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The Vampire Diaries #2

by L.J. Smith, Ευηνέλλα Αλεξοπούλου

Η γοητευτική Έλενα, ο µελαγχολικός Στέφαν και ο αλαζονικός Ντέιµον συναντιούνται, ακολουθώντας διαφορετικούς δρόµους ο καθένας, σ’ ένα θανατερό τρίγωνο πάθους.

Η Έλενα, µετά τις συγκλονιστικές αποκαλύψεις στο πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς VAMPIRE DIARIES, θα διαπιστώσει πολύ γρήγορα ότι υπάρχει κάτι πιο επικίνδυνο από το να ερωτευτεί βρικόλακα. Πώς θα νιώσει και ποιο δρόµο θα πάρει όταν συνειδητοποιήσει ότι τα δύο αδέλφια –επίδοξοι εραστές της ίδιας γυναίκας πριν από αιώνες– θα συντηρήσουν τη θανάσιµη έχθρα τους διεκδικώντας και τη δική της καρδιά; Ο Στέφαν αγωνίζεται να συγκρατήσει το πάθος του, αλλά ο Ντέιµον είναι αδίστακτος...

Μια σειρά από σκοτεινά γεγονότα θα αναγκάσουν την Έλενα να θέσει σε κίνδυνο τη ζωή της για να σώσει τον αγαπηµένο της.

Το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς έρωτα και τρόµου VAMPIRE DIARIES θα σας αφήσει µε κοµµένη την ανάσα.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Fiction, Paranormal Romance

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Smith was born in Villa Park, Orange County, California. In interviews, she has said she realized she wanted to be a writer sometime between kindergarten and first grade, “when a teacher praised a horrible poem I’d written”, and began writing in earnest in elementary school. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1987, followed by teaching credentials in Elementary education and Special education from San Francisco State University.

She taught kindergarten and special education for several years before becoming a full-time writer. Her first book, The Night of the Solstice, was published by MacMillan in 1987, followed by, Heart of Valor in 1990, and the 4-volume Vampire Diaries series in 1991-2. Three trilogies followed: The Secret Circle (1992), The Forbidden Game (1994), and Dark Visions (1995). The first installment of her popular Night World series was published in 1996, followed by eight more over the next two years. In 1998, Smith began a decade-long hiatus from writing, returning in 2008 with a new Web site and a series of new short stories. The Vampire Diaries series was reissued in 2007, followed by re-printings of The Secret Circle trilogy and Night World series in 2008/2009. The Night of the Solstice and Heart of Valor was also reissued in 2008. Three new Vampire Diaries installments were published in 2009 and 2010.

Smith lived in the San Francisco Bay area “with one dog, three cats, and about ten thousand books.”

She passed away on March 8th, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Reviews

[Kevin (Irish Reader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I preferred this one just slightly more than the first book because this one had a lot more vampire content, which I enjoyed.

I’m also reading these for the first time, so that I can finally watch the show for the first time! I did a full spoiler filled reading vlog on this book on my YouTube Channel. If you’d like to check out my spoiler filled review you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/I6jb5RkyauQ

[Maria Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaya locura! Este segundo tomo no me ha durado ni 24 horas. Y, aunque la trama es completamente diferente a la de la serie, sus personajes siguen siendo carismáticos. A por el tercero!

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 5 out of 5]

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#1 The Awakening - ★★★★★
#2 The Struggle - ★★★★★



The Struggle is the continuation of the Vampire Diaries Series by L.J. Smith. The second book that features the life of popular girl Elena Gilbert and her endeavors with the mysterious vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore.

The Struggle continues where The Awakening ends; Elena is looking to talk to Damon, knowing that he has something to do with Stefan's disappearance.

I felt like there was more action in this book, compared to the first one. It made me more engrossed with the story and I was very excited for all the twists.

Elena was obviously the main character in this book, alongside Stefan and Damon. I am not sure how I felt about Elena in this book. She seemed to ignore everyone for a while and just be her selfish self - which resulted in getting people in trouble.

On the other hand, I really loved the history of Stefan and Damon. The memories from hundreds of years ago. The author manager to portray the time very well, and I was easily transported into another world, another time... I think these scenes were definitely the favourite part of this book.

I wish we saw more chapters with Bonnie and Meredith. Even though best friends, it didn't feel like they were too involved in the story. We didn't get to know them properly and it has already been two books. I really hope book three will let us meet these two characters better.

I am happy with the book in general.

The scenes, the plot, the twists - they were all very carefully put together. Elena's love choices are opening up, letting us wonder which brother she might choose. Making us choose sides (team Damon here!). This battle between the love and hate of the two brothers definitely seems interesting.

The ending was everything I was hoping for and now I can't wait for the next book. The Awakening and The Struggle were only an introduction and the real adventures are yet to begin!

I recommend it to all of you that love young-adult, teen romance and vampire stories. It will keep you on your toes for sure!

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[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book of the Vampire Diaries series picks up exactly where the first book ended. Stefan is missing, and Elena confronts Damon by her choosing. We see a lot more of Damon in this books and he gets close to classmates and family members, drawing ever closer to her. Bonnie's abilities get showcased more in this book as well. This story also focuses more on Elena's missing diary.
The pace of this book seemed a bit faster to me, which I liked. we also get to know the minor characters, Matt, Caroline, Meredith, etc better. The story was more from Elena's perspective this time, with less Stefan. It has a cliffhanger ending that has me determined to get my hands on the third book and find out what happened and will happen. This story was an easy read. I read over 75% in one evening sitting.

[Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did a book report on this volume in 7th grade. I made a movie poster on fluorescent orange poster board. My cast was horrible, because I was limited to cutting pictures out of magazines. So Stefan was Leonardo DiCaprio, because I obviously hated Stefan enough to foist this casting decision on him. Elena was Alicia Silverstone because she was the only blonde I could find, and Damon was Skeet Ulrich because he was so hot in Scream.



Anyway, it's a super ugly poster (I still have it), but I got an A, and its ugliness in no way reflects my love for the book. This series is SO atmospheric. I love all the details about the town.

And Damon. I love Damon. The scene with him on the rooftop is one of my favorites in the series.

Despite Elena's flaws, I actually find her a pretty realistic character. Meredith wasn't as bitchy in this book, and Bonnie is a little more assertive than in The Awakening.

I may be in the minority liking the books more than the show. I'm a rebel!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like many people, I read this because I loved the TV show. To anybody else who has this idea, I say this: really, truly, don't waste your time. Even if you love the characters. The TV show has created lovely characters and the book just doesn't have them.

This second book was better than the first. Had to be, since pretty much nothing happened in the first. Of course, the main character still carries a sense of petulance with her like a shadow, for no good reason. Damon is un-redeemably evil and unlikable, and so I was truly disappointed at the end when the author chose to make Elena a vampire (that was fine) and then make her magically fall in love with Damon instead, and also become more vague and bubbleheaded than she already was. If this author was more talented, she could have slowly brought the reader (and Elena) around to liking Damon more, and then created a legitimate love triangle. Instead she was like, "ooh, it would be cool if she loved Damon for a while. I will just magically make that happen with no explanation and neither character's personality will get in the way." Which means Elena's personality is basically erased (not that anyone would miss it). It's just, after a certain point, if you create a world and then ignore its principles, it ceases to be relevant.

I wish the producers of the TV show would re-write the original books.

[Noura Khalid (theperksofbeingnoura) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean these aren't exactly wonderful but I'm getting through them quickly and to be honest it's keeping me entertained.

[Gavin Hetherington · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read all 13 Vampire Diaries books for a video project and I'm team burn the entire boxset. Check out my thoughts on the series on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nLU4l-qJX8o

[Sanara♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than the first book...had more going on in the story. So it's obviously a bit better since pretty much nothing happened in the 1st book lol.

But still overrated and the characters are still shallow and unlikable. I didn't think it was possible to dislike every single character in a book...but then I read the Vampire Diaries..😝 Actually Matt and Meredith are a bit better than the rest but the fact that they are Elena's friends makes me dislike them. 🤧

[Isamlq · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want my YA goggles back! Iwant my YA heroines to be strong and independent. I want my heroes not to be creepy. What ever happened to strong and independent heroines/heroes? Why on earth has this story come to revolve around a murderous set... and I don't mean the vampires!

I really don't like the heroine here. But to be fair, I really don't like the "heroes" either. Stefan... is whiny! Damon is creepy. Elena is a self centered spoiled princess. Who could blame Caroline for feeling threatend by her? And yes, Caroline! blech! I should have listened to that internal alarm bell that went off in my head the moment I I closed the first book. My eyes could not stop rolling; I just hope that my eye balls do not get stuck in said position.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time I got to the second book I was really hooked, like I've said in my previous review (of book #1) it's very different to the tv series but that doesn't really effect anything now that I'm used to this 'version'. Again this isn't the longest of books but there's still quite a lot of stuff packed into the chapters.

I thought the ending was really...dramatic, I'm not quite sure if that's the right word, but I'll get to that later.

For those of you who haven't read the book: Elena has now found out about Stefan and Damon's secret./ More strange thins are beginning to happen and after the death of Mr. Tanner many people see Stefan as the reason behind everything, but was it him that caused it all?

Well, short answer, no, he hasn't... Directly. I feel really sorry for Stefan in this book because Damon is the one (or the one suspected) behind everything. Stefan doesn't know this so he's slowly getting weaker because of his guilt.

When Stefan gets trapped in the well, again we all presume because of Damon but in fact he didn't. Throughout the book Damon is viewed as the 'bad guy' when in reality he hasn't done anything that he's been accused of (apart from killing Tanner which he freely admits).

In this book it's really the first time we get to hear about this 'other power' (which again is assumed to be Damon). A lot of us will have started piecing things together (as you do when you're the reader with more information [and all the POV's] than the characters) and I started to realise all is not as it first appeared.

Now, I can finally talk about the last couple of chapters. Yes, the scene where Elena drives her car of the bridge (accidently of course).
It all happens as the result of a fight which in turn means Elena drives off angry... This is our big glimpse at the 'other power' and it is a good 'glimpse'. Elena's there thinking "The power fills the whole sky" and there I am picturing a massive thing covering all of the sky, just wow.

We all knew Elena's death was waiting for her at the bridge and I was kind of thinking, "This is it, your death is here. It's going to happen." And then at the same time I was thinking, "Unless you turn your car around this instant you're going to become a vampire. Which you probably don't want." But does Elena listen? Well no, because she's in a book, but that's not the point. She crosses the bridge anyway, and when I say 'crosses' I mean she drives straight off the bridge.

I give this book 5 stars, yes the end was good. It's a well written book that has all the things you need for a good story.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Struggle - The Vampire Diaries 2

3🌟
Meredith and Bonnie and Matt are getting more 'pagetime'. It is good to read more about the others as well!


Re-read audiobook 2024
4🌟
Paranormal romance - vampires ♥️
Margaret, Elena's baby sister is so weird to read about. I watched the TV show. The books are definitely different.

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanto o más adictivo que la primera entrega, quizá porque estamos en pleno desarrollo de la historia. Simplemente es un libro que no se puede soltar; la acción está tras de cada página, no deja respiro.

[Zahra Labbafan · Rating 3 out of 5]

چهار جلد کتابی که قبل از ساخت سریال بود رو خوندم که جلدهای اول بسیار بهتر بود
بیشتر به خاطر تفاوت هایی که با سریال داشت مشتاق به خوندن کتاب ها بودم
ولی از جلد 5 انقدر بد شد که جلد 5 رو نصفه ول کردم و 6 و 7 هم سراغش نرفتم

[Kim M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a HUGE improvement to the first book. Stuff actually happens! 3.5 stars.

The Struggle picks up right where The Awakening leaves off—with Elena storming into the graveyard and yelling for Damon. What she thinks she—a normal human with no particular strengths or powers—will do against a 500-year-old vampire who has been hunting and preying on humans for centuries is beyond me, but hey, at least she's doing something, I guess!

I'm still not into Elena and Stefan's relationship. It wasn't built up well and now it's just there. The whole relationship is very telly and hardly shown. Nothing has happened to really make me feel what they supposedly feel, so I just don't care. Stefan could drop dead and I wouldn't bat an eye.

Damon, on the other hand, is actually interesting. He's unpredictable. He may do some good things, but he's still definitely evil. There's a lot of potential there for a sexy doomed attraction between him and Elena, but so far I don't think it has been well executed, unfortunately. Once again, Elena's feelings are just explicitly stated rather than shown through scene. It's weird because I thought that the mutual attraction in Smith's The Forbidden Game series was actually shown well, so I don't know what's going on here...

This book definitely kept me turning pages, though. The diary taunts were great and I was always excited when Damon showed up. I liked aspects of the ending, but I also think it had a lot of problems: Most of the rising action in the book is leading up to the poetry readings at the celebration at the end, which makes the climax the part when Caroline Forbes pulls out the diary to provide evidence implying that Stefan is behind all of Damon's murders. I liked how this played out, except that (1) I really hate it in books when people make public spectacles of themselves and (2) the main character squad actually doesn't achieve anything because Damon just saves the day. Now don't get me wrong; I LOVE that Damon saves the day, but maybe that shouldn't have been the climax? I feel that a climax is best when the protagonist we're following actually plays a role in the resolution/failed resolution of the problem. Also, following this "climactic" scene, Elena gets into a car accident that, to me, feels a little random because it just happens out of the blue without a lot of buildup. I mean, Bonnie did have a couple random visions foreshadowing that something like that would happen, but it was really vague. Vague buildup like that could be okay, but given that this is happening in the final moments of the book, I think that it would've been better if it were less random.

Overall, it was not a bad read, and I do plan to go on in the series.

[Yasaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

نسبت به جلد اول پر کشش تر بود‌

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, an interesting twist ending. This series sure likes the cliffhanger ending. So of course, now I have to read book 3. Lol, seriously though, I'm enjoying this series. I think I liked this book even more than the first book. Elena is still super selfish, but she seems to be getting better. There was a lot going on in this book. Some of it resolved only to be replaced with new stuff.

While this series is so different from the TV series that it might as well be considered two completely different stories. They do have one thing in common. Drama, drama, drama lol.

[Saranya ⋆☕︎ ˖ [hibernating] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the 2nd book more than the first one...

Elena gets deeper into the supernatural chaos... as Stefan's brother Damon arrives... stirring up jealousy and danger. The tension grows deep with much more intensity with the mysterious attacks and the growing realization that a powerful, ancient evil is stalking Fell's Church...

Elena's internal conflict intensifies as she has feelings for both Salvatore brothers. Well this book is the definition of Love Triangle Love Square... In the end... Elena turns into a vampire.

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this second installment in the Vampire Diaries. For some reason though, I think I liked the TV series better. I'm not sure why. I did like the interaction between Stefan and Elena, and her worry about letting him know that Caroline stole her diary that contained damning information about Stefan and his family and secrets. I'll probably still finish out the series because I do like it, I was just hoping for more.

[katie ⋅♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5

I liked this one better than The Awakening—the pacing was tighter, the drama was juicier, and the stakes felt higher. That said.. Stefan and Elena getting engaged? I definitely rolled my eyes. They're intense, sure, but maybe take a breath before planning eternity together. Still, the love triangle heat is building, and Damon continues to be the chaos I crave.

[Maliha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is the 2nd in the vampire diaries series, and starts immediately where ‘The Awakening’ left off. It is essential to have read the first book to be able to read this one. Do not read this thinking that being familiar with the television series will be enough information. Many of the characters are different, and some of them don’t even exist in the show.

In the Struggle, Stefan is still being blamed for animal attacks happening in Fell’s Church, and Elena's diary has been stolen by Caroline, in order to provide evidence as to Stefan being the murderer and responsible for the attacks happening in town. Also Elena finally discovers that the person, who has practically been stalking her for the last couple of weeks, is none other than Damon Salvatore, Stefan’s brother. Although she only recently discovered about Stefan’s vegetarian vampire habits, and has been warned that Damon prefers the predatory lifestyle above the vegetarian one, that doesn’t ring enough bells to keep her away from the dangerous vampire. It’s the start of a love triangle with disastrous consequences for all the parties involved. The stakes are definitely higher in this volume (no pun intended), all the characters are in more danger, and there is a feeling of tension throughout the novel.

I have to admit that the only reason why I bought the vampire diaries novels in the first place, is because I was hooked on the television series. Little did I know that the novels themselves would be rather disappointing.

The writing was horrible (really made me want to throw the book out the window), the story predictable, and the characters flat and personality-less but…Damon makes up for a lot of that. Oh and the readers are left at a cliffhanger at the end of the novel which means you have to buy the next novel to know what happens next? Not to mention that this was one of the first novels focusing on paranormal romance back in the day, and it certainly deserves credit for trying. No doubt I like the television series a lot more – characters have actual personalities there *gasp*

I do believe that there were some good points about this book. For instance, I thought that the storyline, once stripped off all the schoolgirl gossips, petty scheming and stupidity was actually pretty descent. I thought the storyline was quiet original, especially considering the time frame when this book was written. The only downside with the storyline is that in The Awakening, L.J. Smith was still focusing too much on the high school part of the series, with teenage girl bitch fights and gossip, and she only seemed to realize she was actually writing a paranormal romance story at the beginning of The Struggle. So, in all honesty, The Struggle is a far better book than The Awakening.

I'd give the TV series 4 stars. The television series is only very loosely based on the books, the differences are surprising (which would be okay if it was good-different, but its not. Its bad-different. Very, very bad-different.) This means that even if you have seen the show, the book can still surprise you. Although I would like to give a piece of advice to everyone who is thinking about reading this book because they liked the TV Show… DON’T. JUST DON’T.

[Brittany McCann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading these makes me love the show SO MUCH MORE!

It is fun to learn a little bit more about the background and things that could have been in the show. I did miss the bird and the storm magic that was touched upon in TV show season one but then seemed to fall by the wayside.

WTF engagement so soon?

Thank you so much for changing Aunt Judith into Aunt Jenna.

I do love the bromance with Matt, which starts a lot earlier in the book.

Caroline is even more despicable here. Bonnie's friendship seems less likely as a friend group, but in a way, it better captures the teenage girl drama in the book.

It's not earth-shattering, and I'm not sure if I would enjoy it as much without the show to look back on for the characters, but it's not bad and a short quick read.

Solid 3 Stars

[itsdanixx · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is super simple, easy and quick but it’s easy to get lost into, and provided a good escape in these less than stellar times.

[brett · Rating 2 out of 5]

it’s not good but i can’t look away

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Struggle- The Vampire Diaries #2

I enjoyed this book, Elena was much more fun to read about this time, as opposed to the first book where she was quite stuck-up.

I still don't really feel connected to either Stefan or Damon in this series so far unfortunately, but I do enjoy Meredith and Bonnie, they're a great support system for Elena.

The love aspect between Stefan and Elena is staged to be so powerful and 'end all' by the author, but I feel as if they don't even really talk much at all throughout this book, and it's kind-of weird how 'inlove' they are supposed to be when they lack communication and trust.

I did enjoy this book though, even more so than the first. I'm just glad they're short otherwise I probably wouldn't have bothered with them to be honest.

[Allison ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 thoughts:

1- Matt is too good for any of the people in this book. He's a sweet cinnamon roll too pure for this world.

1- Holy shit that ending!

[Mahshid · Rating 4 out of 5]

نسبت به جلد اول خیلی بهتر بود امیدوارم هرچی میره جلوتر بهتر هم بشه
اما به هرحال هنوز معتقدم سریالش ازش بهتره😌

[Alahna · Rating 2 out of 5]

pre-read
already own it on my kindle. Might as well read it.

after reading:
it's so bad. SOOOO BAD. but also kind of great??? like you know where there are books that are so bad you hate them more than anything, but then there are books that are so bad they are good?

I mean this book was written in what? 92? Something about that just makes me excuse how bad it is. We are clearly in the high point of YA literature now (although hopefully it will continue to get better) so everything that kind of came before this time is either already a classic or so bad its good territory for me. and there is something about an early 90s book that just makes you want to like it. Idk maybe i'm being nostalgic (even though I was probably 3 when this book came out).

I still can't give it more than 2 stars. and it's probably only getting 2 stars because i have to justify why i'm going to continue with the series (beyond the fact that i already own it.

[Elaina McClendon 📚🌸 · Rating 1 out of 5]

What in god’s name did I just read?????? Although this book was centered around a vampire plot, unlike the first book, this book didn’t really have a plot in it. It is like the author wanted us to care so much about Elena’s diary being stolen. I knew who had stolen her diary before it was revealed. It was not hard. I hate the characters in these books. What in the world??? I feel like I don’t have any brain cells after reading this garbage. I honestly feel like I read this book just to read it. No one should say this book is any good. 🤢🤢🤢

The only thing that entertained me is Elena’s cheater. She is such a dumb girl in this book. I guess she is supposed to be young, but she was so boy crazy over a guy she just met. And marriage????? To a guy you just figured out in book 1 that is a vampire?? Chile please. Anyway. Their relationship should be banned. There was nothing remotely romantic about their relationship.

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

شکر خدا بالاخره تموم شد. البته دیشب تموم شد و یادم رفت آپدیت کنم و ریویو بنویسم. اومدم شب‌تر براش ریویو بنویسم و یادم رفت. گذاشتم صبح بنویسم و بازم یادم رفت
هرچند که چیز زیادی هم نداشت که بخوام ریویو بنویسم درباره‌ش. کتاب قبلی رو از این بیشتر دوست داشتم و بنظرم تو این جلد نویسنده کلا یادش رفت چی میخواسته بنویسه
0.5