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Are you looking for bloodlust-worthy vampire books from around the world? Find books like Twilight, vampire book series, and bloodsucking vampire romance books for adults and tweens.
Who doesn’t love a good vampire book? Since TUL recently featured her favorite witches as well as books set in Salem, it was time to bow down to a new monster in town: the vamp.
Below, find vampire book series like Sookie Stackhouse and Anita Blake as well as fantasy vampire books like Twilight, including Twilight read alikes.
I promise to mention classics like Stoker’s Dracula and even pull out a few steamy and popular vampire romance books. While most of these bloodsuckers are for adults, you’ll find a few extra vampire novels for tweens and teens too.
Here are the best vampire books that I have read, are on my TBR list, or that bloggers, librarians, and reviewers would seal with a blood drop or deadly kiss. Let me know your personal vampire recommendations in the comments.
Fulfill Your Bloodlust With These Vampire Books For Adults
The Best Vampire Books For Adults
Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Vampire Blood-Thirsty Book Set In Maine/New England
Most junk food thriller seekers will tell you that Stephen King writes some of the best vampire novels, one of which is Salem’s Lot.
The old and creepy Marten House is the subject of endless rumors and gossip. When only one curious boy returns from a reckless jaunt to the mansion, Ben Mears knows that something is up.
And where there is darkness, there are fangs.
If you are looking for other good vampire books by Stephen King try Wolves of the Calla, Song of Susannah, and The Dark Tower.
Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin
Adult Vampire Novel Set In Mississippi
If you are a regular TUL reader, you know that I have yet to read a George R.R. Martin novel. If you are new to me, I am so sorry to break that news to you. Please don’t drop me like a skunked red wine that your aunt accidentally put in the fridge.
Fevre Dream is on my TBR list because, quite frankly, I think I’ll enjoy this vampire story more than GOT. Sorry not sorry. All I know is that a man is willing to risk anything for immortality, which sounds vampish to me… Especially when Joshua York is one strange fellow with odd hours and eating habits.
Fangishly Good Vampire Books Series
Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris
Vampire Book Series Set In Lousiana
One of the best vampire book series of all time is Sookie Stackhouse, which I devoured when I lived in Indonesia. Although the series is over, you can always watch True Blood on HBO. I promise that you’ll find lots of paranormal romance.
Vampire hunters should definitely start with the first book in this series, Dead Until Dark, and read these vampire novels in order. Harris builds a strong world of shapeshifters, mind readers, werewolves, and vampires filled with love, murder, and tyranny. Read More→
Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K. Hamilton
Vampire Series Set In St. Louis
Once I finished reading the vampire series, Sookie Stackhouse, my librarian coworkers recommended Anita Blake, a little more in the urban fantasy genre. Mind you, Blake is much more graphic and erotic.
While I haven’t read the entire series, Anita Blake is definitely an adult vampire fiction recommendation. Start with the first in the series, Guilty Pleasures, to set the story and your bloodletting bearings.
Set in St. Louis, watch Anita fall for a dangerous vampire, Jean-Claude. As an animator, Anita can awaken the dead (and also kill them). Jean-Claude seeks Anita’s help to solve a murder mystery.
Anita Blake can also be considered one of the most popular vampire romance books. Which brings me to…
The Best Vampire Romance Books
The King by J.R. Ward
Vampire Romance Book Series Set In New York
It’s no secret that I don’t read a lot of romance, and full disclosure on this vampire recommendation: I’ve never read J.R. Ward. However, some of my library patrons were into this New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
If you are looking for vampire books for adults, The King is it. I’ve always heard that technically, readers should pick up this series in order; know that The King is Book 12. Either you make a commitment or you just go ballz to the wallz and go for it.
Quick summary: Beth Randall has baby fever. However, she is paired with the last purebred vampire, which causes…problems…
Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Vampire Fantasy Books Set In Their Own Universe
In need of more *hot* adult vampire novels? If you are looking for another adult vampire book series full of romance, try the Dark-Hunter Novels by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
The first book in the series, Night Pleasures is as sexually intense and suggestive as it sounds. Not all vampire romance books will make you blush, but Kenyon has a reputation to maintain. Find urban fantasy, deadly attraction, and a series about immortal night hunters who slay Daimons that are murdering humans.
Looking for even more books on vampires? Try author Suzy Mckee Charnas. Check her out on Amazon here.
Are monsters and witches your jam? I know you’ll cackle over these hair-raising witch books. Click here to get the exclusive TUL wickedly witchy book list.
Science Fiction & Fantasy Vampire Books
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Classic Fantasy Vampire Book Set In Transylvania (old Romania) and England
Personally, Dracula is one of my favorite classics and also the most well-known vampire books for adults.
Deemed as Gothic and Victorian literature, watch as Jonathan Harker realizes that something wrong is going on in the Count’s castle. Zombied out women roam the halls, and when Harker witnesses a batty transformation, his suspicions are clearly justified.
Dracula heads over to London to bloodlet the city’s beauties. Death and Dracula are like wine and cheese. Can Dracula be stopped? Read More About Dracula→
See more books like Dracula on this Spooky Book List→
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
Science Fiction Vampire Novel For Adults Set In New York
Did you ever notice that a ton of adult vampire books take place in New York? Having lived close by, I totally get it–and most know I Am Legend, a post-apocalyptic, viral tale.
If you are looking for books about vampires, picture The Walking Dead of bloodsuckers. Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth. Everyone else is craving blood like I need a glass of wine after a hard day of blogging. Neville is a vampire hunter during the day who tries to find a cure to this Darkseeker virus.
Who will survive the vampire-apocalypse?
New Vampire Books 2019
Undead As A Doornail by William F. Aicher
Vampire Novel Set In Paris
Indie author, William F. Aicher, is at it again and this time with a brand new vampire book for adults.
If you love monsters, you’ll want to check out Phoenix Bones: International Monster Hunter, a new indie series coming out with more and more titles as I type this list. While all of the books in the series will not focus on vampires, Undead As A Doornail introduces monster lovers to Phoenix Bone and an evil vamp underworld.
Descend into the catacombs of Paris as Phoenix searches for a missing girl, smacking right into a deadly rave party…I mean, lair. Gruesome and hilarious, Phoenix is my kindred spirit: He loves his booze and has a potty mouth. Plus, he easily pukes over gross things just like me. Read the full review→
Loving these vampire novels? Click over to TUL’s books set in Salem book list to get the DL on the Salem Witch Trials via literature.
Bloodsucking Vampire Books For Tweens & Teens
The Best Vampire Books For The Younger Bloodsucker
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Vampire Romance Book For Tweens and Teens Set In Washington State
This goes without saying, but Twilight is your ultimate and most popular vampire book series for tweens and teens–and adults. You know that you’ll roll your eyes, but you still cannot resist the hype of any book that gets so much non-love yet is read all over the place in opaque book jackets.
Plus, you know you’ve seen at least one of the Twilight series movies.
In one of the cheesiest vampire romance books, watch as Bella falls into a love triangle over a vampire and a werewolf. Are you Team Jacob or Edward? Who will Bella choose, and what will be the consequences?
Like Fifty Shades, you can bet that I read all three Twilight books. And, yes, read them in order. Read More→
Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
Tween and Teen Vampire Series Set In Montana
If you like vampire book series that have hit the big screen, try Vampire Academy.
St. Vladimir’s Academy is more like a bitchy and grownup Hogwarts that trains teenage vampires. Half-human creatures guard and teach students. Of course, like any prep school, danger lurks in the shadows.
Watch relationships bloom amidst the usual boarding school drama and life-threatening vamps. Vampire Academy is the first in this vampire book series.
Vampire Books Like Twilight & Lighter Romance Novel Vampire Books
The Vampire Diaries Series by L.J. Smith
YA Vampire Book Series Set & Filmed In Mystic Falls, Virginia (also Convington, Georgia)
If you are looking for a YA vampire book series like Twilight, The Vampire Diaries will fulfill your Mean Girls plus Gossip Girls meets vampire needs. Plus, this is a bestselling vampire tale with its own TV show.
Start with the first in the series, The Awakening.
When hunky Stefan ignores the interests of Elena Gilbert, she cannot figure out why. Of course, like Edward in Twilight, Stefan is a vamp with a bad boy brother. Find suspense and high school drama.
Read more about the real Mystic Falls here→
Blue Bloods Series by Melissa de la Cruz
Vampire Romance Book and Series Set In Manhattan, New York
I am always a sucker for YA books where all of the good stuff happens at private schools among the overly privileged.
Did you know that vampires have their own elite, the Blue Bloods? Yup, their veins run blue and they love some juicy…meat. Of course, they are popular, rich, and gorgeous too.
Schuyler is a new Blue Blood, risking her own life to learn more about this secret society while solving a murder mystery. Blue Bloods is the first book in the series.
So now are you ready to get your vamp on?
What Vampire Book Will You Read Next?
These are some of the best books about vampires that will cure your bloodlust.
Which vampire book series will you start next?
Which would you consider to be the best bloodsucker books of all time?
Will you read one of the suggested vampire books for tweens and teens too?
Lastly, what qualities make a good vampire novel for you? Let me know in the comments.
Add These Vampire Books To Your TBR List: Pin It For Later!
Thank you for including Undead as a Doornail along with all these fabulous books.
Two of my favorites on here are Salem’s Lot and I Am Legend. Both are absolutely must-reads.
I had a feeling that you might love those two vampire books. You’ll have to let me know if the new series will feature a witch or two in the future.
Ok, I remember people raving over the Black Dagger Brotherhood and I never read it. Maybe I should.
A good vampire novel for me has a good story with a lot of murder and some romance as well. Dracula is classic and you know I love the Sookie Stackhouse novels! I tried the Vampire Diaries, but I actually liked the TV show better, which is rare for me.
I think I’m going to read Undead as a Doornail soon! Sounds like I will like it!
Right?! I haven’t read it yet, but soooo many people rave about the Black Dagger Brotherhood, which is why I had to add it.
Sookie is definitely my favorite, and when the series ended, I was pretty devastated.
I should have a full book review up for Undead As A Doornail by next week, if not this week. Watch for sales on Amazon because usually, Aicher discounts his books once in a while.
You know, I have never read any of Charlaine Harris’s books but I LOVED the True Blood series! I need to check out her books as the books are always better than TV shows and movies! Although, TV shows do have a lot longer to get things right. I was also a little let down by the end of Bram Stokers Dracula – anyone else? Great list! I will have to check out some of these books but first – Charlaine Harris’s vampire series! I can just hear Bill Compton saying “Sookie” in his southern accent. Also – there are a lot of romantic vampire-related novels out there!
I read ALL of Harris’ Sookie series pretty much after they were published, and I wanted MORE. Why did the Sookie Stackhouse book series have to end? There are so many other series that I wish ended MUCH sooner, but hers wasn’t one of them. Have you read any of her series? I know Wicked Appetite made the Salem book list. I’ve read some of Aurora Teagarden and Harper Connelly. Still, Stackhouse is my fav, especially with all of the paranormal elements.
When I lived in Indo, I also started True Blood. I didn’t see all of the seasons, though. HBO definitely added their sexy spin!
I’d have to reread Dracula for the exact ending. I think I’ve read the book twice: once in HS and once again right around or after college. I’m definitely fuzzy, but I think I felt the same way?
When vampires were all the rage, I read so many series that I thought I had read them all but obviously not. HAHA I was surprised not to see the Ann Rice novel “Interview with a Vampire” on this list. I read this so long ago that I barely remember it though.
I had no idea ” am Legend was a book! I watched that movie once and never again. You know my thing with animals. Cried like a baby at the theater watching that one.
I started Vampire Diaries and could never get through the first few chapters. Didn’t bother.
I read all of the Sookie Stackhouse books which were way better than the show, but I was not happy with the ending. The books needed more of Eric and I don’t feel like the author gave us enough of those two. I also think the author grew bored as she finished the series. I always wondered if that was her endgame all along with that final book
I was refusing to read Twilight and then I ended up with the flu, so I read all 4 books in 4 days. Insane. It was more curiosity out of anything else.
If I was to start a new series tomorrow, it would be The King.
I was debating adding Anne Rice; a few people have messaged me about that title too. I’ll have to consider adding her. I haven’t read Interview with a Vampire, but I do like adding book suggestions that are highly recommended, even if I haven’t read them yet (keeps my book lists a little less biased and more eclectic; too many books and not enough me lol). I’ll have to take a peek at Rice’s book–thanks for the suggestion. If you liked it, I know it’s book list worthy, for sure.
For Sookie, I am not sure that I felt satisfied or happy with the ending either. I agree: the end of the series seemed maybe rushed or just tired. I think Harris could have taken the plot a tad further; for me, the series ended rather abruptly, and I didn’t love the outcome. Everyone needs more Eric lol!
Like you, I read the Twilight books out of curiosity. Same for Fifty Shades and Gone Girl. Back in my public librarian days, you kind of have to in order to be on top of your game or not feel like a fraud. I didn’t hate the series like others did: they were fast-paced and hey, the series got people to read and talk about books again. They are good books if you have the flu.
Hope you had a great holiday weekend!
OMG in dying at the red wine in the fridge!! I read the first GOT book, then shamelessly turned to HBO. Worst librarian ever! For real though, great list. Your books lists are always so diverse. Definitely have a few to add to my fall list.
I haven’t even turned to HBO for GOT so you are one step ahead of me.
Thanks! I hope you have time to read with the big changes and move! So exciting!
I am currently reading Dracula and I love it so far. I will definitely read another vampire book! I will probably read Salem’s Lot next. Thanks for the list!
Dracula is definitely the ultimate vampire book! Glad you are enjoying it and thank you.
Mmmmmm I do have a soft spot for vampire novels. Thanks for this list!
Me too! I don’t even love scary books, but if it has a vampire, I am all in. Thanks!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a George R. R. Martin book either, so I’m totally with you there :’) I feel like I haven’t read a vampire-themed book since I was like in the 7th or 8th grade reading the Candy Apple books in my school library. (I don’t remember if CA did vampire books, but that’s the general feeling there haha.) I’ve never read a n y of the Twilight books, and I’ve only seen bits and pieces of the movies. I’m assuming that the books are better? I haven’t seen/read The Vampire Diaries either; I think I’m uncultured swine!!
Haha! Ok, the sad part, though, Macey… I feel like we would both love Martin since his books have so many historical aspects?! I dunno!
I had to google the Candy Apple Books. I guess that’s because I am a decade older than you lol! I was like: what IS this madness?! I remember reading vampire and werewolf books in series like Sweet Valley High. Do those even exist these days? Probably not.
Hmmm, I am not terribly sure that the Twilight Saga books are better than the movies. It’s one of those toss-ups… It’s all just cheese. But, a good cheese that we all need on occasion until it builds up on our thighs…
You are so not uncultured lol!! You are cracking me up. You are just far too busy reading all of these amazing and intense historical nonfiction books while I am swimming in steamy vampire sex. ; )
I have read so many of these, I don’t know what that says about me. I love the Anita Blake series though there are so many of them and they are definitely ADULT.
Haha, I definitely think a ton of vampire books are truly VERY ADULT. I don’t even love spooky stories, but I just seem to devour vampire and witch books.
I didn’t know I needed this book until now, but thank you so much! I am itching for vampire reads
I always love fall reads the most–and sometimes so cozy ones for the winter. Vampire books and witches are always my favorite, though.
So I never knew Salem’s Lot had vampires! Granted, it’s one of his I haven’t read or seen (should maybe remedy that soon). But I would never have guessed either because I don’t tend to associate him with mythological beasties. I am intrigued now, though…
Like you, I haven’t read any R. R. Martin. I didn’t even try. I’m so not a [book] series person. Reading them drives me insane (watching, fine). But Fevre Dream seems much more up my street! Undead as a Doornail might work for me, as well. Will check out the full review…
Since the only one I HAVE read on here is Dracula (I’m not actually the biggest fan of the genre, as you know), I’ll throw out a vampire book I love that often gets overlooked: Fledgling by Octavia Butler. Creepy and fantastic!
I feel like I’d like Fevre Dream, which is definitely why I researched and added it. Martin just hasn’t appealed to me yet. Aicher’s book just cracked me up. It’s a fun and quick vampire read. I think you’ll appreciate that these vampires are not desirable–like you mentioned in your podcast!
I’ve heard Fledgling is worthy! I will have to check it out for next year.
Best Anne Rice novel is about 4th or 5th in her series. The Body Thief. And be sure to read her first one, Interview with a Vampire. Book is better than the movie.
Check out a newer vampire book called Before There Was Silver, The Making of a Vampire.
I think Laurel Hamilton’s earlier books are the best, when there was more story line going on and the books were not all about sex, which was well written, but sometimes took up the whole book.
Hey Rick! Thanks so much for the book suggestions. I appreciate it! I will be sure to check them out. I’ve definitely heard that same criticism for Hamilton.
Another great vampire series is The Morganville Vampires…I never could get into Twilight but Morganville had me hooked from the 1st to the 15th book.
Oh, awesome! I will have to check it out. Thanks so much for the recommendation.