V.E. Schwab Releases Queer Vampire Novel 'Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil'

Vampire fiction is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by popular TV adaptations and cross-genre novels, with V.E. Schwab's latest novel, "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil," marking a significant contribution to the genre. Schwab's book, set across three timelines from 16th-century Spain to modern Boston, centers on three queer women who become vampires and explores themes of hunger, rage, and the desire for autonomy, contrasting with her earlier work "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue," which focused on immortality and hope. Schwab intentionally portrays messy, complex queer characters who defy traditional, sanitized depictions, highlighting the need for nuanced representation in media. Meanwhile, Christopher Priest aims to revitalize the character Vampirella by emphasizing her deep humanity beyond her provocative image, likening his approach to J.J. Abrams's reboot of Star Trek and inviting new readers to engage with the character's long history without preconceived notions. Both Schwab and Priest are contributing to evolving vampire narratives that focus on character depth and diverse experiences, reflecting broader shifts in how vampires are portrayed in contemporary literature and media.