike a deal, Darren witnesses the horrible sight of Steve murdering Shancus. And to make things worse, Darius is Darren's nephew!

"Darren and Mr. Crepsley embark on a dangerous trek to the very heart of the vampire world. Will a meeting with the Vampire Princes restore Darren's human side, or turn him further toward the darkness? Only one thing is certain-- Darren's initiation into the vampire clan is more deadly than he ever could have imagined"--Publisher's web site.