Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Awakening

Book 1 in the series:The Vampire Diaries

Save:
Find on Amazon

'The Awakening' in the series 'The Vampire Diaries' by author L.J. Smith is a vampire saga with a typical love triangle element set in a high school atmosphere. The plot revolves around the protagonist, Elena, who is described as self-centered, obsessive, and annoying by some readers. The book introduces a mysterious vampire named Stefan and his brother Damon, both of whom are romantically involved with Elena. The story unfolds with Elena's pursuit of Stefan and the challenges they face due to their supernatural identities.

The writing style of 'The Awakening' is described as engaging for young adult readers, with believable characters and an addictive plot that keeps readers turning the pages. Despite some criticisms of stock characters and a flat plot, the book is commended for setting a good tone for the series and offering a different take on the vampire genre compared to other popular works like 'Twilight.'

Characters:

The characters, particularly Elena, are often viewed as shallow and unlikable, with some variation in depth seen in Stefan and Damon.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible and dramatic, appealing to a young adult audience, with a mix of suspenseful and romantic elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Elena, a high school queen, who becomes fixated on Stefan, a new student hiding his vampire identity, amidst strange happenings in their town.

Setting:

The story is set in a small town, primarily around high school but enriched with spooky locations like graveyards.

Pacing:

Pacing is inconsistent, with slow moments that lead to an unresolved ending that can leave readers frustrated.
But here I am at 5:30 in the morning, awake and scared. I keep telling myself it's just that I'm all messed up from the time difference between France and here. But that doesn't explain why I feel so ...

Notes:

The Vampire Diaries was published in 1991, predating Twilight.
Elena Gilbert is portrayed as a selfish and self-absorbed teen queen.
The book features an intense love triangle involving two vampire brothers: Stefan and Damon.
Many reviewers found the characters to be shallow and unlikable, particularly Elena.
The story includes themes of obsession and manipulation in personal relationships.
There are significant differences between the book and the TV show adaptations.
The series has been accused of instilling unrealistic views on love, particularly through 'insta-love.'
Elena's character undergoes a superficial transformation, sparking debate among fans.
Damon, the more devilish brother, is a fan-favorite compared to Elena and Stefan's relationship.
The books were once thought to be very influential on the vampire genre, much like Vampire Academy and Twilight.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The novel includes themes of loss, obsession, and supernatural violence.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a strong element of romance throughout the book.

From The Publisher:

The New York Times bestselling series!

The first book in L.J. Smith's New York Times bestselling Vampire Diaries series, the basis of the hit CW TV show starring Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder.

Elena Gilbert is a high school golden girl, used to getting what she wants. And who she wants. But when the boy she's set her sights on-the handsome and haunted Stefan-isn't interested, she's confused. She could never know the real reason Stefan is struggling to resist her:

Stefan is a vampire, and Elena's in danger just by being around him. What's more, Stefan's dark, dangerous vampire brother Damon has just arrived in town. And wherever Damon goes, trouble always follows.

Fans of The Vampire Diaries TV show will find this book packed with the same kind of heart-stopping suspense, fierce romances, and jaw-dropping surprises that they know and love, all brought to life by New York Times bestselling author L.J. Smith.

Ratings (45)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (10)
Liked It (14)
It Was OK (10)
Did Not Like (6)
Hated It (3)

Reader Stats (97):

Read It (48)
Want To Read (19)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (29)

3 comment(s)

Did Not Like
1 month

I had bought this bind up years ago but never ending up reading it. The tv series wasn't my type of show but was still vaugly interested in giving the first two books ago. But meh. This was a case of when I liked the adaption more than the books. Not my cup of tea but probably should have known that going in.

 
It Was OK
4 months

I loved, loved, loved L.J. Smith as a preteen. So when I saw ads for The Vampire Diaries on TV, of course I picked the books up again.

This was a DNF not because it was too terrible to finish, but because the reader I was at 13? Is a completely different person from the reader I am now. I understand what she liked about these books, but I'm no longer in a place where I can enjoy them. I'd rather not spoil the memory of how much I loved them by discovering how bad my taste was.

I'm not sure if that means the book didn't age well, or if I haven't aged well. Either way, this is why some books get Newbery Awards, others get adaptations on the CW, and those categories rarely overlap.

 
Liked It
2 years

If you like vampires and drama this book is for you. Easy and enjoyable. A little action and smidge of mystery. Sexy vampires.

 
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.