Step into the spellbinding world of My Blood Approves, where love bites and vampires roam in the heart of modern America! Amanda Hocking’s beloved paranormal romance series follows Alice Bonham, a teenager whose life flips upside down after meeting the enigmatic vampire Jack. Packed with heart-pounding romance, family drama, and supernatural twists, this saga has hooked young adult readers since its 2010 debut.
With its blend of relatable characters and otherworldly allure, My Blood Approves offers a fresh take on vampire lore, steering clear of sparkly clichés while delivering all the swoon-worthy moments fans crave. Let’s dive into the series’ origins, stories, and why it still captivates readers today!
How My Blood Approves Began
Amanda Hocking, a Minnesota native with a passion for pop culture and the paranormal, penned My Blood Approves while working as a group home worker. In 2010, at just 25, she self-published the first book as an e-book, tapping into the Kindle revolution. Her knack for storytelling and relentless drive led to a million copies sold by 2011, earning her a $2 million deal with St. Martin’s Press. Hocking’s love for vampire tales, inspired by classics but grounded in relatable emotions, shaped a series that feels both familiar and fiercely unique.
The Heart of My Blood Approves
The series kicks off with My Blood Approves, where 17-year-old Alice meets Jack, a charming vampire with a penchant for pink Chuck Taylors. Their connection sparks a whirlwind of attraction, but Jack’s brooding brother, Peter, complicates things with a soulmate-like bond that leaves Alice torn. Fate, the second book, deepens the drama as Alice grapples with her human life and the pull of immortality. Flutter sees Alice embrace her new vampire identity, facing rogue threats in Finland, while Wisdom delivers action-packed stakes as she hunts a killer in Minneapolis.
At its core, My Blood Approves weaves themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. Hocking’s vampires aren’t just bloodsuckers; they form tight-knit families, wrestling with jealousy, sacrifice, and the cost of eternity. Set in urban America and later Australia, the series blends gritty realism with supernatural flair, making Alice’s journey feel raw and relatable. Readers praise Hocking’s witty dialogue and emotional depth, though some note early books show her novice roots with minor plot holes.
The series’ style leans into young adult paranormal romance, with mild language and romance suited for readers in grade 9 and up. It’s less about gore and more about relationships—think love triangles with fangs and heart. Fans compare it to Twilight for its vampire-family vibe but applaud its darker, less polished edge.
Why My Blood Approves Resonates
My Blood Approves struck a chord in the early 2010s, riding the paranormal romance wave while showcasing Hocking’s self-publishing savvy. Its affordability—originally 99 cents on Kindle—made it accessible, drawing a devoted fanbase. Alice’s growth from a passive teen to a kickass vampire heroine mirrors the empowerment many young readers seek, while the series’ focus on found family resonates across generations.
Though not a cultural juggernaut like some YA giants, the saga’s legacy lies in its role as a self-publishing success story and its loyal niche following. Hocking’s ability to craft addictive narratives paved the way for her later works, like the Trylle Trilogy, cementing her as a YA paranormal powerhouse.
- Publication Years: 2010–2016
- Number of Books: 5 main books, plus a prequel novella
- Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy
Grab My Blood Approves and sink your teeth into a world of vampires, romance, and heart-stopping choices!