The Twilight Saga, by Stephenie Meyer, was one of the most widely popular book series of its time. It spawned a huge following, gained devoted fans that argued fervently for either Team Edward or Team Jacob, and generally started an entire young adult vampire craze. It was also a sign to many that teens could still become obsessed with books—and not just obsessed, but obsessed on a widespread, global level. But after Twilight came to an end, many younger listeners (and the adults they grew into) were left wondering what next series could fill the void. Luckily, a plethora of authors stepped up with content sure to satisfy any Twilight fan’s thirst for a new listen.
The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris shares many of the same elements as Twilight, but with a completely different vibe. Is there a vampire boyfriend? Yes. Is there a telepath? Yes. Are there werewolves? Well, also yes. But what makes this series stand out from the bunch is Sookie herself. Sookie is a spunky, lively character with a sharp mind and a quick sense of humour. She is dynamic, takes action, and is at the heart of all the goings-on of the otherworld, a contrast to the more passive, soft-spoken Bella of the Twilight Saga. The Stackhouse series does use many of the classic YA tropes but adds a dash of murder mystery, supernatural characters, and most importantly a heavy helping of satire to set it apart.
Tracy Wolff's series Crave also features a female lead, and a vampire love interest, two of the key elements in many fantasy-based young adult series that will speak to Twilight fans. Crave takes place in a boarding school where everyone is a little out of the ordinary. The style of the series is addictive, with an irresistible hook. With characters and language sure to appeal to fans ranging from teens to adults, Crave immediately grabs your attention and won’t let go. From there, Wolff unfolds a twisting story with a mystery at every corner. Just when you think you know where it's all going, a new surprise is revealed. This series is completely ‘bingeable’ and enigmatic characters such as Jaxon Vega only add to the intrigue.
The Beautiful series by Renée Ahdieh is a New York Times and Indie bestseller. The story is set in 19th-century New Orleans and mixes classic fantasy components with elements of mystery and sultry vampire romance. The Beautiful is a storytelling masterpiece that dives into the darkness that accompanies falling under the charm of a dangerous lover. From serial killers to Parisian dressmakers, vampires and a carnival setting, this series plays up the drama and allure of vampire stories with a fitting and equally dramatic storyline and setting.
