The Vampire Diaries series is a popular collection of young adult vampire-themed novels written by American author L.J. Smith. Since its debut, the series has captivated readers around the world with its intriguing characters, compelling storytelling, and dark supernatural themes. Many fans and newcomers alike often wonder, “How many books of Vampire Diaries are there?” In this article, we will explore the full extent of the series, including the original novels, spin-offs, and related works, providing a comprehensive overview to satisfy your curiosity.
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Overview of the Vampire Diaries Series
The Vampire Diaries series was first introduced to readers in the 1990s and has since expanded into a multi-faceted franchise that includes novels, television adaptations, and more. The core of the literary series consists of a collection of novels that follow the lives of vampires, humans, and other supernatural beings in the fictional town of Mystic Falls.
The Original Series by L.J. Smith
The original Vampire Diaries book series was penned by L.J. Smith, who created the universe that would later inspire the hit TV show. The series primarily revolves around the love triangle between Elena Gilbert, Stefan Salvatore, and Damon Salvatore, intertwined with vampire lore and supernatural conflicts.
Key facts about the original series:
- The series was initially published between 1991 and 1997.
- It consists of a total of 13 novels.
- The books are divided into three main arcs: the original trilogy, the second trilogy, and the final trilogy.
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The Number of Vampire Diaries Books by L.J. Smith
Original Series Breakdown
L.J. Smith’s Vampire Diaries series consists of three distinct parts:
1. The Vampire Diaries Trilogy (Books 1–3)
- Vampire Diaries: The Awakening (1991)
- Vampire Diaries: The Struggle (1992)
- Vampire Diaries: The Fury (1993)
2. The Vampire Diaries: The Return Trilogy (Books 4–6)
- The Return: Nightfall (2009)
- The Return: Shadow Souls (2010)
- The Return: Midnight (2011)
3. The Vampire Diaries: The Salvation Trilogy (Books 7–9)
- The Salvation: Unseen (2013)
- The Salvation: Unspoken (2014)
- The Salvation: Unmasked (2014)
4. Additional Novels and Spin-offs
- The Vampire Diaries: The Original Novels (a compilation)
- The Secrets of the Vampire Diaries (companion book)
Total number of books authored by L.J. Smith: 13
These novels form the core storylines and are the foundation for the franchise.
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Expanded Universe and Spin-offs
While L.J. Smith’s original series comprises 13 books, the franchise expanded significantly through various spin-offs, reboots, and related works.
Vampire Diaries Novels by Other Authors
In 2013, the rights to continue the Vampire Diaries universe were acquired by other authors, leading to new novels that expand on the original universe.
Notable spin-off and continuation books include:
- Vampire Diaries: The Return series (by L.J. Smith, but with new editions and reprints)
- Vampire Diaries: The Salvation series
- Vampire Diaries: The New Chronicles (including new stories and novellas)
The Vampire Diaries Companion and Anthology Books
In addition to the novels, several companion books, guides, and anthologies have been published to deepen fans’ understanding of the universe:
- The Vampire Diaries: The Official Companion
- Vampire Diaries: The Secret of Mystic Falls
The Originals and Legacies Novels
The success of the TV series The Originals and Legacies led to related novels and stories set in the same universe, although these are often considered separate from the main Vampire Diaries book series.
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Are There More Books Beyond the Original Series?
Yes. The original 13 novels by L.J. Smith are just the beginning. The franchise has grown to include:
- Rebooted and new releases by other authors
- Novellas and short stories
- Spin-off series related to The Originals and Legacies
However, in terms of the primary, canon Vampire Diaries novels, the total remains at 13.
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Summary: How Many Vampire Diaries Books Are There?
To summarize:
- Total books authored by L.J. Smith (original series): 13
- Additional related books and spin-offs: Several, including novellas and companion guides
- Total Vampire Diaries-related novels (including spin-offs): Over 20 titles when considering all expansions and novellas
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Conclusion
The core Vampire Diaries book series by L.J. Smith consists of 13 novels, spanning multiple story arcs that delve into the lives, loves, and supernatural battles of characters in Mystic Falls. Beyond these, the franchise has expanded through spin-offs, novellas, and related works, bringing the total number of Vampire Diaries-related books to over 20. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer interested in exploring the universe, these books offer a rich and captivating journey into the world of vampires and the supernatural.
If you're looking to start reading or expand your collection, consider exploring both the original series and the subsequent spin-offs to get the full Vampire Diaries experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are there in The Vampire Diaries series?
There are a total of 13 books in The Vampire Diaries series.
Are there any spin-off books related to The Vampire Diaries?
Yes, there are spin-off books like The Originals and Legacies, but they are part of separate series.
Who is the author of The Vampire Diaries book series?
L. J. Smith is the author of the original Vampire Diaries book series.
When was the first Vampire Diaries book published?
The first book, 'The Awakening,' was published in 1991.
Are all the Vampire Diaries books written by the same author?
L. J. Smith wrote most of the series, but some later books were written by other authors authorized by her estate.
Is the TV show 'The Vampire Diaries' based on the books?
Yes, the TV series is based on the book series but has significant differences in plot and characters.
Are there any upcoming books in The Vampire Diaries series?
As of now, no new books have been officially announced, but fans continue to discuss potential future projects.
Where can I find all the Vampire Diaries books?
The books are available in bookstores, online retailers, and libraries worldwide.
Are the Vampire Diaries books suitable for young readers?
The series is generally aimed at young adults and older, containing themes suitable for mature readers.
