Discover some of the best vampire books – from paranormal to gothic and beyond.
If you love books about vampires, then you likely already know that there are many angles vampire stories can take. Some lean into the paranormal, while others play up the gothic elements of classic vampire tropes.
Spanning genres of romance and horror, to covering the existential dread of immortality, it’s fair to say that the range of vampire literature out there is wide-reaching – which can make choosing your next vampire read a bit of a challenge.
If you know you want to read a vampire book next but aren’t sure which book to pick up, read on to learn about great vampire books. Each book on this list offers up a unique perspective, playing up the typical tropes of vampirism in different ways.
We hope you discover one (or more!) books to add to your TBR on this list.
Recommended vampire books
Vow of Eternal Night by Lily Crozier
Vow of Eternal Night by Lily Crozier is a must-read for anyone who loves vampire novels, love stories, gothic literature and historical fiction. Pulling elements from different genres, the book tells a sweeping story of a vampire prince, and the human forced to break his curse or become his bride.
While the book is framed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, there are enough twists and turns that readers will feel the familiar backdrop of the classic fairy tell – yet still enjoy the suspense and surprises that surface with each plot twist.
Richly written and incredibly addictive, this book is equally captivating for those who enjoy gothic vampire stories, as well as those whose preferences lean towards the romantasy genre.
With magnetic characters, an alpine European setting and a slow-burn love story, this unputdownable vampire book deserves a spot on the top of your stack.
For fans of:
- Naomi Novik
- Heather Fawcett
- Howl’s Moving Castle
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Standalone reads
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Die for You by Lauren Jackson
If you love books with vampires and romance novels, then Lauren Jackson’s Red Thorne trilogy is for you. Starting with Die For You, this addictive and steamy series will have you tearing through the pages. Think Twilight meets The Vampire Diaries – but with an intriguing mystery at the centre of the story.
The series kicks off with a human searching for her sister, Raya, who was presumed dead two years ago. But when she sees Raya alive, she ventures across the country to get answers from a bloodthirsty vampire who – for some reason – is acting as a bodyguard.
With a malicious creature hunting them down, one wrong move could be deadly.
What could go wrong?
For fans of:
- Twilight
- The Vampire Diaries
- Supernatural romance
- Grumpy sunshine
- Multiple POVs
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We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark
In a high fantasy world of power-hungry royals and vengeful gods, Arvelle must enter a deadly competition to save her brother’s life.
Fighting to be chose for the Imperius – the emperor’s elite guard – Arvelle’s task becomes even more dangerous when she attracts the attention of the same ruthless vampire who shattered her heart six years ago.
With fierce competition intent on brining her down, she’s left with no choice but to ally with the man who once betrayed her.
For fans of:
- The Vampire Diaries
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night
- Vengeful gods
- Magical tournaments
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The Coven by Harper L. Woods
Willow Madizza never thought she’d go to Hollow’s Grove University . . . until she gets the chance to bring it down. While most students attend the secret and prestigious institution to learn how to wield their magic, Willow has ulterior motives.
Raised to be a weapon against the Coven that presides over the University, she must find the bones of her ancestors in order to reclaim the magic that is her destiny. Standing in her way is Alaric Grayson Throne: the manipulative, dangerous (and beautiful) Headmaster. Despite their mutual loathing, however, he may just be the key to unlocking Willow’s full power.
For fans of:
- Shadow and Bone
- Dark academia
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Cliffhanger endings
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Dracula by Bram Stoker
You can’t have a vampire book list without mention of Bram Stoker’s perennial classic, Dracula. This classic masterpiece follows Jonathan Harker on a visit to Transylvania.
Hoping to advise Count Dracula on a London home, he soon makes a horrifying discovery. Soon, a series of disturbing events unfold across England. From a mysterious shipwreck at Whitby to odd puncture marks on a woman’s neck – something is clearly awry.
Brilliantly evoking a nightmare world of vampires and vampire hunters, while illuminating the dark corners of Victorian desire, this book is a classic for a reason. If you haven’t read it yet, consider this your sign!
For fans of:
- Horror
- Classic literature
- Gothic fiction
- Epistolary novels (stories told through letters)
- Slow-burn dread
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More popular vampire books
Vampire Academy 6 Copy Slipcase Richelle Mead
All six novels in the global bestselling series following Lissa Drogomir and Rose Hathaway. The girls must survive a world of forbidden romances and terrifying night-time rituals. But above all, they must never let their guard down . . .
The Vampyre and Carmilla Sheridan Le Fanu, John Polidori
The first vampire short story and novella, which came before Dracula, together in one Penguin Classics hardcover, a Penguin Speculative Fiction Special, with a foreword by bestselling author V. E. Schwab
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires Grady Hendrix
Steel Magnolias meets Dracula in this New York Times best-selling horror novel about a women's book club that must do battle with a mysterious newcomer to their small Southern town.
Court of the Vampire Queen Katee Robert
The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Neon Gods brings the heat in this sizzling tale of a vampire queen and her three consorts.
Three powerfully alluring vampire men. And one queen to rule them all.
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