The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1: Origins

De: L. J. Smith, Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec

Narrado por: Kevin T. Collins

The first book in the New York Times bestselling series by L.J. Smith.

Origins is the first book in L.J. Smith’s bestselling Stefan’s Diaries series, which reveals the backstory of brothers Stefan and Damon from The Vampire Diaries series. This paperback features cover artwork from the hit CW TV series The Vampire Diaries, starring Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder.

Set in mid-19th century Mystic Falls, Virginia, three teenagers enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity. Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine’s affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together—forever.

Full of dark shadows and surprising twists, the first book in the New York Times bestselling Stefan’s Diaries series raises the stakes for the Salvatore brothers as they face new loves, old treacheries, and unimaginable threats. Fans of L. J. Smith’s New York Times bestselling Vampire Diaries series as well as the hit television show won’t be able to put the latest Salvatore adventure down.

Based on TV show not the book

So, I was nearly finished with this book when I started to get a bit confused. The events in this book are different from what we were told in the first Vampire Diaries book. Only to realize that this book is based off the TV series and not (as I thought) the book. It was still good though. And if you're a fan of the TV series then definitely check it out. I'm not sorry I read it, just confused. Enjoy. Also, Kevin T. Collins is a great narrator.

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Need to have more than one reader especially when a girl is talking or a different character not the same voice should be speaking the whole book

what i think about audibles narrater

What did you like best about The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1: Origins? What did you like least?

I absolutely. Love he story line how its during a very historic period I love he way they speak to one another and the romance. The main problem I had wig my audible book is the narratives voice himself he just didn't speak the words without the correct tone of voice!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1: Origins?

Stefan, Damon, & Katherine playing football in front of their beautiful estate

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Kevin T. Collins?

I don't know a name but can say someone who has an actual southeastern Virginia/Georgia accident or at least someone who can fake it enough to make it seem beleivable. Especially when a women speaks

Could you see The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1: Origins being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Hell yes. Stars should be who they are Nina dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian somerhaldler, katerina Graham Candice accolades ect

Any additional comments?

Please find and use a better narrative

Wish I had read the reviews

What did you like best about The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1: Origins? What did you like least?

I wish I had known that this was based on the TV series. I love the TV series, don't get me wrong, but that's not what I was looking for. I was looking for more books by L.J. Smith in the Vampire Diaries series. I kinda feel deceived by Audible for listing them as L.J. Smith.

For the fans of the TV show

This is a nice listening for everyone who loves the tv show, not the novels. L. J. Smith's work is always very good: there are interesting characters and situations, descriptions are apt without being overwhelming, and the pacing is the right one for a vampire story.
The narration though is not a great one: the performer is almost always using the same tone, his portrayal of female characters is sometimes comical (Stefan's fiancee for instance) and overall he doesn't create the same sense of foreboding and despair that Rebecca Mozo provides in her performance of the main novels.
It's OK if you love the tv show, but for the original series reader it's rather disappointing (though not seriously so).

great book

love the story line. it is vivid and shaken. vampire diaries are already good books

The real story

I really like this book. Listening was great especially on vacations. Great read! Thank you.

Show vs. Original Series

I really enjoyed this book. I think mainly because i enjoy the show much more than the original book series. They have changed the looks of book Katherine from blond hair and blue eyes to Nina Dobrev's Brown hair and eyes. As a brunette i like that they've done it. I like where this series is going and i can't wait for the second book. The story is much stronger and the Salvatore brothers just got better.

Vampires

A good beginning to a series. What’s next ? I’ll be listening to the next one!

Book Review: The Vampire Diaries: Stefan’s Diaries, Book One – Origins

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan’s Diaries, Book One – Origins takes readers back to the beginning — long before Elena Gilbert, Mystic Falls, or the modern-day Salvatore brothers we know from the hit TV series. This prequel dives deep into the 19th-century lives of Stefan and Damon Salvatore, exploring how two once-close brothers became eternal enemies.

Set in Civil War–era Virginia, the story opens with Stefan living a simple, privileged life, engaged to a kind young woman and following the expectations placed upon him by his father. His world, however, changes forever with the arrival of Katherine Pierce — the mysterious and beautiful newcomer who hides a deadly secret: she’s a vampire. As Katherine begins to weave her charm over both brothers, their rivalry intensifies, setting in motion the tragic events that ultimately turn them into the immortal beings they’ll one day become.

One of the strongest aspects of Origins is its emotional depth. Readers see Stefan as gentle, idealistic, and deeply moral — a stark contrast to Damon’s impulsive nature. The transformation from innocent young man to reluctant vampire is handled with care, showing Stefan’s struggle to hold onto his humanity while Damon embraces his darker side. This emotional conflict gives the story real weight and helps us understand how centuries of pain began.

The writing style is fast-paced and accessible, making it a quick but engaging read. Fans of the TV series will appreciate how the book fills in historical gaps, giving insight into moments that were only hinted at on-screen. The tone feels darker and more tragic than the main series, emphasizing betrayal, guilt, and the seductive danger of immortality.

While the book doesn’t stray too far from familiar vampire tropes, its strength lies in character development and atmosphere. The descriptions of 1860s Mystic Falls are vivid, and the emotional tension between the brothers and Katherine adds drama and heartbreak in equal measure.

Overall, Stefan’s Diaries: Origins is a must-read for fans of The Vampire Diaries universe who want to understand the complex history behind the Salvatore brothers. It’s tragic, romantic, and haunting — a story that reminds us that even immortality can’t heal the wounds of betrayal and lost love.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Perfect for: Fans of the TV show, historical vampire fiction, and readers who love a blend of romance, tragedy, and supernatural conflict.