To Twi or not to Twi…

Posted by SarahBella in State of the Fandom with Sarahbella | 6 comments

To Twi or not to Twi…

That’s the real question.  With ‘Vampire Fever’ taking, not just the nation, but the entire world by storm, where do you call it quits?  Do you just stick with Twilight go no further?  Do you let it suck you in completely and read every book of every series you can get your hands on?

Abso-freaking-lutely.

There are so many fantastic books and series out there that are only now getting the attention they deserve – largely due to the phenomenon that is Twilight.  So, a quickie rundown of the vampire and paranormal series I’ve read in the past few years.

1. House of Night, by PC Cast and Kristin Cast.  Absolutely worth the read.  They’re YA, but they push the boundaries a bit, so if you’re lookin’ for some lovin’, this might do the trick.
2. Black Dagger Brotherhood, by J.R. Ward.  Guh.  There are no words for the epicnicity that is this series.  Definitely, DEFINITELY not YA.  In any way, shape, or form.  KariAnn is currently reviewing her way through this series on the blog.
3. Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead.  Very unique premise.  Also YA (like many Vampire series out there right now), but again, like HoN, it pushes some boundaries.
4. Vampire Diaries, by LJ Smith.  Of the series I’ve read, this was probably my least favorite, only because I didn’t connect with the characters as well.  It’s still a great read and well worth your time.
5. Southern Vampire Mysteries, by Charlaine Harris.  These books are absolutely hilarious.  Sookie’s internal monologue is enough to make you laugh yourself hoarse.  Also not YA.  ;)
6. The Mortal Instruments Series, by Cassandra Clare.  Completely different from anything else I’ve read.  Ms. Clare has created multiple worlds, species, weapons, and so much more that I’ve never read before.  There is a squicky bit – you’ll know it when you read it- but it does eventually get resolved satisfactorily.
7. Blue Bloods, by Melissa de la Cruz.  This series is so incredibly cool in the lore behind the vampires.  It’s angels versus the ultimate battle between good and evil.
8. The Morganville Vampire Series, by Rachel Caine.  In Morganville, some of the humans know about the vampires, and the ones who don’t, need to stay in the dark.  This series is unique in the set of problems plaguing the vampires.

Okay.  I think I listed all the series.  That’s not counting all the Dean Koontz, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings (again) or the single, non-series, paranormal books I’ve devoured in the past two years.  Like the other co-owners, I do have a shelfari, so check out my reads.

Every single book in the series above is well worth your time and money.  There are some bits of vampire lore that simply can’t change much, or they wouldn’t be vampires – they have to drink some kind of blood – but each of these authors have gone out of their way to create new and unique worlds and characteristics for their vampires.  Each book has its own set of rules to play by and a different and – again – unique cast of characters.

For the YA crowd, I’d recommend you start with either Blue Bloods or House of Night.  For those of you looking for something a bit more mature, I have to go with Black Dagger Brotherhood.  Hands down.  (Vishous is my Hellren.  I’m also Team Edward, Team Stark, Team Adrian, Team Stephan, Team Bill, Team Simon, Team Oliver and Team Shane)

This seems to be my theme as of late, but expand your horizons!  The library is free and the one by me has all of these books on its shelves.  Am I missing a series that is a must read?  Let me know!

(And Susan, I SWEAR!!  The fever series is on my list!!)

♥SB