Basically, I’m trying to find something that is beyond the typical romance erotica with vampires. School, academy, and kingdom backdrops with Star Wars prequel-level political emphasis are huge dealbreakers for me. Not a fan of long drawn out romantasy sagas. If it’s more than one book there has to be a damn compelling series.
I don’t want superficial romance. I’d love some interpersonal, character study kind of stuff, something I can chew on.
Darkness and sexual content is fine, just not something incredibly dour. I’m not in the headspace where I can be mentally healthy if I’m reading something that is essentially a thesis on abuse or SA. It’s valid and challenging, but it’s not for me right now. For example, I almost picked up Night’s Edge. This vampire book is grounded and personal, I love that, but I had to wait on it, since the abusive, codependent relationship angle with the mother and daughter was too heavy for me at this time.
UPDATE: When I say too heavy, I don’t mean blood, violence, angst, etc.! I just mean discussions of sexual abuse, or parental abuse. Or surprise incest in the case of Anne rice’s works.
Bonus points if vampirism is used here to tackle queer identity, disability, mental health, or repression. Some of my favorite vampire fiction is Midnight Mass (the show). A focus on body horror, the push and pull between our desires and shame, stuff like that, is my vampire bread and butter.
by otisfrombarnyard