Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening (Book One) (2009) by L.J. Smith

Plot Summary:  Elena Gilbert is a beautiful and popular high school student.  She has many friends, and even more admirers.  When she meets a new guy at school, Stefan, she feels an attraction to him that is like no other that she has felt before.  Elena gets to know Stefan, but it's not long before he reveals himself to her as a vampire.  Elena reacts with shock and stays away from Stefan, but not for long.  He wants to live a normal life (aside from being a vampire) and Elena knows that Stefan would never hurt her. 

Just when she thinks that they have settled into a relationship, his brother Damon appears.  Damon is also a vampire, but is completely the opposite of Stefan-he seems to have no regard for human life and has no problem with feeding off of people that he has compelled.  Elena is disgusted and frightened by Damon, but knows that Stefan will make sure that everything is alright.  Damon's arrival and behavior triggers many negative responses from the community, and problems arise.  Can Elena stay with Stefan despite the interference of his soulless brother?  Or is it just too dangerous and is she risking her life?  This series explores the complicated world of the supernatural.

Subjects/Themes:  vampires, brothers, teenagers

Genre:  Fantasy

Age Group:  Ages 12 and up

High Interest Annotation:  Definitely a good series for the lovers of vampire fiction.  The books are much better and less mature than the current tv series.  The books explore more of the supernatural aspect of vampirism and witchcraft, and less of day to day life as high school students like the show does. 

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