Stefan's Diaries: Origins

Series: Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries, #1
Publisher: HarperTeen | Hodder's Children
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Paperback: 256 pages
Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal Romance
Read it in: 6 days
Source: Hodder's Children
Challenges: ABC Reading
Rating: ★★★

Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity.
Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine's affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together-forever.
Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan's Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine--and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.

I don't really know what to say about this book or where to begin. I love the original Vampire Diaries series, and I love the show. But the books lately have just gotten...wow. I read the four original Vampire Diaries books and then got excited a couple of years later when a fifth was coming out. But then when it came out and I attempted to read it, I couldn't finish it! It was just really weird.

And now there's a ghostwriter involved and the newer books aren't even written by L.J. and it's sad and horrible. And then these books come out and they aren't involved with the original books. These are based off the SHOW. Which I was kind of curious about because I love the show and want to know more about Stefan and Damon.

Also, by the way, does anyone know who actually writes these books?! It just says based off the novels by L.J. Smith and off the show written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. But who wrote THIS book??

Anyway, as much as I loved learning more about Stefan, Damon and Katherine and it was fun to read through Stefan's eyes, it wasn't great. I loved reading and being able to see some of the scenes because they were in the show, and knowing more about their history and what happened before they were turned, but something just wasn't right for me. It took me a lot longer than necessary to read this and I just wasn't in it a hundred percent.

Overall, it was enjoyable, but I could only read so much of it at one time. I had to keep putting it down. I love hearing more history than is seen in the show, but something just isn't right. Hard to explain. My husband says the next book is better, hopefully it will be. I'll read it soon, but I'm not absolutely DYING to read it.
                                                                                                                                        
Buy: Amazon| The Book Depository
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari

The second book in this series is called Bloodlust. It was released on January 4, 2011. 

Waiting on Wednesday, #46

Waiting on Wednsday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights upcoming releases that you are dying to read and can't wait to get your hands on! 

A Witch in Love, by Ruth Warburton
(Winter Trilogy, #2)
Publisher: Hodder Children's
Release Date: July 5, 2012
Pre-Order: Amazon

Anna still finds it hard to believe that Seth loves her and has vowed to suppress her powers, no matter what.
But magic – like love – is uncontrollable. It spills out with terrible consequences, and soon, Anna is being hunted.

Why do I Want It? Though I didn't absolutely "OMGILOVETHIS!" the first book, I'm very curious as to what will happen with Anna, Seth and the Ealdwitan. I'm wondering what will happen with their powers and everything! 

Waiting on Wednesday #19

Waiting on Wednsday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking The Spine. WOW spotlights upcoming releases that you are dying to read and can't wait to get your hands on!

Note: All my links go to Goodreads, the author's website, and the publisher's website.

A Witch In Winter, by Ruth Warburton

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

Release Date: January 5, 2012

Pre-Order: Amazon

Anna Winterson doesn't know she's a witch and would probably mock you for believing in magic, but after moving to the small town of Winter with her father, she learns more than she ever wanted to about power. When Anna meets Seth, she is smitten, but when she enchants him to love her, she unwittingly amplifies a deadly conflict between two witch clans and splits her own heart in two. She wants to love Seth, to let him love her – but if it is her magic that's controlling his passion, then she is as monstrous as the witch clan who are trying to use her amazing powers for their own gain. Although a perfect fit for the paranormal romance genre, A WITCH IN WINTER avoids fangs, excessive body hair and submissive female leads, and tells the heart-wrenching story of a couple meant to be together, but being forced apart. Seth is utterly irresistible and Anna is an empowered, proactive young woman with unimaginable magic inside her. This is fast-paced, sensuous writing with believable incantations inspired by Warburton's research into witchcraft legend and old English.

Not only is this a 2012 debut, but it involves witches! One of my top, TOP favorite supernatural beings in the whole wide world! I know, I'm a dork. But doesn't this sound absolutely AMAZING! I would sell my soul for a copy of this book right now! Literally! Really, I'm not kidding. Also, to add to the amazingness of this book, it has a gorgeous cover! *sigh* 

What are YOU waiting on this Wednesday?! I'd love to know!