Books Like...
The Witch and the Vampire is a dark and action-packed story about Ava, a witch who is turned into a vampire by her mother. The book follows Ava's journey of escaping her abusive mother and forming complicated relationships with characters like Kaye, an orphaned witch, and Tristan, a witch friend from school. The plot is filled with plot twists, backstabs, newfound friendships, and well-written battle scenes, creating a world where vampires have serious bloodlust and witches with elemental powers are hinted at but not fully explored. The narrative style alternates between Ava and Kaye's perspectives, highlighting their evolving friendship and the theme of found family.
If you liked The Witch and the Vampire, here are the top 24 books to read next:
- #1
'The Valkyrie's Daughter' by Tiana Warner is a captivating YA fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Viking mythology. The story follows Sigrid, a 16-year-old stablehand who dreams of becoming a Valkyrie, despite not having a winged horse. When Vanaheim is attacked, Sigrid embarks on a quest to Helheim with an enemy Valkyrie to retrieve a stolen relic and fulfill her destiny, encountering lies and twists along the way. The plot is filled with non-stop action, intense battle scenes, and well-developed characters that keep readers engaged from start to finish. Warner's writing style weaves together themes of fate, destiny, friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery, creating a fast-paced and intriguing read that will appeal to fans of Percy Jackson and Norse mythology.
- #2
The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling follows sixteen-year-old Elise, who gains the ability to see how someone will die when she touches them. Feeling cursed, she meets seventeen-year-old Claire, a vampire sent to train Elise in her new ability. As they navigate their supernatural world, they uncover mysteries, face a dangerous villain, and develop a deep bond. The story is narrated in a dual POV, switching between Elise and Claire, offering a mix of teen angst, romance, and paranormal elements. The writing style is immersive, balancing romance and plot, while also delving into themes of identity and self-acceptance.
- #3
"Ruinsong" by Julia Ember is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of two young women, Cadence and Remi, in a world where magic is wielded through enchanted songs. Cadence, the queen's Principal singer, uses her magical songs to torture the queen's enemies, mainly the nobles. Remi, the daughter of a Viscount, wishes for the queen's oppressive reign to end. The book explores themes of power, rebellion, and sacrifice as the characters navigate a world filled with intricate world-building, dark magic, and sapphic romance. The writing style immerses readers into a world where the beauty of music clashes with the destructive force of magic, creating a unique and original setting.
The plot of "Ruinsong" is driven by the characters of Cadence and Remi, who are complex and fully developed. The story delves into their struggles, desires, and relationships, particularly focusing on their evolving connection amidst a backdrop of oppression and rebellion. The author weaves together elements of magic, politics, and romance to create a captivating narrative that explores themes of resilience and standing up against cruelty. The book's pacing, while slow at times, builds towards a climactic ending that poses questions about sacrifice, trust, and the limits of power.
I LIGHT THE CANDLESand hum as the prayer chimes begin. The heat from each candle propels a tiny wooden fan connected to an individual music box. The bronze bells inside the boxes each emit one note, p... - #4
'Carmilla and Laura' by S.D. Simper is a modern retelling of the classic gothic lesbian vampire story 'Carmilla' from 1872. The novella beautifully combines elements of gothic fantasy with a contemporary depiction of the relationship between Laura and Carmilla. The writing style is poetic and ethereal, capturing the romantic and emotional journey of the characters, particularly focusing on themes of female empowerment and acceptance of sexuality in a time where it was not widely understood.
The sun had scarcely risen, casting tranquil beams of light across my bed. Birds sang a chorus to chime in the morning, and I sat up, unable to help my radiant smile. For a blissful moment, I simply b... - #5
The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett follows the story of Ekata Avenko, who unexpectedly becomes the Queen of the Kingdom after her family falls under a sleeping curse. As she navigates the complexities of politics and diplomacy, Ekata must uncover the cure for her family's curse, avoid impending war, and determine who she can trust among her advisors and servants. Set in a world where Kylma Above is balanced by Kylma Below, each with its own inhabitants and magic, the book weaves a tale of high stakes, twists, and turns. Through intricate world-building and a plot-driven narrative, Bartlett creates a captivating story that explores themes of love, friendship, and political intrigue.
- #6
While trying to save an overboard woman from drowning, Tallora is captured by Dauriel, the Solviran princess and is set to suffer a fate of exploitation. Mermaids are rare and Tallora's presence in the kingdom causes a lot of buzz. Dauriel meant to impress her mother, the queen, with the rare find, but soon finds herself regretting her actions when it's time for the tough spirited mermaid to be broken. Set on righting her wrong, Dauriel does everything she can to protect Tallora and eventually wins over her trust. Politics come into play as other kingdoms have their own views on captured mermaids, and Tallora finds herself in the middle of a possible war with no one exactly on her side except Dauriel who must risk her own life to set Tallora free. The story is about how two women from different worlds, experiences, and species are brought together by one's actions in less than ideal circumstances, navigating a dangerous path through a tense political environment. It discusses family, societal expectations, and trauma while showcasing growth, maturity, and self-discovery.
Her mother caught her hands, worry etched into her features. “There’re no stars out tonight, my Tallora. What if you’re swept away? You won’t find your way home. The king’s guards even spoke of a ship... - #7
In 'The Wicked and the Willing' by Lianyu Tan, the story unfolds in 1927 colonial Singapore, focusing on the orphan Gean Choo who becomes a servant to the vampire Verity. As Gean Choo develops feelings for Verity and her loyal helper Po Lam, the narrative delves into dark themes of abuse, horror, and the complex dynamics of their relationships. The book skillfully weaves together elements of gothic horror, violence, and romance, creating a gripping and intense storyline that keeps readers engrossed.
The writing style of 'The Wicked and the Willing' is described as dark, captivating, and well-crafted, with a focus on psychological realism that allows readers to understand the characters' motivations and actions. The narrative presents multiple perspectives, exploring the flaws and complexities of the main characters, while also offering readers the unique opportunity to choose between different endings, adding an interactive element to the storytelling.
- #8
In "The Fiancee Farce" by Alexandria Bellefleur, Tansy invents an imaginary girlfriend named Gemma to avoid being single. However, her plan backfires when Gemma, the woman she made up, shows up at a family wedding as a guest. To save Tansy from embarrassment, Gemma plays along and proposes a marriage of convenience to Tansy. The two agree to stay married for two years, with Gemma offering Tansy enough money to save her bookstore in return. The book explores themes of fake relationships, family drama, and unexpected romance, with a writing style that is witty, captivating, and filled with humor and heartwarming moments.
- #9
'Sweet & Bitter Magic' by Adrienne Tooley follows the story of Tamsin, a powerful witch banished from her coven for using dark magic to save her twin sister. Cursed with the inability to love, she trades for others' love to feel something. When a plague hits the world due to dark magic, Tamsin teams up with Wren, a magical source, to try and save the world. Their journey together is filled with elements of family, grief, and love magic, with a touch of humor, romance, and a fairy tale-like atmosphere.
The salt was dull on Tamsin’s tongue. The mild spice had meant something to her once, had made a difference when sprinkled with a deft hand on her boiled eggs or her smoked fish. Now it tasted like ev... - #10
In 'The Midnight Girls' by Alicia Jasinska, readers are taken on a journey into a world where Marynka, Beata, and Zosia, magical sisters, compete to bring their master the hearts of princes. Set in a dark Slavic fairytale, the story follows these queer witches as they fight to consume princes' hearts and steal each other's in a beautifully realized world filled with magic and intrigue. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, showcasing sapphic enemies to lovers dynamics and forbidden magic as the characters navigate betrayal, power struggles, and unexpected connections.
Alicia Jasinska's writing style in 'The Midnight Girls' is praised for its impeccable world-building, intriguing magic system, and well-developed characters. The book captures readers' attention with its compelling narrative, intricate relationships, and atmospheric setting, weaving a tale of dark fantasy and romance that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.