Vampirates: Tide of Terror

Connor and Grace Tempest, the 14-year-old twins whom we first encountered in Justin Somper’s Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean, now make a return appearance, one which will not disappoint their young followers. Somper draws exuberantly on the two worlds – the world of the vampire and the world of the pirate – which provide material for his narrative and takes the opportunity to challenge us to review our notions of both. In the course of doing this he creates a picturesque cast of characters (complete with wonderfully picturesque names) whose rivalries and machinations serve as backdrop for the two teenagers’ adventures. The depiction of the bond between the twins and in particular their need to fulfil their differing dreams is handled with great skill, dominated by Grace’s omnipresent concern for her brother’s safety and by the attraction which draws her to Lorcan, the enigmatic vampirate. But, lest all of this seems rather serious, it must be pointed out that Somper’s novel is marvellously entertaining, with some excellently realised set pieces and with just a whiff of high camp on the high seas. Swashbuckingly recommended.