Vampire Diaries: The Struggle by L.J. Smith

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle by L.J. Smith
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 14+
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Torn between two vampire brothers

Damon: determined to make Elena his, he’d kill his own brother to possess her.

Stefan: desperate for the power to destroy Damon, and protect Elena, he gives in to his thirst for human blood.

Elena: the girl who can have anyone finds herself in the middle of a love triangle . . . one that might turn deadly.

Angst, torture, and mid-terms… typical high school stuff. That is unless you’re a vampire. Then, well, it’s a tad harder.

I gotta tell you, the characters you meet in the first book are still around, with much of the same angst, but this time, they show a maturity (for high school kids), that’s refreshing. Yes, things are still drama packed, but this time it’s more cohesive. You feel more for Damon and his bad-boy antics. He’s a draw—he’s handsome, enigmatic, and not at all a good boyfriend match, but like chocolate, you can’t not fall for him. I also like how Stefan is pushed to be something other than the perfect match. I like how he’s not allowed to fester in his role as the good guy, but has to be a little bad to meet his own goals. I can’t give away too much or I’ll ruin the story.

Elena is an intriguing heroine. She wants to do what’s right, but her interest is piqued by Damon’s dark side and she’s lusting after Stefan’s hunkiness. But she’s easy for teens to identify with because… who hasn’t fallen in puppy love (well, puppy love if you’re talking vampires) with more than one guy? You want to see her get her heart’s desire when she figures out what that is.

This story is good for the 14+ age group, though it may be enjoyed by younger readers. But be warned, this is one adaptation that’s better if you read the book than rely on the television show. Trust me, there is more depth in the book, and you feel more like you’re hanging out with your own friends in the book.

If you want a great book for a long weekend, then this is the vampire story for you. I give The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle 4 suns.

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