Vampires Are Eternal, Reborn, and Living in Our Nightmares

~Vampires Never Get Old~
Tales With Fresh Bite
An Anthology by Zoraida Córdova, Natalie C. Parker,
Samira Ahmed, Dhonielle Clayton, Tessa Gratton, Heidi Heilig, Julie Murphy, Mark Oshiro, Rebecca Roanhorse, Laura Ruby,
Victoria "V.E." Schwab, & Kayla Whaley
Amazon ~ Powell's

Eleven fresh vampire stories from young adult fiction’s leading voices!

In this delicious new collection, you’ll find stories about lurking vampires of social media, rebellious vampires hungry for more than just blood, eager vampires coming out―and going out for their first kill―and other bold, breathtaking, dangerous, dreamy, eerie, iconic, powerful creatures of the night.

Welcome to the evolution of the vampire—and a revolution on the page.


My library has been a bit hit-or-miss with the Vampire Book Club's selections, but I was able to find this one for December. Admittedly, I wasn't in the best mental space to read books surrounding death and immortality, having lost my grandmother last year and having that wound reopened with our cat's death (cancer) just after reading the first story. But after a bit of time (and some Christmas movies & music) I was excited to dive back in and experience some new takes on one of my favorite paranormal creatures.

Right out the gate, this anthology promised variety. The introduction postured that a majority of stories had vampires which were "predominantly men, white, cisgender, straight, and able-bodied," which left a lot of room for imagination. Which is where these authors stepped in and took off running, giving us a wide array of vampires that are sure to reflect more of their fanbase than ever. Add in numerous settings and genres as well, and there's plenty of unique experiences to be had.

Each story was followed by a short response by the editors, which usually served to highlight themes or vampire lore from each story. I found these worked as palate cleansers of a sort, breaking the spell or lingering mood that the previous story often left me with. And though I personally appreciated that break in tone—especially with some of the less cheery tales—some readers may want to skip these, or at least not read them immediately following the story, if they prefer to have the story sit with them longer.

But without further ado, here's what I thought of each of the stories:

Seven Nights for Dying
By Tessa Gratton

An interesting story exploring one's reasons for considering vampirism/immortality. Obviously this story doesn't delve into all the consequences of that decision, with the focus being just on the 7-day transformation window, but having that time really allowed the story and characters to resonate with me. While still brief in the scheme of things, having this decision drawn out over the course of seven days and nights—allowing her to ask questions and weigh the responses—was fascinating.

The vampire lore of this story was also intriguing, with the transformation being a 7-night process of exchanging blood which can be called off at any point before the 7th time. We often expect teenagers in these types of stories to be impulsive, but here she's able to really sit with the weight of her choices, what that means for her friends and family, what the future might hold for her, what life might become. The vampires aren't overly romantic about things either, laying out all the pros and cons whenever she asks. They aren't too open about their own reasonings or pasts, but that's not too surprising considering how long they may know each other if she declines the offer. And it is an offer, with them also not being overly pushy or hesitant either.

Definitely a good story to start things off, with an intelligent protagonist, intriguing vampires and lore, and an introspective look at what immortality can offer. It really made me think about planning for the future, anger as a motivator, and how grief can shape and change us for better or worse.

The Boys From Blood River
By Rebecca Roanhorse

A quick shift towards more of a horror story, in which a young man desperately wants to be taken from his current circumstances, but does not expect the full cost of his request. Can one truly cut all ties without literally killing off a part of themselves? A part of others?

This story was much more atmospheric than existential, but still packed plenty of emotion into its wispier tone. I felt a good connection with Lukas, his isolation and despair, especially when death reared its ugly head. The vampires, on the other hand, weren't as...realistic? They had much more an aire of legend about them than something tangible and real. And though that worked for the introduction and finale, it left me underwhelmed with their actual threat level. They just seemed to lack any agency of their own, which was disappointing and kinda incongruous with some actions in the climax.

I think this story had its strengths in its characters and the "Be Careful What You Wish For" message, but some of the elements didn't blend with each other as solidly as I would have liked. And though it may not sit with me as long, it was still fun while it lasted, which is really all I can ask for.

Senior Year Sucks
By Julie Murphy

An interesting take on the slayer/vampire dynamic, complete with snarky cheerleaders, sympathetic vampires, and bisexual, sapphic, and big-girl representation.

I liked Jo's personality and outlook, though the attempt at giving her a darker tone toward the end didn't work for me. I liked that she was suddenly questioning herself, but given that we only just met her, it didn't have as much impact as it could have otherwise. Also would have liked to have seen more vampire action and lore, especially about that Resurrection Home, but I suppose the little we did get about glamors and feeding habits was better than nothing.

Ultimately, this felt like a small part of a larger story, which left me wanting. Obviously, that can be both a good and bad thing, but for me I'd definitely prefer a full story staring Jo, her slayer family, and these vampires, than the tiny taste we did get. Still, it was a fun and cute pick-me-up after two very moody stories.

The Boy and the Bell
By Heidi Heilig

What is it with transmen hanging around in cemeteries? I kid, I kid.

Back to our theme of wanting different circumstances and vampires offering impossible answers. I really dug Will and his complex motivations—you really get to know a lot about him and his character in under 15 pages. I do find it a little weird that the society didn't go extremely superstitious with the happenings in the story, but I guess I don't know much about the time period or specific location this takes place in to really judge properly.

I'd definitely be interested in a longer story set here, but I feel this one does work as both a stand-alone short or an introduction to its world. I'd especially like to know more about the well-to-do vampires, like how they were approached, or if they're merely victims too. The dichotomy of scientific progress and superstition alone is fascinating, but add in teenage protagonists, vampires, and trans characters, and I am hooked. Wish there were more, but am satisfied with what I got.

A Guidebook for the Newly Sired Desi Vampire
By Samira Ahmed

Very much in the style of Hitchhiker's Guide but with a decidedly younger and not-British voice. And though not a straightforward story, it still had some of the best lines of the book:

Colonialism: Sucking your country dry and leaving you to bleed out since 1600! And they call us vampires. [pg 87]

Your soul hasn’t been devoured by an evil entity—like, you weren’t suddenly changed into a billionaire American CEO who thinks he can run a country or a life force–sucking capitalist who flies his private jet to Davos to bemoan global warming and doesn’t get the irony. You’re a vampire. [pg 89]

WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT?
Your colonizer. [pg 90]

I may not have understood some of the terms or messages, not being Desi myself, but I definitely loved the tone and snark of its Gumnaam vampire narrator. Admittedly a bit brutal in the area of choosing their victims—especially since feeding results in either turn or kill, so it's best to kill—I'm surprised there isn't more about voluntary or non-violent methods of blood-letting...but for a 16-page guide talking directly to a victim of (presumably) an ignorant colonizer, I suppose it's thematically appropriate.

Equal parts feisty, informative, humorous, and supportive, this guidebook was a pleasure to read.

In Kind
By Kayla Whaley

The story of a disabled protagonist and what vampirism can and can't do.

This one hit a bit harder, as the antagonist wasn't completely wrong in what he said. Honestly, I thought this was something from further back, except that they mention electric wheelchairs and email, so it hit harder knowing this was modern day. I still don't disagree with everything Grace's father says, but his actions aren't pardoned by his words either.

Definitely more of a downer, or at the very least a more contemplative tale than some. This one might sit with me for a while.

Vampires Never Say Die
By Zoraida Córdova & Natalie C. Parker

An online-only friendship threatens to become something more when one side decides to throw the other a vampire-themed surprise party. Too bad nobody told the guests not to bring their own fangs.

One thing that's always hit me a bit weirdly with vampires was the age gaps that inevitably crop up in their romances. Sure, vampires never age, and if the human turns then they're both ageless, but I've always equated age as a sort of power, and having that inherent power imbalance has always read as a bit squicky for me. Especially the ones that have teenagers involved. Obviously I'm in a minority, considering how much vampire romance is out there. Or maybe I'm reading too much into this.

Though it leaves way too many unanswered questions at the end—including Brittany's reaction to current events—it was kinda fun and kinda flirty and a good time overall.

Bestiary
By Laura Ruby

A very non-traditional vampire wanders a parched city by night and cares for animals at the zoo by day.

Honestly, this story made me depressed more than anything. Between the obvious climate-change-impacted water supply, the sick and pained animals, and Jude's own apathy towards almost everything, there wasn't much light or happiness to be found in this story. Still, the vampire (if that's what you call it) lore was fascinating and new to me, so I'd be interested to hear more about them. Just maybe not from this narrator...

Mirrors, Windows & Selfies
By Mark Oshiro

A story told in blog posts about a young man raised in isolation daring to test the boundaries in order to find himself.

Not really much else to say about this one. It was fun seeing the comments replying to the blog posts, especially that Gaston account that became a bit obsessed. The story itself was kinda heartbreaking and made me feel for the parents, but also sympathize with Cisco. Makes you question the difference between survival and living.

The House of Black Sapphires
By Dhonielle Clayton

An absolutely stuffed story introducing a family of Eternals, their move to New Orleans, and a middle child's determination that she'll find her true love before they move again.

This story reads much, much more like an excerpt from a much longer piece. There's just so much detail and history and lore packed into this story that I honestly felt like it could go on and on. And that ending? Talk about no resolution! Unless we're to take another meaning from that abrupt cut-off...

An intriguingly rich story that'll fill your mind full to bursting and yet leave you desperate for more.

First Kill
By Victoria "V.E." Schwab

A four-part story about a young born-this-way vampire approaching what would be her first kill.

Another one that reads more like the intro chapter(s) to a longer work just begging to be made. I loved hearing from both Juliette and Calliope, their attraction to each other culminating in what could very well be their most fateful encounter. Each girl's perspective on the other was perfection, and I'd love to read more about them, if that ever became an option.

A finale that left me hungry for more, but also satisfied with all I'd experienced.


Overall, a fine anthology filled with some of the best vampires I've encountered. There was a huge variety, not only of genders, sexualities, and skins, but of vampiric powers, weaknesses, settings, and societies. If I had to pick my favorites, I'd probably stick with the peppier school-based-fare of Senior Year Sucks and First Kill, but I also found a lot to love in the more sombre stories of Seven Nights for Dying and The Boy and the Bell, not to mention the vivid world-building packed into The House of Black Sapphires. Needless to say, I definitely have a few authors to add to my watchlist. So if you have a hankering for some unique YA takes on old blood-sucking favorites, or if you're seeking a quick nibble to break up longer reads (or to break back into reading at all!), then I'd definitely recommend this anthology.