Darren Shan and his best friend, Steve 'Leopard' Leonard, go to see the Cirque Du Freak, of where Steve realizes one of the Cirque's talents, Mr. Crepsley is a vampire. Steve goes and asks Crepsely to blood him so he may become a vampire, but Crepsley refuses. Darren overhears and also steals Madam Octa, Mr. Crepsley's spider, who bites Steve, poisoning him. Darren asks for an antidote in turn to be blooded by Crepsley, who agrees, curing Steve, they flee. Later, Darren is unwillingly blooded by Crepsley and their adventures begin as they set out as the Vampire and the "vampire's assistant."
