What is the Order of The Vampire Diaries Books?

Confession time: I first stumbled into The Vampire Diaries world because of the TV show (like so many of us, right?). But when I realized the books came first and that they’re actually a whole sprawling series written by L.J. Smith, I knew I had to dive into the original story.

The tricky part? Figuring out the right order to read them. Between the original series, spin-offs, and continuations, it can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve untangled it for you.

Order to Read The Vampire Diaries Books

The series is split into different arcs. Here’s the proper order:

The Original Series by L.J. Smith

1. The Awakening (1991)
2. The Struggle (1991)
3. The Fury (1991)
4. Dark Reunion (1992)

The Return Trilogy (continuation of the original series)

5. Nightfall (2009)
6. Shadow Souls (2010)
7. Midnight (2011)

The Hunters Trilogy (written by a ghostwriter after L.J. Smith was removed from the series)

8. Phantom (2011)
9. Moonsong (2012)
10. Destiny Rising (2012)

The Salvation Trilogy (also ghostwritten, “final” continuation)

11. Unseen (2013)
12. Unspoken (2013)
13. Unmasked (2014)

About the Author: L.J. Smith’s Complicated Journey

L.J. Smith (Lisa Jane Smith) is the mind behind The Vampire Diaries, as well as other paranormal YA staples like The Secret Circle and Night World. Her writing style combines supernatural suspense with romance, often with strong heroines caught between dark and light forces.

However, her journey with The Vampire Diaries took a dramatic turn. Smith originally created the series in the early ’90s, but after its resurgence in popularity due to the TV adaptation, the publishers took creative control.

She was actually fired from her own series and ghostwriters continued the storylines from The Hunters onward. This is why the tone of the later books feels quite different, less in Smith’s voice and more in line with the publisher’s vision of the story.

For longtime fans, this split often stirs debate. Some prefer stopping at Midnight, the last book written by Smith herself, while others read all the way through to see how the story ends (even if it doesn’t quite feel like the same series).

The Books vs. The TV Show

If you’ve only seen the TV show, you might be surprised at how different the books are. A few fun comparisons:

• Elena Gilbert: Book Elena starts out as a blonde, popular “queen bee” type, very different from Nina Dobrev’s darker-haired, more reserved portrayal.
• Damon & Stefan: Their dynamic in the books is wilder, more extreme, with Damon especially leaning into his darker, dangerous side.
• Plotlines: The books lean heavily into supernatural mythology, with storylines that never made it into the show. Think kitsune (Japanese fox spirits), alternate dimensions, and apocalyptic battles that feel far more mythological.

If you go in expecting a carbon copy of the TV show, you’ll be surprised. But if you keep an open mind, the books offer their own brand of addictive, gothic drama.

My Verdict: Where to Stop, Where to Continue

If you’re a purist, I recommend reading up to Midnight, that’s the true L.J. Smith vision. It gives you a complete arc and feels authentic to the characters she created.

But if you’re the type of reader who needs closure at all costs, then by all means keep going with The Hunters and The Salvation trilogies. Just know they’ll feel different.

At the end of the day, The Vampire Diaries books are a fascinating dive into ‘90s YA vampire lore, full of drama, danger, and romance. They’re worth exploring whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or just a reader who loves supernatural twists.

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