It is a truth that probably should be acknowledged that vampires are damn sexy bloodsuckers. Of course the werewolf is creeping up behind them and behind them apparently, is the zombie (let us not discuss the unicorn, for it is better not thought of except apparently, ponies are not enough anymore). Except this time? They sparkle.
Twilight is, well, Twilight. I admit to not being a fan (I like my vampires Joss Wheddon style or more preferably, Terry Pratchett or Bram Stoker style - yes, they can be sexy but they are in fact, dangerously horribly sexy. Dracula in particular. The Pratchett Vampire is just horrible) but I cannot say the same for myself at say, fourteen. She probably would have been. So in the interests of balance I will say that is wonderful that people are reading and thinking about books and that, in the end it would be nice to have some recommendations and alternatives. So here, three alternatives to Twilight to start your search - that may or may not contain zombie vampire unicorns.
The Hunger Games (Susan Collins): Yes we have a love triangle. Yes it's about a girl and yes, it's in the YA section. But Katniss and Bella Swan don't share very much, if I'm entirely honest. Katniss, the girl on fire is the family caretaker in a near future world gone very wrong. This series is notable for it's amazing writing, the world building, the characters and the way the narrative picks up your heart and rips it out before the end. Also notable for the many instances of girls being friends (which is one of the few things I liked about Twilight!)
Sunshine (Robin McKinley): Girl wakes up to vampire standing over her. From there, nothing goes the way you think it's going to go. Sunshine is a three dimensional, flawed and snarky heroine and the vampire in question is definitely on the horror end of the spectrum. One to send a chill up your spine.
Dracula: Original. Still the best. Mina is a Victorian heroine who still manages to have agency and utter utter awesome (I love that she and Jonathan protect each other and well, she has a job!) and the story is incredibly incredibly scary. Dracula manages to be horrifying and yet, yes, you are drawn to him.
