Okay, I first want to mention that I am a huge vampire fan. So when I saw this book in one of the NY public libraries I just had to read it. I had already read LJS's “Dark Visions” trilogy and loved the story of Kait's visions and Gabriels's dark personality. Gabriel's character kind of reminds me of Damon's character in the “Vampire Diaries” series only Damon doesn't have someone “special” to put him in his place. It became so intense that when I was reading the “Vampire Diaries” Vol. 1 it felt as if the words were no longer words but instead pictures of what was happening – this occurs in all of LJS's books because they are written so superbly. I couldn't put it down. You might think this book sounds like just another story about another unrealistic immortal romance that's not worth your time but it is so worth it. Despite the flaws the characters may have you grow attached to them – to Bonnie's fearful psychic powers, to Meridith's mysterious, closed off personality, even to Elena's self-absored beauty. You grow as they grow. It's always cool when you piece together the clues before the characters do and then woder if you were accurate as the story progresses. I thought this was a trilogy until, at the back of the 3rd book, I found out that a 4th book existed. I couldn't find it anywhere! After three years of searching, I finally found it on Amazon.com … I just had to get it. No matter the cost, I was left in that much suspense. You know what? It was so worth it! The 4th one was the BEST! I literally read it in a matter of about 3 hours, only putting it down to wipe tears away. It was that intense. I felt as if the things were really happening to me. To sum this all up I have to say that the whole series took me to a whole new world. Damon is this gorgeous & powerful vampire whom Elena can't resist. Stefan is the type of vamp that keeps everything inside & fights his nature with the kind of sensitivity & beauty no girl can resist. I think LJS blends characters from one trilogy into another one to make a new identity. Like, Matt is similar to Adam, in the “Secret Circle” trilogy & Elena is similar to Jenny on the “Forbidden Game” trilogy. So my suggestion = don't just read this book, but buy it before it goes out of stock again. And I totally agree with the other reviewers who say that this should become a larger series. IT ROCKED!
