I have a friend who fell in love with Twilight once she saw the movie. Afterwards, she wanted to know what happened and didn’t care if I spoil it for her, so I gave her a run down of the entire series. That just made her want to get the novels so she could read and experience it first hand. She’s finished the series (including Midnight Sun) and now she’s looking for more. Since she knows this is the genre I enjoy, she’s been looking for some recommendations. Normally, I would recommend my favorite authors – Laurell K. Hamilton, Keri Arthur, and Jeaniene Frost, just to name a few – but she’s looking for something a little different:
- She likes the young adult romance – the simple love story, the first kiss, etc. – but still wants a little more than what a young adult novel should/does include;
- Is not as interested in the crime murder mystery horror angle;
- Is not sure if she wants to stick strictly with vampires, so is willing to try others;
- and, I’m thinking – Also doesn’t want the intensely dark emotional baggage that some can give as well.
So, with these ideas in mind, I’ve come up with a list of authors/series that I think she might enjoy. I’m not a huge YA reader, so with these in mind, I came up with the following list based on what I have read…
- Glass House by Rachel Caine (Morgansville Vampires)
- Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse)
- Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (Fae)
- Marked by PC & Kristen Cast (House of Night)
- You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister (Aisling Grey)
- 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom (Hex)
- Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling)
- Real Vampires Have Curves by Gerry Bartlett (Glory St. Clare)
Now, that isn’t to say that I haven’t heard of others that are suppose to be just as good. In fact, all of these are on my TBR list, I just haven’t had a chance to get to them yet. So take them with a grain of salt.
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (Mortal Instruments)
- Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy)
- Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz (Blue Bloods)
- The Awakening by LJ Smith (Vampire Diaries)
Now, like I said, there are certain novels I would automatically suggest, but they are ones that are definitely out of what she has in mind. However, if you’re into the whole paranormal scene, these are definite “tries” in my opinion (as long as your also looking for more than fun or flirty). I have a few of them I would recommend, but here’s the top 10.
- Anita Blake by Laurell K Hamilton – Guilty Pleasures (17+)
- Cassandra Palmer by Karen Chance – Touch the Dark (4+)
- Kitty Norville by Carrie Vaughn – Kitty and the Midnight Hour (5+)
- Mercedes Thompson by Patricia Briggs – Moon Called (5+)
- Night Huntress by Jeaniene Frost – Halfway to the Grave (3+)
- Riley Jensen by Keri Arthur – Full Moon Rising (6+)
- Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews – Magic Bites (3+)
- Morgan Kingsey by Jenna Black – The Devil Inside (3+)
- Rachel Morgan by Kim Harrison – Dead Witch Walking (7+)
- Silver Dragons by Katie MacAlister – Playing with Fire (2+)
So that’s what I have. What would you recommend?
Fab list. Though I would certainly go with Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. To me, that is an ideal gateway book.
I would add Juliette Marillier to the list. I haven’t actually read her YA stuff although it’s sitting on my shelf. I do completely love her fantasy/romance work though.
I also hear good things about Robin McKinley’ YA work. I have her Outlaws of Sherwood Forest and enjoyed it.
I would recommend “Threshold” written by Bonnie Kozek. “Threshold” is like a breath of fresh air for us par-boiled suburban types. It’s dense, dark, urban, and scary. I wouldn’t recommend it to my mother, but I couldn’t put it down- and I normally do not get into dark books!
Carolyn – I love Bitten, but I’m not crazy about the novels regarding Paige and Lucas in that series. I much prefer the ones with the werewolves. I haven’t made up my mind on No Humans Involved and I haven’t read past that yet, so the jury is still out on the demons.
Nicola – I haven’t read any of Juliette Marillier’s work. Is she primarily YA? I love Robin McKinley, but I didn’t realize she also had a YA series. I’m going to have to look that one up too.
Becky – I think that sounds interesting, but I’m not sure if that would be good for my friend. She’s looking for more of the new romance, young adult type of books but more adultish spicy scenes.
She’s currently enjoying the Rachel Caine Morganvilles Vampire series (she’s mad that she can’t get the second book from the library – that there is a wait).
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause (werewolf; Better then the Movie)
Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause (vampires; Lyrically written)
Valiant by Holly Black (faeries; awesome)
Peeps by Scott Westerfeld ( VERY GOOD & Smart; sort of sci/fi vamps)
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (faeries; awesome)
all of these titles are YA and equally enjoyable for adults……..
Thanks Anna Marie! I have Holly Black on my list, but I have may to add a few of these to my list as well.
Definitely second the Juliet Marillier rec. She’s not primarily YA and I’d start with Daughter of the Forest (first in the Sevenwaters Trilogy) and go from there.
Also, it sounds like she’d quite like Wake by Lisa McMann. YA paranormal with a nice hotness factor. The sequel, Fade, just came out as well.
Ooh, also Lament by Maggie Stiefvater. Think Melissa Marr meets Stephenie Meyer.
Okay. I will try to think of some other books that may be more appealing to your friend.
ditto to Becky’s recommendation re Threshold by Kozek. great book!