Synopsis: In a world of vast oceans and half-drowned land, there is a legend of a ship of the dead; of the Vampirates. When orphaned twins, Connor and Grace Tempest, are separated by storm and shipwreck, Connor is picked up by the pirate ship Diablo, while Grace finds herself aboard a mysterious vessel which can only be the ship of the Vampirates. Each finds unexpected friends aboard their new homes, but all that the twins really want is to be reunited...and to stay alive.

Review: Justin Somper's Vampirates is set - although you'd barely know it - in 2505. The narrative pairs a slightly satirical 'piracy as professional sport' motif with the titular horror tale to create an atmosphere that is - but for the odd electric light and reference to modern American sports - not disimilar to that of Pirates of the Caribbean. In truth, the pairing is not entirely a comfortable one and there are places where it seems as though two strong stories are coexisting rather awkwardly within one framework. In part this is due to the deliberate juxtaposition of the bustling vitality of the Diablo with the sepulchral quiet of the Vampirate ship, but there are times when it doesn't quite seem to work. It may be that there are just a number of small niggles that built up and interfered with my enjoyment of the book. My personal issues regarding katanas notwithstanding, it is too noticeable that the Vampirate ship is never named for it not to be remarked on in the story and I remain a little unclear whether the Diablo has an engine or not. To me then, this felt like a flawed work, but a younger reader might be more forgiving, and even if it is flawed, Vampirates is far from broken.

There is a great deal to like here as well as to criticise; the Diablo's crew are a likeable band of high-profile low-lifes - Captain Wrathe, the superstar whose image has overtaken his skill; Cutlass Cate, the no-nonsense coach; Cheng Li, the oh-so-serious new signing - and the Vampirates, sea-born with their flowing flesh and varied powers, are more interesting than a more conventional pack of vampires might be.

All-in-all, Demons of the Ocean is a strong and inventive story with plenty to recommend it. Some of the horror elements might be unsuitable for younger readers, but the violence is fairly restrained and the pirates are rough and roguish, rather than brutal and bloodthirsty.