A Guide To Reading All The Vampire Diaries Books By L.J. Smith

Lisa Jane Smith or more known as L.J. Smith was an American author born 4^th September 1958 and passed 8^th March 2025 leaving an unforgettable legacy. Lisa was best known for her Vampire Diaries books, a popular series spanning over 20 years inspiring a dominated TV Show The Vampire Diaries holding 8 seasons. I’ve seen the full Vampire Diaries series plus the two spin off shows, The Originals and Legacies, and between the 3 series and the books I will always be choosing the books. When I first read Lisa’s books I was very surprised to find how different they were from the show, not only was the plot completely different and off the rails slightly but even the appearances and nature of each character was different and much better (my opinion). I was most intrigued by the plot and how original each book is. At first the thought of starting a new series with a combined total of 19 books was pretty scary and confusing but nevertheless a little research to guide me in the right direction is sometimes necessary, which brings me to this post: A guide to reading all the Vampire Diaries Books by L.J. Smith so that you may start your vampire journey today.

There are 13 Vampire Diaries books plus 6 Stefans Diaries books totalling 19 books. With the Vampire Diaries there is 4 sections: The Vampire Diaries (1991 – 1991), The Return (2009 – 2011), The Hunters (2011 – 2011), and The Salvation (2013 – 2014).

The first 4 books of the series include The Awakening, The Struggle, The Fury, and The Dark Reunion which were all released in 1991 where Elena’s journey truly begins. Now in the books Elena is described as a popular mean girl, with blond hair and a selfish personality. she lives with her aunt and younger sister and has 2 best friends Bonnie, a name we all recognize and Meridith who was not adapted to screen. The storyline of Stefan and Damon was main to the plot of the books and her decision of which brother Elena preferred was still undeciding. Each book takes you through grief, friendship, the struggles of being a teenager and finding out the boy you like is a vampire and evil is lurking in your town. A lot does go on for how short the books really are but I warn you once you start you won’t put it down.

The next section of books is The Return which include Nightfall, Shadow Souls, and Midnight all released between 2009 and 2011. We follow Elena with newfound powers drawing supernatural things of darkness posing a threat to Elena and with Stefan gone Elena must save him and herself.

Next up we have The Hunters which include Phantom, Moonsong, and Destiny Rising released in 2011 and with a new darkness consuming Elena’s hometown the struggle to protect her friends increases.

The last section of the of the Vampire Diaries series is The Salvation which includes Unseen, Unspoken, and Unmasked released between 2013 and 2014 and within the final pages of the series Elena and her loved ones fight one last battle against evil, with returning names sacrifices must be made.

Between 2010 and 2012 6 books were released named The Vampire Diaries: Stefans Diaries which included Origins, Bloodlust, The Craving, The Ripper, The Asylum, and The Compelled and if you hadn’t already guest it the books are told from Stefan's point of view as a prequel to the television show. The books follow Stefan and his brother from their meeting of Kathrine to adapting to life as newly vampire and the threats that come with immortality.

With this information are you tempted to enter the Vampire Diaries world told from the creator herself, if so below is the list order. Have fun.

Reading Order

The Vampire Diaries

• The Awakening (1991)

• The Struggle (1991)

• The Fury (1991)

• Dark Reunion (1991)

The Vampire Diaries: The Return

• Nightfall (2009)

• Shadow Souls (2010)

• Midnight (2011)

The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters

• Phantom (2011)

• Moonsong (2011)

• Destiny Rising (2011)

The Vampire Diaries: The Salvation

• Unseen (2013)

• Unspoken (2013)

• Unmasked (2014)

The Vampire Diaries: Stephens Diaries

• Origins (2010)

• Bloodlust (2011)

• The Craving (2011)

• The Ripper (2011)

• The Asylum (2012)

• The Compelled (2012)

L.J. Smith

Ealasaid | Posted 11th June 2026