Her contribution ‘In Kind’ stars a disabled heroine whose supernatural experience forces us to examine our ideas about which lives matter, how we define salvation, and the high cost of betrayal. One of the darker, most affecting stories is from Kayla Whaley, an author whose works address disability, sexuality, and the body. Who’s the hunter and who’s the hunted when all you want is a really good kiss?

While ‘Senior Year Sucks’ from Julie Murphy is a more lighthearted approach to romance and the sparks that fly when opposites attract. In a deliciously angsty exploration of teen love and lust, ‘Seven Nights for Dying’ by Tessa Gratton, a newly-turned teenage vampire faces what it means for her to live forever when the people she loves will not. Besides, your neck probably smarts or itches a little.’ Welcome to the afterlife! We wish we could bring you barfi and gulab jamun and other sweets and ring your neck with jasmine and rose garlands, but there’s no time for that. ‘Congrats! Mubarak! Bahaaeeho! You’re a vampire now. The savage and humorous ‘A Guidebook for the Newly Sired Desi Vampire’ by Samir Ahmed is a how-to manual for newly-turned Indian (desi) vampires, spelling out practical advice, dire warnings, and a bit of sarcasm to fledgling bloodsuckers. They also invite us into the stories by ending each interjection with a question: ‘If you had the choice, would you want to live forever?’ In between the stories, the editors chime in with commentary on the vampire lore explored in the narratives, like a diabolical Greek chorus, adding context and humor.

It’s a Gothic collection with a modern sensibility - fresh, smart, entertaining, and moving. They explore the emotional conundrum of becoming undead and build their tales around LGBTQ+ storylines and unconventional heroes and heroines. The authors pick up what Bram Stoker was laying down, threading love (both platonic and romantic), social commentary, and moral dilemmas through stories. Parker, this collection of 11 thrilling stories includes new works from bestselling YA authors, including Julie Murphy ( Dumplin’) and Victoria ‘V.E.’ Schwab ( City of Ghosts). Grab your garlic and holy water!Įdited with a sharp bite by Zoraida Cordova and Natalie C. There’s a nest of new vampires in town, and they’re going to seduce you with big feels, high drama, life-and-death decisions, and sexy hijinks.

Vampires never get old