Top Five Underappreciated Vampire Novels

Whenever we see a list of the "best vampire novels" or the "most recommended vampire novels," we always see the same books listed. From Anne Rice to Laurell K. Hamilton to Stephenie Meyers, it becomes tiresome seeing the same lists over and over. So, I am submitting to you a list of lesser-mentioned, but still thoroughly enjoyable vampire novels. May you spend many nights awake reading and enjoying these gems.

5. Fat White Vampire Blues - By Andrew Fox: Okay, you can guess just from the title about the nature of this fairly obvious tongue-in-cheek work. It's also clever and, because of its old school take on vampires, something new in this modern day retelling of the vampires' lore and mythology.

In this story, we meet Jules Duchon, a typical obese American. But, what makes him different is that his obesity comes from indulging in drinking the blood of obese men and women.

As he sinks into a depression about how far down the denizens of New Orleans have sunk, the breakup with his plus sized (Mega plus sized?) stripper girlfriend (also a vampire), and, finally, when he is forced to only feed from the scarce white humans in the city because of his current situation, he decides that he must fight back.

And, thus begins his journey and we are fortunate to be invited to share in his trials. The characters throughout this book are vivid and memorable. He is joined by a fellow vampire, trained by the monks. Of course said vampire is also a transvestite. And, you can't help but laugh as Jules struggles with those vampire skills others take for granted. From hand holds needed to climb out of his coffin, to the transformation into a bat too obese to fly we can't help but root for the under-vampire. Fat White Vampire Blues is well worth the read. There is also Bride of the Fat White Vampire, but I have not read that yet.

4. The Dracula Tape - by Fred Saberhagen: We all know that Dracula is a blood-thirsty villain, right? Well, maybe we were wrong about that. Let's be honest, we all knew there was more to the history than what has been written. Well, now we get to hear another version.

This is the Dracula tale retold from the point of view of the blood sucker himself. What actually was going on? Perhaps he was just as moral as the rest of us. Depends on your vantage point and your perspective on what happened.

During the retelling, his dry humor and likable nature make Dracula a great anti-hero as opposed to the obvious villain in Brahm Stoker's novel. It really hits on those unsatisfying parts of that original tale, everything left out or not dealt with adequately. And, I enjoyed being convinced of his, sincerity, of how misunderstood he was. You will never again feel the same way about these creatures of the night. Trust me on this.

3. Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story - by Christopher Moore: Okay. I have to admit that I would never have picked up this book, but the main character is named Jody (and it's even spelled the correct way). So, I had to see what this was all about.

And I was very pleasantly surprised. Jody has not had too much luck with men. And, when her latest attempt has her turn up as a vampire (found lying under a dumpster, her arm burned where it had been exposed to the sun), with all sorts of abilities and complications that directly appear as a result of being one of the undead. Jody really does need to find someone to help her figure things out. Coming to her rescue, sort of, is Tommy. Tommy works as a nightshift clerk at Safeway when he first meets Jody. From that first encounter, his life will never again be the same.

The comic escapades and the quirkiness of characters populating this book are sidesplitting. From turkey bowling to the emperor to trying to figure out how to make her vampire abilities work you will be laughing at their antics. Although at times completely weird, it is also believable, as it draws you into a vast world thrown for a loop. This book is highly recommended as is its sequel You Suck .

2. Those who Hunt the Night - Barbara Hambly: I was an avid reader of Ms. Hambly for her many Fantasy series. I was not even interested in this book at first. But, my friend said I would be surprised. He was Right!! It is actually a quite well done and original thriller. The premise of the story grabs you right away: someone is killing the vampires of London during the day. Of course, it's a perfect way of doing it as vampires are not able to protect themselves at that time.

With no other choice, Don Ysidro (the oldest vampire in London) hires James Asher,a linguist (note how he will identify everyone's dialect as he meets them) who formerly was with the secret service. He can, of course, do exactly what they can't, hunt for the perpetrator by day. Also involved is Asher's wife, Lydia. Lydia is a researcher and doctor who gets really interested in the biology of these vampires.

The characters are more than two dimensional. They are intriguing and you become involved with them almost immediately. The interplay and relationship of these characters grows. It is extremely well done and one of my favorite vampire books. I also enjoyed the sequel, Travelling with the Dead.

1. The Vampire Tapestry - By Suzy McKee Charnas: Definitely one of the best vampire novels I have ever read, The Vampire Tapestry, although considered a classic, is surprisingly unknown by many. Interestingly, the book itself is in 5 distinct sections, published separately as well in Novella form (hence the term tapestry, as in separate parts woven together).

Forget what you know about vampires. In her beautifully spun tale, the main character Dr. Weyland is not from the world of the occult, the supernatural. Rather there are biological reasons for all his abilities and his thirst for blood. He is from another species, humanoid, but not quite human. But, perhaps he is closer to his prey, the humans, than he would like to admit. A lonely life is led by Dr. Weyland, and we find out what happens when his true existence is exposed to others. It's an incredible journey that Charnas allows us to be a part of. The writing is complex and believable. It might be a bit dated, but it still is absolutely worth it.

And, this is it, my list of the best underappreciated Vampire novels. I suggest that you go to your local bookstore or library and check these books out. I promise, you will be very happy to have done so.