Kathryn Budig’s Favorite Vampire Reads

"[VE Schwab] has given us this generation’s INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, but woven from threads of female hunger, passion, and rage. And it is glorious — a story that gets under your skin and stays with you forever." - Kathryn Budig

“What happens when you find out you are a genetically modified vampire at the age of 53? Leave it to Octavia E. Butler to seamlessly blend science fiction and vampire lore that explores ‘otherness’ and what it means to truly be human.” - Kathryn Budig

"Told in transcribed interviews from 1912 by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, this historical horror follows the life of a vampire bent on revenge and justice." - Kathryn Budig

"This novella predates DRACULA by 25 years, and is a classic example of gothic horror. It explores forbidden love, isolation, and desire, and pairs perfectly with BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL as it’s the OG sapphic vampire story!" - Kathryn Budig

"It would be impossible to create this list without Anne Rice’s finest. You’ll find so many echos of this novel in V.E. Schwab’s latest work, and will wonder what would happen if Rice’s Lestat ever ran into Schwab’s Sabine. IMO: the ultimate vampire mashup!" - Kathryn Budig

"Like your vampire horror with a healthy splash of humor? Then look no further than the work of Grady Hendrix. There’s no lack of gore in this story, but his characters jump off the page with their sassy southern wit." - Kathryn Budig

"If you’re expecting a shoutout to the Twilight series — yeah, nope. But if you’re in the mood for some YA vamp lit, may I suggest Sunshine. Our heroine reawakens to her forgotten magic, allowing her to defy vampires while simultaneously creating an unlikely bond with a troubled vampire." - Kathryn Budig

"For lovers of science fiction and pulp horror, this seriously quirky book includes Dracula alongside a cast of monsters.This queer odyssey will make you laugh out loud while also warming your heart." - Kathryn Budig

"For all my dark academia lovers, rejoice! This YA fantasy blends my two favorite tropes (vampires and arcane worlds) with human vs. vampire relations (can they co-exist?!) amongst a corrupt system of power and inheritance." - Kathryn Budig