Review: The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle by L.J.Smith

"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."

Elena Gilbert has gotten what she wanted. Stefan Salvatore is her boyfriend and everything should be fine. Except for the fact that everyone in Fell's Church blames him for the murders that have happened recently -- murders that his brother, Damon, seems to be responsible for. On top of everything else, Damon doesn't seem to want to leave Elena or her friends alone, either. Will she be able to protect those she loves from her vampire boyfriend's ruthless brother? Will she be able to protect herself as well? The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle is an enticing follow-up to its predecessor and will definitely leave you wanting more of this love triangle. 

I rate this book: 

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. While I made it clear in my review of the first book in this series that these books are nothing like the television show, I also stated that the difference between the two wasn't a bad one. This book yet again demonstrates how refreshing such a difference can be. Even though the difference was shocking at first between the books and the show, I really came to love the differences in plot and characters in these books after reading The Struggle. I think the most interesting character in these books would have to be Damon. And in this second installment of The Vampire Diaries, you get to see him a lot more than in the first book. He's scary, but there's also something about him that seems to draw you in. It's obvious that Elena isn't the only one that this character has that certain effect on. If you've read the first book in this series, then you'll definitely want to check out this book. If you haven't picked up this series at all, what in the world are you waiting for?

L. J. Smith has written a number of bestselling books and series for young adults, including The Vampire Diaries (now a hit TV show), The Secret Circle, The Forbidden Game, Night World, and the #1 New York Times bestselling Dark Visions. She is happiest sitting by a crackling fire in a cabin in Point Reyes, California, or walking the beaches that surround that area.