Books Like...
The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave is a reimagining of the origins of the Brides of Dracula, focusing on twin sisters Lil and Kizzy who are taken as slaves by a Romanian Lord. The book combines historical fiction with a Gothic feminist narrative, delving into the persecution faced by the Traveller people and exploring themes of love, survival, and female strength. The story unfolds through beautiful imagery, capturing both the beauty and brutality of the world the characters inhabit, with a writing style that is described as poetic and dark.
If you liked The Deathless Girls, here are the top 32 books to read next:
- #1
'The Lost Girls' by Sonia Hartl is a YA novel that combines elements of a sapphic vampire romance with a revenge plot reminiscent of 'John Tucker Must Die'. The story follows a group of characters navigating love, sacrifice, and found family dynamics in a dark and humorous setting. The book offers a unique twist on the traditional vampire lore, focusing on queer relationships and strong female characters.
The writing style of 'The Lost Girls' is described as fun, engaging, and filled with humor and wit. The author, Sonia Hartl, creates a world where vampires and teenage girls coexist, exploring themes of empowerment, friendship, and the struggle against societal expectations.
- #2
In "13 Bullets" by David Wellington, readers are taken on a thrilling journey into a world where vampires are portrayed as monstrous and bloodthirsty creatures, deviating from the traditional romanticized portrayals. The story follows State Trooper Laura Caxton as she teams up with Special Deputy Jameson Arkeley to hunt down vampires and their undead minions, facing intense action, gore, and suspense. The writing style is fast-paced, atmospheric, and downright creepy, creating a unique and refreshing take on the vampire genre.
Through the rain there wasn’t much to see. The all-night diner stood at the corner of two major streets. Its plate glass windows spilled a little light on the pavement. I handed the binoculars to Webs... - #3
Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco is a paranormal fantasy novel that follows Remy, a vampire hunter and outcast among the Reapers. Sent on a mission to uncover the source of a new strain of unkillable vampires, Remy forms an unlikely trio with vampire lord Zidan and lady Xiaodan. As they navigate through court politics, deceit, and betrayal, their relationships deepen, leading to a polyamorous dynamic that explores themes of consent and mutual support. The book intricately weaves together elements of paranormal, historical, and science fiction, creating a world with court intrigue, complex characters, and a well-developed plot that keeps readers engaged.
- #4
In 'A Duel With The Vampire Lord', the protagonist Floriane finds herself captured by the vampire lord Ruvan on the night of the blood moon, only to discover a world bound by a curse and an ancient race in stasis. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with intricate world-building, complex histories, blood lore, monsters, and secrets. The plot explores the evolving relationship between Floriane and Ruvan, from enemies to lovers, as they navigate through challenges and prejudices while uncovering the truth behind the curse that has plagued their worlds for centuries.
Elise Kova's writing style in this book is described as action-packed, engaging, and filled with twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is praised for its character growth, particularly in the development of Floriane and Ruvan, and the slow burn romance that unfolds amidst a backdrop of magic, fantasy, and suspense. With elements of mystery, adventure, and love interwoven throughout the narrative, 'A Duel With The Vampire Lord' captivates readers with its vivid descriptions, believable relationships, and immersive storytelling.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Married to Magic ) - #5
In 'Anno Dracula', Kim Newman presents an alternate history where Dracula marries Queen Victoria, becoming the Prince Consort, while Jack the Ripper targets vampires in London, creating chaos. The story follows Charles Beauregard and Genevieve Dieudonne as they investigate the Jack the Ripper murders, amidst a backdrop of vampires ruling England and a mix of real and fictional characters from the Victorian era.
A treeline at dusk. Tall, straight, Carpathian pines. The red of sunset bleeds into the dark of night. Great flapping sounds. Huge, dark shapes flit languidly between the trees, sinister, dangerous. A... - #6
'The Silver Eyes' in the 'Five Nights at Freddy's' series by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon follows the story of a teenager named Charlie who returns to the town where she experienced a traumatic event in her childhood. The plot revolves around Charlie's emotional journey, her interactions with other characters, and the eerie occurrences she faces. The writing style is described as detailed, simple, and easy to understand, with a focus on character development and building suspense throughout the narrative.
Clay put his arm around Carlton’s shoulder, and for once, Carlton didn’t brush him away with a joke. Charlie nodded absently, blinking in the light. “Carlton and I are taking a drive to the ER,” Clay... - #7
In "The Scarlet Veil" by Shelby Mahurin, readers are introduced to Célie Tremblay, a brave huntswoman who takes on the challenge of investigating a series of gruesome creature murders in an isolated forest, only to find herself abducted by vampires. As Célie struggles with her emotions and finds herself drawn to the darkness of one particular vampire, Michal Vasiliev, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and danger. The book is a blend of dark fantasy and romance, filled with stunning visuals, complex characters, and a captivating plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The story delves into Célie's inner conflicts, her struggles with PTSD and anxiety, and her journey towards self-awareness and empowerment. With a mix of gothic elements, intricate world-building, and intense relationships, "The Scarlet Veil" offers a tale of mystery, romance, and self-discovery set in a world where darkness and danger lurk at every corner.
- #8
'An Education in Malice' by S.T. Gibson is a gothic queer masterpiece that delves into toxic relationships, power imbalances, vampires, and dark academia. The story follows Laura, a quiet and shy student from Mississippi, and Carmilla, a posh senior from Austria, as they navigate jealousy, obsession, and forbidden relationships under the mentorship of the enigmatic Professor De Lafontaine. As Laura impresses the professor with her poetry, tensions rise with Carmilla, leading to a complex web of secrets, desires, and rivalries. The writing style is described as addictive, with a perfect balance between harsh lines and flowery descriptions, creating an immersive and eerie setting that keeps readers turning the pages.
'An Education in Malice' is a dark and addictive read that combines elements of mystery, drama, sapphic romance, and murder mystery. The book offers a richly detailed world filled with character depth, obsessions, and academic rivalries that evolve into something incredible. The plot unfolds with surprises, leaving readers both satisfied and wanting more, with a perfect blend of gothic prose and deep queer relationships that captivate and enthrall.
- #9
'Anna Dressed in Blood' by Kendare Blake follows the story of Cas, a teenage ghost hunter who encounters a vengeful and malevolent spirit named Anna. As he navigates through the challenges of his ghost-killing business, Cas finds himself drawn to Anna in a way he has never experienced before. The book blends elements of horror, paranormal, and romance in a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as vivid, creepy, and well-developed, with a mix of suspense and humor that adds depth to the characters and storyline.
So is the loose and faded leather coat, though not as much that as the sideburns. And the way he keeps nodding and flicking his Zippo open and closed in rhythm with his head. He belongs in a chorus li... - #10
'The Night Watch' by Sarah Waters is a novel set in post-World War II London, focusing on the interconnected lives of four Londoners - three women and a young man with a troubled past. The book delves into their secrets, relationships, and struggles, moving backwards in time to reveal the events that shaped them during wartime. Waters skillfully portrays the emotional impact of the characters' experiences, particularly highlighting women's relationships and the aftermath of the Blitz.
So this, said Kay to herself, is the sort of person you’ve become: a person whose clocks and wrist-watches have stopped, and who tells the time, instead, by the particular kind of cripple arriving at ...