It’s October and it’s time for everything spooky, dark, and horror. Also, October is a perfect month for vampires! With the release of Salem’s Lot (2024) book adaptation, now is the perfect time to sink your teeth into a vampire book series that will last you for the next couple of months.
Vampires have long captivated readers with their blend of danger, seduction, and immortality. From Gothic classics to modern urban fantasies, vampire literature continues to evolve, offering something for every taste.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or a curious newcomer, this curated list of 10 great vampire book series promises to satisfy your craving for supernatural storytelling. We’ve also tried to incorporate well-known vampire series books as well as more obscure ones for variety and interest.
Each series offers something different for the vampire fan in you, a different take on the vampire lore, unforgettable characters, intricate plots, or simply a great blend of vampires and romance (because of course we cannot have vampires without some romance in a vampire book series).
So get your TBR ready for some note-taking on your next series binge.
10. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
Blue Bloods is the first book in a young adult vampire series by Melissa de la Cruz, first published in 2006. The novel blends elements of vampire mythology with teen drama and New York City high society.
Schuyler Van Alen, a 15-year-old girl from a prestigious but financially struggling old New York family is thrown in the middle of a contemporary New York City affluent and privileged teenage society. She discovers that she is part of a secret society of vampires known as the Blue Bloods.
We discover in the book that the Blue Bloods are actually fallen angels… They have been reincarnated through generations, maintaining their wealth and status in human society. As the main character comes into her vampire powers, she discovers mysteries about her heritage and that the Blue Bloods might be in danger.
The novel is known for its blend of vampire lore with the glitz and glamour of New York high society. It offers a unique take on vampire mythology by connecting it to religious themes of fallen angels.
Why we recommend it: This series offers an enticing blend of vampire mythology and elite New York society, creating a unique twist on the supernatural genre. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and rich historical elements, this novel provides an engaging read for fans of young adult fiction who enjoy a mix of fantasy, romance, and social intrigue.
Blue Bloods series (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Blue Bloods
- Masquerade
- Revelations
- The Van Alen Legacy
- Keys to the Repository (book 4.5)
- Misguided Angel
- Bloody Valentine (book 5.5)
- Lost in Time
- Gates of Paradise
- After Life
- After Death
9. Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
The first book of the series published in 2007, Kiss of Midnight is a paranormal romance novel that introduces the readers to a world of vampires living secretly among humans.
The story is set in modern-day Boston, where a group of warrior vampires known as the Breed protects both their own kind and the humans from the evil vampire group called Rogues.
We follow Gabrielle Maxwell, the main character who is a photographer. During one of her photography outings, she unknowingly captures evidence of the vampire’s existence.
Lucan Throne, the leader of the Breed group is tasked with erasing her memory and evidence of the vampire existence that she captured, but, of course, is drawn to her instead. This is because Gabrielle is a Breedmate; a rare human woman capable of mating with Breed male vampires and bearing children.
As Gabrielle is drawn into the mysterious world of vampires, she and Lucan develop a romantic relationship while facing threats from the rival group, the Rogues.
Kiss of Midnight is known for its blend of action, romance, and vampire lore. It sets up the Midnight Breed series’ mythology, which differs from traditional vampire stories by giving the vampires alien origins.
Why we recommend it: This book introduces readers to a thrilling world of vampires and warriors, blending action-packed scenes with passionate romance. This first book in the Midnight Breed series offers a gripping entry point into a dark and seductive urban fantasy universe.
Midnight Breed series (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Kiss of Midnight
- Kiss of Crimson
- Midnight Awakening
- Midnight Rising
- Veil of Midnight
- Ashes of Midnight
- Shades of Midnight
- Taken by Midnight
- Deeper Than Midnight
- A Taste of Midnight (book 9.5)
- Darker After Midnight
- The Midnight Breed Series Companion (book 10.5)
- Edge of Dawn
- Marked by Midnight (book 11.5)
- Crave The Night
- Tempted by Midnight (book 12.5)
- Bound to Darkness
- Stroke of Midnight (book 13.5)
- Defy the Dawn
- Midnight Untamed (book 14.5)
- Midnight Unbound (book 14.6)
- Claimed in Shadows
- Midnight Unleashed (book 15.5)
- Midnight Flame (book 15.6)
- Break the Day
- Fall of Night
- King of Midnight
8. Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
Glass Houses is part of the young adult urban vampire series called Morganville Vampires. First published in 2006, the story is set in the fictional town of Morganville, Texas, a seemingly ordinary college town, but it is secretly run by vampires!
The story follows Claire Danvers, a 16-year-old prodigy who starts college early. However, due to that fact, she is bullied and has to move to an off-campus house called the Glass House, with three other older students.
Claire slowly discovers the truth about Morganville’s vampire population and the complex power structure of the ruling class. She becomes entangled in vampire politics when she starts working with Myrnin, an ancient and eccentric vampire scientist.
Glass Houses is known for its fast-paced plot, a blend of humor and danger, and the unique concept of a vampire-controlled college town. It sets up the series’ ongoing conflicts and relationships, particularly the dynamics within the Glass House and the larger Morganville community.
Why we recommend it: This book launches the Morganville Vampires series with a fresh take on vampire lore set in a college town. It combines supernatural tension with coming-of-age themes, offering young adult readers an exciting and immersive vampire story.
The Morganville Vampires series (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Glass Houses
- Eve’s Diary (book 1.4)
- Amelie’s Story (book 1.5)
- The Dead Girls’ Dance
- Grudge (book 2.5)
- Midnight Alley
- Feast of Fools
- Dead Man Stalking (book 4.5)
- Lord of Misrule
- Carpe Corpus
- Murdered Out (book 6.5)
- All Hallows (book 6.6)
- Fade Out
- Worth Living For (book 7.5)
- Kiss of Death
- Ghost Town
- Bite Club
- Wrong Place, Wrong Time (book 10.1)
- Vexed (book 10.2)
- Anger Management (book 10.5)
- Automatic (book 10.6)
- Last Breath
- Black Dawn
- Signs and Miracles (book 12.3)
- Dark Rides (book 12.5)
- Bitter Blood
- Lunch Date (book 13.5)
- Fall of Night
- Daylighters
- Your Mileage May Vary (book 15.1)
- Pitch-Black Blues (book 15.6)
7. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
ISBN: 9780307575852
Everyone knows Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice! Not only it is one of the best vampire book series but it is also perfectly adapted into a TV show in the last few years!
First published in 1976, Interview with the Vampire is a gothic novel and the first in its series called The Vampire Chronicles. It is widely regarded as the pioneering work in vampire literature.
The story is framed as an interview between a vampire named Louis de Pointe du Lac and a young reporter in present-day San Francisco. Louis recounts his life story, beginning in 1791 as a plantation owner in Louisiana and his becoming a vampire after he was turned by Lestat de Lioncourt.
The novel explores the vampires’ struggle with immortality, morality, and their place in the human world. It also delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of being a vampire, rather than focusing on the horror elements. A different, interesting, and amazing take on the genre!
Why we recommend it: This series revolutionized vampire fiction with its richly atmospheric storytelling and complex, morally ambiguous characters. This novel offers a philosophical exploration of immortality and human nature through the lens of its vampire protagonist, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy gothic literature and thoughtful horror.
The Vampire Chronicles books: (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Interview with the Vampire
- The Vampire Lestat
- The Queen of the Damned
- The Tale of the Body Thief
- Memnoch the Devil
- The Vampire Armand
- Merrick
- Blood And Gold
- Blackwood Farm
- Blood Canticle
- Prince Lestat
- Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis
- Blood Communion
6. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
ISBN: 9780425197547
Set in a modern-day alternate version of St. Louis, Guilty Pleasures is about the world of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures known to exist and have legal rights.
First published in 1993, it is an urban fantasy novel that blends elements of horror, mystery, and romance.
Anita Blake is a professional reanimator and a licensed vampire executioner. She is hired to investigate a series of vampire murders, which lead her into the dangerous world of vampire politics.
During her investigations, she meets Jean-Claude, a master vampire who shows romantic interest in Anita. She must navigate the complex relationships with both humans and supernatural beings while solving the mystery of the vampire murders.
Guilty Pleasures is known for its gritty, noir-like tone and its strong, complex female protagonist. It was groundbreaking at the time for featuring a tough, independent woman as the lead in an urban fantasy setting.
Why we recommend it: This novel blends elements of urban fantasy, mystery, and horror, offering a gritty and action-packed story that kickstarts an influential series in the paranormal genre.
The Vampire Hunter Series contains 30 books! Too long to list but you can find them all in the collection on GoodReads!
5. Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
ISBN: 9781101212400
Trigger warning: sexual abuse and psychological manipulation.
Daughter of the Blood is the first book of the Black Jewels trilogy by Anna Bishop. The novel is a dark fantasy book that presents a unique matriarchal society ruled by magic.
The story is set in three different realms; Terreille, Kaeleer, and Hell, each ruled by a powerful Queen. We follow Jaenelle, a young girl prophesied to become “Witch”, the most powerful being in all three realms.
The novel follows several male characters who recognize Jaenelle’s potential and seek to protect her. However, her immense power and innocence draw the protectors and those who wish to control and destroy her.
Daughter of the Blood is known for its complex world-building, intricate magical system, and reversal of typical fantasy gender dynamics. The novel presents a dark and often brutal world, but also one with deep bonds of loyalty and love.
Why we recommend it: This book introduces readers to a dark fantasy world with unique magical hierarchies and complex political intrigue. This first book in the Black Jewels series offers a captivating blend of romance, power struggles, and unconventional characters that subvert typical fantasy tropes.
The Black Jewels books: (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Daughter of the Blood
- Heir to the Shadows
- Queen of the Darkness
- The Invisible Ring
- Powers of Detection: Stories of Mystery & Fantasy (book 4.5)
- Dreams Made Flesh
- Tangled Webs
- The Shadow Queen
- Shalador’s Lady
- Twilight’s Dawn
- The Queen’s Bargain
- The Queen’s Weapons
- The Queen’s Price
4. Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Marked, first published in 2007, is the initial book of the House of Night series authored by P.C. Cast and her daughter Kristin Cast.
The story is set in a world where vampires openly exist with humans who are “marked” to become vampires in their teenage years. Zoey, the main character is “marked” and must attend the House of Night, a boarding school of vampires-in-training.
She discovers that she has a special affinity to the five elements, making her as unusually powerful. Zoey navigates new friendships, romantic interests, and rivalries at the House of Night while coming to terms with her new identity and powers.
As the story progresses, Zoey uncovers dark secrets about the school’s leadership and must confront both external threats and her own insecurities.
Marked is known for its unique take on vampire mythology, blending elements of Wiccan spirituality and Native American folklore with more traditional vampire lore. The book presents vampirism as a biological change rather than an undead state.
Why we recommend it: As someone who enjoys young adult fantasy, I found Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast to be an intriguing start to the House of Night series. The novel offers a fresh take on vampire mythology in a high school setting, blending coming-of-age struggles with supernatural elements that kept me engaged throughout the story.
House Of Night books: (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Marked
- Betrayed
- Chosen
- Untamed
- Hunted
- Tempted
- Burned
- Awakened
- Destined
- Hidden
- Revealed
- Redeemed
3. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
If you don’t know Dead Until Dark, you definitely know what became the basis of… and that is the HBO hit TV series True Blood! That’s right, this vampire book series called Southern Vampire Mysteries also known as Sookie Stackhouse series became one of the most know vampire hit TV shows.
First published in 2001, Dead Until Dark is set in a fictional small town of Bon Temps, in Louisiana, in a world where vampires have recently “come out of the coffin” and are trying to integrate with humans.
Sookie Stackhouse is the main character; she is a waitress who can read minds. Her gift is more of a burden to her until she meets Bill Compton, a 173-year-old vampire who she cannot read telepathically. This is such a refreshing moment for her!
A series of murders in the town threaten the vampire-human peace and Sookie must use her powers to help and solve the crimes. As Sookie navigates her new relationship with Bill while dealing with the dangers and politics of the vampire world, the novel blends elements of mystery, romance, and Southern Gothic with its supernatural premise.
Why we recommend it: I found Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris to be a refreshing blend of Southern charm and vampire intrigue. The novel introduces Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress, whose unique perspective on a world where vampires have “come out of the coffin” drew me in and kept me turning pages well into the night.
This is another series that contains way too many books to list. If you want to the full list, you can find it in the collection on GoodReads.
2. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Vampire Academy is the first book of the vampire series of the same name. The story is set in a world where vampires exist in secret along with humans. We follow Rose, a half-human, half-vampire protagonist training to be a guardian for the Moroi, living and mortal vampires.
Rose and her friend Lissa are brought back to the academy after two years on the run. Rose is training to protect Lissa from Strigoi (undead, evil vampires) threats, while also navigating the complex social hierarchy of the Academy.
Lissa discovers she has rare magical abilities that make her a target for both political manipulation and the impending threat.
Vampire Academy is known for its unique vampire mythology, blending traditional vampire lore with original elements. The social structure and politics of the vampire world are particularly well-developed.
Why we recommend it: The novel offers a unique take on vampire lore with its complex social hierarchy and magical school setting, while the strong friendship between the main characters and exciting plot kept me eagerly reading until the last page.
Vampire Academy books: (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Vampire Academy
- The Meeting (book 1.5)
- Frostbite
- Shadow Kiss
- Blood Promise
- Spirit Bound
- Last Sacrifice
- Homecoming (book 6.5)
1. Chastely Bitten by Lexi C. Foss
ISBN: 9781732535633
Chastely Bitten is the first book of the Blood Alliance series first published in 2018 by Lexi C. Foss.
This series is a bit different than the recent vampire books and movies we’ve seen; where vampires live off animals and generally don’t touch humans. Chastely Bitten is the complete opposite of that. Vampires feed off humans and don’t blink twice. It is a very refreshing take on the genre and a comeback to its roots really!
The female main character is known as a blood virgin, a special and rare kind of human that has some of the best blood for vampires. This rare breed of humans dies quickly as vampires lack the ability to control them.
The book presents Juliette as the main character alongside Darius a dominant vampire who feeds from her and even shares her with others… This of course has a sense of romance as Darius is also smooth and kind to her.
This one might not be for everyone as it has tones of “possessing” a person and highly sexual scenes, but what is a vampire series without some intense dark romance?
Why we recommend it: It’s intense and if you are looking for something a bit more spicy, this will be the series for you!
Blood Alliance books: (a lot of books, expand to see more)
- Chastely Bitten
- Royally Bitten
- Regally Bitten
- Rebel Bitten
- Viciously Bitten (book 4.5)
- Kingly Bitten
- Cruelly Bitten
As we close the coffin on our tour of these captivating vampire book series, it’s clear that the allure of the undead remains as potent as ever. From Gothic castles to modern cities, these stories have taken us on thrilling journeys through time and space, exploring themes of love, power, and what it truly means to be human.
Whether you prefer your vampires brooding and romantic or fierce and terrifying, there’s a series here to sink your fangs into.
Happy reading!
