I would have given it 3.5 stars if it would have let me. This doesn't stand up to [b:Cirque Du Freak|9640837|Cirque Du Freak|Darren Shan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1323738970s/9640837.jpg|14528262] in the slightest. I'll admit that the mention of familiar Cirque characters gave me goosebumps and some of the more intense moments really pulled me into the story, but the ending did nothing for me. It was a sad excuse for an attempted cliffhanger. I'm not overly interested in this devil-may-care lifestyle that Larten is adapting. After skimming some reviews for [b:Ocean of Blood|9456611|Ocean of Blood|Darren Shan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1291003680s/9456611.jpg|14341432], I'm not sure [b:The Saga of Larten Crepsley|21402035|The Saga of Larten Crepsley (Birth of a Killer / Ocean of Blood / Palace of the Damned / Brother to the Death)|Darren Shan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1427262399s/21402035.jpg|40700222] is good enough for me to continue reading.