Friday, November 6, 2009

Series books- Why do we keep coming back?

It's obvious that we all like to read. I mean, we're all on a blog dedicated to vampire fiction so we must enjoy reading to some degree. But what is it that keeps us coming back for more? Is it the vast worlds that are created to house our favorite vampires or is it the vampires themselves? Are we attracted to the dominating confidence of the hero or the ass kicking heroine that brings him to his knees? Or is it the heady combination of both? The more I read, the more I realize what makes the vampire genre so alluring. The world building alone is astounding- vast, complex and detailed. But the world can't stand alone. We need the intricacy of the vampire relationships to carry us along and keep us coming back for more. Especially when it comes to a series. If the characters aren't compelling enough then we won't buy the next book. But if we've developed an attachment to the people involved then we wait patiently for the next installment. We have to know what happens next and to whom. Which brings me to the point of today's post...our favorite series of vampire books.

Mine are:
1. Night Huntress books- Jeaniene Frost
2. Anita Blake series- Laurell K Hamilton
3. Saint Germain novels- Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
4. Vampire series- Linda Lael Miller


What vampire series is a "must have" for you? Do you keep track of the next release date (via newsletter, website or blog) or do you just check every time you hit a book section, hoping the next book will magically appear on the shelf?

22 comments:

Kris said...

The only series I keep up with are the Sookie Stachouse series and J.R. Wards Brotherhood (gotta love them guys!) I'm so wrapped up in those characters that I TRY to wait patiently for the next come out. Oh and to answer your question I keep up online on realease dates...usually Amazon.com

Rain Maiden said...

I agree with Kris..I love J.R.Ward's BDB books. I love reading about guys that are out of this world. I keep track of the books I want and upcoming releases on a note book. Old School.

Daelith said...

Some of my favorite series are:

Savannah Vampire series by Raven Hart
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris
Dark Hunters by S. Kenyon
BDB by J. R. Ward
Noble Dead by Barb and J.C. Hendee

Jen D. said...

Hi Anna!

What keeps me hooked on a particular series is a combination of story and characters. I guess you can't really have one without the other right?

Some of my 'must have' series are:
Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris
Riley Jenson Guardian series by Keri Arthur
Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine

Anonymous said...

Kris and Rain Maiden- I use a combination of both your methods. I troll Amazon and write everything down in my notebook. I try to keep the notebook in my purse (which is really a Nightmare Before Christmas backpack) so that when I'm at the store I can keep track of what I want. Otherwise I tend to get mixed up- summaries on the back start to all seem the same after awhile.

Anonymous said...

Daelith- I've never read the Noble Dead or Savannah Vampires books. I'll watch for them next time I'm at the store. Thanks.

Michele Hauf said...

Hey, ladies! If you want a great list of vampire books and the series they are in...well, I've got the Ultimate VampList for you. I try to keep it as up-to-date as possible. It's at www.vampire-books.com
You can select the genre you want to find a book in and then check out just how many vampire books you've missed. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hey Jen! I love the Riley Jensen books and just finished the newest one the other day. So good. Have you read it yet? I won't spoil it for those that haven't yet:)I just get so impatient waiting for the next book- from many different series. I try to console myself with the notion that if we rushed authors then the books might not be so good but I really wish we could just have an endless supply of stories. Its the characters- In this case, Riley and Quinn, Rhoan and Liander. I love them!

Cyd said...

I use Facebook to keep up with the authors I read to know when the next release will be. In fact it the only reason I use Facebook.

Must reads are
Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks series
Marta Acosta
Molly Harper's Jane Jameson series
Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires.

Anonymous said...

Cyd- I've been hearing a lot about the Morganville vamps but I haven't read the books yet. I guess I should give them a try- it appears that I am missing out.

Cyd said...

Anne - Morganville Vampires is a great series, if you start MV make sure you have access to the following book, Rachel Caine leaves off on some evil cliffhangers.

Gypsy Jane said...

I devour the Saint Germain novels- Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - because I love the Count. I have devoured all of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris already written because they're lots of fun. Now having read Dark Stranger, I'll have to devour all of THAT series... I know - different characters - but if I enjoyed one of her books that much, I know I'll enjoy the rest.

Anonymous said...

Dark Stranger is a fantastic introduction to the Primes Universe. These books are on my keeper shelves so I know if you end up reading them you won't be sorry.

Bella G. said...

I follow too many series
Laurell K Hamilton-Anita Blake
Charlaine Harris- Sookie Stackhouse
Christine Feehan- Carpathian
Keri Arthur- Riley Jensen
JR Ward- Brotherhood
Christine Warren-The Others
Lynn Viehl-
Angela Knight-Mageverse
Alexandra Ivy- Guardians of Eternity
Lara Adrian- Midnight Breed
Sherrilyn Kenyon- Dark Hunters
Kim Harrison-
Yes my book buying it out of control. I check websites, author sites and blogs like yours to keep up with new releases and new authors...love to read

Jen D. said...

Anna - I'm totally jealous. I haven't had a chance to pick up a copy. Maybe I'll pick it up tonight when I pick up Dark Stranger. I'm extremely sad that the series is coming to an end!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I didn't know the series was ending...now I'm sad too! Hopefully she'll have some other books out. She's a great author so I'm sure we'll hear more from her.

jay said...

1. I LOVE the Night Huntress Series!!
2. Southern Vampire Series/Sookie Stackhouse
3. Black Dagger Brotherhood Series
If anyone can recommend any-others that would be great

Anonymous said...

Try the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian- super good series. Emma Holly has some good vampire books- I believe the are the Fitz Clare series.

Dot S.(ladeetdareads.wordpress.com) said...

I love most of the series already mentioned but one is missing that I'm crazy for:
Lynsay Sands' Argeneau/Rogue Hunter series

Also D.B.Reynolds' Vampires In America series

Anemerya said...

I have a very big list ,but I will mention just three of them:
Amy Lane -Little Goddess
Richelle Mead - Vampire Academy
J.r. Ward - Black Dagger

Anonymous said...

I STRONGLY recommend the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine
They're seriously AWESOMEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3
def my fave!!!! <3 <3

Rosette said...

Morganville Series is the best!!