The Awakening and the Struggle (The Vampire Diaries) Paperback – 1 Jan. 2007

First time reader and I couldn't put the book down, can't wait to start no. 3 and all the rest.

I also started to watch the tv series before reading the books and have to say that I love both in their own way.I wanted to give the books a go and try not to go into them comparing them to the twilight series as so many people seem to do, for a start these books were written years before twilight came along and both have wonderful qualities and hold up in their own right.I am really glad that I did give them a chance, I am not a teenager by far but still am enjoying these books very much, it might take a little while to warm to the slightly more selfish (and blonde) Elena of the books but as I find with most books where they have been made into either a tv series or a film that the book is far more emotional and definitely more detailed.Give them a chance you won't be disappointed, but I would start reading them with an open mind and no pre-expectations and just enjoy them for the good read that they are.

Don't read if you are a vampire diaries tv show fan looking for the origins or further tales of those characters. This was the book that inspired the tv show bit it is very different. Apart from the first few episodes of vd season one, there is little resemblence. However, if you forget the show, the book is great on its own. Romantic, gothic, mildly scary at times, the pace is good and the characters compelling. The story evolves nicely and you have to read it to its end. And remember, this came BEFORE twilight. This was the original in depth vampire-teen girl love story, after the buffy-angel storyline left us wanting more.

I really enjoyed this, despite partner being very sniffy about me reading "kids books" and the kids have gone on to enjoy it too, despite it freaking them out a bit. At times the plot lines seem to get a bit muddly, but it's an entertaining read, and helped me make sense of that pretty guy who plays Damon in the TV show - I feel he is pretty well cast with that weird smirk he pulls...pretentious serious literature it ain't, but I'm now getting twitchy after reading through the sequence because I'm waiting for the latest book to be released - takes me back to that waiting for the next Harry Potter feeling.

I originally bought this because my friend recommended it and I enjoyed the series on TV. I'd heard that the plot was completely different, and that the series had even changed some of the main characters (there is no Meredith, and Elena's sister is now a brother). Still, I thought I'd give it a go, especially because I like L. J. Smith's other books, 'Dark Visions' and 'The Forbidden Game'.I'm sad to say that I was a little disappointed. Maybe this is because I enjoyed the TV series and the plot so much that I had completely different expectations for the book series, but I found I just didn't really enjoy it. Had I read the books first, I think I would probably have loved it (or liked it, at the very least) but I don't think this is for me.Apart from that, one of the main problems I had was that it's called 'The Vampire Diaries' but I can only remember there being a handful throughout. I found that slightly odd, and the entries that were in the book was pretty useless to the plot.Also, I think the plot escalates a bit too quickly. *SPOILER ALERT: I think that Elena becomes a vampire very quickly, and I think that if Smith had extended the time period I would've appreciated the tension and feuding a hell of a lot more.*As it stands, I won't be purchasing the next volume. Personally, the TV series has a far better plot and this book, although an easy read, just isn't for me. If you like vampires, romance, and haven't seen the series on telly, then buy this. It's good value for money and an easy read.

The books are NOTHING like the series. Completely different. Meredith does not exist in the TV series, Bonnie is a redhead, Elena a blonde, Caroline's a bitch and Jeremy is a female toddler. Not only are the characters different, but the story of the books are a lot more fantasy-like. HOWEVER I find this to be a great difference because reading the books I still get the great TVD story feel without spoiling the TV series.In other words, if you haven't read this and you like the TV series I encourage you to read this. It's a really great series of books. Fantasy, love and eternal friendship!

I started reading this late at night when I could not sleep. I did not sleep till 3 in the morning! I just coudn't put the book down at all. Your introduced to Elena Gilbert the heart throb of Robert E Lee and her best friends: Bonnie and Meredith. You get to know them but you get so many twists and turned when you meet the hot Stefan Salvatore. Poor Elena is torn between the mysterious and dark Damon Salavatore as well. The borther fight over her many times and almost get each other killed! I have to be on team Damon of corse! It was so thrilling! It made me cry, laugh and worry at all times! I would recomend this to all ages over 10+.

Loved this book & was in great condition as described. It arrived quickly & was a total bargain . I’d definitely recommend.