Book #125: Destiny Rising

Title: The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Destiny Rising

Author: "Created by L.J. Smith" but written by ghostwriter

Date started reading: Nov. 4, 2012
Date finished reading:  Nov. 8, 2012

Publish date: October 2012
ISBN: 978-0062017734
Number of pages: 400

Official summary: "Destined for danger ... Elena has faced countless challenges-escaping the Dark Dimension, defeating phantoms, discovering she's a Guardian. But nothing compares to choosing between the two loves of her life: Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Elena has reunited with Stefan, while Damon, hurt by the rejection, has become dark and unpredictable. Now Elena's torn between saving Damon's soul and staying true to Stefan. But before Elena can decide who her heart belongs to, Dalcrest College's campus is overrun with vampires determined to resurrect Klaus, the wicked Old One who will stop at nothing to destroy Elena-and everyone close to her. As Elena learns more about her destiny as a Guardian, a protector against evil on earth, she realizes that before she can defeat Klaus, she has to sacrifice someone close to her. Elena must decide how much -- and who -- she's willing to give up before it's too late." (http://www.epicreads.com)

How I obtained the book: Pre-ordered for $12 from Walmart using a giftcard I got for my birthday

My commentary: I really loved this book. Really really loved it. I think the ghostwriter is doing an excellent job bringing the series back to where it should have been all along. It's dark and not as whimsical as the last few books that L.J. actually wrote. The only issue I have with it is them seeming to have an issue with Elena being a normal human. They just can't seem to leave her human. First she was human, then a vampire, then dead, then an angel, then human, then human with supernatural powers, then just human, now she's a guardian who will live forever. Seriously can't she just be human? She's also now got a connection to Damon where if he kills someone again, she'll die. What the hell is up with that?

Memorable quotes:

• "Stefan didn't know, but he thought that being a werewolf was probably a lot less lonely than being a vampire. If you had a Pack." 
• "I like patrolling with you. It's almost like a romantic stroll, except for, you know, the possibility of being attacked by vampires." ~ Bonnie to Zander
• "You might be wicked in theory, but your heart is so pure." ~ Katherine to Damon
• "Love changes you. And it never fades, no matter how much you might want it to. Don't make the mistakes I've made, Damon. Don't fight love, whatever form it takes." ~ Katherine
• "Let the record show that I tried to save you, and that you are the most infuriatingly stubborn person I've ever known." ~ Damon to Elena
• "You should have learned by now that you can never ask a girl to give up all her secrets. And I'm full of secrets. Always." ~ Katherine to Damon
• "What if loving me destroys everything else that matters to you?" ~ Bonnie to Zander
• "You can't poison a vampire." ~ Damon

Buy on Amazon.com: The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Destiny Rising