Though Twilight's (Hachette, 2006) popularity has pushed vampires into the spotlight (or sunlight) once again, vampire tales have had a place on shelves for years. In 1819, John William Polidori wrote what some call the first vampire tale: "The Vampyre." Since, vampires have captured readers and movie-goers' attention in various genres and contextual settings. Here are some modern novels that should be read for their diverse content, genre and literary style. More work can be found at The Vampire Library.
Fledgling — Octavia Butler
Seven Stories Press, 2007
ISBN: 9781583226902
This novel reveals the story of a young African-American girl who isn't who she appears to be. While she appears to be a prepubescent girl, she's actually a 50-something woman from the "Ina" race. The Ina, it turns out, is a race that is based in vampirism (nocturnal behavior and blood drinking). The novel shows Shori, the protagonist, as she awakens without an understanding of her surroundings or what has happened to her. She's been hurt, burned and and is in critical condition. She later meets a man who she feeds from, although — and this mutual relation is the key here — he allows her. He likes it. This isn't to be confused with the sort of symbiotic relationship we see in True Blood (fangbangers, for example). The Ina aren't evil, and they don't use humans in an unkind way the way many vampires do in the Southern Vampire Mysteries. This is a novel for readers seeking not only excellent writing but multicultural commentary. This tale works well for young adult and adult readers.
The Southern Vampire Mysteries — Charlaine Harris
Penguin, 2001
ISBN: 978-0441018239
The Southern Vampire Mysteries is also known as The Sookie Stackhouse Novels/Chronicles. They will be re-printed as the True Blood Series. Harris' vampire world is one in which vampires have come "out of the grave" to live among humans. The stories take place in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Other creatures exist as well, including shape-shifters and werewolves. The story, however, is much more adult than Twilight. It has much more explicit sexuality and language. The narrator is Sookie Stackhouse, a bar waitress and telepath who falls in love a vampire named Bill. It's a series that is highly addictive and well worth the read. Blending reality with magic, the scenarios suspend our disbelief. This is in large part due to Harris' excellent writing style.
This is also a TV show.
Let the Right One In — John Ajvide Landqvist
St. Martin's Griffin, 2008
ISBN: 9780312355296
Also known as Let Me In, this vampire novel takes place in a wintry, dark suburb in Stockholm. The relationship here takes place between a 12-year-old boy named Oskar and a seemingly young vampire girl, Eli. While this is a vampire tale, much of the book (and the movie) confronts issues within society. Oskar and Eli's connection is strengthened by a string events dealing with school bullies and potential threat's to Eli's life. This is a dark read, dealing with societal issues as well as supernatural.
This is also a film.
The Vampire Diaries — L.J. Smith
Harper Paperbacks, 2007
ISBN: 9780061140976
This series may be a good follow-up for Twilight readers, since it follows the life of teenage Elena Gilbert, who is in love with two vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon. Also a series involving several books, the stories are geared toward the Young Adult audience.
This is also a TV show.
Required Vampire Reading
The Vampyre — John William Polidori
Dracula — Bram Stoker
The Vampire Chronicles — Anne Rice
The Homecoming — Ray Bradbury
Salem's Lot — Stephen King
Carmilla — Sheridan LeFanu
For more on real vampires, read here.
Lisa Marie Basile - L. Basile is a professional writer and the author of three books. She is a Masters of Writing candidate and the editor of Patasola ...
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