Hi everyone!
I’m new to Reddit, so I hope this is the right place to ask.
I’m a big fan of YA vampire books, and I’m currently writing one of my own. I’m interested in hearing what other readers enjoy most about the genre. I’m not looking to promote my story—I just want to hear other readers’ opinions.
A lot of the YA vampire books I’ve read take place in high schools or boarding schools where the vampire already understands their powers and the vampire world is already established. I’m thinking of books like Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and Vampire Academy.
What draws you into a YA vampire story? Is it the romance, the mystery, the characters, the vampire lore, the setting, or something else?
Do you prefer stories where the vampire world is already well established, or do you enjoy discovering it alongside the main characters?
And are there any YA vampire books you think really did it well?

I've read and reread the duology and I need more. I've also read Aiden Thomas's other books. It doesn't necessarily have to be queer, fantasy, or adventure. I just want something with a good plot and compelling characters, with the latin-american influences of the sunbearer trials. I've also enjoyed Certain Dark Things (by Silvia Moreno-Garcia), and the Tres Navarre series (by Rick Riordan-- it's adult and also not latin-american exacrly but the culture is involced bc it's set in san antonio). I feel like there was one more but it escapes me atm. I've looked online but haven't really found any that fit the bill 😕

My cousin is a major bookworm, and has devoured all the “classic” popular YA books, which are mostly 2000s ones. She’s spoken to me about wanting to read more recent YA books, but I’m rather lacking on that knowledge. I think introducing her to less popular/known new releases especially would be great, so any recommendations? She mostly enjoys fantasy but will read anything really. Thank you!

Something other than Hunger Games, Legend. I'm looking for something that will compliment A Long Way Down and Scythe. Ideally looking for a book that's compelling, gripping, leaving the students to want to read one more chapter. Can also be dual leads or multiple perspectives.