I usually love Darren Shan's books. They are like candy, not the best for you, but certainly a good time. This book left me puzzled....what is all the racist stuff for? I guess it wouldn't be so questionable if it were just the abusive father, but mixing the main character up in it was too much for me. I think I might have to read the next book in the series just to see if there is some reason for the hate that becomes apparent later in the story. Just has me shaking my head with a rather bad taste in my mouth.