BookBingeCirque du Freak Books in Order
The short answer
Darren Shan · 12 books
- How many books?
- There are 12 books in the Cirque du Freak series, published 2000–2004.
- Is it finished?
- Yes — the series is complete; it ends with Sons of Destiny (2004).
- Where to start
- Start with Cirque Du Freak (2000).
About 2,700 pages — roughly 40 hours of reading
A boy's chance visit to a sinister traveling freak show pulls him into the secret, blood-soaked world of vampires in this hugely popular twelve-book YA horror saga.
Here is the complete Cirque du Freak reading order — all 12 books by Darren Shan, in the order you should read them:
Reading order
- Cirque Du FreakA boy sneaks into a mysterious freak show and is drawn into a fateful bargain with a vampire performer.2000
- The Vampire's AssistantNow a vampire's apprentice, Darren must adapt to a strange new life among the Cirque du Freak.2000247 pages
- Tunnels of BloodDarren and his vampire mentor confront a savage killer stalking the streets of a nearby city.2000229 pages
- Vampire MountainDarren journeys to the vampires' remote mountain stronghold to be presented before their council.2001199 pages
- Trials of DeathDarren must survive a series of brutal trials to prove himself worthy among the vampire clan.2001224 pages
- The Vampire PrinceA shocking betrayal threatens Darren's standing and safety within vampire society.2002197 pages
- Hunters of the DuskDarren and his mentor track deadly vampire hunters while a prophecy looms over his future.2002228 pages
- Allies of the NightBack in the human world, Darren faces a return to school life alongside a growing supernatural threat.2002220 pages
- Killers of the DawnA vampire hunter's vendetta forces Darren into a deadly confrontation with old enemies.2003216 pages
- The Lake of SoulsDarren and his companions journey into dangerous, monster-filled territory in search of a legendary source of power.2003264 pages
- Lord of the ShadowsWar between vampire clans draws closer as Darren confronts painful losses among his friends.2004220 pages
- Sons of DestinyThe saga concludes as prophecy, loyalty, and sacrifice collide in a final battle for the vampire world.2004246 pages
Good news: for this series, reading order and publication order are the same — just read straight down the list.
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Get BookBingeFrequently asked questions
How many Cirque du Freak books are there?
There are 12 books in the Cirque du Freak series by Darren Shan, from Cirque Du Freak (2000) to Sons of Destiny (2004). Together they run to about 2,700 pages.
Is the Cirque du Freak series finished?
Yes. Darren Shan completed the series with Sons of Destiny in 2004; all 12 books are out now.
What is the first Cirque du Freak book?
Cirque Du Freak (2000) is book one. A boy sneaks into a mysterious freak show and is drawn into a fateful bargain with a vampire performer.
Should I read the Cirque du Freak series in publication order?
Yes. For the Cirque du Freak series, reading order and publication order are the same — Cirque Du Freak (2000) through Sons of Destiny (2004).
How long does it take to read all Cirque du Freak books?
About 2,700 pages across 12 books — roughly 40 hours at a page a minute. The longest is The Lake of Souls (264 pages); the shortest is The Vampire Prince (197 pages).