The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening: A Supernatural Romance with Drama, Love Triangles, and Adventure in the Hidden World of Vampires

by L.J. Smith

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Romance, Vampires, High School

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2010

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

[mobprincess2714]

I'm a huge fan of the TV series so I decided to give the books a try. It is interesting to see the differences from the TV series and the book series. This is a quick read for me. I found it boring to be honest since it mainly focuses on Stefan and Elena. There isn't much Damon in the first novel and he's my favorite character in the series. The first book is just ok.

[Ace✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

Wow this did not hold up from when I read it in high-school

[Satara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the show, so I decided to read the books. I was surprised by the significant differences between them. However, I find these differences helpful in distinguishing the book from the show. It’s like reading an entirely different story.

[Cass · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I have to read “white neck” one more time…

[Filipa Costa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stefan is somehow even worse in this also stephanie meyer didn't actually come up with the as if you could outrun me scene, it's basically the same as in tvd book 1 but more grandiose

[qaz_x09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book again and it was just as good! Honestly, I love how different it is to the show. I feel like when it comes to TV shows, the perspective focuses on EVERYONE, so you can get a feel for what everyone is doing. What I like about this book is that it really shines on Elena's perspective in more depth. It's slightly different to the show, like how Meredith isn't in the show, or in the book Vickie isn't Matt's sister, but that doesn't make the book or show particularly better than one another. They are both just as good! But I'm not here on Goodreads to talk about the show. I liked the plot of this book, and how it's short but gets the job done. Somehow it's full of details without feeling rushed! I love Elena's character in the book. She is described differently but the only Elena that comes to my mind is Nina Dobrev. I've already started reading the second book! So far, the series is going better than last time.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was like the first 3 episodes of the show all in one book dragged out. But I did enjoy reading the differences from the book to the series. I don’t think I’ll read the other ones tho!!

[tteise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much to think about…. Much to say……

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whew okay, this book was certainly something. Quite honestly, I think the CW made lemons into lemonade when they adapted The Vampire Diaries show. All the changes they made were for the better. I have a lot of feelings about the book version.

Book Elena is insanely vapid and shallow. She is boy crazy, and hella manipulative. Breaking up with Matt, then making him take her to the dance, so she can stalk Stefan while being openly honest about her motives is absolutely wild. Poor Matt, still the honorable doormat, even in this version of TVD. Book Elena is like a mix of Show Caroline and Show Katherine, but all their worst qualities. Stefan says that Book Katherine was like a "white kitten" while Book Elena is a "snow white tigress."

The tone of the book is anachronistic. I Googled when it was supposed to take place, and the results said the 90s, since that's when it was published, but there is no way. The plot, the dialogue, and the characters are as starched and blanched as the collar of a dress shirt. It's giving 50s. There's a student named "Dick," they say "frightened" repeatedly instead of "scared," and there's talk of girls wearing slips. They might as well all have transatlantic accents, as far as I'm concerned.

Elena & Stefan's romance makes no sense. Stefan quite literally brutally ignores her, and she even admits he humiliates her socially, but yet she continues to pursue him. Then she feels "at home" with him after 1 kiss, and tells him she loves him not long after. Elena even says that nobody know anything about him, including her, but yet she feels undying devotion towards him. #TeenageGirls

I have so many points on contention with things that went on this book, but Aunt Judith letting Elena use her TRUST from her dead parents to have an expensive Renaissance-style dress made for a HALLOWEEN COSTUME is asinine. Aunt Jenna would NEVER.

Book Damon, however, seems pretty close to Show Damon, which is nice.

Will I read more of the books? Probably, but only because I love the show so much. It's not often I'll say the show or movie is better than the book, but....the writers of the show did this series a favor with their reimagining.

[Lex♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the tv series being my fave/comfort show I thought it was about time to give the books a whirl.

[Jayda Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Evil will never find peace. It may triumph, but it will never find peace.”❤️‍🩹


Okay, okay I have wanted to watch the show for a while now, but when I knew there were books I was like, “Oh I obviously need to read the books first.” So that is what I did. I mainly read it on a weekend trip to Montreal, and loved it!
Once Elena and the love interest were together I couldn’t put it down!
Elena is one of those main characters you want to strangle most of the book! She was irritating, creepy, and a slut! 😬
I need the second book asap! Especially with that ending! 😆 I am so excited to binge read this next book.
love Bonny and Meredith they are hilarious, and way to good of friends for Elena. Elena doesn’t deserve them. Or two hot guys for that matter!

"Bonnie, give me your hand."
"Why?" said Bonnie, eyeing the pin suspiciously.
"Because I want to marry you. Why do you think, idiot?"🤣 (I laughed so hard when I read this!❤️)


(I am also curious to see if I’m team Damon, or team Stefan? One of my friends are team Damon and we share similar book tastes, but she also only watched the show. I have a feeling I will be team Damon, but I am really enjoying Stefan’s character right now so we shall see!)❤️

‘“Interesting things happen in the dark… sometimes.” He was still laughing at her; she could tell by his eyes. He had taken a step closer, and she could see that those eyes were unusual, almost black, but with odd lights in them. As if you could look deeper and deeper until you fell into them, and went on falling forever.’💗

[Sarah Jones]

very different from the show. I thought I could unbiasedly give it a star rating, but it’s ok to not be able to separate the two. It was very well written for what it is and the targeted reader audience I just couldn’t place the changes and some of the late teen elements reading as an adult. So I’ll just leave it at this- so cool to see how it all started and am so thankful for this book and series that has given us this incredible Vampire loving fandom world. Forever the forerunner 🩸🖤❤️
Thank you L.J. Smith for giving us this gift and these characters 🥲

[Raven · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this book because I was curious about the differences from the TV show and I'm grateful for the changes they made to Elena's character, because I absolutely hated her in this book.
I could continue with the saga, but if I do it'll be just out of pure curiosity.

[Miranda]

DNF at 1/2 way this was truly so bad and nothing like the show

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look away 🫣. I'm in my emotionally tortured MMC era 🧛🏻

[Mekenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super difficult to keep the book separate from the show, & at least for book one the show wins - still a good book just had a hard time keeping track of everything

[Elianna Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book made me feel nothing. I wasn't super annoyed with the characters or anything it just wasn't super fun but it was fast and a quick read on audiobook. I didn't enjoy the instant-love relationship they had I also didn't enjoy how things would happen and Elena would just tell us about them after the fact instead of showing up about what was happening. I also didn't enjoy the unnatural passage of time when they developed a relationship but we never saw it. Overall, just too many things I did not enjoy rather than did.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘stefan i know you, you would never do this’ girl you’ve known him for 2 weeks and it’s been one sided conversations the whole time you do nawt know this man

[Tania Rook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute fan of this. Jumping off from Interview with a Vampire where you have two vampires of opposing viewpoints about what it means to be a vampire, LJ Smith asks well what if they were brothers? And Italian? And young enough to attend high school?

Well, I mean that would be weird. Why would a vampire attend high school? How would a vampire attend high school? Interview vampires are cremated by the sun.

Yeah, you really need to read your gemstone guides. Turns out a ring containing a stone of lapis lazuli is SPF Vampire Proof sun level protection. Man, if Lestat and Louis had know that they could have saved themselves some serious drama. This is why you need to travel the world. The Italian vampires had that all figured out.

Anyway, no matter how well travelled, naturally our vampires are going to end up in a small town. They talk a lot of game about wanting to stay out of the spotlight, but we don't have books about the New York vampire scene. You know why? BECAUSE THEY BLENDED INTO THE CROWD. These vampires in tiny schools where everyone knows literally every other student in the entire school: oh please, no drama, I just want to be anonymous. Idiots.

I really loved Elena. I love her obsession with herself, her outrage at being cold-shouldered by a cute guy who just wants to be anonymous and if that means being a star football player - OK, that too. I love her ability to disregard anything and anyone that is in the way of her fulfilling her immediate desires, and yet still sees herself as essentially a good person. But most of all, I love her costume for the Halloween celebration at school. Hey guys, having an annual event where the slightest effort at costuming will be more than adequate? Then by all means, get a historical gown custom made using your orphan trust. Because what good fairytale doesn't include a really pretty dress (spoiler alert, quite a few of them but still, there are enough with them for it to be a trope.)

[Kitrina Daughrty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews, and I usually only read dystopian style books. But I've had a soft spot for the Twilight series since I was young. So I decided to give it a try after seeing a Twilight girl say she liked the TV series but the books were a lot different and a little too scary for her. This intrigued me because I have watched some of the series but it's so long I've never finished, it not that I don't like it. And I didn't know there were books. But personally I actually like reading a book after seeing the movie or series, to me it's like watching the trailer before diving into the world of the book especially when there's so many differences between the book and movie. So far I have only read the first two books of the series, and I was wildly surprised in the best way by the differences between the show and book. The only thing that I was surprised by was how much it seems with the exception of werewolves, (which I don't know if there are any yeah and this series because I haven't finished it which I do want to). Is that Stephanie Myers stole a lot of ideas if not complete characters from this series, seen as I was not a vampire book person I didn't even think of her ideas have been ripped off. I personally think that Stefan was the completely basis for Edwin especially with the "good guy vampire" vampire thing. And it's just crazy I almost feel while reading it that I can see scenes from Twilight and I know ideas can overflow and you can get inspiration from other writers. But I do think that I will replace the Twilight series with this series, seeing as there's more backstory more detail. And having never read other vampire books other than these two series this story seems more original to me. And I know the vampire falling in love with the girl is overplayed by original, I mean the other characters like Bonnie with her magic and Meredith who has such a quiet mysterious feel about her, that I can't wait to figure out.

[Kiana Seid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampire Twist
SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!
Fun book with an unexpected ending. The book is well written and a fun read. I would recommend the book if you enjoy reading about supernatural characters (vampires) living in the real world.
The book begins at the start of a new school year. The main character, Elena, is very popular and everyone does her bidding. All the boys love her and want to date her. Elena has a boyfriend Matt but she breaks up with him. A new student comes to the school, Stefan, he is the only boy who isn’t interested in Elena. Stefan is a vampire. He is very mysterious and keeps to himself. The first time he sees Elena in the hallway he “walked right by her… right by without a glance”(page 10). Elena is disappointed at first, but does everything in her power to fall in love with him.
SPOILER ALERT!!! I loved the twist at the end of the book when you discover it wasn’t Stefan who killed those people. Throughout the book there are attacks on random people in the town, some resulting in death. It appears as though Stefan is the one who is responsible. Stefan seems like a nice guy but he could also be a murder, and Elena has no idea. It turns out that Stefan isn’t the murder. There is another vampire, who is more powerful and can even turn into animals, Stefan’s brother. This was a great plot, and it was very fun to read. It also leaves the reader a huge cliffhanger at the end, as Stefan learns his brother was trying to frame him for the killings, and steal his girlfriend. The reader is left wondering what will happen and who will win the battle between the brothers, and ultimately Elena.

[Kelly Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took awhile for me to get into this book, as it has a super long intro, but nonetheless; I loved it! As with most L.J Smith novels, they reel you in and are captivating. This was a series I always wanted to read when I was a teenager, and I'm happy to say is a series Adults can enjoy just as well. I'm glad I decided to give it a chance. Smith is one of my favorite writers, and I really enjoyed The Secret Circle, and Night World (which I've only read one of and plan to re-read and start that series as well next). Upon researching I had no clue that only 7 of 13 books were written by Smith for this series. Hopefully I will still stay interested after book 4, and after the Return series for Vampire Diaries. Regardless, I want to read them all, even if hesitant. I also learned she chose to write more for the series but since she wasn't with the label anymore, she released later work under fanfiction. Which shows how dedicated to fans she really is. The ending of this first book in the series really has me hooked on, and I am now ready to give book 2 a try.

All in all, a great read, even if slow starting!!! Give it a chance!! You won't be disappointed!

P.S. I have not yet personally seen the TV show, yet; (only bits and pieces). I've decided to read the series beforehand, as i do with many series. Unless I haven't/didnt discover the books until after, or unless books are tie-ins or in-between seasons materials. So I'm happy I'm reaching my goal with this series; to reward myself with what I've heard to be such a great show!!!!

[Felise Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a fan of the show, I was excited to read the books, since I typically find the books to be even better and richer in detail. Unfortunately, that was not the case here. I'm now extremely surprised that this was picked up for a series. Elena, in my opinion, is very unlikeable and underdeveloped as a character. She's popular, accustomed to getting her way, and her only mission throughout 70% of the book is to get Stefan's attention. Stefan is a boring, broody, closed off character, also for 70% of the book. When they finally come together, I felt strung along so much that the ending suddenly felt rushed, and I had no emotional investment in their characters whatsoever. Caroline, Meredith (excluded from the series as a main friend character), and Elena all had the same mean-girl-you-can't-sit-with-us energy with no distinctions other than their physical descriptions. I'm only giving it 2 stars-1 for the mysterious occurrences sprinkled throughout the book, and another 1 for it turning out to be Damon, who made the chapters towards the end finally interesting. As in the TV series, he dominates the spotlight in the books and was the only thing that made bothering to finish the book worthwhile. Not worthwhile enough to me though to buy the rest of the books and keep reading.

[Elisabeth Scanlon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I used to be a big fan of these books when I was a very young teen, so I picked them up again because I wanted to read them again, and dive into the amazing story I remembered from then... and boy, was I disappointed. Not only is the writing poor at best, every character is flatter than (insert really flat object here, lol) and Elena is INSUFFERABLE. Now, I understand that these characters are teenagers, and teenagers can sometimes just.. suck. But Elena is legitimately the worst, most spoiled character who thinks she is entitled to anything she wants. Matt even calls her out on being manipulative in order to get exactly what she wants, and she has the nerve to be hurt? Somehow, in these books, Matt is kind of my favorite character.
I might read the next one, mostly out of spite and to hope that I gain a sense of the complicated world building I remember, but I'm sure I'll be just as disappointed as I was with this.

[I. O. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I loved the t.v. series and decided to read the books, even knowing they changed *A Lot.*
(I really just wanted to have a reason to have more Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, and all the other cast in my head.)
That being said, moving forward, I do tend to ignore all physical descriptions in the book and focus on whomever my brain wants to cast in the roles. For example, my brain auto-filled in Merideth with Olivia, the Gemini Coven Twin. (Turned out to be great auto-casting in certain ways!)

Below will be spoilers who is coming to this with no knowledge.

Elena meets and becomes obsessed with Stefan. Their love feels too fast and unearned. Elena as a character is not likable at at all. She's a Queen Bee who is used to getting her way by being manipulative and bullying her friends. Damon and Merideth are the best characters. Storyline felt mostly true to tv.

Best characters: Merideth and Damon.

[Ash Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been obsessed with the show for many many years since day one and I’ve always been curious about the books. I’ve always know about some of the differences but it was mainly the looks. But the fact that some of the characteristics and the LAST NAMES were different bothered me lmao. Honestly it was really hard to get past it.
I didn’t want those little details dictate my ratings because I knew going into this was going to be challenging.
Because I had to shift my view point I could not put it down and I finished it in 6hrs
I will say that years ago I had Stephan’s Diary’s and I notice that the diary’s go off of the tv series than the books. Like him living in 1860’s in Mystic Falls rather than 1500’s in Europe.
I had to view this as like in “The Flash” where there’s Multiple Earths and reality’s. That’s what really got me through this
But seriously SMALLWOOD???? I think we can ALL AGREE that LOCKWOOD is so much better😂

[Katelyn Tower · Rating 2 out of 5]

12 year old me: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult me: ⭐️⭐️

I just re-read The Awakening and I’m honestly having an identity crisis about my 12-year-old self.

I first read The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening back in 2008 before the TV show ever existed, and I remember being completely obsessed. So I picked it up again for the nostalgia… and wow. This book is a completely different universe from The Vampire Diaries show.

The biggest shock for me was Elena. TV Elena might make questionable decisions sometimes, but book Elena? She’s honestly kind of unbearable.

The tone also feels extremely YA in a way that’s almost comedic now. When I was 12 I absolutely ate this up, but rereading it as an adult had me laughing at parts that were probably meant to be dramatic.

I’m still glad I reread it for the nostalgia, but it definitely didn’t hit the same as it did back then. 12-year-old me was living for it. Adult me is just… politely judging.

[Stephen R Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampire’s Galore

After watching the series I had to read the books to get the full experience of the story and how different it was from the series. I didn’t realize how different it was. The first book is so much better than the series itself and the characters are so different from the series too. Am so glad that I found the books here to read and enjoy to get the best experience possible in the series. Just finished the first book and am off to read the second book.
It’s an easy read and pretty enjoyable story. The characters are different from the TV series and am happy for that, the books are more enjoyable. By my experience most books are better than the TV series anyway. This was a fun read with a little intrigue and lots of drama in it.
Well am off now, will write more in the next entry. Later…

[Sofiia Barvinok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was utterly captivated by this book. From the very first few chapters, the story ensnared me in its dark, romantic atmosphere, and I found myself unable to set it aside. Each chapter unfolded with such intrigue and intensity that I simply had to keep reading, no matter what.

One aspect that genuinely surprised me was how markedly different the novel is from the television adaptation, The Vampire Diaries. The characters, tone, and certain plot elements diverge in unexpected ways, offering a fresh and fascinating experience even for those familiar with the show.

The ending arrives with a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving the story suspended at a moment of heightened tension and compelling me to immediately buy the next book. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who delights in supernatural romance woven with mystery and drama.

[Sammi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. I knew that novels are often different from movie iteration but this book was so far.

They completely changed Elena. In the book she isn’t as humble as I found her. Stefan is also much more darker which I believe gives him more depth. You can already tell he’s a ripper. Damon has a dedication to torturing Stefan it seems, not only emotionally but physically too.
Katherine also had such a short backstory here. I’m assuming the next book will be more than meets the eye.

“…I killed Damon with my hatred. But I did worse than kill my brother. I damned him.”

3.5/5