Haven’t you heard? Vampires are soooo back in, baby. And there have been some scrumptious vampire books that have come out in recent years.
We may be many months out from the spooky season, but there’s never a bad time to dive into a vampire book (especially if it’s a spicy, romantic vampire book!) And in light of Blood Magic releasing soon, I thought it was a great time to put together a list of must-read vampire books!
So, check out these un-put-downable vampire books that should be next up on your TBR:
The Serpent and The Wings of Night by Clarissa Broadbent
Clarissa Broadbent is everyone’s new favourite author and she has blessed us with a HANDFUL of vampire books set loosely in the same universe for people to dive into. So, loving that for all of us.
The Serpent and The Wings of Night serves as a really easy starting point into her work, and from there you could jump into a second duology (The Songbird & the Heart of Stone) or a standalone novella (Six Scorched Roses) but either way, she’s got your fix sorted for at least six books worth of binging. And based on what I’ve read from her so far, she’s a natural follow up read for any ACOTAR fans as her writing is definitely giving *the vibes*.
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
This one is like Caraval, but with spice and vampires (okay, that’s a broad generalization but you get the idea).
Honestly, words don’t really do this book justice. It’s one of those rare, literary masterpieces that have come out in recent years. It’s eerie, fascinating, FUN, and it’s got those gothic vibes that make a vampire book so delicious! If you enjoy books with trials plotlines and forbidden romances, this one should definitely be on your TBR.
The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin
Another one of those books that really nails the gothic worldbuilding, The Scarlet Veil is a natural follow up read for anyone who read and loved her Serpent & Dove series. Though, I will warn ahead, the vibes (at least for me) are very different.
I really loved Serpent & Dove but I love all things witchy and for me, that series really hit on everything I wanted. The Scarlet Veil is very different, which I would argue is a good thing, and follows a murder mystery plot line and incorporates some fun new worldbuilding and magic elements as an intriguing romance is explored between Célie and Michal.
Blood Magic by Pagan Alexandria
If you love Buffy the Vampire Slayer or The Vampire Diaries, but don’t enjoy the standard mold of ‘paranormal romance’ reads, this one will hit different.
Something that I (yes, I’m the author of this one) tend to do differently in my books is start them out in modern-day settings and gradually steer the story into more magical waters, giving it that delicious blend of paranormal-meets-romantasy. And the early reviews have spoken a symphony for how well I nailed it with this one.
In Blood Magic, two vampire hunters must work together to find a cure when Fleur’s rival, Percy Renaud, is turned into a vampire. If you don’t enjoy a book that feels super urban but do enjoy a book that has a dark academia feel, contains an enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of tension and spice, and has a great cast of characters, definitely pick this one up!
On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
Everyone is saying how this is one of the most underrated books right now, and contains a couple that will quench your thirst for a Dramione fanfic. While it’s not actually Dramione, it does contain a MMC who gives Draco Malfoy vibes and a FMM whose stubbornness and intellect will have you hooked within the first chapter.
This was definitely one of those books that really grabbed me and kept me reading. It’s not personally my favourite book on this list (thought it has all the tropes and elements that suggest it should be) I still really enjoyed it and can definitely see why it’s taking off right now. If you’re a fan of Zodiac Academy, this is really similar vibes so go check it out.
A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya
Another vampire x vampire hunter pairing, this book is something else.
Not only is the worldbuilding in this one on a whole other level (SO well developed!) but the characters and romance are honestly top tier. It’s a truly beautiful story and told incredibly well, with so many sweet moments sprinkled throughout.
For readers who love family elements in their books, this one also hits the mark for that, and honestly, if you love vampires you’ll love reading this so add it to your TBR!
Court of the Undying Seasons by A. M. Strickland
This is another really amazing vampire read, with a seriously slow burn romance that will leave you wanting and tension for days!
It’s also another book that nails the dark academia vibes and dark fantasy world. There’s some great LGBT rep, and the protagonist is incredibly well written with a great backstory that really drives her motivations and the events of the story. I highly recommend reading it!
