Death's Shadow

This creepy-ass cover houses one of the best - and saddest - of the series.

While the first books dealt with Lord Loss and the dangers of the demonata (such a wicked yet cool word), we have now realized there is an even greater foe to face. Finally this book reveals who is under the mask and it's not someone I was guessing. It's a big game changer since it completely changes the focus and aims of not just the demons, but now of those who fight them off. Stakes were already grim enough when it was just the demons wanted to torment human and break through, but this full-time apocalypse, just destroy everything deal? It went from bad to worse and worse some more.

Shan's writing style stays true and he's never been one to shy away from morbid show more and violent descriptions despite a young adult tag. This one is even grimmer than most since we lose two series regulars in depressing battle scenes. The grim tone doesn't give a feel-good story but it does stay a twisted, intriguing one.

Too much major mojo happens to call this one a filler, but it's a strong bridge to the next books and the overall plot to come. None of these should be skipped if you want the full effect of the series, but this one especially needs to be read if you want to follow the storyline while feeling the full oomph of what happens. Recaps in the next novel just won't cut it if you skipped this one.

Bec is a creative and enjoyable lead to read through - we haven't been in her head since the early books so it was a nice change to see her here in full reveal, even if half of the time she is spent having to recapture what is left of Bill-E for Dervish's sake. I still love Dervish even if he's a pain at times, but that's understandable considering his overwhelming loss. There is a strong bitter feel in this book when he and Grubbs have to be separated so long, it gives this big sacrificial, hopeless vibe that's just a downer. Necessary but nasty. show less

When you read a lot of Darren Shan, you learn to cope with the disappointment of having characters you love brutally killed. Indeed, Shan's bestselling children's horror series, The Demonata, has three narrators for this very reason; there is no guarantee that all three will survive to the end of the tenth and final book! To have a deceased narrator come back to life, then, is a decidedly pleasant surprise. Death's Shadow – the seventh and latest instalment – sees the return of Bec MacConn, who was killed off three books ago, (or so we thought,) and her narration makes a welcome change from the usual Grubbs Grady. Shan alters his tone just enough to suit a different narrative voice, without destroying the fast-as-a-movie fluidity show more that he has become famous for. The change in narration enables Shan to explore new complications and emotional content, making for a particularly enjoyable first third of the novel.

Death's Shadow is a very appropriate name for Shan's latest bloodbath – if you thought he was already killing off characters at top speed, think again. He describes this book as the start of the Demonata's 'real storyline' – a 'new beginning' of sorts which is matched by his writing. His use of Greek myths to provide background for Beranabus' character is especially creative, and adds depth to the story. There are new ideas, new mysteries, new characters, and, just in case demons and werewolves weren't enough, Shan even throws zombies into the mix this time around. (Hey – they work!)

But is it as good as its predecessors? Somehow, I just can't bring myself to say 'yes'. Perhaps I've become desensitised from reading two Demonata books in a row, but Death's Shadow seemed to lack that extra something that the other novels did – be it a great premise, a heartbreaking ending, or an extra splash of creativity, depending on the book. Somehow, this instalment feels like it has been cut just a little too methodically from the Demonata cloth, without that extra burst of inspiration to truly bring it to life.

Regardless; even on a bad day, Darren Shan still beats the vast majority of his competition hands down. Death's Shadow is a pacy and thoroughly enjoyable read that Demonata fans won't be able to put down. I look forward to reading the next instalment. show less

Fast paced, full of action, and beginning to look deeper into the personalities of the central characters. Good stuff.

Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

As always, thrills and chills are felt in this next installment in the horrifying and gripping THE DEMONATA series.

Bec has returned, and what aches her the most, besides adapting to the newest technology of the always-changing world, is having to deal with Dervish and the miles of questions surrounding his deceased nephew, Bill-E.

Although this does frustrate Bec extremely, no time is to waste as werewolves and demons attack the house and the hospital that Dervish ends up in. They are once again reunited with Juni Swan, who escapes to a powerful ship that has the magic in aiding Dervish and Sharmila.

Arriving at the ship, the group becomes trapped, surrounded by demons show more and their leaders, Juni and Lord Loss, who has now embodied Cadaver. Here the battle begins, and surviving just does not seem possible at all, especially since a demon stronger than Lord Loss is now upon them.

Deeper and darker than ever, Darren Shan continues his series with the infamous gory details and action sequences. The battle continues in DEATH'S SHADOW between Dervish's clan and those serving Lord Loss, and fans will not want to miss any minute of it. Also in this installment, Beranabus' character becomes even more developed, as we get a closer look at his life before joining forces with Dervish. show less

Another great story by Darren Shan!

"این که آدم ببیند آزادی این قدر نزدیک است و به آن نرسد، خیلی وحشتناک است"