Ever since the extremely popular Twilight, alluring vampires have captivated many YA readers, drawing them in with danger, seduction, adventure, and romance. Vampires are still popular in YA paranormal romance, and with good reason – they promise fantasy and mystery, but are crafted in such a way that teenage readers can easily relate with them.
Below, you’ll find some of the best YA vampire books of all time – plus some you’ve probably never heard of. So if you want to read about more YA vampires, then go check out this list!
~ New release! ~
I’m about to wrap up the series for Taste of Vampire, so I’ve been making a bunch of sexy vampire portraits for my characters. Scroll down to see the book recommendations!
Twilight by Stephenie Mayer
Isabella Swan’s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife-between desire and danger. Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.
What do the readers say?
“Twilight is a love story about two people from very different worlds that form a seemingly impossible relationship. If you’re looking for unlikely romance and loveable well developed characters, pick this one up!” – Hillary, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . . Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.
What do the readers say?
“It’s an amazing and well written book. I loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially if you like or love stories about vampires but with a twist.” – Paige Hahn, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
Sofia Claremont is sucked into a nightmare on the evening of her seventeenth birthday – and she cannot wake up. She is kidnapped by a dangerous pale creature and taken to the Shade, an enchanted island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine, uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. Sofia wakes up there a slave, a captive in chains. And it gets worse, as she gets selected to be part of a tree-top harem of the dark royal prince, Derek Novak. Despite Derek’s addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place in the island is within his quarters. She knows that she must do all within her power to win him over, if she is to survive even one more night.
What do the readers say?
“I can not wait to move on to the next book. I love all the evil that is lurking and how everything is NOT sweet.” – CJ, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Taste by D.S. Murphy
Books 1~3 available now, or grab the full boxset of the completed series!
I never wanted to be Chosen. Married off to one of the Elites and whisked away to the City of Lights. It was supposed to be some kind of honor, to share our bodies, our blood, to preserve the peace between our two races… for some girls in my town, it was a fairy tale ending. For me, it was just another way the Elites reminded us that we were slaves. But then I met Damien. The most beautiful boy I’d even seen, and a prince. He saved me, and showed kindness in the woods. His sky blue eyes stirred up feelings I’d never had before. Dreams I’d never allowed myself to consider. There’s no way he would choose me.
But then he did.
The only problem is, I get the feeling he doesn’t even want me. Everyone wants to know why I’m so special, what he saw in me. I wish I knew. Because I’m leaving everything behind for him, to serve him and preserve the covenant. But when I get to the City of Lights, I discover the reality is far more complex than the legends they’ve been feeding us. Not everybody is happy to be ruled. And some will fight to be free. Once I get a taste of revolution, it lights my blood on fire. But that means my new husband is also my worst enemy. How can I share a room, a bed, without tipping him off?
What do the readers say?
“This one is a page-turner. I can hardly wait for the full novel to come out. TASTE is a tantalizing taste of coming attractions.” – Lacemaker, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
The Vampire Gift 1: Wards of Night by E.M. Knight
Caught between three vampire brothers and coveted for her bloodline, Eleira is swept into a world of supernatural magic where nothing is as it seems and betrayal lurks behind every corner. She must fight for her survival or risk being made prey for the very creatures who keep her there. But when she discovers a dark, twisted prophecy with her at its center, she is pulled deep into the heart of The Haven… and realizes that the vampires she seeks to escape might just be the key to her salvation.
What do the readers say?
“This book took me completely by surprise. I especially enjoyed the way the story unfolded from the perspective of each of the main characters. This is the first time that I have read a book written in this manner, and I’m looking forward to reading about the challenges the main characters will have to face and overcome. I recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys this type of fiction. It’s a rare treat.” – John D. Taylor III, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Court of Vampires by Megan Linski
Lysandra was born for one reason; to kill shifters. Princess of vampires, the heir to Vlad Dracula’s throne and the last descendant of Princess Anastasia, Lysandra lives in a castle of witches and human slaves,engaged to a dark vampire prince and prophesied as the one who will end the war between vampires and werewolves forever. Everything changes when Lysandra finds a dying werewolf. She takes him into her care and quickly falls in love, unable to explain the magical connection between them. If she’s discovered, she will be put to death. But how can she stop the war when her worst enemy is her true love?
What do the readers say?
“Court of Vampires brings a different take on a familiar story and makes it unlike any other out there. There’s plenty of action, a forbidden romance, strong characters, creepy villains, detailed writing, and a breathtaking ending. If you’re looking for a refreshing new paranormal story, then Court of Vampires is the book for you!” – Megan, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Princess Dracula by John Patrick Kennedy
Ruxandra learned everything she knows while growing up in a convent. Training to be the perfect nobleman’s wife, she relishes the prospect of a simple life. But everything changes when her father, Vlad Dracula, retrieves her on her eighteenth birthday. Securing her a marriage is the last thing he has in mind… After he performs a mysterious ritual over her, Ruxandra gains uncontrollable supernatural powers. Alone, terrified, and faced with an unknown future, she is left to forge a new life for herself. There’s only one thing she knows: if she doesn’t learn to control her unnatural instincts, she’ll destroy every last shred of her humanity.
What do the readers say?
“Finally finished the book, the beginning draws you in, has very descriptive gore throughout the read, keeps you on your toes wondering “will this really happen?” if you know your history of blood suckers you’re In for a sure treat at the very end! I was completely blown back and can’t wait to read the second book.” – Mariah Furia, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Blood Moon by Lena Hillbrand
In a world where vampires reign supreme, humans are little more than livestock. Their sole purpose is to satisfy their masters’ appetites. When Draven Castle, a lowly vampire who owns no livestock, captures a runaway human child, he defies his government for the first time in a century and takes what is not his to take—her blood. Years later, he encounters Cali, the same human girl, now forced to work in a dangerous profession. As the secret they shared draws him back to her time and again, he realizes they are not as different as the government would have them believe. Humans are not just brainless animals. They are people. But if he is to save Cali from her cruel master, he must do more than remember his own humanity—he must forget it.
What do the readers say?
“I really enjoyed this book. I got absorbed in it from the first page and finished it in two days, which is fast for me. When I finished it, I couldn’t help but think it was one of the most perfect books I’ve ever read.” – A Cat and a Book, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Ash by Jaymin Eve and Leia Stone
Charlie Bennet is an Ash – a person of increased stamina, prone to angry outbursts and insatiable thirst, and completely beautiful and strong. Unlike the others, though, she’s a woman – ash are supposed to be male. She’s the first female ash, the unicorn of the Hive – the gated compound in portlant that humans have designated to isolate vampires and ash from society. Only a select few will be alived to live at the Hive, and Charlie has to fight to earn the right to become a citizen of the Hive. This means she has to survive the culling – a series of fights to the death. Good thing there’s Ryder, the mysterious lead ash enforcer, who seems to always have her back. But dark secrets have to be unraveled, and when they do, it will take more than one person to save Charlie.
What do the readers say?
“This book starts off strong and keeps you engaged. Loved the twists thrown in. Would recommend this to those who want a change from regular vampire books.” – Amazon Customer [Review from Amazon]
Vampire Girl by Karpov Kinrade
Arianna Spero was an ordinary girl in an ordinary life, but all that changed when her mother lapsed into a coma. Her mother made a deal with the devil, and on Arianna’s 18th birthday, he expects the deal to be honored and will collect her mother. The only way to save her is for Arianna to give herself in her mother’s place, to pick a prince to marry and give her soul away. She would take the blood oath to become one with the demons and give them an heir. It would mean becoming a princess of hell, surrounded by fire, brimstone, pain, and misery. But the unexpected finds her – beauty, magic, love. The princes of hell are keeping secrets from her, however. Secrets that could shatter everything.
What do the readers say?
“This was a great book to read. I was completely enthralled by it and could not put it down until I finished reading it entirely. I will definitely be getting the test of the series.” – Maria Otero, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
“One of the few vampire books that stayed with me, because of the luscious fantasy settings and edgy urban fantasy elements.” – theYAshelf
Taste of Vampire (free audiobook)
I’m starting to share some of my full-length fantasy audiobooks on youtube, here’s the first let me know if you like it! This is a complete series.
More great YA vampire books for teens (don’t miss these!)
For nonfiction vampire research…
Best Vampire Books (YA and Adult Fantasy)
We found some great recommendations on Reddit and UrbanEpics. This list includes both classic and modern vampire stories, covering gothic fantasy, urban fantasy, and a few vampire-adjacent books.
The Best Vampire Books
- Crave – Tracy Wolff: A fast-paced, romantic vampire fantasy set in a mysterious boarding school filled with supernatural secrets.
- Interview with the Vampire – Anne Rice: The quintessential vampire novel that explores immortality, morality, and the deep loneliness of eternal life.
- Vampire Academy – Richelle Mead: A thrilling YA series following a half-vampire guardian protecting her best friend, a vampire princess, from dark forces.
- House of Vampires – Samantha Snow: A paranormal romance featuring a woman caught in a love triangle with powerful vampire suitors.
- Empire of the Vampire – Jay Kristoff: A dark and epic fantasy about the last vampire hunter fighting against a world overrun by bloodsuckers.
- Vampire Wish – Michelle Madow: A magical blend of vampires, romance, and adventure as a human girl seeks revenge against the vampire who took her family.
- A Shadow in the Ember – Jennifer L. Armentrout: A rich, fantasy romance featuring gods, fate, and deadly supernatural creatures, including vampires.
- Duel with the Vampire Lord – Married to Magic: A standalone fantasy romance featuring a strong heroine and a deadly vampire ruler.
- The Vampire Diaries – L.J. Smith: The iconic YA vampire series that inspired the hit TV show, blending romance, mystery, and supernatural drama.
- The Vampire Gift – E.M. Knight: A thrilling saga about a young girl discovering her vampire heritage and the dark power that comes with it.
- Twilight / Midnight Sun – Stephenie Meyer: The ultimate modern vampire romance, told from both Bella’s and Edward’s perspectives.
- Royals, Vampire Court – Megan Montero: A seductive tale of vampire politics, royalty, and forbidden romance.
- Children of the Gods – I.T. Lucas: A unique mix of vampire mythology and supernatural intrigue, with a fresh take on immortal beings.
- Natural Witch – K.F. Breene: A powerful urban fantasy with a protagonist discovering her supernatural abilities, including connections to the vampire world.
- House of Night – P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast: A coming-of-age vampire series set in a magical boarding school.
- The Night World – L.J. Smith: A series of interconnected paranormal romances featuring vampires, witches, and shapeshifters.
- The Silver Kiss – Annette Curtis Klause: A beautifully haunting tale of love, loss, and a vampire seeking redemption.
- The Last Vampire – Christopher Pike: A thrilling blend of action, mystery, and romance, following a 5,000-year-old vampire.
- V Games – Caroline Peckham: A deadly vampire survival game where the protagonist fights to stay alive against ruthless bloodsuckers.
- Vampish – G.K. DeRosa: A fast-paced paranormal romance featuring a vampire huntress and dark family secrets.
- Vampire King – Elisa: A compelling fantasy romance about a human girl thrust into the world of vampire royalty.
- Vampire Prince – Michelle Madow: A captivating tale of love, power, and the dangerous politics of vampire royalty.
- First Kill – V.E. Schwab: A thrilling, LGBTQ+ vampire romance filled with action and forbidden love.
- The Coldest Girl in Coldtown – Holly Black: A dark and twisted vampire tale where a girl navigates a walled city filled with the undead.
- The Beautiful – Renée Ahdieh: A lush historical vampire romance set in 19th-century New Orleans.
- Youngbloods, Coldest Touch, Lost Girls – Various Authors: A mix of modern YA vampire stories with unique twists on classic tropes.
- Anita Blake Series – Laurell K. Hamilton: A long-running urban fantasy series following a vampire hunter and necromancer.
- The Hollows Series – Kim Harrison: A gritty urban fantasy featuring witches, vampires, and bounty hunters in a supernatural world.
- Sunshine – Robin McKinley: A beautifully written standalone about a baker who gets entangled with an ancient vampire.
- The Immortal Rules – Julie Kagawa: A dystopian vampire story with a fierce heroine navigating a world dominated by bloodsuckers.
- The Sookie Stackhouse Series – Charlaine Harris: The books that inspired True Blood, filled with romance, mystery, and supernatural creatures.
- Marked – Kristin Cast & P.C. Cast: A unique take on vampires where chosen ones are marked and trained in a mystical academy.
- Evermore – Alyson Noel: A paranormal romance with psychic abilities and an immortal love interest.
- The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod – Heather Brewer: A fun, coming-of-age vampire series with a reluctant teenage vampire protagonist.
- Certain Dark Things – Silvia Moreno-Garcia: A fresh and gritty vampire noir set in Mexico City.
- A Dowry of Blood – S.T. Gibson: A lyrical and feminist reimagining of Dracula’s brides.
- Afterlife of the Party – Marlene Perez: A fun, supernatural rom-com featuring vampires, rock stars, and danger.
Need more? Best YA vampire books that will sink its teeth into you.
Final Thoughts
Vampire fiction continues to captivate readers across genres, from gothic horror to urban fantasy and steamy paranormal romance. Whether you’re looking for a classic, a dark and twisted take, or a lighthearted supernatural romance, there’s a vampire book on this list for you. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know!
Vampire art wallpapers
(coming soon!)
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