向達倫為了要向吸血鬼王子們證明自己對吸血鬼一族的貢獻，必須接受四項生死難關的考驗。在全部十七個考驗項目中，向達倫首先抽到了『水迷宮』，但他卻因為太緊張而在迷宮中慌了手腳！眼看水已經淹到了他的下巴，身後拖著的大石塊又阻礙著他前進，最後向達倫終於找到了Ｘ記號的按鈕，才得以脫困。
　　第二項測試是『針尖路』。受試者需要通過一條很長很狹窄的山洞，裡面滿是尖利的鐘乳石和石筍，向達倫奮力拚搏了一個半小時，才遍體鱗傷、一瘸一拐的爬了出來。
　　第三項測試是『火焰廳』。當向達倫被熊熊烈焰逼到牆角，而腳下幾根火焰管也開始嘶嘶作響，向達倫只好硬著頭皮衝進火牆中。最後大門終於打開，向達倫贏了，但是他的頭髮和眉毛也都被大火燒得精光。
　　最後的測試，也是最危險的『血豬陣』。但測試中途卻受阻，向達倫也因此意外發現了吸血鬼山中最大的危機……
　　★本書中譯本由皇冠出版
　　TRIALS OF DEATH – the fifth title in the compelling and chilling saga of Darren Shan – but the second part in a new TRILOGY, following Darren’s initiation into the vampire clan.
　　THE SAGA OF DARREN SHAN BOOK 5
　　Compelled by his loyalty to Mr Crepsley, Darren Shan, the vampire’s assistant, agrees to prove his worthiness to the vampire clan by undertaking a series of trials. Each Trial is set by the Vampire Princes to test agility, cunning and intelligence. Failure means death.
　　Whilst their attention is focused on Darren, the vampire clan fail to notice that the vampaneze have infiltrated their mountain stronghold. Who is the traitor helping the vampaneze, and will Darren survive the trials to oust the vampire’s greatest foes?
　　Another atmospheric and terrifying tale from the author of Cirque Du Freak.