Breaking Dawn

Well, the hype is over (well, for me anyway). After reading the first 3 books in the Twilight series last month, I couldn't wait to read Breaking Dawn. I managed to be one of the first people on the wait list at my local library. When I went to pick it up, I was told the check out period was 2 weeks instead of 3 weeks due to the high number of people on the list. My intent was to start it that night, but other things prevented me from doing so. I didn't start reading it until five days later.

The beginning pretty much picked up where Eclipse left off. Bella and Edward are engaged and eventually marry. I have to admit the engagement, wedding and honeymoon dragged on for me. I struggled through and hoped it would get better (after all, I had more than 700 pages to read). I have to say the story did pick up and no sooner than it did, it just fell apart in some many places.

After I read the last word, I closed the book and thought "What just happened?" This book was far different than the first three. For starters, it wasn't as gripping and I literally had to keep forcing myself to just use my imagination and "go with it". And I couldn't...

To say I am disappointed, is an understatement. For me, the best part of the book was Book Two, Jacob's perspective. I really like Jacob. Initially, I was disappointed that Bella didn't choose him over Edward. But as my dislike for Bella grew in Eclipse, I was happy. He deserved better than Bella. However, who he finally imprints with was a let down (but quite obvious). It was weird and somewhat creepy.

The ending wrapped up too nicely and the battle with the Volturi was very anti-climatic. For me, Breaking Dawn just didn't flow with the rest of the series. (2.5/5)

Eclipse

Eclipse is the 3rd book in the Twilight series. Overall, I enjoyed this book, however I thought it was much slower than the previous two. Bella is weeks away from her high school graduation and is deciding about her immortality. Edward agrees that he will change her into a vampire, but there's a catch. Bella isn't thrilled when she learns what the condition is.

Jacob confesses his love for Bella and wants her to consider dating him instead of Edward. Jacob also informs Bella that she's in love with him too, which Bella quickly denies. Bella reminds him of her undying love for Edward and discloses her wish to become a vampire so she and Edward can be together forever.

While this love triangle is playing out, there are numerous killings in Seattle. The Cullens quickly realize it's a group of newborn vampires and find themselves teaming up with the werewolves to fight this new group. Combined with Victoria and the Volturi, this battle may be more dangerous than anyone thinks.

I'm still on the fence about Team Jacob or Team Edward, although I found myself leaning towards Jacob. Actually, I think Jacob is fortunate that he's not with Bella. I just don't like her. And, there's something "off" with her relationship with Edward (excluding the fact he is a vampire). They're too enmeshed. Anyway, having said that, I'm still looking forward to reading Breaking Dawn. Will Bella become a vampire? Will she give Edward what he wants? Will Jacob accept that Bella has chosen Edward? Stay tuned... (4/5)

New Moon

New Moon is the 2nd book in the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. I have to admit, I enjoyed this book more than Twilight. Although, I'm not sure why.

The story begins with Bella dreading her 18th birthday. The older she becomes, Edward will still be a "17 year old" boy. This troubles Bella and intensifies her desire to become a vampire. Much to her chagrin, she agrees to having a birthday celebration at Edward's house with his family. During the event, something happens and causes Edward to rethink their relationship.

Edward and his family leave Forks, sending Bella spiraling into depression. Her father becomes so worried about her, that he considers scheduling a psych eval for her. Bella slowly starts to re-emerge and attempts to move on without Edward. Which leads her to Jacob.

Bella finds herself leaning on Jacob to fill the void of Edward and Jacob's feelings for Bella continues to grow. Over the course of their relationship, we discover Jacob's secret (which isn't hard to figure out if you paid close attention to Jacob's story about the "cold ones" in Twilight). When Bella discovers the secret, she begins to understand the hatred Jacob has for Edward and the Cullens.

I won't say much more so I won't risk revealing too much of the plot. I will say that I enjoyed this book, so much so that I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. to finish it. I liked that Jacob was more prominent in this book. I thought Twilight was a good introduction to his character which led to more character development in New Moon.

I'm on the fence about Bella though. I'm just not sure if I like her. She's very manipulative and selfish. It's all about her relationship with Edward and she easily disregards other people in her life. Am I on Team Edward or Team Jacob? Well, the verdict is still out on that one. (4/5)

Twilight

I first discovered Stephenie Meyer while at Barnes and Noble. I had an appointment, which I arrived early for, and wanted to pass the time browsing in the store. As I was leaving, I noticed a huge display for The Host. It was soon to be released and the display also showcased her other books. Twilight was in the center of the table and the cover caught my eye. I didn't have time to pick it up as it was time for my appointment.

About a week later, I was in Border's and saw another display for The Host. I remembered Twilight and set off to find it. I was surprised to find it in the Young Adult section. And further surprised to find it was about vampires. I don't do vampires; I don't watch vampires movies and never read a vampire book. So, my interest quickly faded.

While doing an Amazon.com search, I stumbled across Twilight and became fascinated with the rave reviews. My curiosity took over and decided to add my name to the wait list at my local library. Needless to say the wait list was long and I soon forgot about it. Last week I went to the grand opening of new library and found brand new copies of Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. Without thinking, I quickly grabbed them off the shelves. I just finished reading Twilight, in less than 24 hours, and I have to say I'm glad my curiosity moved me out of my comfort zone. This book wasn't what I expected it to be at all.

Bella Swan moves to Forks, WA to live with her estranged father, Charlie. Her mother has remarried and plans to move to FL with her new husband. On Bella's first day at her new high school, she notices Edward sitting across the cafeteria with his siblings. Immediately, Bella is drawn to him and begins to ask questions about him. During her Biology class, the only seat available is next to Edward. He takes an immediate dislike toward Bella, which is so strong, it frightens her.

She struggles with the intensity of his reaction to her, while at the same time trying to understand her new emotions that she has when she thinks about Edward. As Bella finds out more interesting facts about Edward and his family, she learns about a myth. A myth that is so unbelievable, yet somehow explains the mystery of Edward.

Twilight is a love story. A love story about being with someone who is different than you, but yet you are willing to sacrifice yourself to be with your one true love. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. (4/5)

Stephenie Meyer Mini-Challenge

Becky is hosting the Stephenie Meyer Mini-Challenge. She's asking us to read two books. Well, her books are on my TBR list, so this should be an easy one for me. Hey, it's only two books... how can I refuse???

1. Twilight
2. New Moon
3. Eclipse
4. Breaking Dawn

(Mini-Challenge is from June 1, 2008-January 30, 2009.)