The Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper

The Vampirates are books for both children and adults, and as you can tell already, is about Vampires and Pirates. The book is set in 2505, off the coast of Australia after the oceans have risen. The story is about two 14 year old twins, Connor and Grace Tempest. Their father, the lighthouse keeper, has died and now they must fend for themselves. Connor is unusually strong for his age, and Grace unusually bright.

It could be seen as ironic that their father used to sing them a shanty about creatures known as vampirates, perhaps he was "preparing" them for what he knew would happen. The twins take their fathers ship and goes out to sea, running away from the island where they were born (they obviously didn't fit in there) but unfortunatly, their ship is destroyed in a storm and they are left in the water to fight for their lives.

Connor is picked up by a pirate ship and soon finds that he is turning into a pirate. Grace on the other hand is picked up by a more unusual shhip and is kept locked in a cabin by Midshipman Lorcan Furey, a handsome 17 year old Irish vampire (someone that you would totally want to meet in a dark allyway as he seems to be one of those guys that you just want to take home to meet your mum! - if only he wasn't a vamp!).

Despite Lorcan's best efforts, Grace realises that she is on the ship belonging to the vampirates.The chapters alternate between the twins, both trying to keep hope that the other is alive. Finally, their hopes are kindled in different ways. Grace is shown a vision of her brother by the Captain of the Vampirates, and Connor is told by the ghostly voice of his father that his sister is still alive.

The story is rather intresting and the characters are well thought of and are realistic (even if they are vampires and pirates!). The book is the first of a series and having read the second book, The Vampirates: Tide of Terror, myself, I believe that this series is definatley one to read. The third book, The Vampirates: Blood Captain, has just been released and Justin Somper wrote a short book called The Vampirates: Dead Deep which is also worth the read!

All in all, I give this book a hearty 8 out of 10, keeping in mind that this is a children's book and is totally entertaining. If you want to know slightly more about the book, the author, or any of the characters, or even if you've become a fan and want to download the wallpapers or screensaver, check out the website. www.vampirates.co.uk It is well worth the look, trust me!

By Gurpreet K. Sihat