Post by Charlynn on Dec 16, 2010 22:31:52 GMT -5
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening
By L.J. Smith, yes, this was the book that spawned the television show The Vampire Diaries, and, yes, I am a fan of that show, too. (I promise that I do read more than just books that reflect my television viewing habits, but, so far, the cookie has crumbled this way.) In this work, an orphaned high school senior (who, along with her four year old sister is being raised by their aunt) meets and is immediately drawn to a mysterious new stranger in town. Though she knows very little about him, she falls for him, and, eventually, after she wears him down, they start to date... only for it to be later revealed that he is a vampire. Despite the fact that they are of two different species, she still accepts him and wants to be with him, but, just as their relationship finally levels out and becomes real, his vengeance seeking brother comes to town, looking to take the main character away from her boyfriend and to punish his brother by doing this and anything else sinister and cruel he can possibly think of.
Although I enjoyed this book and would read the others in the series, I must admit that I actually like the television adaptation much more. The plot is more intricate, and the characters are not so one dimensional on the show. Even though I would recommend this book to readers interested in the genre, I would offer two strong warnings: one, if you like the show (like I do), you might be disappointed, and, two, I felt it was on the lower end of the maturity spectrum for the genre, perhaps better fitting a younger young adult audience.
By L.J. Smith, yes, this was the book that spawned the television show The Vampire Diaries, and, yes, I am a fan of that show, too. (I promise that I do read more than just books that reflect my television viewing habits, but, so far, the cookie has crumbled this way.) In this work, an orphaned high school senior (who, along with her four year old sister is being raised by their aunt) meets and is immediately drawn to a mysterious new stranger in town. Though she knows very little about him, she falls for him, and, eventually, after she wears him down, they start to date... only for it to be later revealed that he is a vampire. Despite the fact that they are of two different species, she still accepts him and wants to be with him, but, just as their relationship finally levels out and becomes real, his vengeance seeking brother comes to town, looking to take the main character away from her boyfriend and to punish his brother by doing this and anything else sinister and cruel he can possibly think of.
Although I enjoyed this book and would read the others in the series, I must admit that I actually like the television adaptation much more. The plot is more intricate, and the characters are not so one dimensional on the show. Even though I would recommend this book to readers interested in the genre, I would offer two strong warnings: one, if you like the show (like I do), you might be disappointed, and, two, I felt it was on the lower end of the maturity spectrum for the genre, perhaps better fitting a younger young adult audience.