Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis

“Eighteen-year-old Mirabella “Mira” Owens grew up in Timber Plains, Kansas hearing all about the local legend—that werewolves had, many years ago, traveled to their small Midwest town to protect humans from the growing threat of a vampire enclave. Just a story of course, a fairy tale, one Mira had stopped believing in when she was young—just like she stopped believing in the idea of her mom returning, after she up and left without a trace when she was only thirteen.

Mira is grown up now, starting freshman year at the nearby Lakeland University. College feels normal, exactly the thing she’s been craving most... except for one particular classmate: Julian Santos, a mysterious boy with long hair, golden eyes, and a coldness that seems directed exclusively at Mira for reasons she can’t understand and he won’t explain.

When Mira receives an unaddressed letter from her mother, she’s told the world isn’t as it seems. She suspects her mom might be telling the truth when she stumbles across strange animal tracks on a hiking trail, and when she’s miraculously saved from a twenty foot drop by the one and only, Julian Santos.

The problem? Julian would have had to jump the length of the cliff to catch her, making him incredibly fast and strong beyond belief. When she confronts him about this, he denies everything.

But when a Blood Moon rises, Mira soon finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient, magical war, with Julian on the other side of the line. She discovers there’s much more truth to the old town legends than she could ever have anticipated—and her family’s historic role in it will change her world forever.” - taken from Goodreads.

What happens when you learn that the folk tales you heard as a child turned out to be true? When Mira discovers that her town is protected from the wrath of vampires by werewolves, her world is turned upside down. Her mother, who disappeared without a trace years earlier, sends her a letter with a mysterious necklace in it. It turns out that her role in the town's history is not what she expected. Who can Mira count on when her life is suddenly on the line? Why has her mother finally made a reappearance in her life?

Book two, Blood Lust, is due out on Sept. 8, 2026.

Visit Britney S. Lewis’ website.

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin (The Scarlet Veil book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Scarlet Veil, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Célie’s life is over. She took her final breath trying to save the people she loves—including the powerful and enigmatic vampire king, Michal, who refused to let her go. When Célie wakes, she cannot walk in the sun; she can hear her friends’ heartbeats and she craves their blood. Michal has cursed her to the eternal existence of a vampire.

But Célie isn’t the only dead roaming the earth. Her sister, Filippa, has returned as a shadow of her former self, and other revenants are rising from their graves intent on revenge. The fragile balance between life and death has broken, awakening an even darker force—and he is coming for Célie, ready to claim her as his Bride. With the fate of their world at stake, Célie and Michal must set aside their searing attraction to mend the veil and right the balance, once and for all.” - taken from Goodreads.

Even though this book is the last in the duology, the ending wraps up the five arc series beautifully. Without giving too much away, our characters are put through the wringer before the end. A definite read for fans of the previous books.

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma (Immortal Dark book 1)

 

“It began long before my time, but something has always hunted our family.

Orphaned heiress Kidan Adane grew up far from the arcane society she was born into, where human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. When her sister, June, disappears, Kidan is convinced a vampire stole her—the very vampire bound to their family, the cruel yet captivating Susenyos Sagad.

To find June, Kidan must infiltrate the elite Uxlay University—where students study to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires and inherit their family legacies. Kidan must survive living with Susenyos—even as he does everything he can to drive her away. It doesn’t matter that Susenyos’s wickedness speaks to Kidan’s own violent nature and tempts her to surrender to a life of darkness. She must find her sister and kill Susenyos at all costs.

When a murder mirroring June’s disappearance shakes Uxlay, Kidan sinks further into the ruthless underworld of vampires, risking her very soul. There she discovers a centuries-old threat—and June could be at the center of it. To save her sister, Kidan must bring Uxlay to its knees and either break free from the horrors of her own actions or embrace the dark entanglements of love—and the blood it requires.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book does start off slow as there is a ton of backstory and world building to start off this trilogy. Kidan Adane is alone in this world as the only family she has left has passed. Her twin sister June has disappeared. The only clue she has to her disappearance is the name of her family's vampire, Susenyos Sagad. Brought to Uxlay University to lay claim to her family's house, she must live with Susanyos and pass a class in order to inherit. The only cute that Kidan has about June’s disappearance is that she was taken by Susenyos. Kidan must find her way in the Uxlay world as an outsider while living under the same roof as Susenyos. 

As the story unravels, reader's will be anxious to discover who the real monsters are and what secrets lie at Uxlay's gate.

Book two is due to be published on Sept. 11, 2025.

Visit Tigest Girma’s website.

The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahruin (The Scarlet Veil book 1)

 

SPOILER ALERT! The Scarlet Veil is set in the same world as the Serpent & Dove trilogy. Be warned for possible spoilers!

“Six months have passed since Célie took her sacred vows and joined the ranks of the Chasseurs as their first huntswoman. With her fiancé, Jean Luc, as captain, she is determined to find her foothold in her new role and help protect Belterra. But whispers from her past still haunt her, and a new evil is rising—one that Célie herself must vanquish, unless she falls prey to the darkness.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book picks up several months after the conclusion of the Serpent & Dove trilogy and allows the reader to see how our beloved characters are doing. The story focuses on Célie and what happens when she stumbles upon a series of murders involving magical beings. Readers would enjoy this book more if they are familiar with the previous trilogy even though several new characters are introduced. Fans will be clamoring for the final book after that killer cliffhanger ending.

Book two is expected in 2024.

Visit Shelby Mahruin’s Instagram.

Chosen by Kiersten White (Slayer book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Slayer, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Nina continues to learn how to use her slayer powers against enemies old and new in this second novel in the New York Times bestselling series from Kiersten White, set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Now that Nina has turned the Watcher’s Castle into a utopia for hurt and lonely demons, she’s still waiting for the utopia part to kick in. With her sister Artemis gone and only a few people remaining at the castle—including her still-distant mother—Nina has her hands full. Plus, though she gained back her Slayer powers from Leo, they’re not feeling quite right after being held by the seriously evil succubus Eve, a.k.a. fake Watcher’s Council member and Leo’s mom.

And while Nina is dealing with the darkness inside, there’s also a new threat on the outside, portended by an odd triangle symbol that seems to be popping up everywhere, in connection with Sean’s demon drug ring as well as someone a bit closer to home. Because one near-apocalypse just isn’t enough, right?

The darkness always finds you. And once again, it’s coming for the Slayer.” - taken from Goodreads.com

A satisfying conclusion to Nina’s story.

Visit Kiersten White’s website.

Slayer by Kiersten White (Slayer book 1)

“Into every generation a Slayer is born…

Nina and her twin sister, Artemis, are far from normal. It’s hard to be when you grow up at the Watcher’s Academy, which is a bit different from your average boarding school. Here teens are trained as guides for Slayers—girls gifted with supernatural strength to fight the forces of darkness. But while Nina’s mother is a prominent member of the Watcher’s Council, Nina has never embraced the violent Watcher lifestyle. Instead she follows her instincts to heal, carving out a place for herself as the school medic.

Until the day Nina’s life changes forever.

Thanks to Buffy, the famous (and infamous) Slayer that Nina’s father died protecting, Nina is not only the newest Chosen One—she’s the last Slayer, ever. Period.

As Nina hones her skills with her Watcher-in-training, Leo, there’s plenty to keep her occupied: a monster fighting ring, a demon who eats happiness, a shadowy figure that keeps popping up in Nina’s dreams…

But it’s not until bodies start turning up that Nina’s new powers will truly be tested—because someone she loves might be next.

One thing is clear: Being Chosen is easy. Making choices is hard.”- taken from Goodreads.com

I have a confession to make I have never seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Neither the movie nor a single episode of the television series. I blame college and grad school for this lapse. Even without the background knowledge of the Buffyverse, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Just like Nina, I wasn't sure who to believe or trust until the shocking end.

Thank goodness that Nina's story concludes with book two, Chosen that is already out.

Visit Kiersten White’s website.

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare, etc. (Books 1 -10)

“The Shadow Market is a meeting point for faeries, werewolves, warlocks and vampires. There the Downworlders buy and sell magical objects, make dark bargains, and whisper secrets they do not want the Nephilim to know. Through two centuries, however, there has been a frequent visitor to the Shadow Market from the City of Bones, the very heart of the Shadowhunters. As a Silent Brother, Brother Zachariah is sworn keeper of the laws and lore of the Nephilim. But once he was a Shadowhunter called Jem Carstairs, and his love, then and always, is the warlock Tessa Gray.

Follow Brother Zachariah and see, against the backdrop of the Shadow Market’s dark dealings and festive celebrations, Anna Lightwood’s first romance, Matthew Fairchild’s great sin and Tessa Gray plunged into a world war. Valentine Morgenstern buys a soul at the Market and a young Jace Wayland’s soul finds safe harbor. In the Market is hidden a lost heir and a beloved ghost, and no one can save you once you have traded away your heart. Not even Brother Zachariah…” - taken from Goodreads.com

One word of warning here. To prevent spoilers, please read Queen of Air and Darkness first, especially before you read the last two stories. Needless to say, I am going to be anxiously awaiting the continuation of Kit Herondale’s story in the Wicked Powers trilogy but will be eager to the first book in the Last Hours trilogy, Chain of Gold out on March 3, 2020.

Visit Cassandra Clare’s website.

Tales From the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare, etc. (Books 1 - 10)

"Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.

So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices." - taken from Goodreads.com

Originally published as separate ebooks (that's how I read them), these stories are best enjoyed if read between City of Heavenly Fire and Lady Midnight. Spoilers do occur and background information is gained for Lady Midnight.

Visit Cassandra Clare's website.

The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines book 6)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first five books in the series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series for you.

Adrian Ivashkov and Sydney Sage did the unthinkable among the Moroi and Alchemists, they got married. The Alchemists are determined to bring Sydney back in for more reeducation and the two have fled to the Moroi Court and Queen Vasilisa Dragomir for protection. Only when they get there do they find out that Lissa’s younger half sister and the key to her continued reign has disappeared. Not only are the two determined to live happily ever after but to find Jill before it is too late.

Fans will be shocked by several revelations but pleasantly surprised by the end of the Vampire Academy/Bloodlines series. Appearances and updates by several fan favorites occur. In the acknowledgements sections, Ms. Mead says goodbye to the world but hints that she may return to the series at a later date.

Visit Richelle Mead’s website.

Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines book 5)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read the first four books in the series, Bloodlines, The Golden Lily, The Indigo Spell and The Fiery Heart, Stop! I don't want to ruin a great series for you. It also helps greatly if you have read all six books in the Vampire Academy series as well.

Sydney and Adrian have been torn apart. Sydney's little sister, Zoe, called their father and told him about their relationship. The Alchemists came to Palm Springs and took Sydney away for reeducation. Locked in a darkened cell for over three months, Sydney finally takes a step towards redemption in the eyes of the Alchemists in order to attempt to reach Adrian. The torture continues as Sydney attempts to find a way out of her underground prison.

Adrian is slowly slipping back into his old habits as his hope for finding Sydney dwindles by the day. As he reaches rock bottom, his mother arrives, just released from prison, to take him back to Court. His relationship with Sydney is a secret to those outside of Palm Springs and everyone thinks his latest girl is a passing fling. Heartbroken over his inability to help the girl he loves, Adrian finds himself facing new challenges.

Can Sydney and Adrian find their way back to one another or will the separation from one another be too great to surpass?

Sydney and Adrian’s story concludes with The Ruby Circle in 2015..

Visit Richelle Mead’s website.

 

City of Heavenly Fire by Casandra Clare (Mortal Instruments book 6/Shadowhunters book 9)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read any of the previous books in the Mortal Instruments series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series. Also, you should have read all three books in the Infernal Devices trilogy as well. The ending events of the trilogy will be SPOILED if you read this book first. For maximum enjoyment and understanding, read both the Mortal Instruments series and Infernal Devices trilogy intermixed by publication order.

“The END is also the BEGINNING…”

 In this stunning conclusion to the Mortal Instruments series, Sebastian Morganstern has taken his need for vengeance against the Shadowhunters and Downworlders to the ultimate level; The Mortal War. Finding out who will live and who will die will have readers gripping the edge of their seats until the end. But this book isn’t just an ending to the Shadowhunters’ story but also a beginning to the next chapter, The Dark Artifices. Book one, Lady Midnight, will jump five years to Los Angeles in 2012 and continue the story of Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn, whose lives were forever changed by the events of the Mortal War. Fans of the series will be pleased to see how the history of the Shadowhunters unfolds.

The tenth book in the Shadowhunters series, Lady Midnight, will be published in the fall of 2015.

Visit Cassandra Clare's website.

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines book 4)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read the first three books in the series, Bloodlines, The Golden Lilly and The Indigo Spell, Stop! I don't want to ruin a great series for you. It also helps greatly if you have read all six books in the Vampire Academy series as well.

Sydney Sage has decided to follow her heart and break from her strict Alchemist beliefs. Embracing her magical side, she joins the coven of witches her history teacher and mentor, Ms. Terwilliger, belongs to. She finally admitted her feelings for Moroi vampire, Adrian Ivashkov, and the two of them are trying to keep their relationship a secret. A major problem now in her life is the arrival of her little sister Zoe at Amberwood. Their father has sent her to help Sydney with her Alchemist duties and probably to keep an eye on her. Sydney's brush with Marcus Finch has fueled her desire to leave behind her strict upbringing and help Zoe get out from underneath the Alchemists before she is completely brainwashed by them. Their parents announce their plans to divorce, Sydney finds herself caught between her parents in their custody battle over Zoe. With everything that is happening, will Sydney be able to keep up with all of her secrets or will the Alchemists come and drag her off for reeducation?

Told in both Sydney and Adrian's POV, readers will be literally left hanging until July 29, 2014 when Silver Shadows will be published.

Visit Richelle Mead’s website.

Immortal Hearts by Ellen Schreiber (Vampire Kisses book 9)

SPOILER ALERT! This is the ninth and final book in the Vampire Kisses saga!

“I will love you for all of eternity.” – Alexander Sterling


For Raven Madison, life in Dullesville is almost perfect. She is dating the vampire of her dreams; the incredibly handsome Alexander Sterling has fabulous Underworldly friends and has a sensational nightclub to dance in until dawn. The only thing missing is the fact that Alexander has yet to make Raven a vampire. Alexander’s best friend Sebastian has recently dodged Luna Maxwell’s clutches when she attempted to trick him into a commitment ceremony. Raven’s vampire friends, Scarlet and Onyx, have their sights set on guys, including Raven’s arch nemesis, Trevor Mitchell. Even though she isn’t interested I Trevor, Raven is still uneasy about him possibly dating a vampire. To top off everything, Raven’s best friend, Becky Miller, discovered he truth about vampires living in Dullesville and is slowly accepting it.

Now that life is somewhat perfect for Raven, she and Alexander are awaiting the arrival of his younger sister, Athena “Stormy” Sterling. For Raven, she is excited to finally meet her and see what being a vampire is really like. On the other hand, she is terrified that Stormy will not be accepting of her. Will Raven and Stormy hit it off or will they be at adds, with Alexander caught in the middle?

In this final chapter in the Vampire Kisses saga, will Raven’s dreams of becoming a vampire and being Alexander’s for all eternity come true or will she decide that giving up her humanity isn’t worth it?

Visit Ellen Schreiber's website.

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (Jessica book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Jessica’s Gide to Dating on the Dark Side, Stop! I don’t want to ruin a great series for you.

Princess Antanasia Dragomir Vladescu (Jessica Packwood) is trying to adjust to her new life in Romania. Not only is she now married to Lucius, but is trying to find her rightful place as the ruler of the combined vampire clans. At the upcoming vampire congress to be held later in the summer, “the most prominent Vladescus and Dragomirs gather from all over the world” in Romania. It is a week not only of business, but parties and socializing. The first congress was held after Lucius and Antanasia’s parents agreed to their marriage pact. Now they will gather to celebrate the peace their wedding has brought but to cast a vote of confidence to elevate Lucius and Antanasia from prince and princess to king and queen.

At a meeting with the Elders, Lucius’ uncle Claudiu makes some disparaging remarks about how Antanasia was not ready to rule the vampires and he could not accept a Dragomir as his sovereign. Lucius is furious with Claudiu who leaves and everyone watching knows it is far from over. Later, Antanasia waits for Lucius in her office. She dreams of stakes and betrayal and awakes to find Lucius asleep on top of their bed, still dressed in his clothes. A guard knocks on their bedroom door to deliver the news, Claudiu has been destroyed. They arrive to find everyone standing around the body in the entryway. Discussion about what happened is going on when Antanasia’s best friend Mindy enters.

Tensions run high in the castle once again when uncle Flaviu pushes Lucius in front of the Elders about how he is going to investigate Claudiu’s death. In an attempt to diffuse the situation, Antanasia speaks up and says that all the Elders need to show their stakes. Lucius sets a time but Antanasia quickly realizes that she has made a grave mistake. Later, Lucius takes Antanasia to the castle’s stake room and shows her his stake. She immediately recognizes the stench and knows it is covered in Claudiu’s blood. Lucius tells her he has no idea how it got there and someone is setting them up to take the ultimate fall.

With Lucius imprisoned for the murder of Claudiu, will Antanasia be able to rise up and rule the vampire clans as she needs to? Can Mindy’s presence in Romania hurt or help Antanasia” who really destroyed Claudiu Vladescu and why? Can Antanasia with the help of some friends find the true murderer before it is too late?

The wedding chapters of Jessica Packwood and Lucius Vladescu can be found on Beth Fantaskey’s web site at http://www.bethfantaskey.com/wedding/wedding-chapt1.html

Visit Beth Fantaskey's website.