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Review: The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries #1), by L.J. Smith (Audiobook)

3/5/2014

6 Comments

 
PictureGet the audio book here!

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Release Date: First published March 1, 1999 / Audio unabridged edition released October 27, 2009 by Harper Audio
Format: MP3
Pages: 276 pages (Paperback) / Audio Length: Approx 6.5 hours
Narrator: Rebecca Mozo
Source: Library Borrow via Overdrive
Genre: YA Paranormal, YA Urban Fantasy
Review Date: March 4, 2014
Rating: 2 bookmarks

Synopsis: Elena: beautiful and popular, the girl who can have any boy she wants. Stefan: brooding and mysterious, desperately trying to resist his desire for Elena for her own good. Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Elena finds herself drawn to both brothers....who will she choose?


First let me say that this book was never on my radar to read let alone listen to on audio.  I was looking for another audio book to borrow, but the one I wanted had a million and one holds on it so I searched for something readily available. Because I really enjoy TVD television show, I decided to give the book a try.

Sadly there wasn't much that I liked about the story.  The fact that I couldn't stop myself from comparing it to the TV show, probably was part of the problem.  I don't think I could enjoy the story as it is.  I guess that's the problem with reading a book after watching it's counterpart, whether it's a TV show or movie.

What I was able to enjoy is the narrator.  I liked the fact that she sort of sounds just like the actress that plays Elena on the TV show. Not exactly, but close. That was a pleasant surprise.
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Photo Credit: Unknown

The personalities and descriptions of the characters are all pretty different than what I'm used to, so I found it hard to relate to them. I don't really like that Bonnie is someone else, completely. In the book, yes she thinks she could be a witch, but she's also a white, redheaded girl.  But their other friend, Meredith, is described as having olive skin with dark lashes. She seems like she could be black, possibly the TV show combined the two characters into one and named her Bonnie.  Caroline is also completely a different character. Even Elena herself is very different. In the book she's spoiled and sort of obnoxious, on the show, she's a goodie two shoes and always wants to do the right thing. She's popular, but not in the mean girl way that the book's version of Elena is.  Essentially, everything is different. Not like I didn't expect it, but it just wasn't better. There are TONS more differences, but I don't want to get into listing them all because this post would end up being way too long.

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The CW TV Vampire Diaries

Regarding the story itself, it wasn't as developed as I hoped it would be. For a book so short it took longer than I'd like for the plot to get interesting. But on the upside, we did get lots of details on how Stefan became to be what he is today.  As for the characters, I didn't fine any of them particularly likable. 

Do I recommend this book? Not really. For those that watch The Vampire Diaries, keep it at that, don't bother with this book.  But on the other hand, if you haven't seen the TV show at all...then maybe. It's possible that you may enjoy it more because you won't be partial to the show.  Do I recommend the TV show? Absolutely!
Share your thoughts on TVD. Have you read The Vampire Diaries series? Did you like it? How do you think the books stack up against the TV show?

Happy Reading & Listening,
~Tamara
Get Kindle version here:

6 Comments
Danielle link
3/5/2014 05:28:07 am

I have considered reading this book because I enjoy the tv show, but I can very closely relate to being frustrated with reading a book after already watching the tv show/movie. I seriously can't do it because my mind is already made up of how the characters are supposed to be. I think reading the book first is easier because your imagination can do what it wants without much influence. I would be interested to hear how someone who hasn't seen the show felt about the book! :) Great review!

Reply
Tamara @ Shelf Addiction
3/9/2014 01:31:44 pm

Thanks Danielle. I agree with you, it would be fun to hear what someone who hasn't seen the show at all thinks about the book.

Reply
Amanda link
3/5/2014 06:49:39 am

I felt the exact same way when I read the first book. I couldn't relate at all and I will definitely be sticking to the show which I love! Great review :)

Reply
Tamara @ Shelf Addiction
3/9/2014 01:13:30 pm

Thanks Amanda!

Reply
Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic link
3/8/2014 03:42:45 pm

I watched the TV series first so I'd better avoid this one. I'm interested in the other differences though.

Reply
Tamara @ Shelf Addiciton
3/9/2014 01:26:53 pm

Okay, since you asked! :-) Here are a few more differences that weren't mentioned in my review.

Book = The town is Fell's Church | TV Show = Mystic Falls
Book= Stefan & Damon's last name is Salvatori | TV Show = Salvator
Book = Salvatori's have Italian accents | TV Show = No accents
Book = Elena has a 4 yr old baby sister | TV Show = Elena has a teenage younger brother
Book = Tyler is evil | TV Show = Tyler is pretty much a good guy
Book = Matt & Vickie are not related | TV Show = Matt & Vickie are siblings
Book= Elena's aunt is Judith | TV Show = Jenna

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