Eclipse [Paperback]

Eclispse, the much anticipated (maybe by just me of course) sequel in the Twilight Saga, was worth the wait. The story picks up where the last one left off..Edward has returned to Forks, Washington to his true love, Bella Swan. Bella is close to graduating, and becoming the one thing that she desires...a vampire. Edward is struggling daily to make her reconsider her decision and keep her "humanity", believing that she should have the choice, which is one that he never did. Meanwhile, Jacob Black, Bella's best friend (who happens to be a werewolf) is struggling with his the knowledge that Bella wants to be a vampire, and that he is hopelessly in love with her. While all of these issues are at the forefront of the novel, there are other underlying problems like Bella's clumsiness; a secret society of vampires who want her to become immortal; a suspected serial killer, who may potentially be a newly turned vampire killing in Seattle; an old arch enemy whose sole desire is Bella's death; an uneasy alliance between the werewolves and the vampires; and Bella's pending acceptances to colleges. And finally what makes this novel so endearing and enjoyable is that underneath it all, there is a simple story of young love and sacrifice.

In my opinion, what I found to be most compelling about the story is Meyer's ability to make Jacob Black appear to potentially be better for Bella than Edward! Of course, Edward has stated on more than one occassion that "Bella's happiness is the most important thing to him whether that means being with him or not", but for the first time I really started to consider what life would be if Bella was with Jacob instead of Edward? Afterall, she would not have to give up "anything", while becoming a vampire she would. Perhaps this love triangle was just what Meyer intended. When we were introduced to Jacob in the first book, it appeared that he would be in the same league as Mike, a character mentioned, but not critical to the storyline. However, when we were reintroduced to him in Book 2, and we saw him rescue Bella from heartbreak, we knew that he was a force to be reckoned with. Now he is such a strong character, that my heart simply went out to him in the final chapter, and I found myself liking him more than Edward. (It even made me think of Buffy, Spike and Angel...on some level, because in the end, you really weren't sure which guy is best, especially since they are so willing to sacrifice their happiness for hers).

What I also like about Meyer's series is that although I am well in my 30's, I really enjoyed this well written and clean story. Although I read other paranormal romances, full of sex and violence, this is one that I could give a young reader and not feel bad about. There are definately undertones and hints eluding to sex, but it isn't so overwhelming in the story that it becomes the story (a la Laurell Hamilton), and nothing else. This is a story that even without the sex was good and enjoyable.

I can't wait until the next one comes out, and I definately can not wait to see what happens to Bella, Jacob or Edward.

I couldn't wait to get this book, driving to the bookstore the moment they opened. I had read the first 2 books and LOVED them so much, that I read them in one week!!!!
So, I had great expectations for this book and I would say that it was a page turner as well, until the last couple hundred pages. The storyline was so disappointing in the end. The author developed Bella into a fickle and hypocritical girl who ultimately betrays Edward (the person she is supposed to love)and takes her character to this girl who is loose with her affections and betraying everyone! I really feel like the storyline did not have to go this way. It would have been better to have Bella be torn between her friendship and her love, but to ultimately have Bella become a "floosy" (for lack of a better word) betrayer of love...........it was heartbreaking and disappointing.
I was such an advocator of these novels - telling everyone I knew that these books were about the best love story I had ever read......but I just have some honest issues with the way Bella's character ended up as this less than noble girl who violates trust and hurts everyone around her. It was unnecessary because the story was wonderful without that painful development. It was so upsetting to me to have invested so much time and heart into reading this series and to be so disappointed. I was yelling at the book in the end. There's nothing like blazing through 600 pages and feeling disappointed in the end.............I wish I would have never read book 3 and I will not be reading book 4 (I read that it will be out in late 2008). I really don't care to read anymore about Bella and Jacob. Edward and Bella were the best part of the books. Jacob was better left as a friend. The whole part of Bella making out wiht Jacob made me really upset with the author - so very unnecessary.
No book 4 for me. :(

This series already started out INCREDIBLY cheesy. I have never understood the huge fanbase these books have developed. I chose to read this book only because I don't like to not finish a series; however, within the first chapter of this novel, I was rolling my eyes at the awful cheesiness of this novel. Bella is obsessed with Edward, and not in a kind of healthy loving relationship way either. Basically, this book sets unrealistic standards for girls everywhere. Jacob is the only believable character in the ENTIRE novel, and then he ends up being the one who can never win.

If Stephanie Meyer wants this series to be truly successful, then she needs to cut the cheese and start aiming the series at an older audience. She's already headed in that direction anyway. Perhaps it will give her a chance to actually make up for the awfulness of the rest of the series.

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