More tales for fans of "House of Night"

Awakened, the eighth novel in the paranormally popular House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast, publishes this month. Fans of these vampire books can't get enough of their fast pace, thrilling, twist-filled plots, suspense, and steaming-hot romance -- and they also love Zoey Redbird, the stories' strong-willed heroine. Looking for something similar while you wait to sink your teeth into Awakened? Check out the books listed below, and look for copies using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes here on BookBag ... if you dare.

Evernight, by Claudia Gray (HarperTeen) Paranormal Romance. When Bianca's parents accept teaching positions at creepy Evernight Academy, an elite boarding school, they enroll Bianca as a student there. She doesn't fit in at all with the wealthy and beautiful students at Evernight, and she considers escape...but then she meets handsome rebel Lucas, and they immediately connect. Bianca soon realizes that she'd risk anything to be with Lucas, even revealing the dark secret she's been keeping from him; little does she know that Lucas has a secret of his own. Put on your seat belt, readers: the twists and turns in this 1st book in the Evernight series of steamy vampire novels will have you on the edge of your seat.

Hearts at Stake, by Alyxandra Harvey (Walker) Paranormal Romance. Solange Drake is the only female born to vampire parents in 900 years. As her 16th birthday--when she'll "turn" from mortal to vampire--approaches, suitors emerge...as do those who are threatened by the ancient prophecy that says Solange will be queen. Solange just wants to be a normal teenage girl, not some kind of "vampire broodmare," and hang out with her smart-mouthed, vampire-obsessed best friend, Lucy (who's human). But long-simmering animosities are coming to a boil, and Solange is at risk...as is, it turns out, her heart. This fast-paced, intriguing, and suspenseful vampire romance is the first volume of the Drake Chronicles.

Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead (Razorbill) Paranormal Romance. Lissa and Rose are best friends who share a special bond; Lissa is a Moroi vampire princess (and mortal), and Rose is her Dhampir bodyguard. The two of them have been on the run for a couple of years when they are found and forced to return to St. Vladimir's Academy, a boarding school for vampires. It's a very dangerous place for Lissa, who is grappling with a rare and volatile power and is being stalked by the evil and deadly Strigoi vampires. With forbidden romance, dark secrets, and a social scene that's nearly as vicious as the Strigoi, this sexy, intense first volume in the Vampire Academy series is a real page-turner.

Peeps: A Novel, by Scott Westerfeld (Razorbill) Horror/Science Fiction. What if you have a parasite that causes an extreme form of cannibalistic vampirism and, ultimately, madness? That's just what's happening in New York City, where 19-year-old Cal Thompson works for the secret organization Night Watch, hunting down those who are parasite-positive, or "peeps." While hunting for his ex-lover (who's now a peep), Cal meets Lace, a dedicated young journalism student who makes him curse his vow of celibacy...and seriously question his employers. If you like the suspense, thrills, and fast pace of the House of Night series, give Peeps and its sequel, The Last Days, a try.