LEWIS: Books that bite, vampire fiction for every type of reader

Art by Rose Padios

Every autumn as the air grows colder, I know it’s time to crack open the spines of my favorite vampire novels. At least, it’s more socially acceptable to be reading vampire stories this time of the year. 

While my year-round love for the undead may not be shared by other readers, I am a firm believer in the versatility of vampires. So when you’re looking for an on-theme book to read this Halloween season, put away your garlic and sink your teeth into a vampire story or two. 

For fans of historical fiction…

“The Lights of Prague” by Nicole Jarvis is set in 19th century Prague. All sorts of monstrous creatures roam the streets at night, from ghosts to pijavice, which are vampire-like beings. The book follows the relationship between Domek, who is part of a secret organization of monster hunters, and Lady Ora, who is a pijavice, as they both try to save Prague from the monstrous threats. 

For fans of contemporary fiction… 

“Vampires, Hearts, & Other Dead Things” by Margie Fuston toes the line between actual contemporary and paranormal fiction. Victoria and her dad are vampire enthusiasts and have dreamed of finding real-life vampires all their lives. When her dad is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Victoria must make a trip to New Orleans by herself. Her last hope to save her dad is to find a vampire that can give him a new life. 

For fans of unique storytelling… 

“A Dowry of Blood” by S.T. Gibson is told through a letter to Dracula from his first wife, Constanta. She slowly uncovers the mysteries surrounding her husband as he brings other vampires into their presence. The story tackles domestic abuse as Constanta and the others attempt to take back their freedom. 

For fans of short stories… 

“Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite” is a collection of short stories by various authors. The eleven stories detail young adult vampires in modern settings, such as on social media or navigating coming out. 

For fans of enemies to lovers…

 “This Ravenous Fate” by Hayley Dennings is set in Jazz Age Harlem riddled with reapers, which Dennings defines as once-human vampires. Once close friends, reaper Layla and reaper-hunter Elise must get past their differences when investigating rumors of a reaper cure and a string of brutal murders. The story is much more than the romance, exploring concepts of systemic racism and class structures in 1920s New York. 

For fans of magic… 

“The Witch and the Vampire” by Francesca Flores has both witches and vampires, as the title suggests. Flame witch Kaye and root witch Ava were best friends, until vampires broke past the barrier meant to keep them out. The vampires proceeded to kill Kaye’s mom and turn Ava into a vampire. In a world where witches kill vampires, Kaye and Ava reconnect years later and are wary to trust each other again. As they uncover the history of magic and vampires on a journey through the forest together, their beliefs are challenged.

For fans of romance… 

“How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win a Wager” by D.N. Bryn is a paranormal romance book set in the modern day. Wes, a down on his luck man, needs a vampire to gain access to a pharmaceutical company’s lab he suspects killed his mother. Fortunately, he wakes up to fang marks on his neck one day. With the perfect idea, Wes plans to trick the vampire who has been feeding on him, Vincent, into being bait. However, Vincent is not what Wes was expecting and he soon finds himself with complicated feelings. 

For fans of horror… 

“House of Hunger” by Alexis Henderson is a gothic horror novel. Marion, who is desperate to escape her situation on the edge of poverty, sees an ad in the newspaper for bloodmaids, which are blood suppliers to the upper echelon who have acquired a taste for the substance. Once Marion reaches the House of Hunger, she realizes there is a dark history of bloodmaids going missing and something sinister resides in the house. Marion must figure out a way to escape the same fate as the others before it’s too late. 

For fans of the classics… 

“Carmilla” by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a vampire novella published in 1872, released 25 years earlier than Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The story is about a young woman who is preyed on by female vampire Carmilla. As one of the first works of vampire literature, the book challenges Victorian ideas of femininity.  

“Interview with the Vampire” by Anne Rice is another blood-sucker classic. Published in 1976, it completely redefined the way vampires were written. The novel is told through an interview with Louis, who details his entire vampiric life, traveling from New Orleans and across Europe. The recent television adaptation by AMC adds fresh perspectives to the narrative and is entirely worth checking out. 

“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer is a modern classic about a teenage girl who falls in love with a boy who turns out to be a vampire. What would a list of vampire books be without “Twilight”? Whether you love or hate it, it is difficult to deny the popularity and influence “Twilight” has had on the vampire genre. The iconic young-adult romance brought forth a vampire renaissance. And let’s be honest, sometimes an escape to Forks, Washington, and the messy love triangle is good for the soul. 

This Halloween is the perfect time to cozy up with a vampire read. Whichever genre you prefer, there is sure to be a vampire book catered to your tastes. From romance to horror, your new favorite book could feature these popular monsters. 

Published in the Daily Nebraskan, read here.