Step into the seductive shadows of the Children of the Night series, where vampires and mortals tangle in passionate, perilous love stories that will leave you breathless! Penned by Amanda Ashley, this paranormal romance saga spans eight novels, published between 2005 and 2021, blending sensual storytelling with supernatural intrigue. If you crave heart-pounding romance with a bite, this series is your next obsession.
Known for its lush, immersive world, Children of the Night captures the eternal struggle between desire and danger. Each book introduces fresh characters—vampires grappling with their dark gifts and mortals drawn to their irresistible allure—making it a standout in vampire romance.
How Children of the Night Began
Amanda Ashley, a California native with a lifelong fascination for vampires, crafted the Children of the Night series to explore their sensual, mysterious allure without the gore of horror films she avoids. Her first novel, Night’s Kiss, published in 2005 by Zebra Books, set the stage for a world where vampires hunt for love as much as blood. Ashley’s knack for weaving passion and mystery, honed over decades of writing, made the series a hit among paranormal romance fans.
Inspired by her love for Star Wars and Beauty and the Beast, Ashley infused her vampires with brooding charm and emotional depth. Her dedication to crafting believable, heartfelt romances earned her the 2015 RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award in Paranormal Romance, cementing her legacy.
The Heart of Children of the Night
The series kicks off with Night’s Kiss, where vampire Roshan DeLongpre time-travels to save witch Brenna Flanagan from a fiery fate, sparking a romance that defies centuries. Night’s Promise follows Sheree West, a vampire-obsessed heiress, and Derek, a born vampire torn between his heritage and love. Night’s Surrender introduces Abbey Marie Cordova, a human among vampires, whose encounter with ancient vampire Niccola Desanto ignites a dangerous passion. Night’s Illusion, the final book, centers on Giovanni Lanzoni, a vampire priest seeking his soulmate, guided by the enigmatic Queen of the Vampires, Mara.
Themes of forbidden love, redemption, and the clash between humanity and immortality weave through each novel. Set in a modern world with gothic undertones—think L.A. goth clubs and ancient vampire lairs—the series balances steamy romance with suspenseful threats, like vampire hunters and ancient enemies. Ashley’s vivid prose and focus on emotional connections create a world that feels both fantastical and deeply human.
What sets the series apart is its exploration of vampire family dynamics and the concept of ‘born’ vampires, adding fresh twists to the genre. Fans praise the chemistry between couples, with reviewers calling Ashley a ‘master storyteller’ for her ability to balance sensuality and heartbreak.
Why Children of the Night Resonates
Children of the Night has carved a niche in paranormal romance, offering a mature, emotionally rich alternative to teen-focused vampire tales like Twilight. Its blend of eroticism and existential angst appeals to readers craving depth in their supernatural love stories. The series’ enduring popularity, with books still available on Kindle and audio, speaks to its ability to captivate new generations.
Ashley’s focus on diverse characters—from time-traveling vampires to human descendants of Van Helsing—adds layers of intrigue, ensuring each novel feels fresh yet connected. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ addictive pacing and unforgettable romances, making it a beloved staple in the genre.
- Publication Years: 2005–2021
- Number of Books: 8
- Genre: Paranormal Romance
- Award: 2015 RT Book Reviews Career Achievement in Paranormal Romance
Grab Night’s Kiss and sink your teeth into the Children of the Night’s intoxicating world of vampire romance!