"The Vampire Diaries" is based on a series of teen horror novels written by Lisa Jane "L.J." Smith. It began in 1991 with "The Awakening," introducing Elena, Stefan, Damon, Matt, werewolf Tyler, Bonnie, Caroline, and Meredith, a character who didn't make it into the TV adaptation. The second book in the series, "The Struggle," introduces Alaric Saltzman, the history teacher turned vampire hunter. The third part, "The Fury," turns Elena into a vampire and brings in Katherine, the Salvatore brothers' first love. The original trilogy was such a hit that Smith added a fourth book in the first series — 1992's "Dark Reunion." This finale brings in Klaus, the original vampire often referred to as the "old one," and wraps up the story.
Once the TV series premiered in 2009, renewed interest in the original books inspired a continuation of the series. "The Return" trilogy features 2009's "Nightfall," 2010's "Shadow Souls," and 2011's "Midnight." The new saga tells the tale of Japanese fox demons kidnapping Damon and a trip to the "dark dimension." A third trilogy called "The Hunters" was written by a ghostwriter and came out in 2011 and 2012. These novels focus on Alaric's hunting history, and find new ways of putting Damon, Stefan, and Elena in peril. A final trilogy called "Salvation" arrived in 2013 and 2014. Written by Aubrey Clark, these books find Damon and Katherine romping through Europe while Stefan and Elena stay home. There's a lot to read if you're still feeling the "TVD" itch.
