The Ripper, The Asylum, and The Compelled (Stefan's Diaries #4, 5, and 6) by "LJ Smith", Kevin Williamson, and Julie Pec 3.5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  This is my last review installment for any Vampire Diaries book for the foreseeable future.  This is the second half of the Stefan's Diaries series, and now that I'm done, I'm going to move on for a while.  Just a warning, these will be exceptionally short reviews!

Have you missed my previous posts? Click on these links to read my review: Vampire Diaries (original), Vampire Diaries: The Return (Nightfall,  Shadow Souls, Midnight), Stefan's Diaries 1: Origins, Stefan's Diaries 3 and 4: Bloodlust and The Craving ADD A LINK TO THIS!!!!!!!!!!.

Now, if you're ready, let's start reviewing these three books.
Oh, and if you are wondering, I grouped these three Stefan's Diaries together because they formed a trilogy of sorts.  They all told the story of Damon and Stefan in London during the Jack the Ripper Era.

Book Four: The Ripper:

Official Description: 

Haunted by the past . . .

The year is 1888, and the scent of blood lingers heavy in the London air. Stefan Salvatore thought he could escape his violent origins by settling in the peaceful countryside of England, but when a heinous murderer named Jack the Ripper surfaces, Stefan fears darkness will always follow him. Drawn into the investigation, Stefan assumes the worst: This is the work of a vampire. And the more he learns, the more he becomes convinced that the killer is someone close to him—and that he can never outrun his past.
Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.

My Condensed Description:

Stefan assumes the murders in London were committed by Damon and decided the best move is to snoop around London.  Stefan meets Violet and tries to help her.

My Too-Short Review:

It wasn't quite as good as the others on this series, but it was still enjoyable.  I was mostly just disappointed that this book was about Jack the Ripper rather than "Ripper Stefan".  This book was just a bit whiny.  I'm not as interested in this storyline than I was in the plot of the previous three books.

Book Five: The Asylum:

Official Description:

The hunters become the hunted. . . .

Driven from their hometown of Mystic Falls, both Stefan Salvatore and his brother, Damon, arrived in Europe looking for a fresh start. But Samuel, a wealthy and cunning vampire, has other plans for them. First he ruined Stefan’s peaceful existence and now he’s framing Damon for the most gruesome murders London has ever seen.
United against their common enemy, Stefan and Damon are stunned when they realize that the source of Samuel’s rage lies in their past—tied up with the woman who forever changed their lives. Haunted by the memory of Katherine, the brothers find that their uneasy alliance is tested. Can they overcome their rivalry to defeat Samuel before he exacts his final revenge?
Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.

My Condensed Description:

Damon and Stefan argue amongst themselves while a vampire, Samuel, kills more girls.  Samuel frames Damon for these murders and creates a vendetta against Stefan and Damon that they, in turn, attempt to reciprocate.  Also, Stefan and Cora bond.

My Too-Short Review:

I have to admit that I don't like this Jack the Ripper storyline, which spans 3 books now as much as the early storylines. I hope they change soon! (They didn't.)  This book went a lot slower than the past ones have.  I don't believe they should've stretched this over three books.  Two books is pushing it.

Book Six: The Compelled:

Official Description:

Control or be controlled . . .
Stefan and Damon thought they knew evil. But nothing compares to Samuel, the ruthless vampire hell-bent on avenging Katherine's death by destroying the Salvatore brothers.
Reeling from Samuel's latest attack, Stefan and Damon find help in the most unlikely of places—a secret coven of witches. Together they discover Samuel's plan is more sinister than they ever could have imagined. Their only hope is to stop him before he secures the power to control humans and vampires alike. If they fail, not only Stefan and Damon but all of London will fall victim to Samuel's spell.
Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan's Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began. 

My Condensed Description:

Damon and Stefan finally band together to attempt to stop Samuel once and for all.  They recruit a few witches to help them on their mission, but things are more complicated then they appeared. There was a reason for Jack the Ripper's dismemberments, and it could lead to the end of London.

My Too-Short Review:

This was definitely better than the last two books in this series.  It had more action, a better plot, and more complex interactions between characters. 

Quote:

This was just too melodramatic not to include:
"But washing the dirt from my face did nothing to scrub the blackness from my soul" - The Ripper

Does anyone know if there will be anymore books in this series? Comment!

Happy Reading!

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