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04: Twilight Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn is the fourth and final installment of Stephenie Meyer's hugely successful Twilight saga. With all of the excitement surrounding the release of Breaking Dawn, I doubt there is anyone on the planet who is unaware of the book's publication. Readers who haven't read any of the previous books in this saga, on the other hand, should avoid starting here because the story continues throughout the series.

Breaking Dawn is the long-awaited and highly anticipated conclusion to Stephenie Meyer's captivating story of vampire Edward and human Bella's impossible romance. Beginnings can be difficult, but with its modern-day fairy tale quality and heart-stopping romance, Twilight got this series off to a fantastic start. 

New Moon built on that with Bella and Edward's fragile painful separation and subsequent happy reunion. But the romantic tension that had been driving the story to the heady heights of compelling reading has been lacking since the end of New Moon. As a result, Eclipse was a different novel. It was clear that whatever happened in Eclipse would keep Edward and Bella together forever, and the stresses on their relationship came from outside forces rather than within the relationship itself. 

Breaking Dawn is comparable. The romantic tension between Edward and Bella is non-existent. It is clear that whatever happens to them; may it be death, Jacob, mutant vampire baby, their love is unbreakable, and to some extent, this changes the feel of the story, erasing some of Twilight's romantic magic.

If beginnings are difficult, endings are even more so. 

Readers have no expectations at the start, but by the end, everyone appears to have an opinion on how they would have finished the book if they were writing it. Because Stephenie Meyer was writing the ending, the resulting story is good and, in my opinion, a fitting conclusion to this fantastic series.

Bella comes into her own in this novel, proving that she is capable of independent thought and action. While the Cullen vampires have always been kind to Bella, it was clear that she was no match for this talented bunch. But Bella's character develops strengths that make her just as unique and talented as the rest of her new family.

Breaking Dawn is a lengthy novel, but it does not feel that way. The plot is well-paced and balanced, with a good mix of exciting supernatural action, character development, and romance. Stephenie Meyer's writing has always been strong in its exploration of love in all of its forms, and Breaking Dawn allows her to examine the relationships between mother and child, father and daughter, husband and wife, and the bonds of friendship.

Breaking Dawn is a different novel, which may disappoint some readers, but not me. I don't want to keep buying the same story over and over with a different title and cover picture as I enjoy seeing the development of the characters as well as the author's writing. Breaking Dawn is more like Eclipse in that Edward and Bella are certain of their love for each other, but outside forces, this time the Volturi, may tear them apart as the story nears its thrilling conclusion.

The only minor complaint I have about this novel is that when it comes to wrapping up the story, every loose end has been neatly tied into a pretty bow, but sometimes it's good to leave something dangling in the breeze. Aside from that, this book is everything I hoped it would be. Breaking Dawn is a must-read for any Stephenie Meyer fan who enjoys the Forks series.

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03: Twilight Eclipse

Stephenie Meyer's popular Twilight series continues with Eclipse, the third investment for the series. You should have read Twilight and New Moon, the same order, before reading Eclipse because the author doesn't spend much time expounding on the previous novels' plot lines and instead drops the reader right into the story. But overall, you should read the first two books because they are both excellent novels that you should read if you haven't already.

Not long after the New Moon, the Eclipse begins. Bella's high school graduation is approaching, and she will soon be leaving Forks forever, supposedly to attend college. But in reality, she plans to join her boyfriend in his vampire existence, and will thus be unable to return home for the first few years, due to being dead and possessed by a terrible blood lust. 

We may have witnessed the graduation, but then the dangerous vampires from Seattle arrive in Forks, and dealing with them takes up the rest of the novel. However, this is only one side of the story. Because Eclipse is primarily a romantic saga, the novel's primary focus is Bella and Edward's relationship. Or, more accurately, the relationship of Bella, Edward, and Jacob because the plot of this novel includes a love triangle.

Bella and Jacob have always been friends, or at least they were until Jacob turned into a werewolf. Then there was an opposition between vampires and werewolves, which put a strain on their friendship. Aside from that, Jacob is in love with Bella, who is in love with Edward, so things will be awkward between them.

Bella has found her soulmate in Edward, but Jacob is the soul mate she should have, could have, or would have had if Edward didn't exist. She adores him as well, but not as much as Edward. However, Jacob knows she loves Edward, but he still tries to make her feel guilty for not loving him as much as he does. Blatant emotional blackmail is unappealing in any form, and it detracted from his otherwise fine character. Worse, it resulted in a significant portion of this book being devoted to teenage unease.

To be fair, Eclipse is written for the young adult market, so we shouldn't be complaining about the teen drama. Eclipse is still a fantastic read. It is another solid installment of Forks goodness for teens who are already hooked on the series. Adult readers may be put off by the teenage relationship thing in this novel, but if you've read the author's previous works, I think you'll find plenty to enjoy here.

It will be interesting to see where Stephenie Meyer takes the series' ideas and characters next. Writing for the Young Adult market implies that the author is expected to set a good example for impressionable young minds, but criticisms that Bella's character is too dependent and should set a better example for young women appear unfair. But at the end of the day, this is a romantic fantasy, so have fun with it!

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02: Twilight New Moon

New Moon is the sequel to Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally successful debut novel Twilight. This novel works well as a stand-alone, but I believe that if you have read Twilight first, you will have a better understanding of the story and will get the most enjoyment out of it.

New Moon will always be compared to Twilight, and those who are expecting it to be essentially the same as Twilight may be disappointed. Twilight's writing had a dreamy, fairytale quality to it, which this story lacks. The Cullen vampire family is also absent from a large portion of New Moon, which vampire fans may notice. However, don't let this discourage you from reading the book as it's still one of the best.

Bella narrates New Moon in first person. The pain Bella feels when Edward abandons her is extremely well written, and it is really the focus of this story.

The majority of what happens to Bella in New Moon is a result of the overwhelming loss that she is attempting to bear. Her friendship with Jacob is doomed not only because he clearly loves her while she is in love with Edward, but also because he is a werewolf who naturally despises all vampires.

New Moon isn't just about Bella and her emotional turmoil for fantasy fans. Laurent and Victoria, the renegade vampires, return to Forks. They are out for vengeance on Edward, but all they find is Bella. The Quileute werewolves are an intriguing addition to the story, and it will be interesting to see how this plot line develops in the next book in this series.

I could stay up until the early hours of the morning just reading this book because I got caught up in the story. I'm sure I'm not the first, nor will I be the last to say this, but the novel New Moon comes highly recommended.

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01: Twilight Saga

Twilight is about Edward and Bella's romance. Upon reading it, you must forget any vampire romance you've ever read because Twilight is so distinct that it almost belongs in its own genre. Although the book is marketed to Young Adult readers, it has the ability to cross age barriers and will appeal to both teenagers and adults.

Bella is a well-written and realistic character; shy and insecure, her sarcastic inner voice narrates the story for the reader. Twilight is written simply but elegantly. And Forks' descriptions make you feel as if you can almost smell the damp air and hear the rain on the roof.

Edward and Bella's romance is both touching and compelling. Their impossible love has a melancholy feel to it, but they are both unwilling to give up hope that their relationship is not doomed. The book reaches a fever pitch of excitement as Bella and Edward's romance turns into a frantic race to stay alive.

Twilight has been described as "a vampire story for people who don't like vampire stories," and I believe I would agree. This book truly does have something for everyone. Twilight will appeal to young adult readers, vampire fans, and romance readers alike.

The book is quite long for a Young Adult novel, but don't let that put you off reading it because each page is worth your time. This is one book you will not want to put down.