The Awakening (Vampire Diaries)

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Summary: A Timeless Book
Review: Before Buffy and Angel lite up the tv screens spinning off book series there was L.J. Smith's series 'Vampire Diaries". This was one of the first vampire books I ever read back when I was about 12. Ten years later, and heavy dog eared copy of "The Awakening" volumn #1 of the "Vampire Diaries" the story and plot is still fresh as ever, keeping me coming back again and again. If you love the paranormal, a bit of romance, adventure, two good looking vampires, and of course the age old struggle of school politics then you'll love this book. Stefan, the sweet vampire, with his brother Damon, the 'bad boy' vampire, keep the thrills coming as Elena works through the story finding unknown twists and turns.

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Summary: An entertaining, well-written, memorable series
Review: I first discovered the books of L.J. Smith in 8th grade, and now as I head off to college, I know I will continue to buy her new ones and reread her old ones, esp. this series. This first book, while not as riveting as the rest in the series, does an excellent job of introducing the main triangle between Elena and feuding vampire brothers Stefan and Damon. There are also engaging supporting characters, such as Elena's best friends Meredith and Bonnie, and an engrossing mystery they all find themselves involved in. As an avid reader, I admit that there are times when the dialogue becomes trite and cliched, but the almost poetic beauty of Smith's writing in most passages cancels out those flaws. These are books both teens and adults can enjoy, and I urge those who like this series to read Smith's other series, esp. The Forbidden Game, Dark Visions, Night World, and The Secret Circle. While I admit more action-minded readers might be bored, I think everyone will find at least one L.J. Smith book they enjoy.

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Summary: L.J. Smith Once Again Captured Me!
Review: OMG! I can't praise L.J Smith enough! I picked the Vampire Diaries when I was in 7th grade...which lead me to The Secret Circle Series and The Night of the Solstice and The Heart of Valor. Anyways, I'm am now entering my senior year in high school, and I found the books and re read them...I finished every book that i own by LJ Simth and was totally enthralled by them...i still cryed at the ending of the 3rd volume of the Vampire Diaries and I rejoyced w/ Bonnie at the end of the 4th volume...I fell in love with Stefan and Damon and Matt all over again..The Vampire Diaries and every other book LJ Smith has ever written are MUSTS in everyones home library...regardless of age...I can't seem to get enough of those books now...readers of any age can relate to the characters...like i said, they are MUSTS and you would be depriving yourself of great writing by not reading them...