Summary: In today's article, I have selected 20 of the best books similar to Twilight for those who love brooding love interests, high-stakes romance, and supernatural twists. Here are my top 3 books:
- Crave by Tracy Wolff
- Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
- Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
If you loved Twilight, you’ll love books like Crave, Vampire Academy, and Hush, Hush. They offer forbidden romance, supernatural intrigue, and brooding love interests that make for an addictive read. Whether it’s vampires, fallen angels, or otherworldly beings, these stories blend love and danger in the best way. Perfect for anyone craving more paranormal romance!
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Twilight
- Crave by Tracy Wolff
- Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
- Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
- Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
- Fallen by Lauren Kate
- The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
- Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Evermore by Alyson Noël
- Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
- The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith
- Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
- A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
- The Host by Stephenie Meyer
- Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
- The Secret Circle: The Initiation by L.J. Smith
- The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- Wings by Aprilynne Pike
1. Crave
- Author: Tracy Wolff
- About: Grace relocates to Katmere Academy in Alaska, where she encounters a hidden world of supernatural beings and becomes drawn to the enigmatic vampire, Jaxon Vega.
- Style of Writing: Engaging first-person narrative with contemporary language and witty dialogue.
- Length: Approximately 162,893 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Offers an immersive experience with a blend of romance, suspense, and fantasy elements.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers and above.
- Why Read It: If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a strong, relatable heroine and intricate world-building, “Crave” provides a fresh take on supernatural academies and forbidden love.
2. Vampire Academy
- Author: Richelle Mead
- About: Rose Hathaway, a dhampir, trains to protect her best friend, Lissa Dragomir, a Moroi vampire princess, while navigating the perils of St. Vladimir's Academy.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and action-oriented, combining elements of suspense, romance, and humor.
- Length: Approximately 83,034 words.
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, leaving a lasting impression through well-developed characters and intricate plotlines.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to both young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Vampire Academy” offers a unique blend of action, romance, and supernatural elements, making it a compelling read for those interested in a strong female protagonist and a richly imagined vampire lore.
3. Hush, Hush
- Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
- About: Nora Grey finds herself inexplicably drawn to Patch, a mysterious new student who turns out to be a fallen angel, leading her into a perilous romance.
- Style of Writing: Suspenseful and atmospheric, with a focus on building tension and exploring complex emotions.
- Length: Approximately 101,611 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its blend of romance and danger, leaving a lasting impression through its exploration of trust and destiny.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For those intrigued by tales of forbidden love and supernatural elements, “Hush, Hush” offers a captivating story that delves into the complexities of human-angel relationships.
4. City of Bones
- Author: Cassandra Clare
- About: Teenager Clary Fray discovers she is part of a hidden world of Shadowhunters—warriors dedicated to eradicating demons—after witnessing a murder at a nightclub that only she can see.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and immersive, combining urban fantasy elements with fast-paced action and intricate world-building.
- Length: Approximately 130,949 words.
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression through its rich character development and exploration of themes like identity, loyalty, and sacrifice.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to both young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: “City of Bones” offers a compelling blend of fantasy and reality, making it a must-read for those interested in intricate plots and dynamic characters within a supernatural setting.
5. Shiver
- Author: Maggie Stiefvater
- About: Grace has always been fascinated by the wolves behind her house, especially a yellow-eyed wolf who watches her. When she meets Sam, a boy with the same haunting eyes, she discovers he is a werewolf who shifts with the seasons.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and evocative, alternating between Grace's and Sam's perspectives to provide a deep emotional connection.
- Length: Approximately 94,000 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: A poignant exploration of love and identity, leaving readers contemplating the transient nature of life and relationships.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Shiver” offers a fresh take on werewolf mythology intertwined with a tender love story, appealing to fans of emotional and atmospheric narratives.
6. Fallen
- Author: Lauren Kate
- About: Luce Price is sent to Sword & Cross reform school after a tragic incident. There, she feels inexplicably drawn to Daniel Grigori, a mysterious student who seems to be hiding a dark secret.
- Style of Writing: Dark and moody, with rich descriptions that create a gothic atmosphere.
- Length: Approximately 125,000 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its themes of forbidden love and destiny, leaving a lasting impression through its haunting narrative.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Fallen” delves into the concept of reincarnated love and angelic lore, making it a captivating read for those intrigued by supernatural romances.
7. The Beautiful
- Author: Renée Ahdieh
- About: In 1872 New Orleans, Celine Rousseau, a dressmaker from Paris, becomes embroiled in a series of gruesome murders and is drawn to the enigmatic Sébastien Saint Germain.
- Style of Writing: Lush and descriptive, capturing the opulence and mystery of historical New Orleans.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Intrigues readers with its blend of romance and suspense, leaving a lasting impression through its atmospheric storytelling.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for both young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: “The Beautiful” offers a seductive and mysterious narrative set against the backdrop of a richly imagined historical setting, appealing to fans of gothic romance.
8. Obsidian
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- About: After moving to West Virginia, Katy meets her infuriatingly handsome neighbor, Daemon Black, and discovers he and his sister are aliens on the run from a hostile race.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and witty, with engaging dialogue and a strong first-person narrative.
- Length: Approximately 97,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Captivates readers with its blend of romance, humor, and sci-fi elements, leaving a lasting impression through its dynamic characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Obsidian” combines the allure of forbidden romance with a unique sci-fi twist, making it a compelling read for fans of paranormal love stories.
9. Evermore
- Author: Alyson Noël
- About: After a tragic accident claims her family, Ever Bloom gains psychic abilities and meets Damen Auguste, a mysterious boy who seems to be the key to her newfound powers.
- Style of Writing: Introspective and emotive, delving into themes of grief, love, and self-discovery.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its exploration of loss and healing, leaving a lasting impression through its heartfelt narrative.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Evermore” offers a poignant tale of love and redemption, appealing to those interested in stories of supernatural romance and personal growth.
10. Blue Bloods
- Author: Melissa de la Cruz
- About: Schuyler Van Alen discovers she is part of an elite group of vampires known as the Blue Bloods, who are facing a mysterious force threatening their existence.
- Style of Writing: Glamorous and intriguing, blending elements of mystery, history, and supernatural lore.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Captivates readers with its blend of high society drama and supernatural intrigue, leaving a lasting impression through its unique take on vampire mythology.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Blue Bloods” offers a fresh perspective on vampire lore intertwined with societal drama
11. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening
- Author: L.J. Smith
- About: Elena Gilbert finds herself drawn to the mysterious Stefan Salvatore, unaware that he and his brother Damon are vampires entangled in a centuries-old feud.
- Style of Writing: Suspenseful and dramatic, with a focus on romantic tension and supernatural elements.
- Length: Approximately 256 pages.
- Year Written: 1991
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its love triangle and exploration of good versus evil.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: As a precursor to many modern vampire romances, “The Awakening” provides a classic tale of love and supernatural intrigue.
12. Marked
- Author: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
- About: Zoey Redbird is marked as a fledgling vampyre and must attend the House of Night boarding school to undergo the Change into a full-fledged vampyre.
- Style of Writing: Conversational and youthful, with a strong first-person perspective.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Explores themes of belonging and identity, resonating with readers navigating adolescence.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Marked” introduces a unique vampyre society with its own rules and rituals, offering a fresh perspective on vampire lore.
13. A Discovery of Witches
- Author: Deborah Harkness
- About: Historian Diana Bishop accidentally discovers a bewitched manuscript, leading her into a world of witches, vampires, and daemons, and a forbidden romance with vampire Matthew Clairmont.
- Style of Writing: Rich and scholarly, blending historical detail with fantasy elements.
- Length: Approximately 579 pages.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its intellectual depth and complex romantic relationship.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; suitable for adult readers.
- Why Read It: For those interested in a mature and intricate tale of magic and romance, “A Discovery of Witches” offers a compelling narrative.
14. The Host
- Author: Stephenie Meyer
- About: In a world where alien souls have taken over human bodies, one soul, Wanderer, struggles with the strong will of her host, Melanie, leading to an unexpected alliance.
- Style of Writing: Introspective and descriptive, delving into complex emotions and ethical dilemmas.
- Length: Approximately 203,402 words.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: Provokes deep reflection on identity and humanity, leaving a lasting impression through its exploration of love and sacrifice.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for both young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: “The Host” offers a unique blend of science fiction and romance, appealing to those interested in exploring complex relationships and moral questions.
15. Beautiful Creatures
- Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
- About: In the small town of Gatlin, Ethan Wate is drawn to newcomer Lena Duchannes, who possesses supernatural powers and harbors a family curse.
- Style of Writing: Richly descriptive and atmospheric, capturing the essence of Southern Gothic literature.
- Length: Approximately 147,695 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its exploration of love, destiny, and the struggle between light and dark.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Beautiful Creatures” weaves a captivating tale of magic and romance, set against the backdrop of a deeply atmospheric Southern town.
16. The Secret Circle: The Initiation
- Author: L.J. Smith
- About: Cassie Blake moves to New Salem and discovers she is a witch, becoming part of a secret coven while navigating the dangers that come with her newfound powers.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and suspenseful, with a focus on character development and supernatural intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 1992
- Emotional Impact: Captures the challenges of self-discovery and the complexities of group dynamics, leaving readers contemplating the balance between power and responsibility.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: For those interested in witchcraft and the trials of adolescence, “The Secret Circle: The Initiation” offers a compelling blend of both.
17. The Summoning
- Author: Kelley Armstrong
- About: Chloe Saunders starts seeing ghosts and is sent to a group home for troubled teens, only to discover that she and the other residents have supernatural abilities.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and suspenseful, with a first-person narrative that immerses readers in the protagonist's experiences.
- Length: Approximately 390 pages.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its themes of trust, identity, and the search for truth, leaving a lasting impression through its thrilling plot twists.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “The Summoning” offers a gripping tale of supernatural abilities and the challenges of uncovering hidden truths, appealing to fans of paranormal mysteries.
18. Throne of Glass
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, is offered a chance at freedom if she can win a competition to become the king's champion, leading her into a world of political intrigue and ancient magic.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and immersive, blending elements of fantasy, action, and romance.
- Length: Approximately 404 pages.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Captivates readers with its strong, complex heroine and intricate world-building, leaving a lasting impression through its exploration of freedom and identity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for both young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Throne of Glass” offers a richly imagined fantasy world with a compelling protagonist, appealing to fans of epic adventures and intricate plots.
19. The Iron King
- Author: Julie Kagawa
- About: Meghan Chase discovers she is the daughter of a faery king and embarks on a journey into the Nevernever to rescue her brother, encountering mythical creatures and unexpected allies.
- Style of Writing: Vivid and imaginative, creating a fantastical world filled with wonder and danger.
- Length: Approximately 363 pages.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its themes of self-discovery and bravery, leaving a lasting impression through its enchanting narrative.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “The Iron King” offers a captivating journey into a richly imagined faery realm, appealing to those who enjoy tales of magic and adventure
20. Wings
- Author: Aprilynne Pike
- About: Laurel discovers she is a faerie after a mysterious bump on her back blossoms into a pair of wings, leading her to question her identity and her place in the human world.
- Style of Writing: Light and accessible, with a focus on character development and the protagonist's internal journey.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Explores themes of identity and belonging, leaving readers contemplating the balance between embracing one's true self and fitting into societal norms.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: “Wings” provides a unique perspective on faerie lore, blending elements of fantasy and coming-of-age themes in an engaging story.
Conclusion
If Twilight left you wanting more, I think these books are perfect for your next read. Crave is my top pick—it has the same intense romance and supernatural intrigue, but with a fresh, modern twist. Vampire Academy is another favorite, packed with action, humor, and a badass heroine who keeps things exciting. And if you love a dark and mysterious love story, Hush, Hush is a must-read—the tension between Nora and Patch had me hooked from the start. Whether you’re into vampires, angels, or just the thrill of forbidden love, these books bring all the magic and passion that made Twilight unforgettable. Happy reading!
