10 Authors like Stephenie Meyer: Veterans and New Stars of the Vampire and Young Adult Genres

Find amazing authors like Stephenie Meyeron our list and be swept off your feet by their tales of dangerous romance and Young Adult adventures.

Once revitalized and altered by Twilight, the vampire and dark romance genres benefited from numerous talented authors like Stephenie Meyer, who enriched and expanded this exciting fiction segment.

Table of Contents

Must-Read Authors like Stephenie Meyer

1. Richelle Mead, 1976 -

Richelle Mead, author of the #1 bestselling Vampire Academy,Bloodline*, andGlittering Courtseries, is a name familiar to connoisseurs of vampire and fantasy books. Captivated from a young age by mythology, she studied folklore and religion and worked as a teacher before becoming a full-time writer. 

Recipient of numerous awards for Romantic Fantasy, Paranormal and Young Adult Fantasy, and Futuristic Romance, Richelle Mead’s books are just what fans of the Twilightsaga are looking for - a blend of romance, mystery, fantasy, and fangs. Never boring or repetitive, their contemporary setting, teen-relevant issues, well-structured narrative, and tantalizing romance scenes will keep you hooked and soon enough you will discover you own the entireGlittering CourtorVampire Academyseries.

“This was the kind of dress that changed the world. The kind of dress that started religions.”

Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy

2. Kiera Cass, 1981 -

Kiera Cass grew up in South Carolina but resides in LA

Kiera Cass, the name behind the five-book bestseller series The Selection, is another amazing author of whom Stephenie Meyer fans should be aware.

A Radford University graduate with a B.S. in History, Cass combines compelling romance with themes such as inequality, all wrapped in unforgettable adventures. The way she describes love stories, built between credible characters, is especially compelling.

New books bearing Kiera Cass’ name are usually met with immense excitement online - and for good reason. Her novel The Selection, which came out in 2013 and started the eponymous series, combinesHunger Gameswith “The Bachelor,” making for an explosive story and a treat for fans. Other works, such asA Thousand Heartbeats**,The Betrothed, and*The Siren**, are equally worth setting your eyes upon.

“I like making my readers cry. Such fun.”

Kiera Cass

3. L.J. Smith, 1965 -

Lisa Jane Smith, known as L.J. Smith, writes YA stories populated by dark creatures locked in forbidden love. A California native, she began writing in elementary school and received a BA in Experimental Psychology. A former teacher, she first published her first book in 1987 and quickly established herself in the literary world. 

Known for the thirteen-book The Vampire Diariesseries, L.J. Smith is a veteran of the vampire genre. Redemption, love, the struggle between light and dark, and the existence of a secret world of supernatural beings define L. J.’s books in a way that will be familiar to Stephenie Meyer fans. Her books should also be on the TBR lists of all fans of the belovedThe Vampire Diaries*show based on her novels.

“Evil will never find peace. It may triumph, but it will never find peace.”

L.J. Smith, The Awakening

4. Lauren Kate, 1981 -

Her books were translated into more than 30 languages

New York Timesand internationally bestselling author Lauren Kate is another worthy addition to the list of authors like Stephenie Meyer. Author of the beloved Young Adult series Fallen andTeardrop**, the former routinely compared toTwilight**, she represents the dark romantic genre of fiction, with a tinge of Southern gothic added to it.

The way that Kate uses the supernatural sets her apart. Typical teenagers are not what they seem, and no out-right evil-doer can be immediately spotted, leaving room for mystery to gather chapter after chapter. Introspective and morally grey, her characters feel alive, thinking and feeling, unchained to a path that was already set before them. 

A series by Lauren Kate must be read fully once the first book is picked up, as her stories tend to pick up the pace and tie loose ends as they progress, rewarding faithful readers with love stories and delectable mysteries.

“The only way to survive eternity is to be able to appreciate each moment.”

Lauren Kate, Fallen

5. Cassandra Clare, 1973 -

Cassandra Clare sometimes bases minor characters on friends of hers

Born in Teheran, Iran, to American parents, Cassandra Clare traveled the globe when she was a child, so she always found joy in books. After a stint as a reporter, she turned to writing fiction full-time in 2006.

Clare’s longrunning Shadowhunter Chronicles, together with her Mortal Instruments andMagisteriumseries, not to mention the more recent adult high fantasy Sword Catcher series, offer eager readers plenty to start with. Mortal Instruments, in particular, may be most appealing toTwilightfans due to a character by the name of Jace.

Tension-filled, with lip-bitting romances and unexpected turns, Clare’s books are hard to let go of. Some funny, some cold, her characters immediately convince you to love or hate them - only to watch them evolve as you turn the pages. 

“Sarcasm is the last refuge of the imaginatively bankrupt.”

Cassandra Clare, City of Bones

6. P.C. Cast, 1960 -

A former teacher with 15 years of experience, PC Cast is one of the talented writers who continued and enriched the vampire genre in the aftermath of the Twilightsaga. 

PC’s immense House of Night series, which has sold over seven million copies in North America, is written with her daughter Kristin Cast. The series revolves around 16-year-old protagonist Zoey Redbird as she navigates high school life alongside vampyres - in Cast’s spelling - and humans. 

Cast’s House of Nightbooks keep readers on their toes with multiple, well-paced plot twists and natural character development, adding more wonder to the dark romance and Young Adult literature. Not to be missed, herGoddessbooks feature strong female leads, an element that is hard to find at times in fantasy.

“I seek strength, not to be greater than others, but to fight my greatest enemy, the doubts within myself.”

P.C. Cast, Marked

7. Victoria Aveyard, 1990 -

Aveyard’s Red Queenseries was based on the idea of a teenage girl in an arena who is about to be executed

Screenwriter and author Victoria Aveyard has a degree in Writing for Film & Television from the University of Southern California. Her Red Queen series is a #1New York TimesandUSA Todaybestseller, and her ongoingRealm Breakerseries also made the bestseller list.

While Victoria Aveyard is not part of the vampire genre and her inspiration stems more from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Firethan*Twilight**, she is another Young Adult author whose stories might kindle a fire within Stephenie Meyer fans. 

Her books offer non-stop action and wonderful dialogue, not to mention feisty, flawed, and relatable protagonists with a gray morality. The young author also tends to expand the universe where the action takes place gradually, adding more layers, plotlines, and characters to already fascinating tales. 

“The gods rule us still. They have come down from the stars. And they are no longer kind.”

Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen

8. Renée Ahdieh, 1983 -

Renée Ahdieh is known for the best-selling series The Wrath and the Dawn

Strong female leads are also what Renée Ahdieh’s novels are about. Her The Beautiful Quarter books feature vampires that hide in New Orleans’ underworld. A convincing teenage girl takes center stage, just like in theTwilightSaga, getting lost in a dark world of murder and mystery.

Rich in detail and full of teasing cliffhangers, Ahdieh’s books are definitely slow-burners, but they also build up the suspense in the most subtle ways. While vampires are not central to her stories, you will find yourself not caring and getting lost in them, and you will eventually find the vampires too!

“Trust in this important lesson I learned long ago: Rage is a moment. Regret is forever.”

Renée Ahdieh, The Beautiful

9. Veronica Roth, 1988 -

Roth said she took about 50 days to write Divergent

Author of the extremely popular science-fiction Divergent series, Veronica Roth makes an essential addition to our list and female writers in fantasy. Born in New York, the author spent much of her early life in Hong Kong and Germany before returning to the US. A passionate reader since childhood, she completed theDivergentmanuscript while getting her degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Northwestern University.

A bit more violent than your average YA work, Roth’s books appeal because they portray the struggle to fit in and to discover yourself. Romance also plays a prominent part in the main character’s development arc.

Accessible, fast-paced, and engaging, theDivergentseries may be just what Stephenie Meyer fans want because of its relatable, young female protagonist. The trilogy has also been adapted into a successful blockbuster movie series.

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”

Veronica Roth, Divergent

10. Ally Condie, 1978 -

Born and raised in southern Utah, Ally Condie spent her childhood surrounded by poetry and paintings, thanks to her mother, an artist. She received a degree in English teaching and later published the Matched series, which got her onThe New York Timesbestselling charts.

Condie found it natural to write for young adults after her experience as a teacher. In Matched, she tackles free agency, choice, and accountability themes. The series features a futuristic love triangle with a teenage girl at its center, all set in a dystopian world where your partner is chosen for you. The LA Times noted that the book benefits from “strong feminist ideals and impressive writing.”

“Every minute you spend with someone gives them a part of your life and takes part of theirs.”

Ally Condie, Matched

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines dark romance books?

Dark romance books are characterized by complex, often morally ambiguous characters, intense emotional conflicts, and themes that explore the darker aspects of love and relationships. These stories typically feature anti-heroes, power dynamics, and situations that challenge traditional romance tropes while maintaining emotional intensity.

Are dark romance books suitable for all readers?

Dark romance books are not suitable for all readers. They often contain mature themes, explicit content, and complex psychological elements. These books are best suited for adult readers who enjoy emotionally intense stories and are comfortable with morally complex characters and situations.

What are the most popular dark romance books?

Popular dark romance books include ‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer, ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne du Maurier, ‘Interview with a Vampire’ by Anne Rice, and ‘Tears of Tess’ by Pepper Winters. These books have gained widespread recognition for their compelling narratives and complex character relationships.

How do dark romance books differ from traditional romance?

Dark romance books differ from traditional romance by featuring morally complex characters, exploring power dynamics, and often including elements of danger, obsession, or psychological manipulation. While traditional romance focuses on idealized love stories, dark romance explores the more complex and sometimes problematic aspects of relationships.

What books are similar to Twilight?

Several other books might capture the interest of Twilight readers. These selections blend of romance, fantasy, and intrigue.

A standout in the horror romance genre is “Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead. This series offers a refreshing take on vampire lore, set in a boarding school for vampires. It balances elements of romance, action, and mystery, making it a compelling read for fans of “Twilight.”

The protagonist, Rose Hathaway, is a strong and relatable character who navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and the responsibilities of her unique position within the vampire world.

 The series delves deeper into its own rich mythology and offers a more action-oriented narrative compared to “Twilight.” Still, it retains a focus on the emotional and romantic conflicts that will resonate with Meyer’s fans.

We also like “Hush, Hush” by Becca Fitzpatrick. This novel explores the tumultuous relationship between a human girl and a fallen angel, mirroring the forbidden love theme central to “Twilight.” Fitzpatrick creates a dark, enigmatic atmosphere that beautifully sets the stage for the romance and mystery that unfold. 

While “Hush, Hush” leans more towards the angel mythology rather than vampires, it shares the same intense, star-crossed romance that “Twilight” fans adore, complete with a charismatic, mysterious love interest and a plot that interweaves romance with supernatural elements.