These books show a more relaxed character of Darren Shan towards the more gruesome aspects of vampire life.

Darren is whisked away by Mr. Crepsley to a perilous and torturous journey to the Vampire Mountain.

The company hurries on even more tensed than ever, and are welcomed into the Vampire Mountain by Seba Nile, Mr. Crepsley's mentor.

Soon, Darren and Crepsley attend one of the Vampire Council sessions, and it is decided, that because Larten Crepsley blooded a child for no obvious or logical reason, Darren would have to prove himself that he is worthy of being a part of the Vampire Clan by passing the Trials of Initiation or the Trials of Death - five of many tasks which a vampire must perform to show their physical strength, courage and bravery.

He, however, remains oblivious to the fact that the price for failing a Trial is death on stakes, until it is too late to take back his word.