Another classic gnarly cover. It screams late 90's/early 2000's and it's awesome.
There's no red page as there was in book 1. Also I'm pretty sure this copy of book 2 is not a first edition, but it's clearly one of the originals since of course it has the original cover. But as book 1 had the spider graphic, this one has this sweet wolf graphic. Wolf-man? It's hard to say for sure that this is the wolf-man but the point remains the same, it's cool. I think the wolf-man can turn into a wolf? I can't remember but obviously I'll find out shortly! Again, none of the other 'Cirque Du Freak' books I own have these graphics. I remember reading the original copies years ago, and yeah each book had its own snazzy graphic. I need to get my hands on all 12 of those original copies someday. I imagine removing the graphic saved publishers money on ink.
Once again, just want to show my other copy of 'The Vampire's Assistant' because why not. I'll be reading 'Tunnels of Blood' from this.
Just like that BAM book two is here. I am swiftly reading through these books and frankly I'm far from mad about it. The ability to sit down and get lost in a tale like this is a feature that is completely different from my other 'Big Three' favorite series of 'Harry Potter' and 'The Inheritance Cycle'. I can sit down, and enjoy one of these twelve books in full in a very reasonable amount of time and be entertained throughout. The chill factor here is absolutely amazing.
Darren is still adjusting to his new life and he's sort of hating it. He can't fit in with anyone and just feels lost and alone. As an adult, I am vibing big time with Mr. Crepsley if I'm being honest. He sort of just hangs around and floats about life. Some might call that depressing and lonely, I consider it chill, peaceful and free. Also, funny enough, one of my DNA traits apparently says I'm 'potentially prone to daytime sleepiness' whatever the heck that means. Basically I'm part vampire HA. It is not a conclusive study and merely 'suggestive' but it's still pretty funny! But for Darren being so young and his life drastically changing out of nowhere so recently.... His discomfort with this situation is more than understandable.
They have a fairly decent heart to heart in an abandoned church, which again, is super chill. Mr. Crepsley straight up says sorry for turning Darren into a half-vampire. I'm convinced that Mr. Tiny meddled there. Soon they decide to return to the Cirque Du Freak in an effort to help Darren feel better, and maybe make some friends. Have a routine too to kill some boredom.
Man, I'm so struck at how wholesome these opening two books are. I guess I know what's coming down the line and of course you have to let the plot develop and characters develop and whatnot. To allow the action packed moments to hit harder and well, a bunch of other reasons. Can't just be chaos for twelve books.
One of the funniest moments came from Hans Hands when he laughed at the very idea of a Vampire vegetarian. For some reason that killed me, having read this series already that idea is indeed hilarious.
Meeting Ezra was super cool as well. He's another friend of Darren's who gets a lot of attention early in the series before eventually Darren's destiny takes him elsewhere. This notion of friends coming and going really made me feel weird when I was younger. Nowadays though, now that I'm grown, this is something that certainly happens, and happens often. Too real indeed.
But it will be pleasant to enjoy Darren and Ezra's friendship again for awhile. Plus this third buddy they meet which I am struggling to remember his name. I'm pretty sure he'll be introduced soon. I think his name is Sam? We'll see. He's immensely important to this book.
I said before that this wasn't one of my favorite books in the series and well, maybe I'll take that back in time. I haven't read it in awhile and I'm curious about what I do and do not remember. There's these hippie/nature people involved in the plot and I'm curious about how I'll interpret that aspect of the book so many years later.
Anyway, this series is actually beautiful in such an effortless way. I can't even describe it really. It's such a wonderful escape from this chaotic world.
