If you’ve just turned the last page of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga, you might be wondering what to pick up next. You’re in the right place! This guide is a carefully curated collection of books that echo the elements we all fell in love with in Twilight: romance, fantasy, and adventure.
In the Twilight series, we followed Bella Swan, a seemingly ordinary girl, who falls in love with Edward Cullen, a century-old vampire. Their love story, combined with the fantasy elements and the character’s coming-of-age journey, have resonated with millions around the world. But once you’ve explored every corner of Bella and Edward’s world, where should you head next?
Whether it’s the allure of the supernatural, the thrill of forbidden romance, or the complexities of navigating life as a young adult, there’s a book (or series) out there for you.
Let’s journey together into these worlds.
Immersive Worlds and Mythical Creatures
Fans of Twilight are no strangers to stepping into otherworldly realms. If you relished the supernatural elements of Meyer’s series, you’ll likely enjoy the following novels that take us into a realm of mythical creatures and fantasy landscapes.
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Vampire Academy is a series of six young adult paranormal romance novels. The story follows Rose Hathaway, a 17-year-old Dhampir girl, who is training to be the guardian of her best friend, Vasilisa “Lissa” Dragomir, a Moroi princess. The series combines a unique mythology of vampires, high stakes, romance, and a healthy dose of humor.
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
A captivating series set in an urban fantasy world. The story revolves around Clary Fray, who discovers a hidden world filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, and other supernatural beings. With her life turned upside down, she finds herself entwined in an epic battle between good and evil.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Although not directly related to vampires or romance, the Harry Potter series offers an engaging and intricate fantasy world that has captivated millions. The series follows the life of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The primary story arc concerns Harry’s struggle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
Complex Love Triangles
The love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob in Twilight has been one of the defining features of the series. If you’re fascinated by such intricate relationship dynamics, here are a few books you might want to explore next.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
At its core, The Hunger Games is a dystopian trilogy that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it also weaves in a compelling love triangle. Katniss Everdeen, the heroine, finds herself torn between her childhood friend Gale and fellow Hunger Games competitor, Peeta. As she navigates the brutal Hunger Games and leads a rebellion against the Capitol, she must also untangle her feelings for these two very different young men.
The Selection series by Kiera Cass
In The Selection series, we find America Singer, a young woman who’s been chosen to participate in a competition for the heart of Prince Maxon. However, America has feelings for her boyfriend back home. As she finds herself drawn to the Prince, she must make a choice between the life she’s always known and a future she never could have imagined. This series masterfully combines elements of dystopian fiction with a complex love triangle.
Paranormal Romance
If the romance between Bella and Edward, human and vampire, is what captivated you in Twilight, you’re in luck! Paranormal romance is a rich and varied genre, with countless books featuring a love story between humans and supernatural beings. Here are a couple that might just be your next favorite.
Hush, Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick
In the Hush, Hush series, Nora Grey, a high school student, falls for the enigmatic Patch, who turns out to be a fallen angel. As Nora gets sucked into the dangerous world of fallen angels and nefarious schemes, the series masterfully blends romance, suspense, and supernatural elements.
The Dark Elements series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Dark Elements series presents a world of gargoyle shapeshifters, demons, and wardens. The main character, Layla, has a unique heritage that separates her from others and complicates her love life. As she navigates the supernatural world, Layla finds herself caught between two alluring yet opposite individuals in a world where love is as dangerous as the enemies lurking in the shadows.
Coming-of-Age Stories with Supernatural Twists
Much like Twilight, where Bella Swan comes of age in a world filled with supernatural elements, these novels offer young protagonists who must navigate their teenage years while grappling with the extraordinary.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
In The Raven Boys, Blue Sargent, the daughter of the town psychic, has been told that she will cause her true love’s death. When she becomes involved with a group of boys from a local private school, known as the Raven Boys, a series of magical and mysterious events unfolds. Stiefvater weaves a unique story of friendship, love, and a quest for a sleeping Welsh king.
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone centers around Karou, a young art student in Prague with a mysterious past. Karou was raised by chimaera, or creatures that are part human and part beast, and she can wish things into existence. As the story unfolds, Karou becomes embroiled in an ancient conflict with seraphim and must confront her own identity in this beautifully written and imaginative novel.
Books with Strong Female Leads
One of the compelling aspects of Twilight is Bella’s evolution from an ordinary girl to a powerful vampire. If you’re looking for more books featuring strong female characters who grow throughout the narrative, these selections may pique your interest.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Divergent introduces us to Tris Prior, who lives in a dystopian Chicago where society is divided into five factions. When she discovers she’s “Divergent,” not fitting into any one group, she must conceal her status and navigate the dangerous world she’s thrust into. Tris is a strong and relatable protagonist who faces her fears head-on, making this an engaging read for Twilight fans.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
The Throne of Glass series centers around Celaena Sardothien, a trained assassin who gets a chance at freedom if she can win a competition to become the king’s champion. Over the course of the series, Celaena evolves from a hardened mercenary to a powerful leader. The series is full of action, romance, and supernatural elements that would appeal to fans of Twilight.
Other Novels by Stephenie Meyer
If you’ve enjoyed Twilight, it’s worth exploring other works by the same author, Stephenie Meyer. Her storytelling skills shine in these books as she brings to life new characters and unique worlds.
The Host
The Host is a science fiction novel set in a future where Earth has been taken over by an alien race known as “souls.” One of these souls, Wanderer, is inserted into Melanie Stryder, a human host who resists the takeover of her mind. As Melanie’s memories start to affect Wanderer, they form an unlikely alliance. It’s a tale of love and self-discovery that shares the emotional depth found in Twilight.
Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined
This novel is a reimagining of the original Twilight, with the genders of the original protagonists swapped. Beaufort Swan moves to Forks and falls in love with Edythe Cullen, a mysterious girl who turns out to be a vampire. This book lets you experience the familiar Twilight story from a fresh perspective.
Additional Recommendations
If you’ve already devoured the books mentioned above, or if you’re just looking for even more options to quench your thirst for the supernatural, romance, or coming-of-age stories, here are ten additional novels that you might enjoy.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
This novel introduces readers to a small Southern town where nothing is as it seems. When Ethan meets Lena, a newcomer with a mysterious family history, they uncover dark secrets about their families, their history, and their town. Like Twilight, Beautiful Creatures combines supernatural elements with a compelling romance.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The first book in the Mortal Instruments series, City of Bones introduces readers to a world of shadowhunters, demons, and the supernatural hidden within our own. With a gripping plot and a slow-burning romance, it’s perfect for fans who enjoyed the blend of fantasy and love in Twilight.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Shiver is a love story between Grace, a normal teenager, and Sam, a boy who turns into a wolf when the temperature drops. Their struggle to be together despite the odds is reminiscent of Bella and Edward’s story.
Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
In Marked, the first book in the House of Night series, Zoey Redbird is marked as a fledging vampire and joins the House of Night school. The series combines the school setting with supernatural elements, making it a good fit for Twilight fans.
Fallen by Lauren Kate
In Fallen, Luce Price is drawn to the brooding Daniel at her reform school and discovers that they’ve been finding and losing each other over centuries. For readers who enjoyed the eternal love aspect of Twilight, this series offers a similar theme.
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Bloodlines is a spin-off from the Vampire Academy series and features Sydney, an alchemist who protects vampire secrets. This series offers a fresh take on the vampire genre with its mix of magic, politics, and romance.
Evermore by Alyson Noël
Evermore follows Ever Bloom, a girl who can see people’s auras, hear their thoughts, and know someone’s entire life story by touch. When she meets Damen, she feels an instant recognition. He is her true love, but his real identity is not human. It combines elements of the supernatural and soulmate love.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
This trilogy revolves around Mara Dyer who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the accident that put her there. She only knows she’s the only survivor. As she grapples with haunting visions and a budding romance, fans of Twilight will enjoy the blend of mystery, supernatural, and romance.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
In The Iron King, Meghan Chase begins a journey into the faery world to save her kidnapped brother. The series offers a rich faery lore and a love triangle that Twilight fans might appreciate.
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Obsidian introduces readers to Katy who moves to West Virginia and meets her infuriating and attractive alien neighbor, Daemon. It’s a story of intense attraction and supernatural events that fans of Bella and Edward’s love story might enjoy.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the allure of the supernatural, the thrill of forbidden romance, or the complexities of navigating life as a young adult that drew you to Twilight, the books in this guide offer something for everyone. They feature captivating worlds, engaging love triangles, and strong characters, much like the elements that made Twilight a worldwide phenomenon.
Every reader’s journey is unique, and this list is a starting point. Hopefully, it will lead you to a new favorite book or series. Remember, reading is about exploration and enjoyment, so don’t be afraid to venture into new genres or authors. Happy reading!
Reader Recommendations
In the spirit of community, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. What books did you enjoy after reading Twilight? Your recommendations could be the perfect fit for another reader.
References & Further Reading
For more information about each book, please visit the official websites or check them out on Goodreads. Also, stay tuned for more reading lists and book recommendations in our upcoming posts.
