11 YA Vampire Novels That Don't Suck

Vampires just don’t know how to die, do they? Since the 1819 story Vampyre by John Polidori, these fanged bloodsuckers have sunk their teeth into our literary history. As if each reboot ques them to rise from the grave once more and flood our mainstream media. The 2020 release of Stephanie Meyer’s latest novel, Midnight Sun only serves as proof. Within the first week of sales over a million copies were sold, showing how very alive or rather undead Team Edward is.

Now don’t get me wrong, part of me is thrilled to see my favorite creatures of the night haven’t faded into the shadows. But, I guess this wasn’t quite the renewal that I was looking for. See, over the last decade I have read more YA vampire novels than I’d like to admit and I’d like to see something different enter the spotlight, new blood so to speak. 

But until that day comes, I can offer you eleven of my favorite young adult vampire novels (that aren’t twilight).  

Number 11: How to Be a Vampire by R. L. Stine 

How to Be a Vampire is the thirteenth installment in The Ghosts of Fear Street series by famous children’s horror author R. L. Stine. Published October 1st, 1996, this short novel follows Andrew, a school-age boy with an interest in monsters and all things horror. One morning he wakes with a bite on his neck and a strange book under his bed. Being a vampire sounds fun at first, but will he be willing to sleep in coffins and drink blood? After meeting his vampire teacher, he isn’t so sure. 

I know this book is aimed towards a younger audience and is a touch dated, but it remains a favorite of mine. After all, R. L. Stine was a big part of my childhood and only fed my interest in horror. This book makes for a fun, quick read and a refreshing break from modern vampires. After all, it’s nice to see classic tropes like bats, coffins, and garlic and at the very least a slightly less romantic look at the bloodsuckers we know and love. Overall, this story is a serious blast from the past, with a good character arch and makes for a light-hearted read. At the very least, an excellent book for the spooky season.

Number 10: Marked by Kristin Cast 

Published in 2007 Marked is the first novel in the House of Night series written by Kristin and P. C. Cast. This twelve novel series takes a fresh approach to the traditional vampire lore. Rather than being bitten by a vampyre is a human selected by the goddess Nyx. These humans are given a crescent moon mark upon their forehead, beginning this dangerous change. Zoey Redbird one day develops an unusual mark and is sent to the House of Night. A private school where fledgling vampyre’s are guided through their change in some hope to become a successful member in vampyre society. Even though she has to leave her human life behind, she faces surprisingly normal high school girl drama, school boyfriends, and vicious popular girls. 

 I have mixed feelings towards this series. I enjoy the quirky sense of humor that fills these books and the refreshing new look at vampire society and its norms. Full of in-depth world-building and quirky fun characters, it has its appeals. For those who enjoy the writing style, it is comical in a cheesy kind of way. However, regardless of having a rather unique take on vampires Marked contains numerous tropes and clichés in teen fiction, the gay best friend, the mean popular blond girl, etc. They also come across as being for much younger audiences than these books are marketed for, while other times are clearly for teen readers. Marked isn’t for everyone but is a pretty good book nonetheless.

Number 9: Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

Certain Dark Things is far from your traditional vampire novel. Set in Mexico City this story follows Domingo, a lonely street kid just trying to survive the police and gang-ridden streets. This is when an Aztec blood drinker stumbles into his life. Atl is a beautiful, dangerous girl on the run from rivaling vampire clans and she has Domingo mesmerized. Unable to shake this boy, the two slowly grow closer as the pair try to escape the city before gang bosses and the police close in. 

I love this book. Not only does it escape the glamorized western vampires, but it looks into another culture’s superstitions. This strange romance is full of real nail-biting danger while never taking away from the fast-paced plot. With a refreshing use of a male point of view, this neo-noir is a refreshing change. If you’re looking for something different and much darker than your average vampire novel, I highly recommend it. 

Number 8: Dangerous Girls by R. L. Stine 

Unlike many of R. L. Stine’s novels, Dangerous Girls is aimed at slightly older teenage readers. Published in 2003, this story follows Destiny Weller and her twin Livvy, two normal high school girls. Or at least they were. After a summer at Camp Blue Moon and a moonlight stroll with a handsome, mysterious counselor, their fate is twisted. Upon returning home, the girls begin to exhibit a growing craving for blood and carry a dark secret they must guard with their lives. Not only must Destiny find a cure to her strange affliction, but she is also faced with vampire hunters, a handsome new neighbor, and a sister who has no interest in being human.  

Dangerous Girls is packed with mystery, horror, and an unrequited romance that breaks the mold. It’s full of dynamic inner conflict and a villain that I find both creepy and sad. I not only empathize with the protagonist but the antagonist as well. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new take on girl meets vampire. 

Number 7: Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber  

Vampire Kisses is the first of nine novels in the Vampire Kisses series. Set in Dullsville, a small conservatives town where everyone wears polos, Prada and has memberships to the country club, it is no surprise Sixteen-year-old Raven Madison stands out. Dressed head to toe in black, this quirky goth girl is more interested in dissecting gummy worms and marrying Dracula than being a head cheerleader. After years of living as an outcast, she can’t help but be intrigued when a mysterious family moves into the haunted mansion on Benson Hill. Raven puts her mortality on the line to uncover the truth about the ghoulishly handsome boy in the creepy mansion. 

From the cheesy humor, to the sweet romance, I adore this book. Breaking away from many of the negative Goth stereotypes, Raven is a fun risk-taking girl with a love for vampires that rivals my own. She is fearless to be herself even as her town tries to tame her free spirit and freaky style. I also appreciate a break from the typical brooding cool guy vampires that dominate Y/A vamp romances. Alexander is a shy, dreamy artist and makes for a complete gentleman in their relationship. Best of all, he wants Raven for exactly who she is. I would recommend it if you want a cute, funny romance to warm your heart. 

6. Eighth Grade Bites- Heather Brewer 

Eighth Grade Bites is a pleasant escape from the romance that is associated with vampires. This story is centered on Vladimir Todd, a half-vampire, half-human boy who is navigating his way through school while looking for his parent’s killer. Still learning how to control this whole vampire thing, he is finding his substitute teacher encroaching on his secret, and even worse, someone is out to kill him. 

Eighth Grade Bites is undeniably fun regardless of being aimed towards slightly younger audiences. It has a way of normalizing what Vlad is rather than making him seem like a monster because of his taste for blood. These books are full of quirky and interesting side characters and are a pleasant change from the heavier books in this list.

5. Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey 

Jessica Packwood is just an ordinary teen girl, or so she thought. A mysterious and incredibly sexy exchange student, Lucius shows up at her door. He comes from Romania informing her not only is she supposedly a vampire princess, but is his long-lost fiancé. Unsurprisingly, Jessica finds this hard to believe, but her charming prince turns out to be far from impressed by his bride either. Armed only with an informational book she must transition from average high school girl to vampire princess, win back her straying prince, prevent a vampire war, and save Lucius from himself. 

This novel is far more than your average supernatural romance. Jessica is a strong female lead who takes each blow with a realistic and genuine response. Rather than falling swiftly into the hands of her Prince, she follows her logic and when things get tough; she fights for what she believes in. Unlike the typical vamp romances, the major conflict is rooted far deeper than just a handsome man and the trouble he brings rather is an arch filled with self-discovery and self-love. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a sexy dark romance, a strong female lead, and a serious emotional roller coaster. 

4. The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause 

This YA vampire romance/horror novel takes the cake for the oldest entry to this list. Published in 1990 this novel focuses on the fragile existence of mortality, a revenge arch, and the pain of loneliness. 

Zoey is no stranger to death and solitude. With her mother on her deathbed, and her father growing distant, this teen girl is trapped in a battle with grief. It is then that she meets a frightening and beautiful boy named Simon. Someone who seems to understand her pain. Simon is a vampire set on revenge against his mother’s murderer. Will this pair find solace in their suffering and can Zoey help end Simon’s search for revenge? 

This story is a timeless gem. A love story never bogged down by obsession. A flawed woman who didn’t need a man to fix her. A man who is beautiful, yet his beauty isn’t what brought them together. Rather, they took solace in each other’s pain and company. Simon’s love was dignified and sweet, yet romantic. Heavy topics of death, illness, life, and much more are covered impactful. If you’re okay facing the darker side of immortality, I highly suggest picking up a copy. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. Just be warned, it can get rather emotional, tears may be shed. 

3. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead 

Vampire Academy is the first of a six-book series of the same name written by author Richelle Mead. This story follows Rose Hathaway, the half-vampire, half-human best friend of Moroi Princess Lissa Dragomir. Rose has sworn her life to the dangerous task of protecting Lissa’s life from both the strigoi and anyone who dares to threaten her. After two years on the run, the friends are forced to return to St. Vladimir’s Academy, a hidden school for vampires. Regardless of promises of safety behind its gates, the pair faces more danger than they had seen in the outside world. Life is suddenly full of forbidden romance, peer pressure, and the looming strigoi, Rose has her work cut out for her. 

I picked up this novel years after the release of its considerably mediocre movie. Mid-Covid, I had nothing to lose and was pleasantly surprised. Rose is a strong, witty, confident lead that I have long craved in supernatural romance. She is devoted to her friends, her dreams and most importantly can be as vulnerable as she is troublesome. Mead does not shy away from the dark more heavy topics that pair along with the witty humor. This book takes its time to show the mental and emotional conflict within each character and explores their struggles alongside the imminent physical threat. Full of action, emotion, and a strong emphasis on friendship and girl power I would say this novel not only breaks the mold, but it is as thought provoking as it is entertaining. 

2. Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa 

By the best-selling author of the Iron Fey Series Julie Kagawa, Immortal Rules is nothing shy of a masterpiece. As the first entry to the Blood of Eden series, this novel captures a post-apocalyptic world. After a deadly plague washed over humanity, a hoard of zombie-like creatures has overrun civilization. To protect their remaining food source, vampires have built cities to keep the monsters out and their livestock in. Allison Sekemoto is an inhabitant of one such city. As an unregistered, every day is a constant struggle for food, while each night she must fear the creatures that walk through the streets. The only thing that keeps her going is her hatred for her captors. That is until she died and became the very thing she hated most. Forced to leave her city, she must join a group of humans who are searching for a cure to the disease responsible for society’s collapse and the Rabids, the blood-thirsty creatures that threaten not only humanity but vampires alike. She is now faced with a choice. What kind of monster will she become? 

 Hands down one of my all-time favorite novels. Full of action, forbidden romance and so many dark twists and turns I cannot help but recommend it to everyone. Not only does it bring a new life to vampires, it leaves the reader with something to think about. Immortal rules questions morality, life, death, and showcase humanity at its best and worst. If you want to break free from the stereotypical modern-day romance and read something truly amazing, go check out immortal rules! :) 

Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Author of the Spiderwick Chronicles, it is no surprise that Holly Black brings a new creative take on vampires. Dark, sexy, and stained with blood this book is an amazing alternative to Twilight. It is original and beautiful. Protagonist Tana lives in a world where vampirism has grown out of control. Walled cities are built to quarantine those infected and those who enter can never leave. These cities are called Coldtowns, a deadly mix of glamorous predators and their captive prey. Unfortunately, these Coldtowns could do nothing to prevent Tana’s life from changing forever. After a late-night party, she wakes up to a gruesome massacre. The only survivors, her infected ex-boyfriend and a mysterious boy with a dark secret. To save all three of them, Tana must venture into an infamous Coldtown.

Horror, romance, guilt, revenge, this story brings it all. This is another novel I discovered during lockdown and one I will never forget. Black manages to rip away all the glamour that vampires hold while making them all the more beautiful for it. Tana is a strong and determined lead and Gavriel is probably my favorite vampire love interest ever. Mysterious, quirky, smart, romantic, and just a tiny bit insane it’s hard to not love him. As unconventional as it is amazing I would check this one out if I were you. 

There we are, eleven books to sink your fangs into! I could not recommend them more! Thank you for reading, and feel free to head to my Twitter to share your favorite vampire novels that aren’t Twilight! Be safe.

Until next night,

Emilia