What is it about teen lit or the shows inspired by them that make us gush? Is it we never grow tired of the feelings and emotions stirred by young love and lust? Buying in freely to a time when it we were free of our learned inhibitions. Now add the element of the paranormal – vampires to be precise. In this case I am talking about the sultry vampire brothers Damon and Stefane. I have followed this world for a while and now they have dropped in on Immortal Monday for your opinion. Book or television? Daman or Stefane? What say you?
Okay, yes, I have read these books. Because I like to stay up with what is out in the YA market. I had more time and was much better at this before the blogging began. Nevertheless, it is something I strive to do. Having read these books (all but the latest) I can honestly say I am extremely happy the show has not followed the storyline, but taken its own path. The writers took the bones and characters and drafted out a much more believable and enticing storyline. Am I wrong? Raise your hand if you’ve read the book. Please don’t tell me I’m standing here alone.
Both the book and show start with Stefan arriving in Mystic Falls and connecting with Elena. We later learn that he knew Elena was there and she was his whole reason for coming. Elena is the doppelganger to one Catherine, the vampire that turned both Salvatore brothers many years before. In both cases (book and show), Catherine is a bad, bad girl, but she professes to have an interest in both men. She likes to toy with them is more like it. Like cats play with their prey before the kill. And of course there is the bad brother, Damon. Poor tortured Damon, who makes you feel for him in the show. But is that the case when reading the books? I claim it is not so, at least not in my case.
But, the books totally lost me when they asked us to stretch our limit on believability far beyond the norm. With the ghost of Elena tied and floating behind Stefane in the midst of my last read I found myself completely turned off. Because of my personality type I pushed myself forward to finish the book, but would never pick up the next. I have heard it actually turned around and is fairly good. I wouldn’t know. Have you been reading The Vampire Diaries?
It’s been established that the show took its own path. Thankfully, a storyline I am unfamiliar with. Elena is alive, neither a ghost nor a vampire, and the much awaited Damon and Elena storyline has begun to play out. But is it all that we had hoped for? And why were we hoping for it? In the book I was a Stefane fan all the way. Damon was a user, plain and simple. His use of Elena was transparent. Yes, he is a monster, but a monster who fights his true nature is sexy. Not one who gives into it and treats the object of his interest like an “object!” Are we blinded by his good looks so much that we overlook his faults? Chalking them up to the dark and mysterious sexy that we so love to adore. Did you swoon when he finally kissed her or did it lack in luster because Elena failed to kiss him back with equal passion?
And Stefane, what of him? I pictured one very sexy vampire when I picked up the book for the first time, but the show delivered us Paul Wesley. I have to admit he has come a long way since the start of the show. His overdone hair and bushy eye brows were too much for me to bear at the start. He has tamed these things down in more recent episodes, but Ian Somerhalder is still the favored treat for the eyes. Now, consider how each of them has treated Elena, Stefane must be found the champion by leaps and bounds. He has a heart of gold and even in the show Damon’s use of Elena is apparent.
Does Damon love her? Possibly. It’s also possible he has never learned how to properly love another. Until recently, Stefane has made every move with Elena in mind, always treating her with the utmost respect. I believe what he does even now he does with her safety at heart. Treating her with hatred and becoming the monster he has denied for so long, that better villain – he is trying to push her away. To put her in a slightly safer position (at least in his mind). If I might go there, he reminds me of Angel when he walked away from Buffy, sacrificing his love for the greater good. What did you feel when Stefane and Elena kissed? Did they hold a spark?
Men. You can’t live with them, you can’t stake them. Damon has been showing a softer side thanks to Elena, but the manipulation still seeps through the cracks in his personality if you are wise enough to watch for it. But some women like a man who takes charge in such a manner and is always the ultimate bad boy.
Compare these two boys to what you like to see when you read the swoon-worthy leading man in your current read. What do you look for and what do you want to see? Is it along the lines of a Damon Salvatore? Or do you gravitate to a more true and trustworthy heartthrob – one similar to Stefane? Are they off, both missing the mark and you’d rather see something somewhere in between? Throw all of their qualities into a blender and turn that puppy on! Choose your man wisely. Remember, he just might turn you and you’d be stuck together for all eternity.
In parting, let me leave you with some Salvatore features to ponder…
And real quick, before you do go-
For more great posts on Damon and the Salvatore brothers check out these fun locations:
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TV Time: The Vampire Diaries: Team Stefan or Team Damon? by Emma Meade
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It’s a Bad Boy Thing by Kristy K. James
Thank you so much for coming! I really do love it and appreciate you time immensely.
🙂 Hope you enjoyed this installment of Immortal Monday. If you did, or any other post for that matter, I’d be delighted to have you follow by email or TSS for any future posts! I wouldn’t want you to miss out on an Immortal Monday!
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- Immortal Monday ~ The God of Thunder * Badass Thor
- Immortal Monday ~ Seelie or Unseelie ღ Death-By-Sex Fae
- Immortal Monday ~ Edward Cullen * Sparkling Prince or Creepy Stalker?
Damon does it for me. Haven’t read the books but follow the TV show here. Stefane in the beginning was a wuss. Even now he sometimes wears that kicked-puppy-dog look which annoys me. Go Team Damon!
I agree with you there, Stefane does wear that look. It’s annoying. If we are going on pure physical attraction, Damon would win – no contests. I think they cast the part of Stefane wrong if they wanted the audience torn between the brothers, in that respect.
I haven’t read the books or seen the show. I’m kind of all vampired out right now. However…yummy pictures! Judging from those I’m team Damon lol.
I can understand that. There sure has been an abundance of vamp on the scene since Twilight. We had a lot before, it has gone overboard since. I’m a sucker for eyes, and he has a killer set!
I read the first three books of the Vampire Diaries recently just to see what they were about. Honestly, I am with you, it got just a wee bit far fetched even for me. Not sure what the issue was (character development, plot line etc) but…I just didn’t/couldn’t buy it.
I’ve never watched the show but perhaps I’ve been missing out on all that hotness! LOL!
Yeah, my girlfriend offered me the follow-up book and said it got much better. But I just can’t bring myself to crack it open. Not after ghost Elena and the trees (Do you know which scene I’m talking about? I can’t burn it from my memory). Ack! Damon brings a lot of HOT to the screen on Thursday nights. SO mad my DVR broke and I’m without television this week. GRRRRR
I haven’t read the books yet, but I’m a fan of the show.
Between the Salvatore brothers, I’m definitely Team Damon. He’s got the Bad Boy imagine down perfect. And lately he’s been showing a snippet of vulnerability, which I think was there when it came to Catherine, too. There’s a lot of women, young and old alike, that want to be the one that makes a Bad Boy turn good. I think there’s a lot more to Damon than meets the eye.
Stefan was too much like Edward from Twilight for me in the beginning and now he’s just too troubled. I agree with the kicked puppy dog look mentioned in the above comments – not my thing either. I didn’t feel the spark between him and Elena until further into the show.
I do think there could be a bit of chemistry with Elena and Damon – if she’ll let it happen.
However, if I’m going to truly pick a guy from just that show – its Alaric Saltzman. I know he wasn’t on the list but I really like his character. He’s the good guy with some spunk! 😉
Loved the pictures though – nice!
I agree with you there. Damon has been showing a bit of vulnerability. But I can’t help but wonder if he is still manipulating Elena underneath it all. Which, would be in his nature so I can’t fault him for it. You just know it will piss her off because of the way her character is written. Alaric Saltzman. Very yummy! But I haven’t considered him for Elena and he’s not a vampire, that’s why he didn’t make the list today. I think the ring will keep him from getting killed but it won’t make him live forever. Not immortal. 🙁
I’ve read the first four books and honestly hated them. After everything else I’d read and loved by L.J. Smith (her Night World books are like old friends, and I LOVED the Dark Visions and Forbidden Games trilogies — and the Secret Circle, which I thought was weaker a bit but still enjoyed). I can’t stand Elena’s character in the book — I felt like Smith picked a bratty, spoiled, popular girl and failed to make her sympathetic. What I’ve seen of the show, though, I liked a lot.
I’ve only watched most of the first season, but I’m in team Damon when it comes to TVD. Stefane I can get behind to the extent that he goes against his nature every day to be someone better, but I’m kind of tired of the brooding vampire trope. (I’m beautiful and strong and fast and powerful and probably rich and going to live forever….wah) I’ve always liked Spike’s character for that reason; he was always aware of the monster within and embraced who he was even when he didn’t fit in either world. He never got whiny or obnoxious about it (though he did go a bit nuts at the beginning of season 7).
Great post! If you’re a Buffy fan, check out last week’s Monday Man on my blog — Spike was Monday Man. 🙂
Ack, I’m a doofus. You commented on that post. Ignore me. 🙂 As soon as I hit the reply button, I thought, “Wait. Debra Kristi stopped by my blog this week…was that Monday? IT WAS!”
We are on the same wave length with the books. You just put it all out there were as I held back. LOL I was wondering how her editor could look her in the eye and say, “I like it! Let’s send it to press.” If you read my Immortal Monday – The Men of Buffy, that you linked to last week, I think I might have revealed that I am a total Spike girl too. So I wasn’t necessarily complimenting Stefane when I compared him to Angel. I know Angel meant well, I just think he made the wrong choices. The problem they introduced with Stefane is that he seems to have no middle ground. He is either this super tame vegetarian vamp or a psycho killer. I think they are trying to show that he has found a balance now, but is hiding it behind the psycho façade. Probably too late. He has opened the door to let Damon in. (evil snicker)
Darn you, Debra. I usually take a quick look at the subject line of any emails that have come while I was sleeping…to read LATER. About thirty minutes later. You know, after the whole blurry eye thing has gone away, and my brain is actually awake and working. That didn’t work out so well today, thanks to the subject line of YOUR email.
You know who I’m going to pick. But in defense of Stefan, I think he hates who he used to be so much, and places a very high value on human life, that he goes to the other extreme…which comes across as being a wimpy vamp (but not as wimpy as Edward Cullen). Until recently anyway.
I’ve never read the books, and am glad now that I haven’t. It sounds like I wouldn’t have liked Elena at all…but then I find her to be a little annoying in the show. I’m sorry but Mystic Falls is wrong place assert your independence as often as she does. She’d have been one of the first few victims in Halloween or Friday the 13th. You know, the airhead who heads down to the basement to replace the blown fuse.
That said, I also agree with Jennifer. Alaric Satlzman is very sexy.. As is Elijah.
Oops…thanks for the pingback. 🙂
You’re welcome. I meant to ping you and Emma last night when I put all the pieces together but I fell asleep at the computer. LOL It’s a miracle the post got published.
I knew you would be here for this one. We talked about it. My personal opinion – skip this set of books. No bueno. You are right, in any normal horror flick Elena would be one of the first to die. But everyone makes allowances for her in Mystic Falls because she’s special. Now no one will kill her because they want her blood. Yadda, yadda, yadda.
I drove through a Mystic Falls when I was back east. It looked nothing like the one where this story takes place. I wondered if L.J. Smith based the location on a real place or made it up. Does anyone know?
Wikipedia says it’s a fictional town. Too bad. If it were real, it might have experienced a boost in tourism much like Forks, Washington. 🙂
I read the first few books, the original ones written back in the 90s and remember Damon as a despicable crature who threatened to harm Elena’s little sister if she didn’t allow him in to her bedroom to feed on her. I love the tv series now and no longer think of the books (which I never loved despite being a huge fan of L.J. Smith’s).
Damon in the tv show is the typical attractive bad boy. He’s a monster but he manages to retain some of his humanity, after the halfway point of season one anyway. Remember before that how he ruined Vicky’s life, killed Lexi and even told Stefan that he sincerely hoped Elena would die. I’ve always gravitated towards Stefan but I’m liking him even more now as the villain. It’s Stefan all the way for me… But like some of you above, I’m finding Alaric very attractive too.
Emmie, like you I love L.J. Smith’s The Forbidden Game, Dark Visions and Night Worlds books but I never loved her Vampire Diaries. The tv show fortunately made Elena a much more relatable and likeable character.
I do recall when Damon was playing the part of the very bad boy. I also remember seeing a sign of regret over the Vicky ordeal, even back then. But he is the type to mask his true feelings with sarcasm and other excessive behaviors (fights and women).
I just read something that said the author was fired form the Vampire Diaries in early 2011. Curious. Apparently she didn’t own the rights to the books. Something to always keep in mind.
Damon!!
I barely read the rest of the names on your poll before hitting vote (sorry Spike, you can’t win in this scenario).
I read the first book, but lost interest quickly. I enjoy the show, but it’s mostly due to the dark and broody Damon.:)
Damon, Damon, Damon, Damon! Come-on, chant with mel 😀
I haven’t read these books yet, but they are on my TBR list. Great post, Debra! I would be for them Damon if you didn’t have team Spike in there – Spike has been my favorite vamp for years 🙂 Or maybe it is because of James Marsters, hmm…
Spike rules! I do love me some Spike time. Good choice Angela.
Ha! This show is, admittedly, one of my guilty pleasures. I think the show is definitely better than the books, which I finished reading because I started reading them, not because they were any good. And, my money is on Damon. Stefan is a buzzkill. 🙂
I do the same thing with books. There has been only one book that I just couldn’t finish. I’ve since lost it so… I probably never will. LOL And it was a Stephen King book at that. Can you believe that? I also had to really push myself to finish The Host. Took me forever though.
Hmm, we don’t want no stinkin’ buzzkills at this party. Sorry Stefane. You’re right though, he kind of is. I hadn’t thought of him that way until you pointed it out. Thanks Laird. Thanks so much for stopping in!
Your poll has too many choices! I’ve been TeamAngel forever – but ohhh, Spike and now Damon…too many hot vamps to choose from.
I know. But having just the two brothers would have been a washout. Where’s the fun in that? Sorry I didn’t pull more pictures over here for you to drool over. 😀 But there are several if you click on the Angel and Spike link if you’re interested.
I haven’t read the books or seen the show! Great eye candy. I’ve been missing out!
One can never have too much eye candy! If you don’t have time for television, soak up the visuals here anytime. 🙂
I can’t believe you made me choose between Spike and Angel. *sigh*
::Team Spike::
It’s hard, I know. Even Buffy is challenged with that in the graphic novel series. At least, in her dreams. Since the boys are down in hell (last I read – I’m way behind) there isn’t much she can do about it and so she doesn’t need to worry about making a choice any time soon.
“Men. You can’t live with them, you can’t stake them.” –> Priceless, Debra! Laughing out loud here. I’m so glad you wrote and shared this, as I’ve never really gotten into the YA genre, even when I was a YA. 😉 Now that I see where the draw comes from, I may have to give a book/movie or two a try. Any suggestions on where to start? (I’ve only read/seen Twilight.)
You’ve challenged me August. I don’t really see you as much of the monster type. But then I could be wrong. Going out on a limb, maybe the Study Series is a good place for you to start. Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder. You’ll find magic, but all the monsters are human. And I’d be curious to know what you think of Valek.
Mighty perceptive of you, Debra! I do prefer “real” monsters. Thanks for the tips! I’ll let you know what I find out… 😉
Well, crap, now I’m afraid there is one more show I’m going to have to watch. I was a huge Buffy fan. I actually own every season on DVD. But I had figured I was too mature to watch these teenybopper shows. But you are making me want to watch. I do have to say that I find the “good” brother better looking, though. The Damon one is a little to feminine for my taste. I thought the same thing about Spike, too.
I do too! DH got me the complete Buffy Series DVD set. I sat down and went through the whole set, in order.
So, you like a more rough and tumble type. I gotcha. 😉
Ouch! Poor Stefane has zero votes. (No one hears my silent laughter, right?)
Damon’s looks by leaps and bounds, but I haven’t followed the show enough to have an honest opinion. I still haven’t let Angel and Buffy totally go, so it’s hard to give my heart over to something new..lol. When I voted, I laughed out loud to see that I wasn’t alone in voting for my all time favorite, Spike!
Did you just knock Spike into the lead? LOL A lot of people would agree with you on Damon in the looks department.
No question, no hesitation – Damon Salvatore or quite frankly out of character, Ian Somerhalder is quite the beautiful creature… er … man.
He is actually the “real life” reference to a character in a novel I am writing. Charming, good looking, funny and loyal, but with that deep dark side. How is that not powerfully attractive. Thank you for the drool worthy eye candy. I borrowed… er, well technically I stole, some of the photos you have up there. So delish! haha
Thank you for this awesome post and of course, I voted!
You are most welcome for the …um…photos Nicole. So glad I could help out with our character profile. 😀 Maybe Damon should be a feature on the Daily Dish. After all, he really is – a deviously delicious dish! LOL
Ok, well I have to comment again because I have now become an addict of the show. I decided to watch an episode on Netflix and I ended up watching all the episodes. I even bought season 3 because I HAD to see what happened. I now totally take back everything I wrote before. When looking at the pictures of the brothers, I didn’t find either of them to be that hot. Neither of them are my type in the just looks department. I don’t really go for the pasty pretty boys. But, the truth is that it is personality that makes someone hot or not. Stefan was ok for the first season. A little boring in the personality department, but ok for a high school boyfriend. But Damon is so super hot there is no contest. I can’t believe Elena would actually have trouble making a decision. It wouldn’t be hard for me! Damon is smart and funny in such a sexy way. And he has changed and transformed as a character, actually along with Elena. Stefan just went from straight, boring good, to all out boring bad, and then back. He is too extreme and there isn’t enough meat to his personality to make him hot. And I agree with Damon that he needs to put some meat on his bones! Now I can’t wait to see what happens in season 4. It is so obvious that Elena really loves Damon, she just thinks she loves Stefan because she is supposed to because he is a “good” guy. But, if you are going to date a vampire in the first place, you might as well date one who has a little bit of the bad boy in him. If she wants the good guy, she should just stick with Matt. Sorry to be so long winded. And I blame you for my new addiction. 🙂
LOL! Okay, you can blame me. I accept. 😀 Welcome to team Damon! We will be passing out the shots before the season 4 premier. I agree, Stefan is one giant yawn fest! Oops. I didn’t mean to post my opinon. Oh well. *grins devilishly*