Review
Reviewed by Verbal from
- The Saga of Larten Crepsley – Birth of a Killer
- HarperCollins
Origins…
A character who needs no introduction to Shan’s legions of fans, says Verbal.
Last year’s Cirque du Freak film, based on Shan’s first ‘saga’, introduced the character of Larten Crepsley to a whole new audience. With this book, the first in another new series, Shan turns his hand to the prequel genre. Those who wondered about the origins of the mysterious Crepsley, vampire and ringmaster of the amazing Cirque du Freak – will not be disappointed. Larten’s story begins in poverty, with he and his cousin Vur Horston (a name Shan fans will already be familiar with) working in a silkworm factory. In typical Shan fashion, it is a murder that sets Larten on his path to become the creature of the night that Shan fans know and love. This is very much a coming of age story, told as only Shan knows how. Spanning continents and decades – despite the familiar subject matter it never seems like a rehash. This new series requires no prior knowledge of Crepsley or his world. However there are some treats in store for fans – such as an explanation for Crepsley’s flaming orange hair. Once again Shan proves that his imagination is prodigious. This one is destined to be a bestseller.
