Hello once again, everyone! :) Welcome to another installment of Fangtastic Friday, a weekly meme started by Beth Ann Masarik that allows us to talk about everything vampire-ish! :} Today, I'm expressing my opinion to this very simple question:
Vampire Diaries - Books or CW show?
I read the first book of this series when it first was published circa 1995. I was an impressionable teenager at the time and I fell in love with the Salvatore brothers and Elena. Even though I only read the first book at the time, 15 years later, I read the full four books that began this series. I loved them. I love L.J. Smith anyway (mostly because no matter what, her books have a happy ending), but TVD was just amazing to me. I loved the conflict of the books, the pacing, everything that happened, even how Elena eventually ended up as a vampire. And of course, I loved the love triangle (because I'm a weird girl like that). I was smitten with both Stefan and Damon when I read these books and I really enjoyed how the author introduced both of them in the beginning and how the relationships fluctuation throughout the novels (though of course, Elena and Stefan always ended up together).
When I found out The Vampire Diaries was coming to the CW, I was super excited. Like everyone else, I counted down the days to the first episode. I watched it with bated breath, having just read the first book a few months prior, I had a good idea of how everything was supposed to go. And then, 45 minutes into the show, Damon showed up in Stefan's bedroom. I hated it. That whole scene happened on page 244 of the first book - how could they have it in the first episode?! I lamented about everything that was left out and debated watching the following week.
Let me just say, I'm very glad I stuck with it. Since that somewhat disappointing first episode, I have learned that a lot has to change when a book goes to Hollywood (whether in movie or TV). I can honestly say I've enjoyed watching the show on the CW 100 times more than reading the books. In fact, now the books seemed too slow and a little dull compared to everything that has happened on the show!
What's your take on it? Have you read the books? (I'll admit, I haven't read any of the new books that have popped up since the show began.) How do you feel they compare to the show? Which do you like better?
Happy Friday!
EM
Did you know L.J Smith is no longer allowed to write any of the books. All her rights regarding the original story are gone and she has no entitlement to anything. Infact they have hired new writers to write new books in the series.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteOriginally, I said no way! But looking at Lisa's website, I see that she signed a contract 20 years ago probably forbidding her from writing any more material on the series (TVD and Secret Circle). that just sucks. It's something I hope I never run into.
ReplyDeleteWell I read the first book over 3 years ago and sort of loved it. I wouldn't say I was a complete sucker for it, but when the show came to prime time I was totally pumped. Mainly because at the time I was head over heals for Vamps and since I hadn't read the first book recently I actually didn't feel cheated on material that was left out. I fell in love with both of the brothers right away. I was a little freaked out by how they looked, (I was used to sparkly vamps, lol)and they were more intense with their vampire sides. I loved the fact that their humanity could be turned on or off. I was actually a little scared of them, but I fell very hard very fast for all of the characters and when I don't get my fix of Damon on Thursday nights I practically go into withdraw. LOL So, with all that being said, I have to say that from what I did read, the TV series is better for me than the books. Although, I would have to go back and read the books to see if my feelings are still the same. All I can say is go Team Damon!!
ReplyDelete