Just on the run up to Halloween I read four Vampire books – all proving the popularity and diversity of this type of fiction.

I read probably one of the earliest stories written called The Vampyre by John Polidori.  This is no doubt one of the first stories in which the vampire is portrayed as an aristocrat travelling around and leaving bodies in his wake.  It’s only a short story but very readable particularly in terms of being groundbreaking.  Check out this very interesting piece (which is where I read first about the Polidori story).

My other reads were Fevre Dream by GRRMartin – which whilst I recognise may not be for everyone, as it is undoubtedly rather wordy, I really enjoyed it.  A very deep and well thought out book with plenty of atmosphere.

Generation V by MLBrennan – a series about a relatively young and not yet fully grown into his powers vampire who is still clinging to what semblance of humanity he has left in the face of adversity!  A great start to the series and one that I will definitely continue to read.

The Endangered by S L Eaves – a modern and fast paced story that retells the vampire vs werewolf myth of old and brings a new take to the tale.

On top of this there are countless other vampire stories – both from the romance and horror genres! Bram Stoker’s Dracula has to have a special mention just simply because I love it and there’s a reason it’s a classic – it’s damned good!

The other absolute must read is I am Legend by R Matheson – a fantastic tale with a wicked twist and another very important book in that it probably became the inspiration for the ‘zombie apocalypse’ genre.  BTW – in my opinion the book is undoubtedly superior to the film in this particular instance.  The film is okay as far as being a vampire movie goes, and very easy to watch, but for me it definitely loses something in translation by changing the ending!

Yes, there are loads more ranging from teenage angst ridden vampires (yes, I’m thinking of Edward) to Anne Rice’s Lestat and his tormented companion Louis (‘I was a newborn vampire weeping at the beauty of the night’).  YA vampires set in highschool grounds such as The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine and Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (dare I mention the rather lovely Dimitri??) and historical vampire novels that once again portray vampires as downright vile, nasty and evil characters – such as Jasper Kent’s Danilov Quintet.

Basically, vampires are here to stay (which actually sounds a little bit creepy doesn’t it!)  It seems we’re fascinated by them and they adapt and evolve as the years progress in order to ensure their longevity.

Imaginary they may be but their immortality in terms of the written word seems to be assured!

BTW – does anybody have a good sci fi book recommendation that involves vampires???

‘To make you a vampire they have to suck your blood. And then you have to suck their blood. It’s like a whole big sucking thing.’
Buffy – Welcome to the Hellmouth, Buffy the Vampire Slayer