Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance

Blurb (on back of book): I'd never given much thought to how I would die — though I'd had reason enough in the last few months — but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this... Surely it was a good way to die, in place of someone else, someone I loved. Noble, even. That ought to count for something.

—

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn't realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back...

Deeply seductive and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight will have readers riveted right until the very last page is turned. 

MY OPINION: *****

If I allowed myself to give this book more stars than just five, I would.

I have always wanted to read the story of Bella and Edward, but I never did until just a few days ago. A lot of people say it is amazing, but many also say that it is overrated and terrible. I have to say, I agree with the former party.

This book is now on my list of favorite reads, and I hope to read the rest of the series, though I cannot say if I actually will. But I will always cherish this volume in my personal library!

I know that this book is super old and isn't popular anymore, but I still loved it! The characters seem so real, and the setting was a very interesting place. This book is fine for all readers: there is no inappropriate or mature material, and the violence is kept to a very small maximum. I think that this love story is more of an adventure following two people (well, one person and one "cold one") in love, but there are many problems and complications throughout.

Bella is a strong female character: she is brave and helpful, though she is very clumsy and a magnet to accidents of all sorts. Since the story is told from her view, it makes a very interesting novel. She is prone to getting hurt in various ways: attacks, accidents, etc. She is also brave in all sorts. She possesses the courage to do what she has to do, she isn't afraid of Edward, and she fights back against people for what she believes in. She is a very intuitive and smart role model that most teenage girls can look up to.

Edward is smart, funny, and also very strong. He is also brave, and determined. Edward has so many mood changes throughout the book that it is hard to keep up with him! Edward was a very confusing character from the start, but towards the middle, he started to explain everything, and he made it easier for readers (and Bella) to understand his personality.

I love both Bella and Edward's families. Bella has a strong mother, who is rather overprotective, but also caring and kind. She is a very interesting character through and through, though she is not talked about in the story as much as Charlie, Bella's father. Charlie is a very independent man, although he is also kind and caring. He is uncomfortable around Bella since he doesn't see her very much, but he soon breaks the ice, and becomes the parental figure that he should be towards the end.

Edward's family are completely the opposite. Esme and Carlisle, Edward's "parents", are kind and loving to their adopted children, and also to Bella. They can be defensive at times, and stand up for everyone that they care about. Edward's sisters, Rosalie and Alice, are picture perfect. Rosalie has a strange dislike to Bella, but Alice is kind and soon becomes "friends" with Bella. Edward's brothers, Emmett and Jasper, are also kind to Bella and make her feel welcome, though Jasper if more of the "shy guy" than Emmett.

Lastly, Bella makes many new friends in Forks: Jessica, Mike, and Jacob, just to name a few. Jessica is a close friend of Bella's, and she is understanding, though she is more of the gossipy type. Mike is an over-friendly young man who tries his best to win over Bella and to make her feel welcome. Jacob has been friends with Bella ever since Bella was just a child, and they still greet each other warmly, though many things happen along the way.

Alas, I wish I could say more, but I don't want to spoil anything more. Like I already said, anybody can read this book if they took a whim to, though I suspect that fantasy/romance readers will enjoy it more. 

Main Character: Isabella "Bella" Swan

Sidekick(s): Edward Cullen, Jacob Black, Jessica Stanley, Mike Newton, Tyler Crowley, Angela Weber, Esme, Carlisle, Alice, Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie (in a way), Renee, Charlie

Villain(s): James, Victoria, Laurent, other vampires, being human (in a way), etc

Fantasy/Romance Elements: Unreal creatures (vampires, werewolves, etc. Follows the romantic relationship between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen.