The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries, Vol. 1) [Paperback]

L. J. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 25, 2009 | Series: The Vampire Diaries (Book 1)

A deadly love triangle

Elena: beautiful and popular, the girl who can have any guy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, desperately trying to resist his desire for Elena . . . for her own good.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him.

Elena finds herself drawn to both brothers . . . who will she choose?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

L. J. Smith has written a number of bestselling books and series for young adults, including The Vampire Diaries (now a hit TV show), The Secret Circle, The Forbidden Game, Night World, and the #1 New York Times bestselling Dark Visions. She is happiest sitting by a crackling fire in a cabin in Point Reyes, California, or walking the beaches that surround that area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen; Rev Mti edition (August 25, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061963860
• ISBN-13: 978-0061963865
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (311 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 74 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Smith's earlier books but just as good as Night World March 22, 2000

By Rebecca Herman HALL OF FAMEVINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

The Awakening is the first books in one of L. J. Smith's early series, The Vampire Diaries, and was first published back in the early 90s. This series is one of the better teen horror ones. Leaving at least some of the formulas behind, #1 The Awakening sets up the main characters and the center love triangle: vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore, whose fight over young vampire Katherine in Renassaince Italy led to their turning, and Elena Gilbert, the human high school girl that will renew their centuries-old feud. Highly reccomend for horror and vampire fans.

143 of 164 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Watch the show, skip the book September 26, 2009

By Holly K. Lee VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I became interested in the books once I saw the show on The CW. I think the show is great, the best new show I have seen in awhile. After reading the first book, I would say that the show is loosely based off of the books. The show writers have taken a lot of liberties, and I would say, improved upon the original.

Take Elena, the main character in both the book and the show. In the book, she is quite mean and self-involved, while in the show she is down to earth and unassuming. I far prefer the show version of Elena. Needless to say, the main character being a polar opposite in the show versus the book can tell you how different the two stories are.

When all was said and done with this book, I was unimpressed. I think that it was a rough version of what it could have been. This book needs work, the story is hardly fleshed out at all, making the emotions the characters feel quite unbelievable.

Watch the show, skip the book.

27 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An intoxicating saga! June 18, 2000

By JerryP

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Okay, I first want to mention that I am a huge vampire fan. So when I saw this book in one of the NY public libraries I just had to read it. I had already read LJS's "Dark Visions" trilogy and loved the story of Kait's visions and Gabriels's dark personality. Gabriel's character kind of reminds me of Damon's character in the "Vampire Diaries" series only Damon doesn't have someone "special" to put him in his place. It became so intense that when I was reading the "Vampire Diaries" Vol. 1 it felt as if the words were no longer words but instead pictures of what was happening - this occurs in all of LJS's books because they are written so superbly. I couldn't put it down. You might think this book sounds like just another story about another unrealistic immortal romance that's not worth your time but it is so worth it. Despite the flaws the characters may have you grow attached to them - to Bonnie's fearful psychic powers, to Meridith's mysterious, closed off personality, even to Elena's self-absored beauty. You grow as they grow. It's always cool when you piece together the clues before the characters do and then woder if you were accurate as the story progresses. I thought this was a trilogy until, at the back of the 3rd book, I found out that a 4th book existed. I couldn't find it anywhere! After three years of searching, I finally found it on Amazon.com ... I just had to get it. No matter the cost, I was left in that much suspense. You know what? It was so worth it! The 4th one was the BEST! I literally read it in a matter of about 3 hours, only putting it down to wipe tears away. It was that intense. I felt as if the things were really happening to me. To sum this all up I have to say that the whole series took me to a whole new world.... Damon is this gorgeous & powerful vampire whom Elena can't resist. Stefan is the type of vamp that keeps everything inside & fights his nature with the kind of sensitivity & beauty no girl can resist. I think LJS blends characters from one trilogy into another one to make a new identity. Like, Matt is similar to Adam, in the "Secret Circle" trilogy & Elena is similar to Jenny on the "Forbidden Game" trilogy. So my suggestion = don't just read this book, but buy it before it goes out of stock again. And I totally agree with the other reviewers who say that this should become a larger series. IT ROCKED! Read more ›

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Vampire Diaries; review for The Awakening only October 2, 2009

By Nelaine Sanchez VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Why didn't I read this series when I was 12? I'm 31 now and enjoyed it, but I think this would have been much more magical at 12.

Elena comes off on the pretentious and shallow side at first - the self-titled "queen of the school". But she slowly blossoms throughout the book and you eventually start to like her. Her obsession turns to devotion, and her conceited demeanor transforms into a single-minded determination to become someone worthy.

Stefan is handsome, brooding and your typical tortured vampire. He's haunted by his past love who he and his evil brother Damon dueled over, and centuries later he's still not over it all-until of course, he meets Elena.

Damon although evil - I found to be a very captivating character. Even in the first installment of this series, it is difficult to dislike him. He is the embodiment of sexuality and temptation that I can assume will only become more appetizing as the series enfolds.

My only gripe would be that I found Elena and Stefan's relationship to be slightly rushed and not very credible. One moment he's avoiding her like the plague - the next moment she's telling him she loves him. I just don't think that's a positive note for kids to read about when they're young and impressionable. I feel that the "love" word should have a bit more substance than that.

With that said, I can definitely see why this series is popular - especially with the tween crowd. There were foggy cemeteries, dead teachers, dark and stormy nights, girls being held in thrall, you know, all that great classic stuff. Ms. Smith's writing is succinct and to the point - but you can still enjoy all the details that are necessary to create the dark atmosphere surrounding Elena and Stefan.... I will forewarn, the ending is a cliffhanger, so there is no doubt that I will be picking up the next book in the series.

This is a story of love, betrayal, revenge, second chances... but also so much more. Although it is geared for a teen/young adult crowd - I think adult readers will find it a fun, enjoyable read. Read more ›