The first volume of the series introduces the reader to Elena Gilbert a popular and beautiful high school student in Fell’s Church, Virginia. I found it difficult to root for Elena because she is extremely self absorbed. Her best friends Bonnie and Meredith spend much of the book following her instructions. Matt is her ex-boyfriend who is still in love with her. A former childhood friend, Caroline, is also introduced and revealed to be Elena’s antagonist.You can read the rest of the review here: http://www.fantasybookaddict.com/2012/02/07/the-awakening-smith/