About the Author
Darren Shan (born 1972; real name Darren O'Shaughnessy) is an Irish author who writes primarily horror fiction for children and young adults, best known for two major series: Cirque du Freak (also known as the Saga of Darren Shan, 2000–2004), a twelve-book vampire series following a boy who becomes a vampire's assistant after visiting a freak show; and The Demonata (2005–2009), a ten-book demon-horror series. Shan grew up in Limerick, Ireland, and has spoken about his early love of horror fiction — particularly James Herbert and Stephen King — as a primary influence on his work.
Shan's books are notable for their willingness to be genuinely dark and frightening for a young audience, avoiding the tendency to soften horror conventions for younger readers. Cirque du Freak was adapted into a film in 2009 (starring John C. Reilly and Josh Hutcherson). He has also written the Zom-B series (2012–2015), a twelve-book zombie sequence aimed at older teen readers, and the City Trilogy for adults. His work has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than thirty languages.