10 Thrilling Vampire Books You Can’t Help But Sink Your Teeth Into
At Woman’s World, we could sink our teeth into vampire books from the likes of Anne Rice or Stephenie Meyer any time of year. And with so many thrilling tales to choose from, you can’t help but love these bloodsuckers.
Whether you’re looking for a steamy romance or a sweeping fantastical journey, these stories are sure to be compelling — it’s no wonder so much vampire fiction was adapted for film and television. We’ve gathered up a variety of our favorite vampire books, from cult classics like Interview With a Vampire to exciting new adventures like The Serpent and the Wings of the Night. Keep scrolling for all our recommendations — don’t worry they won’t bite!
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Readers are taken to Forks, Washington, in this utterly romantic tale. After moving in with her dad, Bella Swan becomes enthralled with classmate Edward Cullen. But as the two grow closer, Bella begins to wonder what Edward, and the rest of his family, are hiding. Perfect for fans of paranormal romance.
What readers are saying: “Although I have read many vampire romances, both for adults and young adults, none of them have moved me as deeply as the books of The Twilight Saga, the first of which remains my favorite. The poignant, bittersweet tone of the writing, the wonderfully depicted characters, indeed, the story itself, have made me a lifelong fan!”
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Journey to St. Vladimir’s Academy, a hidden place where vampires study magic and half-humans are trained to protect them. Rose, a Dhampir (human bodyguard) and her best friend Lissa, a Moroi vampire princess, have been on the run. When they’re called back to the academy, they must fight and defend themselves from outside forces. While learning and enduring training, the duo face forbidden romances and school drama and must be on the lookout for the Strigoi — the most dangerous vampires of all.
What readers are saying: “This is still one of my all-time favorite books,” says Courtney Shapiro, Woman’s World Digital Associate Editor. From the intense action to the powerful friendships and of course the love stories, I was hooked from page one. The characters are incredible and the writing pulls you in — I couldn’t stop reading.”
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
A classic in the vampire world, this vampire book weaves together current events and flashbacks to share the tale of how Louis became a vampire at the hands of Vampire Lestat. The thrilling tale starts in New Orleans and is filled with Louis’ confessions both of his mortal and immortal life. While there, Louis meets Claudia and turns her into a vampire to save her from hurt. The pair then flee to Europe to find others of their kind and figure out where they belong after their transition.
What readers are saying: “I love Anne Rice's writing style. Every time I read the books in this series, I cannot put them down without picking them back up, not even for a moment. I like that the writer does this. She really grabs the attention of her readers, especially ones that have been vampire fans for what seems to have been centuries.”
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Ca?as
From the author of The Hacienda comes a supernatural western where vampires, vaqueros and star-crossed lovers battle it out on the border of Texas and Mexico. Meet Nena, the daughter of a rancher in 1840s Mexico who’s dealt with her fair share of monsters. Néstor, believing Nena is dead, is on the run from his grief, working as a vaquero. But when the United States invades Mexico, the two find their paths unexpectedly crossing again. If they can’t work through the struggles of their past and learn to tackle the future together, neither of them will survive.
What readers are saying: “A fantastic setting, great POVs, the Mexican-American War and vampires. I loved everything about this, and that starts with Ca?as’ atmospheric writing. I think my favorite part was the two main characters, Nena and Nestor. Both of their POVs were equally well done, and both grew so much as characters throughout the novel.”
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Full of charm and wit, Hendrix’s vampire tale follows a woman’s book club in the South faced with a mysterious newcomer. When Patricia Campbell’s life seems to be falling apart, the only thing that keeps her going is her book club. Suddenly, she’s attacked one night after the meeting by her elderly neighbor. This makes James Harris (the neighbor’s nephew) a fixture in her life. But when children start to go missing, Patricia believes James might be doing more harm than good.
What readers are saying: “I love a great vampire story, unfortunately, they're hard to find. The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires did not disappoint. This is a well-written novel, with rich descriptions that run from idyllic to unsettling to masterfully grotesque. The dialogue is sprinkled with southernisms, the characters likable and deeply flawed.”
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
Very steamy romance blends with danger and thrills in this romantasy novel by TikTok-favorite author Scarlett St. Clair. To end a years-long war, Isolde de Lara marries her enemy, the vampire king Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, against her will. The only advantage? She will finally get the chance to kill him. But when her assassination attempt goes wrong, Adrian threatens to turn Isolde into the thing she hates the most: a vampire. Now, Isolde must lie, rebel and try to survive, even as insatiable attraction starts to complicate everything.
What readers are saying: “This book enraptured me from the first chapter! I love how it kept you guessing. It is not only a love story but a battle of desire and loyalty. I loved the passion and enjoyed the storyline. Every character and detail was crucial.”
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
When a Vampyre bride and an alpha Werewolf come together to form an alliance, who knows what could happen? Misery Lark, the daughter of a Vampyre councilman, and Lowe Moreland, the alpha of his pack, are trapped in a marriage of convenience for political gain. As they navigate the complexities between the vampyres and weres, they find themselves getting closer to one another. As they fall in love, turmoil strikes, leaving them to wonder if their happily ever after is just a fantasy.
What readers are saying: “I need Ali Hazelwood to write more paranormal romance immediately,” says Courtney Shapiro, Woman’s World Digital Associate Editor. “This book had me completely hooked from the beginning and everything about this was top-tier. I loved the real-world setting and I loved the mix of Weres and Vampyres. Bride was such a fun, delightful book and I'm obsessed.”
My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
This delightful, hauntingly funny and smart debut is perfect for rom-com lovers! No one wants a vampire as a roommate, but for artist Cassie Greenberg, that is exactly what happens. Desperate for a place, she decides to live in an almost too-good-to-be-true apartment in central Chicago, with the alluring (yet slightly odd) Fredrick J. Fitzwilliam. Sure, he leaves her heart-melting notes around the apartment and asks about her art, but he has a very old vocabulary and stores bags of blood in the fridge. Now, Cassie wants Frederick to come clean…and when he does, she’s shocked. Her new roommate is a vampire…and he has a proposition for her.
What readers are saying: “If you’re looking for a light-hearted read full of humor, a unique twist on vampires/vampire powers, a fanny pack full of gold doubloons, lots of exotic fruit, adorable crushes, jaunts around the Chicagoland area and something that is going to leave you with a giant smile on your face, this is the book for you!”
The Serpent and The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
High-stakes action, complex worlds, vampires…this New York Times bestseller by Carissa Broadbent has it all. Oraya is the human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. When she must enter the Kejari, a legendary tournament, she allies with a mysterious rival named Raihn. This suspenseful novel is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games — with a fantastical vampire twist!
What readers are saying: “Sometimes when I spend too much time reading the news online, I walk away so worried about the state of the world,” shares Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. “For a reprieve, I get lost in otherworldly tales like this one. It was unputdownable!”
Crave by Tracy Wolff
Welcome to Katmere Academy. Grace is a teenager trying to figure out where she belongs in a new world of monsters. But when Jaxon Vega, a vampire who hasn’t felt anything in a century, calls to her, Grace finds herself unable to stay away from him. Will they help fix each other’s broken spirits or will their new relationship spell death for the entire school?
What readers are saying: “Can I just say wow! I have finally found my book! Tracy Wolff does the vampire comeback right! I am pretty sure I could sit here and talk about Crave for hours upon hours — it is just that freaking good.”
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