Dracula is an absolute classic in every sense of the word. Bram Stoker’s popular novel is revered as one of the best vampire stories ever told, and has had numerous adaptations both on the big and small screen. The book, published back in 1897, has managed to stand the test of time and is just as good today as it was when it was first written. If you’re in the mood for more vampiric horror or like the style of Bram Stoker’s writing, fret not! We’ve gathered together 8 books to check out when you’ve finished reading Dracula. Of course, if you feel we’ve missed any of your favourites, do comment below and let us know!
Salem’s Lot – Stephen King
Similarities – Vampires & Spooky House
Salem’s Lot is essentially Stephen King’s take on Dracula, which is unsurprising given he actually cited Dracula as an inspiration for this book. For those unaware, the story centers on Ben Mears, a moderately successful writer who returns to Salem’s Lot to write a novel based on his early years – and to exorcise the terrors that have haunted him since childhood. This happens to include a strange, spooky house, which now sports a newcomer with an uneasy aura. When a child disappears and a dog is brutally killed, Ben realizes that the owner of this house could well have something to do with this – and hold a deep, dark secret. With a slow burn structure and plenty of stand-out moments, Salem’s Lot is definitely one of King’s better books.
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
Similarities – Gothic Horror
Frankenstein is Mary Shelley’s debut novel which she, surprisingly, actually started writing when she was 18! With a similar slow burn structure to Dracula, Frankenstein revels in its Gothic horror tone. Frankenstein tells the story of science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but is immediately repulsed and shuns the poor creature. Forced into isolation and consumed by loneliness, the creature turns evil and vows revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.
The Lair of the White Worm – Bram Stoker
Similarities – Gothic Horror
If you enjoyed Bram Stoker’s writing, chances are you’ll probably find much to like with his other work, including The Lair of the White Worm. Although more surreal than Dracula, the writing is just as absorbing. The story centers on Adam Salton, who arrives at his grand-uncle’s Derbyshire estate and quickly senses that a malevolent force is at work. In his attempts to uncover the grisly mystery, he encounters Lady Arabella and Edgar Caswall, each sporting their own dark and dreadful desires. As Adam continues on, he soon discovers that something hideous is living in the grounds of Castra Regis, something that feeds on the flesh of humans…
Dracula’s Demeter by Doug Lamoreaux
Similarities – Gothic Horror
If you’re looking to expand your Dracula mythology and like strong, visceral visuals too, Dracula’s Demeter might just be what you’re looking for. Set in 1897, Dracula’s Demeter follows a valiant sea captain, a clever fugitive, a deceptive cook and a beautiful stowaway as they begin their journey from the unforgiving Black Sea to the misty shores of England. However, inside the hold of a Russian schooner, called the Demeter, an ancient predator lies in wait, lusting for blood… As one may expect. the voyage takes a turn for the worst as the crew realize they’re in grave danger. What ensues is a fight for survival.
Dracul – Dacre Stoker, J.D. Barker
Similarities – Prequel to Dracula
Dracul is, in its simplest form, a prequel to Dracula. So naturally, if you enjoyed reading Bram Stoker’s book, you should definitely check this one out. Dracul flips the story around though and not only shows the true origins of Dracula, but also of his creator Bram Stoker. Oh, and an elusive woman that connects them together! Set in 1868, the story centers on a 21 year old Bram Stoker, who locks himself inside an abbey’s tower, armed with mirrors, crucifixes, holy water and a gun. Desperate to leave a record of what he has witnessed, the young man scribbles down the events that brought him to this point – and tells an extraordinary tale of childhood illness, a mysterious nanny, and stories once thought to be fables that are very much real.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Similarities – Prequel to Dracula
The Historian is an interesting novel and shares some similarities with Dracula in its slow burn approach and a desire to learn more about one’s past. The story revolves around a young woman who learns that the secrets of her family’s past connect to an inconceivable evil: Vlad the Impaler. There’s also a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive through the ages. This search for truth becomes an adventure of monumental proportions, moving from monasteries and dusty libraries to the capitals of Eastern Europe. This one is definitely worth a read and features some beautifully captivating prose too.
Interview with the Vampire – Anne Rice
Similarities – Prequel to Dracula
Interview with the Vampire may not be the first to depict the chronicles of a vampire traveling around and hopping through time (The Saint-Germain Chronicles did this too!) but the story, which originally started as a short, soon takes on a world of its own and becomes a really gripping vampire saga. The story revolves around Louis, as told in his own words, wgo begins his journey through mortal and immortal life. Louis recounts how he became a vampire at the hands of the sinister Lestat before ebbing and flowing through the streets of New Orleans, defining crucial moments such as his discovery of the exquisite lost young child Claudia. The hatred they both have for Lestat sends them halfway across the world to seek others of their kind. We won’t spoil more of the story here but suffice to say, it’s definitely worth a read!
Carmilla – Sheridan Le Fanu
Similarities – Prequel to Dracula
The book that came before Dracula, Carmilla, is one of the earliest vampire novels and it remains an absolute classic to this day. Set deep in an isolated castle in the Austrian forest, we follow Laura, who leads a solitary life with only her ailing father for company. When a horse-drawn carriage crashes into view one night, carrying an unexpected guest – the beautiful Carmilla – what follows is a feverish friendship between Laura and her mysterious, entrancing companion. But as Carmilla becomes increasingly strange and volatile, Laura finds herself haunted by nightmares and growing weaker every day. So there we have it, our picks for 8 books to keep you busy after reading ‘Dracula’. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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