‘Cmon, this was a given. Since, as far as we know, vampires don’t exist, and their mythology is present in many different cultures, the top innovator for pulling it all together was the one and only Bram Stoker. And what an innovator he was. And look at what vampires have become, and how none of it would have been if it weren’t for Mr. Stoker himself. A true visionary, a true talent, and perhaps a true vampire…? (One can only hope)

Also, the classic movie is just as good. Love me some Gary Oldman!

As I thought this through, I knew I would be completely biased in putting You Suck at the very time of this list, after all, it is my favorite book of all time. Though you see that didn’t stop me in the least. You Suck deserves to be here. As far as vampire novels go, many adopt a very somber tone, many times as lifeless as the vampires themselves, but You Suck brings new life into the creatures of night. It’s likely the most humorous vampire novel I’ve read, which makes it an innovator among the adventure/terror/horror vampires of popular literature.

You Suck is Book 2 in the Bloodsucking Fiends trilogy. Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story (Book 1) and Bite Me: A Love Story (Book 3) are also worth a read.

#3. The Queen of the Damned, by Anne Rice

There are 11 books in the The Vampire Chronicles, so I had to narrow it down to one to feature. But as far as holding the third spot, it was a no brainer; Ann Rice has been writing innovative vampire tales for longer than many of us have been alive. Queen of the Damned was no different. The way Anne Rice went back into the history of vampires and how it all began is innovation enough (stemming from ancient Egypt instead of Romania– girl, you’ve got skillz… with a Z), let alone intertwining it with complex characters and stories.

Another book where the movie is a personal favorite. Love me some Stuart Townsend.

#4. The Twilight Saga, by Stephanie Meyer

You have to give credit where credit is due. As far as a vampire story and characteristics go, Stephanie Meyer has a very unique representation, and added a new level of humanization to the idea of vampires. From complex relationships with their would-be meals, to the Volturi coven in Italy, it’s a great adventure through a new concept of vampires. This is one series, however, where I cannot—in good conscience—recommend the movie. Sorry.

#5. The Undead Series, MaryJanice Davidson

Another in the vampire humor genre, MaryJanice Davidson has created a hilarious vampire character, a ton of sex, and a new view on how a recently turned to vampire individual copes, and tries to maintain some of their humanity (it’s hard and hilarious, as you’ll hear protagonist Betsy narrate).