Saga of Darren Shan
The Vampire Assistant
Darren Shan
Review by C.D.

"Suddenly my days as a human were over. My nights as a vampire’s assistant had begun." Darren Shan said this in his best selling novel The Vampire Assistant, book two of the Cirque Du Freak series.

Darren Shan became Mr. Crepsley’s Vampire Assistant. Mr. Crepsley is important. He was the one who pumped the blood into Darren. Then Mr. Crepsley had an idea of meeting up with the Cirque again after he left. Two new characters are introduced, a snake boy named Evra Von and Sam a regular human. Sam and Evra Von are also important because they help him get through the problems that he faces. Throughout the novel Darren has to fight the ways of becoming a Vampire. He is torn between being a half human and half Vampire.

This fascinating novel by Darren Shan is a great book for young adults, boys and people who love horror stories. This book will have you jumping out of your seat with terror. Read on if you dare!

The Voyage of the Frog                                                                   Dell, 1989,141 pp.,
Gary Paulsen                                                                                         

            This book is a turbulent story about a young man named David Alspeth whose uncle died from a terrible disease called cancer. He has to carry out his uncle’s last wish and scatter the ashes in the ocean where no land is in sight. David heads off into the vast ocean on the ship The Frog and finds himself in the middle of a storm. Will The Frog withstand the storm? More importantly will David?

 The Voyage of the Frog has many twists and turns. The most riveting part of the story is when David says “I am alone.” This is the basis of most of the story. David must cope with being alone on the sea.

            I thought The Voyage of the Frog was wonderful. The description and feelings of the character made me feel as if I was among him in the vast ocean. The Voyage of the Frog  shows description in this sentence, “Before he could take in the whole scene, an enormous back rolled out of the water near The Frog and a whale blew, a mighty vaporous cloud of breath and spray as its lungs expelled air and David caught the same odor that covered him as he slept.”

            I would recommend The Voyage of the Frog to any one with imagination. It is a quick read. The Voyage of the Frog is one of Gary Paulsen’s best masterpieces.

                                                                                                M.P.