Vampire novels aren’t necessarily my thing, but I do enjoy a good one from time to time. Here are some that either feature or include vampire characters and are written from a Catholic worldview. (There are a couple of outdated book covers here, but that is how they appear on Goodreads.)
Jennifer the Damned by Karen UlloPart angsty teen vampire story with requisite immature romance, part existential examination, and subtle part Catholic theology of the Eucharist, Jennifer the Damned is a novel in a class of its own.
Jennifer, an orphaned vampire under the guardianship of a Catholic religious order of sisters, matures into her soulless fate, her craving for human blood destroying her relationships with the beloved sisters, classmates, and her newly acquired boyfriend.
Running from both her past and her future, Jennifer longs to love and be loved, despite being condemned to soulless immortality.
There is a lot in Jennifer the Damned to chew on (pun intended), from the meaning of love to culpability to the capacity for change and conversion.
Due to content and language, I recommend it for mature readers only, but beyond the superficial vampire trappings (and some well-placed humor), there is a lot of depth ripe for discussion in Jennifer the Damned. Relevant Fiction Reviews: I Want to Suck Your Blood! Vampire novels from a Catholic world view. Click To Tweet
Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon by Corinna TurnerMandy Lamb and the Full Moon is a testament to Author Corinna Turner’s creativity! If you had told me I’d enjoy a book about a 1/2 sheep girl, a werewolf, and a vampire this much, I’d be surprised. But, Mandy Lamb is a likable girl, uh, lamb, and there is surprising depth to this children’s book.
At its heart it’s a book about fitting in despite your uniqueness and accepting others for who they are, with all of their gifts and challenges. It also delivers a firm message about distinguishing dispositions (which we cannot help) and actions (which we can) – an important message in a world so consumed with not judging that it cannot separate the two, therefore condemning some for things they cannot help and giving a free pass to others who fail to take responsibility for their actions.
Overall, a fun story about friendship with a pulse-pounding climax and an element that resonates in every story – self-sacrifice.
Moonchild Rising by Mina AmbroseMoonchild Rising is a different kind of vampire story. No shimmery vampires that cause a girl to swoon and lose her head. This novel asks the penetrating question: Can a vampire’s soul be saved? And if so, what are the consequences?
With beautiful imagery, Mina Ambrose pairs a redeemed vampire and a skilled huntress battling both the undead and the desires of their hearts – in a thoughtful, sacrificial way, and that’s what makes the difference here.
There’s a bit of insta-love, which isn’t my favorite thing, but actually has a basis in the story, making it more palatable to me.
There’s also some beautiful imagery used, the kind you want to pause for a second or two and re-read.
I look forward to reading more in the series!
Honor at Stake by Declan FinnHonor at Stake is my first foray into vampire fiction. I’ve seem Nosferatu and I read Twilight (Book 1), but I don’t think that counts, at least as far as Declan Finn is concerned. The novel is filled with nods to other vampire tales, and clearly not all are equal.
Genius-with-a-secret Marco Catalano and beautiful Amanda Colt spend the better part of the novel fighting evil vampires and their mutual attraction – sometimes at the same time.
With the aid of Vatican ninjas, street gang wannabes, and a federal operator, they suppress a nest of vampires decimating the dregs of New York City by using holy water and rosaries in, uh, creative ways.
Declan Finn includes a fair number of one-offs that will leave you smiling, but lest you think it’s all fun and games, there’s a healthy dose of theology mixed in as well, including interesting vampire theory regarding resurrected bodies and transubstantiation.
Unresolved sexual tension runs high when Marco and Amanda aren’t busy slaying vampires, setting the scene for an eventual declaration of love and turning more vampires to dust.
As expected, there’s a fair amount of violence but not gore. Only the most sensitive souls will flinch at the mild language and sexuality.
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