Tomes of Shadowstalking

Welcome to the land of shadows, where evil is the greatest power, where nightfall marks the birth of terror, where your very soul is at risk. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with black magic and dark souls and encounter the monsters rule these wicked places.

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Something's happened to Stefan, and Elena--fearing for his life--confronts the one person whom she wished never to have ever met: Damon. Damon, who is Stefan's older and more sinister brother. Damon, whose inhuman beauty and predatory nature is every bit as attractive and captivating as Stefan's. Damon, who like Stefan is a vampire...and one with no qualms about killing his prey. Damon, who's set his eyes on Elena's throat. But Elena, whose eyes stray to Damon, has given her heart to Stefan, and that's all there is to it...or so she thinks. Because Damon isn't about to give up so easily...not when there are other ways to get what he wants. Such as saving her from a potentially life-threatening fall. Such as saving her and Stefan from being humiliated before all of Fell's Church. Such as threatening to harm her little sister. But in the end, what will save her from Damon? Stefan? Her human friends? Or something that hates Damon enough to keep her from him? And will she survive the price she must pay to be free of Damon?

This second installment of The Vampire Diaries is a terrific sequel, moving the plot along steadily without adding too many new twists. Instead, we get to see items hinted at in the first book explode into fullness here in the second, such as the enmity Caroline seems to feel for Elena. Then, there's also the development of Bonnie's psychic abilities to be observed. And of course, we get to see more of the advantages and limitations of the vampires' existences, such as Damon being barred from reaching Elena on a technicality. Excellent!

One seen that especially strikes true to me is when Stefan and Matt head south to find vervain for Elena. Throughout the first book the author made a point of making Matt a good, generous, friendly person by allowing him and Elena to remain friends even after she goes after Stefan. Moreover, he and Stefan becomes friends--albeit not the closest--despite that Stefan is now the object of Elena's affections. When Stefan asks to borrow Matt's car, he knows perfectly well that Matt has more reason to hate him than anyone else...except maybe Damon. So he doesn't quite expect Matt to loan him the car. The author, however, keeps Matt in character by not only lending Stefan the use of his car, but going south with him to help out. This devotion to keeping characters...er...in character is just one thing that makes Ms. Smith such a terrific author.

Although a YA novel like her other books, L.J. Smith's The Vampire Diaries--The Struggle deals with situations that tread the border between typical teen problems and painfully adult situations, and the final result is a stupendous work of fiction!

Buy this book in paperback or visit the Cosmic Tomes Bazaar for other titles.

Looking for something that's no longer there? Check in the Archive to search for it.

Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.

You are the th visitor to this page since August 1, 1999.

Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page