The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L. J. Smith

This book follows a number of seniors in Fells Church, Virginia. Elena Gilbert is the queen bee and has everything she wants: two awesome best friends, a sweet boyfriend, and a not so great family history. She lost her parents three years prior and has been living with her aunt and little sister. Her life was going fine until the dark and mysterious, Stefan Salvatore. Stefan has a long and dark past that he keeps hidden from everyone around him. He wants nothing to do with Elena and avoids her. Elena wants nothing more than to have Stefan. What a fun relationship right? This book covers those two characters mainly. Other covered events are: creepy cemetery, attacks on the community, friendships and enemy problems, and family.

********Spoilers below******

I honestly do not understand why Elena is so obsessed with Stefan. He treats her like dirt and blatantly shows dislike. He befriends Elena's "competition", Caroline Forbes. So far, we have not been told why Caroline hates Elena, but they were friends before at one point in time. It also takes over half the books for Stefan to finally stops being a butthead and talks to Elena and kisses her. Near the end of the book, Stefan tells the story of his past to Elena after a teacher was killed during the schools Haunted House. Then enters Damon, Stefan's older brother. Well not at that exact moment. Damon shows up twice before then and causes problems. TV show Damon is annoying, book Damon is, well I hate him. And I thought Stefan was a dick, Damon loves to mess with his brother. Damon has given Stefan an ultimatum: leave Elena for him or be killed. What a lovely brotherly relationship we got there.

Katherine, she is a lovely not so human character from the Salvatore's past. She is presented as a weak and sickly Barons daughter. The brothers are both very in love with her. Katherine changes both the brothers into stronger but not complete vampires. Katherine is shown to have taken her life by removing her daylight ring and burning in the sun. She couldn't choose between the brothers and thought taking her life would help them grow closer. She was very wrong. They ended up picking up their swords and driving the blades through the others hearts. They awake days later as full vampires.

I am excited to continue the series. 4/5 stars for me, would recommend for those who like paranormal books.