Quick Review: Dead Deep - Justin Somper

"Do you wanna go deep?  Or do you wanna go dead deep?"

When Connor Tempest and his swashbuckling pirate buddies get a rare break in their duties, they're in the mood for fun, sun and adventure.  A chance meeting with the crew of The Lorelei seems to offer all that and more.  Soon, Connor and co are learning to free dive into the amazing world far beneath the ocean's surface.

But the pirates are further out of their depth than they realise.  Under the water, danger is lurking - and it's going to take everything they've got to get out alive . . .

Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

Dead Deep is a short story that is set between Demons of the Ocean and Tide of Terror (the first 2 books in the series), it was published for World Book Day and you can easily read the rest of the series without picking up this book.  However, if you're a fan of the series like me then it is definitely worth trying to get hold of a copy.  In later books in the series several mentions are made about the "lost weekend" that occurred when Connor, Bart & Jez went on shore leave and I've been wanting to find out what happened for a while now.  As I've finished reading the rest of the series this was a perfect way to dip back into the world of the Vampirates.

I don't want to go into details of the story as it would be too easy to give spoilers but Dead Deep is an exciting adventure with the three buccaneers and was a great addition to the series.  If you've read the other books like I have then you'll recognise a few of the characters who crop up from later books and it answered a few questions I had about their previously unknown history.  This is a fun, fast read and definitely recommended to Vampirates fans.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Immortal War - Justin Somper

The Final Battle . . .

A bloody war is raging across the oceans, with the Pirate Federation and the Nocturnals allied against the renegade Vampirates let by Sidorio and a heavily pregnant Lady Lola.

Meanwhile, Connor and Grace Tempest each have their own important roles to play - he as a pirate warrior at the heart of the battle, she as a powerful healer working with the war-wounded.  As the twins face their greatest challenges yet, old allies and formeer foes return for the ultimate battle . . .






Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

There is nothing more satisfying (or scary!) as picking up the final book in a series you've come to love.  You've invested so much time reading the earlier books and the characters are like friends, you need to know what happens to them but you're worried that the book won't live up to your expectations and you're not ready to reach the end of your journey.  I'll admit I was nervous picking up Immortal War, how was Justin Somper going to top Empire of Night?  I shouldn't have been worried though, each book in the series has been consistantly better than it's predesessor and Immortal War was no exception to that - it was a fitting end to a fantastic series and I'm sure it will satisfy the fans.

I don't really want to go into much detail on the plot because I want other fans to be able to savour the experience of reading this for themselves.  As the title suggests the war to end all wars is on and the characters we know and love are all in the thick of things.  Grace has grown into a powerful healer and is kept busy as the war casualties begin to mount up.  Connor on the other hand is right in the middle of the action working alongside Cheng Li, the pirates and Nocturnals to put a stop to the threat by Sidorio and the Vampirates.  The battle will be hard and as fans will already know Justin Somper isn't afraid of putting major characters in harms way - all I'm going to say is keep tissues to hand when you're reading!

I was on the edge of my seat from the prologue and the action just doesn't stop until the very last page - you're in for another rollercoaster ride with Immortal War so prepare to be left breathless!  Connor and Grace both develop new and interesting abilities that are a major asset to the Alliance, Connor is still struggling to come to terms with what he is and even Moonshine does some growing up.  The alliance between the Pirate Federation and the Nocturnals has made great progress but there is still a very real risk that the Vampirates could win the war.  Allies both old and new are set to make an appearance and I'm sure some will come as quite a surprise. 

I loved the way we get to see so many loose ends tied up but there are still a couple of new developments that are left open and I really hope we get to see more of this series at some point in the future.  Although you could probably pick up Immortal War and read it as a stand alone story I would highly recommend reading the series in order.  Whatever your preference just make sure you don't miss out, start your Vampirates journey today!

Source: Received from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Empire of Night - Justin Somper

The stakes rise . . .

Sidorio, fuelled by grief and revenge, is intent on becoming King of the Vampirates and building a new empire to bring terror to the oceans.  But he faces growing opposition from both the Pirate Federation and from the more benign vampire realm, led my Mosh Zu and Lorcan Furey.

Twins Grace and Connor Tempest, still reeling from the recent discovery of their true parentage and it's explosive implications, are thrust deep into the heart of the conflict.  As old friends and foes are thrown together unexpectedly, the twins find their allegiances shifting in ways no-one could ever have imagined . . .

Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

Empire of Night is the 5th book in the vampirates series so I'm going to assume that if you're reading this review you've already read the first 4 books, therefore although this review will be spoiler free for Empire of Night it will mention events from the earlier books.  You have been warned!  If you haven't started this series yet then I'd highly recommend getting hold of a copy of Demons of the Ocean asap.

I've mentioned in previous reviews how much I love this series but trust me the stakes have been raised in this installment and in my opinion it was the best book so far.  After the revelations in Black Heart that Sidorio is the twins real father they are both dealing with this news in very different ways.  Grace is more open to the idea, she has spent a lot more time with the Vampirates and is more accepting of them but Connor is horrified - this really is his worse nightmare.  As both of them are given the task of spying on Sidorio (Connor for the Pirate Federation and Grace for the Nocturnals) they are forced to spend more time with him than either of them would have chosen to do.  As they are drawn deeper into Sidorio's world you will probably find yourself shocked at some of their reactions but wow does it make for an interesting read.

What I love most about this series is the character development that not just Connor and Grace but also the other characters go through.  Having the story told from so many different points of view allows Justin Somper to show events from multiple angles and he really is a master at weaving the various story lines together into an addictive read.  The books are full of mini cliffhangers as the story switches to another plot line every chapter and this makes them practically impossible to put down.  In Empire of Night I was shocked and horrified after reading the prologue but also completely hooked - I just HAD to know what was going to happen.

This story is somewhat darker than the earlier books but all the better for it.  Good and evil can't be seen in black and white - each of the characters are an interesting shade of grey and even Sidorio has a nicer side which is something I never expected to say.  I was on an emotional roller coaster for this one and I loved every minute of it (even if it did make me shed a tear or two!).  I can't wait to read Immortal War, although I'll be sad to see the series end I have a feeling it's going to go out with a bang.

Source: This book was given to me by Becky (from The Bookette).  Thanks Becky!

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Review: Black Heart - Justin Somper

A new danger dawns . . .

There's a new ship of vampirates roaming the seas, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.  When a high-profile pirate is slain, the Pirate Federation launches a ship of dedicated vampire hunters, led by newly-appointed Captain, Cheng Li.  Amongst her dynamic crew is young pirate prodigy, Connor Tempest.

Meanwhile, Connor's twin sister Grace enjoys a bittersweet reunion with their mother, Sally, who has some important and shocking news for her daughter.  As Grace uncovers the truth about her family's past, she realises that she and Connor face a daunting and uncertain future . . .

Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

Having been released from his articles by Molucco Wrathe Connor keen to start a new life with Cheng Li as his Captain.  After the murder of an important pirate by the vampirates they are given a vital mission by the Pirate Federation to track down and destroy the killer.  Meanwhile Grace is keen to spend time with their mother but she is about to learn some shocking news about her family that will change everything for both herself and her brother.

Black Heart is the fourth book in the Vampirates series and was probably my favourite book so far.  This really is a great adventure series and although you could probably pick it up here and be able to follow the story I'd still recommend reading the books in order or you'll be missing out on some great reads.  A lot has changed for both Connor and Grace since the series began and although they are only 14 they have done a lot of growing up.  I'm enjoying watching their characters grow and am looking forward to seeing what effect the revelations made by their mother will have on them in the future.

I love the way the story is told from so many different perspectives and most of the chapters end on cliffhangers that make you want to skip ahead to continue that particular storyline - although of course moving to the next chapter allows you to go back to another plot that you had been left desperate to read more of previously!  Justin Somper certainly knows how to build the tension and juggle multiple plot threads without making the story confusing.

This is a series with a fantastic range of characters that you want to spend more time with, Lady Lola Lockwood may have been a new introduction but she definitely leaves her mark in the series.  I love both Grace and Connor but I'm also curious to see what happens with Stukeley & Johnny, I wonder if they can redeem themselves or if they are truly going to turn out to be evil at heart.  If you're a fan of either vampires or pirates then this is a series you don't want to miss but I'd definitely recommend starting with Demons of the Ocean, you won't regret it!

Source: Received for review from publisher Simon & Schuster

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Review: Blood Captain - Justin Somper

The terror is within . . .

For Connor, these are testing times aboard notorious pirate ship, The Diablo - not least when Captain Wrathe's obnoxious nephew Moonshine joins the crew.  And, as things reach breaking point, Connor finds himself crossing a line from which there is no return . . .

Meanwhile his twin sister, Grace, journeys with Lorcan to Sanctuary, a mountain retreat presided over by by Vampirate guru, Mosh Zu Kamal.  If anyone can heal Lorcan's blindness, he can - but he seems more interested in Grace.  Combating danger on all sides, Grace realises her fate is inextricably bound up with the Vampirates . . .

Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

Connor took to life aboard the Diablo like a duck to water and loves being a pirate, well he did before Captain Wrathe's nephew Moonshine joined the crew.  Now he's not so sure, especially when Moonshine's actions cause problems for him and his friends, perhaps the pirate life isn't the best thing for him after all.  Meanwhile Grace travels to Sanctuary with Lorcan where they hope that the Vampirate guru Mosh Zu Kamal will be able to cure Lorcan's blindness.  But why is Mosh Zu so interested in Grace and what are the secrets that Lorcan is hiding?

The books in the Vampirates series are great action adventure stories about two of my favorite things - vampires and pirates.  How could I resist?  Even though the stories are aimed at a younger age range than I would usually read I've been thoroughly enjoying the series and I think Blood Captain was my favorite book so far.  Through alternating chapters we get to see what is happening with both Grace and her twin brother Connor, they have both chosen very different lives since being rescued by different ships back in the first book.  I really like the way the story is told from two different perspectives and it is interesting to see the differences between life on a normal pirate ship with Connor and Grace's life with the Vampirates.

In the first two books Connor was certain that the pirate life was perfect for him.  He enjoyed the sword training and the Captain was like a surrogate father to him but everything is different now that Moonshine is part of the crew.  As they set out on a raiding mission Connor is full of excitement but after he is forced to make a very difficult decision he suddenly realises that it isn't all fun being a pirate.  I can't say much more without giving spoilers so I'll just say I thought Justin Somper handled the outcome of this event very well.

Grace also has her own challenges to face, she feels incredibly guilty about Lorcan's injury as she believes it is all her fault.  She is determined to do whatever she can to help him recover and travels with him to Sanctuary where she meets Mosh Zu Kamal.  While at Sanctuary she learns more about the Vampirates but more importantly she has a discovery to make about her own abilities and I'm very interested to see how this develops throughout the series.  Lorcan's recovery isn't going to be easy, it isn't just about the physical injury and there is something blocking him from healing and Grace needs to try help him to work through whatever it is that is holding him back.  It soon becomes clear Lorcan has been keeping secrets from her but can Grace get him to open up so he can start to heal?

This is a great series that I think will appeal to boys and girls who are looking for a swashbuckling adventure story.  I would definitely recommend it to teens and young adults but I think it is the kind of story adults can read too, after all I'm not really in the target age range myself and that hasn't stopped me enjoying them!

Source: Received for review from publisher Simon & Schuster

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Review: VAMPIRATES: Tide of Terror - Justin Somper

The Vampirates are back!

Connor Tempest may only be fourteen but he's taken to the life of a pirate like a duck to water.  But his loyalties are divided between his shipmates and his sister.  Grace isn't finding the pirate life so appealing.  She cannot shake the feeling that all is not well on the Vampirate ship she left behind.  Dare she try to return to it?

Meanwhile Sidorio may have been expelled from the Vampirate ship but his dark deeds are just beginning... The seas are rougher than ever for Connor, Grace, their allies and their foes.

Vampirates Series:

Demons of the Ocean

Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)

Tide of Terror

Blood Captain

Black Heart

Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:

Connor is really enjoying life onboard The Diablo and is fast learning how to become a better pirate.  Grace however, isn't so happy - she keeps getting strange visions and is positive that something is wrong on the Vampirate ship.  She is torn between wanting to return to help the Vampirates and not wanting to leave Connor.

When a pirate raid goes badly wrong it brings home to Grace how unsafe life is for Connor on The Diablo.  When she has the opportunity to get him away from the ship to the Pirate Academy she jumps at the chance.  But has she taken Connor out of the frying pan and into the fire?  It soon becomes clear that all is not what it seems and it is impossible to decide who they can trust.

I really enjoyed this second installment of the Vampirates series although the main plot arcs for this book are resolved it has left me itching to read more and curious about future twists to the series.  I'm looking forward to reading about further adventures for both Grace & Connor.  I'd recommend this series to all fans of young adult adventure stories.

Source: Recieved for review from publisher Simon & Schuster

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Review: VAMPIRATES: Demons of the Ocean - Justin Somper

Uncharted Waters...

The year is 2505.  The oceans have risen.  A new era of piracy is dawning.  A vicious storm separates twins Connor and Grace Tempest, destroying their boat and leaving them fighting for their lives in the cruel, cold water.

Picked up by one of the more notorious pirate ships, Connor soon finds himself wielding a cutlass.  But does he have the stomach to be a pirate?  Grace finds herself aboard a more mysterious ship.  Kept under lock and key, she's assured no harm will come to her, just as long as she follows the enigmatic captain's rules...

Can the twins survive life on-board - and find their way back to each other?  The voyage of the VAMPIRATES is about to begin...

Vampirates Series:
Demons of the Ocean
Dead Deep (short story published in 2007 - doesn't have to be read to follow the series)
Tide of Terror
Blood Captain
Black Heart
Empire of Night
Immortal War

For more information visit the Vampirates website

Review:
In this first installment of the Vampirates series Grace and Connor find themselves orphaned after the death of their father.  They have always been outsiders in their village and when their only choices seem to be either living with the local bank manager & his nosey wife or moving into the local orphanage they decide they'd be better off on their own.  However, things end up going from bad to worse when, after taking their Dad's boat, they end up shipwrecked in a storm.

Connor is unable to find Grace but is rescued by Cheng Li, the deputy captain of The Diablo.  The captain Molucco Wrathe lets Connor join the crew and so his training as a pirate begins.  Meanwhile Grace was rescued by a completely different ship - The Nocturne.  She was rescued by Lorcan and is now being kept locked in a cabin.  But why is she there?  Can she trust Lorcan who tells her she is there for her own protection or is she actually a prisoner?

I really enjoyed this story & I liked the way it switched between Grace & Connor's stories with every chapter - often leaving you on a cliffhanger.  There are some great characters - captain Wrathe really reminded me of Johnny Depp's captain Jack Sparrow & the Vampirate captain is a mysterious character who I'm looking forward to finding out more about.  I also can't wait to see what happens between Lorcan and Grace in future stories.

If there was anything about the book I was unsure of it was the fact that the book is supposed to be set in 2505 but I didn't get any feel of what the future holds.  All we know is that there was a flood and it is easier to get around using boats but other than that it could almost have been a historical novel, there is no futuristic technology & the pirates weapon of choice is the sword.  That didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book though & I'm hoping there will be more explanation in future installments.  Overall I really enjoyed the book & am looking forward to continuing the series.

Source: Recieved for review from publisher Simon & Schuster

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