Step into the thrilling world of The Vampire Journals, where 18-year-old Caitlin Paine discovers a hidden vampire underworld pulsing beneath New York City! Written by Morgan Rice, this 11-book young adult paranormal romance series blends heart-pounding adventure, forbidden love, and supernatural mystery. Perfect for fans of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, it’s a saga that keeps you hooked with its fast-paced plot and emotional depth.
From the moment Caitlin transforms into something more than human, she’s thrust into a war between vampire covens, navigating her newfound powers and a tangled love triangle. With its mix of time travel, historical intrigue, and epic quests, The Vampire Journals offers a fresh spin on the vampire genre that’s hard to put down.
How The Vampire Journals Began
Morgan Rice, a #1 bestselling author known for her epic fantasy series like The Sorcerer’s Ring, launched The Vampire Journals in 2011 with Turned. Inspired by the likes of Anne Rice and Stephenie Meyer, Rice crafted a story that balances teen angst with supernatural stakes. Her goal? To create a vampire tale that feels both classic and unique, weaving in historical settings and a quest for a legendary artifact. The series grew to 11 books (plus a companion novella), captivating readers with its blend of romance and action.
The Heart of The Vampire Journals
The series kicks off with Turned, where Caitlin, uprooted to a gritty New York City high school, discovers her superhuman strength and blood cravings. Rescued by the mysterious vampire Caleb, she’s drawn into a quest to find a lost artifact and uncover her true origins. Loved, the second book, deepens the romance as Caitlin and Caleb hunt for a mythical sword to stop a vampire-human war, tracing her ancestry through time. Betrayed sees Caitlin awakening as a full vampire, grappling with betrayal and new powers on a hidden island coven. Destined takes her to medieval Italy, blending historical settings with her ongoing search for identity.
The Vampire Journals shines with themes of self-discovery, forbidden love, and destiny. Caitlin’s journey from ordinary teen to powerful vampire mirrors the struggles of finding one’s place in the world. The series’ fast-paced style, vivid urban and historical settings, and emotional love triangle between Caitlin, Caleb, and human classmate Jonah keep readers invested. Its mix of paranormal thrills and romantic tension makes it a standout in young adult fiction.
Why The Vampire Journals Resonates
Despite mixed reviews noting editing issues, The Vampire Journals has garnered a dedicated fanbase, with over 900 five-star reviews for its gripping storytelling. Its appeal lies in its accessibility—Turned is a free download—and its ability to transport readers to a world of danger and romance. The series’ influence on young adult paranormal fiction lies in its bold mix of time travel and vampire lore, inspiring readers to explore similar genre-blending stories. For fans, Caitlin’s resilience and the series’ cliffhangers make it unforgettable.
- First published: 2011 (Turned)
- Number of books: 11, plus an alternate ending novella
- Author: Morgan Rice
- Genres: Young adult, paranormal romance, fantasy
Grab Turned and dive into The Vampire Journals’s spellbinding world of vampires, love, and adventure!