Vampirates - A Bloodthirsty Tale

I'll tell you a tale of Vampirates,
A tale as old as true.
Yea, I'll sing you a song of an ancient ship,
And its mighty fearsome crew...

The Tempest twins used to live with their father. Being the main talk of the town due to their odd arrival into Crescent Moon Bay, Grace and Connor Tempest are used to being the sources of rumours and outcasts in general.

However, when their father, the lighthouse keeper dies - they are to learn a lot more of their own past, and are forced to question their futures.

An original novel written by Justin Somper, "Vampirates", tells the tale of the two twins, Connor and Grace as they are forced to flee their hometown after discovering their lack of fortune in life, and are separated in a vicious storm.

The book is split into the points of both Connor and Grace as they are rescued by very different ships, and vow to return to one another.

Somper skillfully dictates the story with a wide range of vocabulary and an astonishing ability to capture the atmosphere fluently. The reader is almost forced to relate to his incredible writing skills as he describes the love and dedication between the two twins as they are influenced by their new crews.

Grace Tempest finds herself in the hands of a mysterious crew. Such strange customs see them fearing to venture out into the light as the elicit captain forbids it. Grace is locked in a cabin, and though well cared for, she is left to rely on the information through her saviour Lorcan.

Though Somper describes the ship well, creating a mysterious atmosphere down to the last tattered sail, his thoughts directed through the brain of young Grace suggest he has trouble relating with his own character, as Grace, though described as smart, seems naive and gullible.

However, the reader is able to overlook that, after being left on a cliffhanger when Grace finally realises who - or what the inhabitants of the elusive ship are.

Connor Tempest is left in similar conditions. Saved in hazy conditions, the reader is left unaware to his wherabouts, as Somper no doubt intended.

Disorientation plays a crucial part in Somper's renowned tale, as he leaves the reader stranded along with Connor in the crashing waves as he fights for his life, desperately searching for his sister amidst the unforgiving roar of water.

Throughout the novel, the author uses techniques originally and inventively. The personification of the waves, causes the reader (and Connor) not only to fear them, but to respect them as is needed for Connor's new life - the life of a pirate aboard The Diablo.

The first time Connor wields a sword is a memorable time. Connor currently fears for his sister's safety and vows to avenge her. He vows to the memories of his deceased father and outstanding sister to learn how to become "The best pirate ever." Along with the help of legendary Captain Molluco Wrath and swordsman Cutlass Cate, Connor delves into his first battle, but will the taste of death settle comfortably within the depths of his conscience?

Grace finally realises that the residents of the breathtaking ship are in fact vampires. Though the wait may be considered a little long, it is worth it as fear and doubt washes over Grace. The reader can finally relate to the fear and uncertainty she is feeling as Somper brings her back to childhood, and does it skillfully.

The young girl desires the company of her twin more than ever as she is exposed to the vicious Sidorio. Though she is protected by Lorcan, after being mistaken for one of the ship's voluntary "blood donors" how long can Grace hope to survive?

Somper creates an astounding tale. From cover to cover, no chapter lacks action. Somper uses all of his literature skills to keep the reader as thirsty as the elicit vampires. Soon, the crews of The Diablo and The Vampirates will collide, but will the Tempest twins survive on both ships long enough to meet ever again?