I love vampire books. Of all different types, whether the vampires are good or bad guys, whether the book is Horror or Paranormal Romance or some blended combination of genres. Vampires were one of my true horror loves, and something about them draws me in even now. So with that, I thought it’d be fun to talk about someone of my 5 Star rated vampire books. I’ll stick to the first in a series, unless the first was 4* or lower, as otherwise there would be way too many for a blog post!
Dead Until Dark – Charlaine Harris
These books aren’t all perfect, and after the first book most I rated 3* with the odd 4*, but something about this first book is so compelling. I know I pretty much read these one after the other, too, because they really do hook you in. Sookie’s voice flows so well, and makes these pleasant to read, even if I didn’t like the rest of the series as much as the first. Still, these are the books that would bring us True Blood, and for that I’ll be forever grateful.
‘Salem’s Lot – Stephen King
One of the first Stephen King books I read, this book definitely made me keen to check out more of King’s work. I love the way he plays with the Dracula story, and this modern version works really well. At the time, too, I was impressed with the use of tension and foreshadowing, and of course as I read The Dark Tower series, I loved how he tied them in together.
I Am Legend – Richard Matheson
This book grabbed me completely when I was a teen, and it’s remained with me ever since. The ending!!! The creeping through the day to kill, the idea of Neville being the true bogeyman…and the film just…removed most of that? I’ve still refused to watch it, to be honest. I’m absolutely not a book purist, but as soon as I found out how the film ends – not to mention the trailers were more zombie than vampire – I knew there had been too many changes for me to truly enjoy it. But the book is truly fantastic, and I loved the way these vampires were written.
Interview with the Vampire – Anne Rice
This was the book that really kick started my vampire obsession. I had the boxset of the first four as a Christmas present as soon as I was old enough, and I devoured them. I absolutely loved them, and Interview with the Vampire still has a special place in my heart. I read this and The Vampire Lestat over and over, and searched out more vampire books as well.
Dracula – Bram Stoker
I spoke about this one in my Classics post, but a vampire list wouldn’t be complete for me without Dracula. I read this one later than most on the list, but the story was kind of familiar in a comforting way. It’s ridiculous in parts, but it can’t be denied this book has inspired generations of writers by now.
Anno Dracula – Kim Newman
I kind of want to reread this again. This was such a good blend of genres, while adding something new to the Dracula story. I love books like this. At points it almost reads like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in prose form, and it’s so much fun.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – Seth Grahame-Smith
Like Anno Dracula, this book does really well at blending genres, weaving the vampires in with Lincoln’s life so well, it really does feel like reading the president’s actual diaries. It’s largely why I also really liked his Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The books work because the author knows what he’s talking about, and a respect for the original source material really shines through.
There are a few more I could have included, but this would have gone on for a fairly long time if I had! Like I said above, I love vampires and vampire books, especially when an author does something truly interesting with them, while keeping the idea of a vampire at its core. So, tell me – what are your favourite vampire books?
Unwrapping Words 