5 comments about The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion.

1. I purchased this book simply because of the CW show based on these books and the fact that, Twilight or no, I've always been a fan of a good vampire story.
   
   These books, in my opinion, do not disappoint, if you are looking for something in the teen/tween catagory that steers away from sex, blood and gore (which the TV show does not.)
   
   I found this series to be much more engaging and compeling than some others, mostly in how the female heroine (Elena) is treated by the vampire "men" who want to woo her. There is no holding her hostage for her own sake, there is no spying on her while she sleeps to keep her "safe". Smith's vampires, while one is brooding and semi-resentful of his "altered" state & the other fully embraces it and has fun with it, know what they are, they accept what they are and the story goes from there. There is no, "This is for your own good, dear" moments. The heroine is just as much involved in the outcome as her vampire counterparts. Elena is a much better representation of a strong female character in a vampire story in Smith's hands than in some other vampire stories I've read.
   
   I was mildly confused, at first, for the name change in this version for book four than from the other versions listed for sale here. This version lists the title as "The Reunion" while other copies of the same book list the title as "Dark Reunion". Both are accurate, it merely depends on which printing you purchase.
   
   This version is the UK edition, which explains the title change. It also explains why some of the language is different, some terms were changed to their "English" equivalents, which amused me to no end. (ex: "He opened the trunk to grab a few beer bottles" = "He opened the boot to grab a few beer bottles")
   Rest assured, it is the same story and ends in the same place.



2. I am a big fan of the Vampire Diaries TV show on the CW network so naturally, I wanted to read the books that started it all. I discovered two things: 1) The show and the books are totally different things. 2) I absolutely love them both!



3. This conclusion was definately an unexpected and welcomed surprise. The usual predictable senarios were absent. In place was a twisted plot that unfolded into a much grander and viscious eclipse of events.
   
   With a great and terrible unknown rising power in Fell's Church, Elena must force the alluring Vampire brothers to join forces despite their differences to combat evil.
   
   Twisted and evil, the way these books should be written.



4. Don't get me wrong, I really like this series. However, there's something about the Vampire Diaries that falls a little flat. I think the problem is the interactions between the characters; in this book (or pair of books), I'm thinking of Elena and Stefan's interactions in particular. The series is still strong, but it could be better if the relationships between the characters were more convincing.



5. This is a powerful continuation of the Awakening and and The Struggle, very emotionally intesive.

5 comments about The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle.

1. I purchased this book simply because of the CW show based on these books and the fact that, Twilight or no, I've always been a fan of a good vampire story.
   
   These books, in my opinion, do not disappoint, if you are looking for something in the teen/tween catagory that steers away from sex, blood and gore (which the TV show does not.)
   
   I found this series to be much more engaging and compeling than some others, mostly in how the female heroine (Elena) is treated by the vampire "men" who want to woo her. There is no holding her hostage for her own sake, there is no spying on her while she sleeps to keep her "safe". Smith's vampires, while one is brooding and semi-resentful of his "altered" state & the other fully embraces it and has fun with it, know what they are, they accept what they are and the story goes from there. There is no, "This is for your own good, dear" moments. The heroine is just as much involved in the outcome as her vampire counterparts. Elena is a much better representation of a strong female character in a vampire story in Smith's hands than in some other vampire stories I've read.
   
   I was confused, at first, by some of the language while reading. I soon realized that this edition is the UK printing, so some of the language has been changed to "English english". Don't be alarmed, it is the same great story, with very few single word changes. I didn't notice --or I didn't realize-- this when I was looking to purchase and trying to find the best price for the double book.



2. I had high expectations for this book. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. I had heard many good things about this book and bought it swiftly. I didn't like the main character to start off. I found her to be shallow and immature. The story was slow and unbecoming. I have read many of L.J. Smith's books and I've liked all of them, excluding this book. It wasn't believable, and it took me awhile to get through this one.



3. Book arrived. I was excited to receive it. It was good in better conditon that seller described.



4. This book amazed me. I felt like I was addicted to the story from the moment I opened the book. It just as good as the show, in my opinion, but keep in mind that the TV show and the book are quite different. I honestly like this book more than Twilight. The writing style of LJ Smith just keeps me intrigued with The Vampire Diaries. I love everything about it. I cannot believe that the Twilight saga is more popular, but this book (and the show) both deserve more recognition.



5. A light teen read. Not a bad little story. Popular snob girl falls for dark, mysterious handsome vampire. Feelings are also tempted and torchered by handome vampire brother Damen. Different from the TV series, a delight to read. Star crossed and eternally doomed (or damned) are these players which makes the tale interesting.

5 comments about The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls.

1. On the run . . .
   
   Elena Gilbert's boyfriend, the vampire Stefan Salvatore, has been captured and imprisoned by demonic spirits who are wreaking havoc in Fell's Church. While her friends Bonnie and Meredith explore the evil that has taken over their town, Elena goes in search of Stefan.
   
   In order to find him, she entrusts her life to Stefan's brother, Damon Salvatore, the handsome but deadly vampire who wants Elena, body and soul. Along with her ex-boyfriend Matt, who is still in love with her but is loyal to Stefan. Each day brings her and Damon closer to gather and drives Matt madder with jealous and anger with Damon whom he believes is manipulating Elena in to feeling for him. But Elena really feels for Damon , she wants to save him from his personal torment he rains over himself in his subconscious.
   After Matt can nolonger take the closeness of Damon and Elena he takes off to go back to Fells Church and help the others save there home or whats left of it. Once there Meredithe and Bonnie think it is best if they go find Elena and help her bring Stefan home . But they may have bit off more than they can take. Damon , Elena, Meredith and Bonnie haft to enter a Dark Dimension to find Stefan . In order to gain entry the girls must play the roll as Damon's human slaves. Elena will do anything to get Stefan back but the other two are not so trusting of Damon.
   
   Once in the other Dimension they find all sorts of thing they didn't know exist and see thing Elena just cant seem to just let happen. Elena finds it harder to act the role she is suppose to be acting and gets them in a few tricky situations and Damon has to bail them out . Witch only brings Elena that much closer to Damon.
   
   Elena will stop at nothing to free Stefan. Yet with each passing day the tension between Elena and Damon grows, and she is faced with a terrible decision: Which brother does she really want?
   
   I thought this was a great addition to the series i liked this book and the one before it best , probably because they were mostly about Damon and he is my favorite i think Stefan is nice but he is a bit to pompous for me , i like the dangerous sizzling hot Damon who has the bad boy complex down pat. I am very glad the Elena is getting close to Damon, but i think Damon is the one who is going to get hurt. this book introduced some new friends and i like them . I like Sage and his hell hound allot i think he is great and i would like to see him with Bonnie maybe?? Any way I think the book had lots of twist and turns i did not see coming and the big one at the end was the best!!



2. I first read the VD as a teen in the early 90's and it soon became one of my favorite series with LJ Smith becoming one of my favorite authors. When I heard LJ was continuing this series, I was a little apprehensive but thought surely she knew what she was doing. Turns out I should've trusted instinct and stayed away. I see no resemblance to the original characters or storyline that hooked me years ago. In fact, these new books have almost turned me off from the originals.
   
   My only hope is that she doesn't try to do this again with any of her other series. If she wants to write nonsense about nonsensical characters, I prefer she do so with a completely new series of books.



3. I've enjoyed reading the first four books and I watch the TV series. I almost stopped reading the book only after a few pages. The writing is awful. When reading paranormal you expect the outrageous but everything in this book seems ridiculous and stupid. The writing couldn't pull together to ridiculous and stupid to make it plausible. It makes me believe the writer who wrote the series before is not the same writer now. The story line is all over the place and reads like someone high on drugs wrote it in a drug haze. I wonder what editor in their right mind would release this book with out a firm editing hand. I continue to read only because I want to know how it will end but it is taking a long time as I read other books in between. Yes, Elena can do no wrong and it is absurd. Thankfully as others mentioned Damon is the only character and maybe Matt who make sense. Sadly there are so many other and new characters in this book that don't make sense it's scary.



4. What happened with this book? I read the entire thing because I like the series but man, it was painful! I almost stopped half way through. Hope the next book is better!



5. SHADOW SOULS WAS SO GOOD!!!!CAN YOU SAY I LOVE DAMON HE IS SO VUNERABLE IN THIS BOOK I LOVED IT!!!!

5 comments about The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall.

1. This book is AWFUL, possibly the worst book I've ever had the displeasure to read. I enjoyed the first two, but only an unwillingness to give up on something I'd spent money on made me finish this book. The characters are terrible, the plot wanders all over the place, the book drags on for far too long, and it's soppier and more melodramatic than Twilight (a tough accomplishment). And Elena's new powers/wings? Good only for serious eye rolling. Also, if I'd heard the words "lapis lazuli" one more time I may have screamed. We get it, Elena's eyes are blue. You can stop with the aggressive descriptions now.
   
   The first two books may have been enjoyable, if not exactly great literature, but I'll probably never read another LJ Smith after reading this.



2. The books and the tv series are like two totally different story lines. However, I still enjoyed both. The books are definitely worth the time to read. Will you recognize the story line if you have only watched the series? No.



3. After over a decade and not expecting this new trilogy, I was overjoyed to hear that The Vampire Diaries were coming back but from the perspective of Damon. Then I went and bought the book and what a HUGE disappointment it was. Smith completely changed all the characters. Who are they? They're not even the same anymore. I understand that Elena is not the Elena we met in the first book, the selfish, the world revolves around me girl. She grew up after everything that happened. But this Elena Gilbert we're talking about, not some wimpy whiney girl. She gets what she wants. And all these supernatural wannabe creatures she created it's too much. Go back to the basics. We don't need all that stuff for the story. I wanted so bad for this trilogy to be good, but after this first book I decided not to read the next two. *Spoiler Alert* Apparently, she falls in love with Damon during the next book and doesn't know which brother to choose. Is she just pulling elements from Twilight because it's what's selling? Are you Team Stefan or Team Damon? The first book is just a complete disaster. Honestly, I hope she follows in the footsteps of Katherine and kills herself for the sake of the brothers, but do it forreals.



4. I've enjoyed reading all the prior books and I watch the TV series. I almost stopped reading the book only after a few pages. The writing is awful. When reading paranormal you expect the outrageous but everything in this book seems ridiculous and stupid. The writing couldn't pull together to ridiculous and stupid to make it plausible. It makes me believe the writer who wrote the series before is not the same writer now. The story line is all over the place and reads like someone high on drugs wrote it in a drug haze. I wonder what editor in their right mind would release this book with out a firm editing hand. I continue to read only because I want to know how it will end but it is taking a long time as I read other books in between. Yes, Elena can do no wrong and it is absurd. Thankfully as others mentioned Damon is the only character and maybe Matt who make sense. Sadly there are so many other and new characters in this book that don't make sense it's scary.



5. GAK! Vomit! Yak!......Harper needs to fire the editor who handled this mess. After reading the first two in this series I was really looking forward to what was in store for these characters.
   
   Elena Gilbert, now an angel earth bound in human form, must rise against 2 supernatural (or is it 3, I wasn't sure even after re-reading sections several times) forces terrorizing Fells Church for the sake of their own entertainment.
   
   There is way too much bouncing back and forth in this book. I felt like i was reading an uncorrected ARC. This book could have easily been cut down to 350 pages and turned out to be a nice read. Instead I felt trapped like the characters in the Old Wood suffocating, wrapped in diabolical evil grammar.
   
   586 pages later, a major disappointment.

No comments about The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Midnight.

5 comments about Night World No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness; Spellbinder.

1. I always seem to have trouble with L.J Smith's books, however this series is the exception. I throughly enjoyed the entire series. True, all of the stories are romance and somewhat corny, other than that I like the stories. The book contains werewolves and vampires, but it also includes witches. Points for originality.



2. This was the first book by L.J. Smith that I have read. I found it to be very enjoyable to read and was easy to read. Before reading this particular book I didn't realize that it consisted of three short stories within one book. I like this idea since sometimes my concentration is not good enough to concentrate on an entire. I had just recently finished reading The Passage by Justin Cronin and I needed something that was very easy to read and fun at the same time. I look forward to reading the other stories by L.J. Smith.



3. The endings are very corny. The story plots were very good but it seems rushed, as if the writer, after writing 100 pages or so of a story, feels like she's forced to end quickly so she can move to the next one. The characters seems flat. And right when the climax of the story reaches, it was gone in an instant and the story reaches the end.



4. After reading other reviews of this seller that extolled the fast shipping, I was surprised that it took a couple of weeks for my book to arrive. I'm close to the seller (one state away -- maybe a couple hours' drive) so figured -- especially when I received a shipping notice two days after the purchase and saw the charge come through my bank account a day after getting the shipping email -- that I'd get the book quickly. To be fair, I have *no* patience when it comes to something I want to read. LOL However, even though I'd received the shipping notice email, it was still more than a week later when the book arrived.
   
   Other than the "delayed" shipping -- and the book still arrived within Amazon's projected time frame -- I rated the experience with five stars since the book condition was as described, I didn't have any other problems or issues, I'd buy from the seller again, and I can't say that the delay was definitely the seller's fault; shipping anything via USPS is always a crapshoot. After all, there's a reason we call it "snail mail."



5. So far this book seems forced. It moves more quickly with the story then it should. In the opening book Secret Vampire i would have like a lot more background instead of being tossed into the story. She is trying to keep this orj. with is nice but it still seems a little forced. overall i will get the other 2 books just to see if they are any better and because i read about a book a day.

5 comments about Night World No. 2: Dark Angel; The Chosen; Soulmate.

1. So for some asinine reason I picked up this book before reading NIght World book 1, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't necessary to have read the first three Night World' books in order to understand what was going on. But, after reading this book I decided to buy the rest of the series. I really liked it!
   
   Like the other night world books this book is composed of three independent stories. All of which were paranormal love stories, that were clean, easy to read and fun -albeit a little predictable at times.
   
   The first story, Dark Angel, I found to be the least predictable. In this story Gillian dies, but then is brought back to life by her guardian angel who then sticks around to make all her dreams come true, only after a little why some of the request he makes of Gillian aren't very angelic and she begins to question who this guy really is. Once I started this book I could not put it down. Gillian I found a little annoying at times, but I thought she was a realistic character, the story moved fast, it was interesting, and unpredictable. Not terribly deep, but It wasn't totally shallow either, which is kind of what I look for in a book. I just want to escape somewhere and all these stories definitely do that.
   
   The Chosen was the second story in this volume and this is my favorite. Rashel becomes a brutal vampire hunter after seeing her mother killed by one when she is a child. She hates Vampires, then she meets Quinn, one of the most heartless vampires in the Night World who just happens to be her soulmate (sorry if this gives anything away, but since it says it on the back of the book I thought it was safe to add.)
   Anyhow, this story is my favorite because I love both Quinn and Rashel, they are both strong semi-complex characters and L.J. does a really good job with their chemistry. For me this story was worth buying the whole book!
   
   Soulmate was the third book in this series and this was my least favorite, though I have read other reviews were people loved it -and I did like it, I just didn't love it. This is a story that deals with past lives -which is an interesting concept, as well as vampires -which I love, no matter how many books are written about them, and it has a nice love story, but for me it was a little too predictable. I still really enjoyed it, though, as I did the whole book which is why I recommend this book! That is, if you like this sort of stuff, or are a fan of L.J. Smith, which I am (except for her newest vampire diaries books :( which I still feel sad about).



2. I got Night World at walmart because I was bored. Now im a Night World fan. I fell in love with these books. I own all of them and awaiting Strange Fate. Love it.



3. Just a short comment, there are three stories in each book, do start with the first and real all three. They are a fun easy read.



4. I really enjoyed the three stories in this volume, I love L.J. Smith, and will be definately reading for of her novels.



5. Many readers find L.J. Smith's books not edgy enough or too juvenile by today's YA standards, but I happen to thoroughly enjoy the writing style of her novels. I think LJS, not Stephanie Meyer, was the first writer who gave a start to so popular nowadays genre of YA paranormal romance. Too many authors now rely heavily on sexual chemistry and make-out sessions to attract readers to their books at the expense of good plot. Smith's romances are very well balanced in that respect IMO. Although short, they have just enough story to never get boring or slow down the pacing of the narration. Plus just enough quantity of tastefully done teenage passion to spice things up (never any sex though if you were wondering). This collection of 3 more Night World books is no exception.
   
   What I like the most about Night World series is that although its the premise is rather hokey - it is basically a series of love stories between immortals and regular humans bound by the soulmate ties - the romances do not really succumb to cliches. Smith has enough imagination to keep each installment fresh and interesting.
   
   "Dark Angel" is about Gillian, who is saved from drowning by her "Guarding Angel," who first guides her to turn her life around for the better, but then gradually pushes her to do things of a very un-angelic nature.
   
   "The Chosen" is a story of Rashel - a vampire slayer whose purpose in life is to avenge the deaths of her family, but who finds herself in love with her mortal enemy - a vampire.
   
   "Soulmate" explores the ideas of reincarnated soulmates and the origins of vampirism.
   
   Each story also adds to the overall series arc, we gradually learn more and more about the Night World, the conflicts within it and the dangers of the looming Apocalypse.
   
   My only problem with this series is that Smith is too fixated on vampires and witches. Will I ever read a Night World story of hers about a werewolf or some other paranormal creature? I'll have to read the last volume to investigate.

5 comments about Night World No. 3: Huntress, Black Dawn, Witchlight.

1. I just love these books, order 2nd and 3rd from amazon, as i couldnt wait the store to get them in stock, so now im on the 3 book, witchlight and got to chapet 7,5 pages in to the chapter, and blank pages till chapter 9 most of 9 was blank. then the story is back, what the heck, had the bookover a month as i had to read second book. hmmmmmm want to exchange for another book, wotking on that now, need to talk to amazon.



2. I think I now understand better why so many L.J. Smith's fans crave the last, 10th, installment of the Night World series - Strange Fate - to be finally published. Throughout this series of paranormal romances Smith has created a fascinating supernatural world and gradually built up to a great end-of-the-world showdown destined to happen in the final chapter of the story.
   
   This collection of 3 romances is of the same quality as two previous Night World tomes. What you have here are these scenarios: i-didn't-realize-i-was-in-love-with-my-long-time-guy-friend ("Huntress"); my-soulmate-is-a-vampire-dark-prince-but-my-love-will-cure-his-badness ("Black Dawn"); omg-my-soulmate-has-to-marry-someone-else-for-political-reasons ("Witchlight").
   
   Yes, I know how it sounds, but believe it or not, these books are solid stories with strong heroines whose priorities are straight, who are not TSTL and whose lives do not revolve around their boys. The books remain simple and innocent (no action beyond first base here), maybe a little juvenile. But at the same time the plots are great and the mythology is imaginative. Night World books are basically better than 95% of paranormal YA fiction I've read these past few years.
   
   I am now going to wait for Strange Fate too, but seeing that L.J. Smith has lost some marbles over the years and produced new Vampire Diaries of atrocious quality, maybe I shouldn't.



3. This is my favorite series by L.J. Smith. I love that the books are independent of each other, but each one has a link to a previous one in a sometimes obscure and unexpected way. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this after getting so attached to Poppy & James at the beginning but the series just keeps getting better. Branching off to show the story from a completely different perspective keeps the series fresh and lets you fall in love with new characters while knowing that you haven't seen the last of your old favorites. I can't wait to see how it all comes together in the end.



4. Unfortunately, I bought all three Night World books thinking they sounded "interesting". Don't waste your money - I can't get through the 1st 200 pages of the 1st book. I've given up on this series. I'm easily entertained so when it doesn't grab my attention and interest, it is totally lame.



5. The third in an enchanting series. It is a quick read fun, light and crazy.I enjoy her characters and the improbable situations they find themselves in.
   
   Supposedly these books are directed a the teen group but i am 65 and thoroughly enjoyed them.

5 comments about The Simpsons Futurama Crossover Crisis.

1. Very entertaining to read and see. Has a surprise gift in the back. If you like or if you are a fan of the Simpsons this is a must get.



2. This is really a great comic book bound in a creative, cut out cover. It was about $10 cheaper than at the comic book store, if I had been able to even get it there. It includes a reproduction of the first Simpson comic book, tucked in the back cover. The pages are slick and won't tear easily. If you enjoy the Simpsons and Futurama, this is a great addition to your collection.



3. Except for brief jokey asides and passing references, the two have never crossed paths. But the wait is finally over. It might take rending the fabric of space-time asunder, but by Jebus, the casts of the Simpsons and Futurama will meet in //The Simpsons Futurama Crossover Crisis//!
   
   Collecting both Simpsons/Futurama comic crossover miniseries, this glossy all-in-one collection details the bizarre and hilarious circumstances that (twice) caused these worlds to collide, offering plenty of opportunities for characters on both sides to shine, annoy, profit, scheme, steal, and bungle their way across the pages. Complete with character sketches, a gallery of Simpsons/Futurama art created by some of the most famous names in comics, and a reprinted issue of Simpsons Comics #1, this volume is fan service at its greatest.
   
   Inside jokes and obscure characters populate the background, and the numerous parallels between the two franchises are highlighted and lampooned with equal enthusiasm and rich detail. The stories themselves feel a little lackluster at times, but that's more from the static comic medium than from any failings in the terribly funny script by Ian Boothby.
   
   With the madcap willingness to throw comedy caution to the wind, //The Simpsons Futurama Crossover Crisis// is a delight.



4. I am not a huge fan of Simpsons (still big one), but I love the Futurama. This book must be in every fan's collection. The story is really great and full of jokes we all love (unlike Futurama comics), and the book has some really cool arts at the end, referring to book itself and some movies.



5. The Simpsons Futurama: Crossover Crisis is a Simpsons comic guide any collector simply must have. It's not just that full-color cartoon drawings pack the book, or that it blends two very different shows - The Simpsons and Futurama - but it provides a fine series of interactions and concludes with a first-edition collectible comic book in the back pocket. Packed in a gorgeous full-color slipcase, it's a collector's winner.

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love and Learning (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. Again, not enough is written for teenagers that is positive and not too heavy. Because there are many stories, the book can be put down at any time and resumes at some other time when the teenager may be feeling down or just needing a different perspective. Easy to read, but so much heart, so many good stories. They really do make the heart feel good.
   Dr Gunta Krumins-Caldwell author of On Silver Wings



2. The book title was written by Andrew Keegan the title of the book I read is Chicken soup for the teenage soul 2. This book was written for teenagers about situations dealing with problems teenagers have, such as family stuff, making, a difference learning lessons. I recommended this book because it helped me get a better understanding about subjects that I don't normally talk about. Some of the situations have actually helps me in my personal life and I think that it could help you!



3. I am not a teen anymore, but a decade ago, I was. I never went to a public school, or delt with teenage dating, drugs, suicide, sneaking around, or all of that drama. I purchased this for a special teen in my life who has had to go to public school and face all of that. I read it before I gave it to her, and I think I learned some things that enter into the "average teen's" life. I hope she enjoys it, and learns, laughs and grows as I did.



4. This book was a wonderful and uplifting read. A lot of the passages will be in the back of my mind for a long time. The stories with love, hope and forgiveness really hit home for me. The only thing that I would like to see more in this book is poetry.
   
   You would like this book if you love the feeling of being thankful of what you have. It makes me think to be kinder to people and to be happy that people are how they are and no one should try to change them. That some people are there to help and some people are there to be helped by people. I just think that this book will make so many people's lives so much brighter after having read it.
   
   The thing that really got me was one of the stories that had a little brother that had cancer and it made me think of my little brother and what would my life be like without him. The day I read that story I went home and gave him a big hug and I told him that I loved him.
   
   The parts with thoughtful words and deep thoughts always make me think. I love to read about people's problems and how they overcome them. I just think that it is good to know that someone might be going through the same problems with boys, parents, school, drugs and tons more things that make your head spin every day, and things that you feel like there is no way out of that situation.
   
   All in all I thought it was a good book.



5. My daughter started reading this book at age 12, and has had it for 2 years. She still loves to go back and read selections of love, hope, courage. Give your teenager something worth reading! :)