Set at the end of the second book. Mr. Crepsley does not arrive in the nick of time and Darren gets bit by the Wolfman. At first he thinks it was just an unfortunate accident, but soon he discovers he has developed a...wolfy problem.

Darren drove the gods away for a steep price. Now he will deal with finally merged powers and the headaches that come with them, Mr. Tiny who hasn't gone through punishment and a new threat that endangers magic itself. Darren will have to create a new identity for himself and outwit two of the most powerful people on the planet. But who is really outsmarting who?

Darren Shan survived the wounds to his stomach and awoke two months later. Des-Tiny, whether through some twisted plan or purely by accident didn't totally keep magic from his son. Now the Cirque Du Freak will face the greatest enemy of all: The consequences of Mr. Tiny's meddling with time. Desmond Tiny has paid for his crimes. The Lord Of The Shadows is born.