"Dracula" by Bram Stoker

I read a lot of vampire books, so I decided to go back to the classic and read Bram Stoker's "Dracula". 

Although it wasn't the first piece of vampire fiction, "Dracula" is the classic vampire novel.  The funny thing is, when I read it, I wanted more of the vampire.  I felt like for a book called "Dracula", there simply wasn't enough of Dracula (who also uses the name De Ville...later borrowed by Cruella of "101 Dalmations").  That was a major way in which vampire fiction has evolved since then.  In Stoker's "Dracula", the vampire is an evil, "unholy" creature that the main characters hunt down and abhor.  In most modern vampire fiction, the vampire is one of the main characters that in some way you like.

Traditionally, there is something seductive and sexy about vampires (even in old succubus folklore).  There are moments of this in "Dracula", but only moments.  For example, the vampire tells the group of men hunting him, "Your girls that you all love are mine already; and through them you and others shall yet be mine..."  Most of the time, though, Dracula is more of an eccentric old man or generic shape shifting evil.

Yes, "Dracula" is a classic, and I'm glad that I read it.  It made me interested in how vampire fiction has evolved, and showed how different culture was then.  As far as simple entertainment goes, though, I have to say that I prefer modern vampire books.

"Fade Out" by Rachel Caine

You've probably noticed by now that I have a weak spot for fantasy/paranormal fiction in general, and especially vampires.  I also really like young adult novels.  The end result is that I've read a lot of vampire books ranging from the horrific to cheesy.

"The Morganville Vampires" is a young adult series by author Rachel Caine.  The basic premise of the series is that a seemingly ordinary town (Morganville) is actually controlled and partially inhabited by vampires.  The main characters are:
Claire (teen genius and newcomer to Morganville)
Shane (brawn over brains and Claire's boyfriend)
Eve (both bubbly and ironically goth)
Michael (boy turned ghost turned vampire, guitar god and Eve's boyfriend).

They live together at the Glass House and have lots of life threatening adventures.

"Fade Out" is the 7th "Morganville" book.  (If you enjoy it, look for the next three books.  The 11th "Morganville" book is due to be published this November.)  In it, life seems to have found a new normal and calmed down.  In Morganville, though, normal and safe never last.  Eve becomes infatuated with a new friend.  In fact, everyone seems to just love the new girl and Claire must battle with jealousy and suspicions.  Throw in some vampire attacks, a vicious steampunk vampire computer, and reality TV references, and you have "Fade Out".

To read my review of the book "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine, click here.
To visit Rachel Caine's official website and find out more about all of her books, click here.

"Sex, Lies, and Vampires" by Katie Macalister

If you like vampire fiction and don't want to read teen novels, then you should know who Katie Macalister is.  She's famous for writing vampire fiction that is action-packed (in every connotation of the word).

Her "Dark Ones" series has nine books in it, plus several other associated books.  "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" is the third book in the "Dark Ones" series.  What's great about these books is that although it is best to read the series in order, you can actually read a lot of them out of sequence or on their own and still enjoy (and understand) them.

This isn't literary vampires or classic vampire fiction.  The "Dark Ones" books (including "Sex, Lies, and Vampires") are contemporary, sexy, and fun.

To read my longer review of "Sex, Lies, and Vampires" by Katie Macalister, click here.
To visit Katie Macalister's official website, click here.

"The Kiss of Death" by Marcus Sedgwick

Marcus Sedgwick is a great author who writes primarily young adult novels.  His books are beautifully written and create absolutely captivating settings.  Although his books are geared towards teens, most of them are crossover novels that appeal to adults as well.

"The Kiss of Death" is set in a beautifully depicted Venice full of menace and magic.  The storyline itself is not as complex as I at first expected it to be, but there is a great sense of menace that permeates every page.  Like the city it is set in, this book is all about atmosphere.

To read my full review of "The Kiss of Death" by Marcus Sedgwick, click here.

A "House of Night" Movie

I've mentioned author P.C. Cast several times before.  P.C. and her daughter Kristin Cast co-write the "House of Night" books.  These are probably the best written teen vampire books that I've read.

The "House of Night" books have been optioned.  Although the film rights have been sold, there are not any concrete plans yet about turning the first book ("Marked") into a movie.  I--along with lots of other fans--hope that the movie studio will get their acts in gear and produce this great story.

Here are my personal predictions for who would make a good "House of Night" cast.  Click here to find out who I would cast in these roles.  Feel free to let me know if you think of any great actors or actresses that I didn't think of when making my list.