Bookworm Nation

"Damon: Determined to make Elena his queen of darkness, he'd kill his own brother to possess her. Stefan: Desperate for the power to destroy Damon, he succumbs to his thirst for human blood. Elena: Irresistibly drawn to both brothers, her choice will decide their fate. The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them." -GoodReads

I was very frustrated with the ending, if you could call it that. It ends right at a total climax with absolutely no closure! I suppose the first book did as well, but I already had the second book on hand so it didn’t bother me as much. The only other thing that is disturbing is all the blood-swapping that goes on in this one, pretty disturbing! I guess since we’re dealing with vampires it’s going to be expected.

Book One: The Awakening

Book Two: The Struggle

Book Three: The Fury

Book Four: Dark Reunion

Book Five: Nightfall

Book Six: Shadow Souls

Book Seven: Midnight

"Elena: Searching for the ultimate thrill, she vowed to have Stefan. Stefan: Haunted by his tragic past, he struggled to resist her passion. Damon: Driven by revenge, he hunted the brother who betrayed him. The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them."
-Good Reads

Oh dear! What was I thinking reading another vampire series? I just want to say that this book was published in 1991, long before Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. There are quite a few similarities; it’s odd that Meyer’s hadn’t read these books before. Just wanted to get that out of the way before I got to my review.

Elena is starting her senior year in high school. She lost her parents in an accident a few years before and hasn’t quite been the same since. She is gorgeous, popular, and use to getting whatever she wants. So, when the new guy in school, Stefan, totally snubs her multiple times, she makes it her life mission to win his heart. Stefan on the other hand has just moved to Fells Church, VA for a little peace and quiet as he tries to outrun the memories of his long-lost love, Katherine. Besides his memories of Katherine, are his equally painful memories of his elder brother Damon who tried to woo Katherine away and it now appears he has set his sights on Elena.

Elena and Stefan have okay chemistry for me. It kind of felt like Katherine was this annoying third-wheel. From his memories, I couldn’t really gather what was so great about her, besides her looks. She knew how Damon and Stefan felt about one another and made matters worse by choosing to be selfish.

Elena comes across as a snob at first, she gets a little better as the book moves on, but still I’m wondering what they like in each other besides looks. There wasn’t as much relationship development between them before they confess their love for each other to really feel legitimate. At this point it just feels like Elena has a really deep attraction, and for Stefan a remembrance of Katherine (again, the awkward third-wheel), and nothing really substantial…yet.

Having said that it was still a very captivating read, I finished it in one sitting and am eager to get my hands on the rest of the series. I hate to say it since it’s really not the same, but if you like Twilight then you will enjoy this darker variation.

Below is what actually made me notice and want to read these books. The CW is starting a new show this fall based on this series. The preview looks amazing (although in the book Elena has blonde hair, I like it better dark.).