REVIEW: “The Awakening” by L.J. Smith
The Vampire Diaires, book 1
Elena Gilbert gets everything she wants. She’s ‘queen’ of her high school, and she has her posse. That is, until the new guy shows up at school.
Stefan Salvatore is different than the other boys. For one, he doesn’t even look at Elena! This just makes her that much more determined to have him.
But, little does Elena know what she’s in for. This is the story of how Elena meets Stefan, and how she starts to see that not all is as it seems in her town.
I absolutely LOVED this book, and am so glad that I gave it a try! And, since I was enjoying book 1 so much, I bought book 2 from the bookstore, yesterday, so I can jump right into it!
I have to say, though, that near the beginning of the book, I was a little disappointed in the quality of writing. It seemed a little too … I don’t know. But, luckily, as the story went on, I was able to overlook that and really just enjoy the story. I couldn’t help but see similarities to another book in this genre, mind you (and I’m sure ya’ll will know which I’m referring to). 
But, that’s okay, ’cause I enjoyed that one, too.
Rated: A-
Thanks for the review! I am completely in-love with the TV series, and have been hesitant to read the books, given their age and the differences that I’m sure exist between the books and the TV series. Glad you are enjoying them!
I haven’t yet seen the TV show, so I can’t tell you whether the books are better/worse. I hear the show is gruesome… but I didn’t find book 1 to be that way at all.
The only thing that’s bugging me is that the book says Elena’s hair is blonde… and yet she’s brunette on the book’s cover.
I never thought about the girl from the show looking NOTHING like Elena from the books, and that now they put her on the cover! People must be rightfully confused!
The show is really different, but it’s still network tv, it’s not like TrueBlood or anything. You should finish the books first (the first 4, the next 3 are really different), then check out the show!
My husband gave me this series for Christmas but I haven’t been able to read them yet as my grandma, then my mom grabbed them right out of my hands! Soon enough.
LOL. Well, hopefully you’ll get them back soon!
Glad you enjoyed it!!!–And I know the similarities you’re talking about—One of the things that I liked about Twilight was that it reminded me of the YA books I used to read in high school–L.J. Smith has at least a ten-year head start on Stephanie Meyer, but I’m glad that because of Twilight’s popularity, people are rediscovering L.J. Smith.
–I like the Vampire Diaries, but Secret Circle (about witches) has always been my favorite of Smith’s.
–Also, if you like Smith, you should try Cate Tiernan’s SWEEP series and (newly released) Immortal Beloved.
I have to say thanks for your review because lately I have been reading reviews talking about how slow the begining was but your review totally gave me hope. Lol I know that sounds weird but I might read my copy soon!!
Wonderful review! I’ve heard such mixed opinions on this series so I’ve been a bit reluctant to pick it off my shelves. If it reminds me of another series I just have to remind myself that Smith wrote her series first
Perhaps Meyer found some inspiration in Smith’s work?
The similarities between this book and “Twilight” are glaring. I find it hard to believe SM never read a vampire book before…
I’m obsessed with the TV show. The worst thing in it is violence but that makes it like a horror/drama that is absolutely SPLENDIFOROUS! (Yes, I am dork enough that I use that word on a daily basis) In fact, I just bought season 1 of VD and I’m loving it! I explored the Smith-Meyer thing in one of my posts “Debut Debates: Twilight”
http://www.wordslikesilver.wordpress.com
The only thing that bugged me about this book was that Elena isn’t as sad about her parents and she’s kind of immature what with her always getting what she wants. I felt bad for Matt. I <3 VD though.