Death Becomes Them: My Favourite Book Vampires

Since Horror and fantasy is amongst my favourite genres - it is no surprise that I am somewhat of a fan of Vampire novels. What is it that draws a reader to them - is it the danger, the reminder of childhood horrors, them being fictionalised dark mirror of fears, primal desires, and the fact they inspire our imaginations. In the past they represented paranoia and terror and today they represent our dark desires. They way they are written says a lot about the human animal that I find fascinating. These are just some of my favourite book Vampires.

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Miriam Blaylock from The Hunger.

Sensual, parasitic yet I feel some empathy for her. She is cursed to walk the earth alone and is forced to watch every one of her lovers wither. She is the only true one of her kind and can only really turn someone for a short century or so - before the years catch up them in a short space of time. She is cruel in that she condemns those she loves to an unthinable fate - yet there is someting human within her uneartlieness. Maybe it is her need to connect - like we all do at our core.

Eric Northman from Sookie Stackhouse Series.

Immortal Viking warrior turned Sheriff of Area 5. He is quick witted, charming highly intelligent and manipulative.He is not evil but not exactly one of the good guys either. Eric is rather wonderful and highly entertaining to read about. My favourite version of him has to be his 'Dead to The World' variation, as he is sweeter, more trustworthy and yet still has that dark charm.

Mircalla Karnstein from Carmilla.

Elegant, ethereal, enchanting and deadly. She is lover, best friend and death to those she loves. She is poisonous , deadly and yet passionate, sympathetic and fascinating. She is the personification of all consuming love.

Dracula from Dracula.

The novel version is far darker and predatory than a lot of his movie counterparts. He is an undead serial killer and a force to be reckoned with. He is shrouded in mystery and it is in those qualities that have sparked the imagination and stood the test of time.

Lestat de la Lioncourt from Interview With The Vampire.

He is striking, enthralling and a Vampire that (un)lives death to the fullest. In a genre willed with dark brooding souls - he is rather fun.