The main part of the story is that Darren and his friend go to a freak show and see a weird spider that Darren wants (really wants) so steals and becomes its master. But when Steve gets bitten by the spider he goes into a coma as poison goes in his veins. Darren must save him and become a vampire and fake his death that destroys his family. He joins Mr Crepsley and goes on the Cirque du Freak around the world while Steve wants him dead!