This is the first book of the Vampirates saga. It is an exciting book that tells the story of the twins Grace and Connor Tempest. They live in a lighthouse with their father. Every night, their father tells them the story of the deadly vampirates. When their father dies and there is no one else to take care of them, they decide to escape on their boat. Sadly, a storm catches them, breaking the boat and throwing them into the sea.

Connor is rescued by a pirate ship, lead by the famous captain Molucco Wrathe. Connor quickly starts a new life as a pirate with his new friends, Kate and Batholomew. Sometimes, he dreams about his sister and somehow he knows she is still alive.

Grace, on the other hand, is rescued by a very strange ship. She is not allowed to leave her cabin and she thinks she is being drugged. When she finally leaves her room, she discovers just how different this boat is from the rest. It is lead by the vampirates. Grace isn't scared though, she is fascinated by the enigmatic captain who has no face. She finds out that vampires are not as blood thirsty she thought. They drink blood just once per week, where they do a ritual to honor their donors, who live among the vampirates.