I have to admit that I hesitated to write this review. Honestly, I was perhaps a little embarrassed to admit to my blog readers that I had read a series of books about teenage vampires.
i had studiously avoided these books for a while as all the raving reviews came out, the movie debuted, and more and more people told me they had read them. I had several reasons for my reluctance: First, while I have no problem reading books about magic and I love fantasy novels, I am a little hesitant to read about "dark" magic. Secondly, I thought the idea of a vampire love story was slightly umm, stupid, for lack of a better word. And, lastly, I am quite disturbed by the topics of obsessive love and sex in novels intended for a teenage audience.
But, while I held out for a while, I finally broke down. I can't resist a good love story. And, several friends assured me it was a good love story and that the books were "clean." I started reading the series this past Monday, and finished the fourth book today- less than a week later. I've also watched the movie now. It has been a long time since I stayed up nights reading, but I didn't go to bed before 1 am any night this week, so taken was I by these books.
So, I am here writing this review with mixed feelings. I thought these books were such a sweet, wonderful love story. Edward Cullen, the vampire, is the perfect gentleman. He worships the ground Bella, the human heroine, walks on. He is her protector always, and everything he does, he does for her good. What woman would not love Edward? The vampire/supernatural element is downplayed in the first book, although it does become more prominent as the series progresses. But the supernatural element was never "dark" in my opinion. After all, these were good vampires. The books were light reading- written I'm sure on a low high school/middle school level, but had enough action and suspense to hold my interest (and keep me up at night.) They were also very "clean." There was never anything explicit; and although Bella tried to convince him otherwise, Edward insisted on both of them remaining virgins until they were married.
So, why the mixed feelings? Because my third concern was definitely warranted. The love relationship in these books was waaaay too obsessive to allow a teenager to read, in my opinion. This series had a Romeo and Juliet feel of "I would die rather than live without you." In fact, in more than one instance, Edward voices his concern that he now has no soul and is going to hell, and Bella assures him that she wants to be where he is even if it is in hell.
My official review: As an adult who is happily married and has been for 14 years, I absolutely loved this love story. I love the idea of a "knight in shining armor" and everyone eventually living happily ever after. If Stephenie Meyer were to write more Twilight books, I'm sure I would read them. In fact, I've thought of quite a few story lines I would love to see explored with some of the other characters. However, for the audience it was written for, I am not so sure.
If you would like to see other books I've read and what is on my shelf to read now, check out my 2009 Reading List.
Comments
Mar. 29, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by smallworldathome.blogspot.com
I also broke down and read Twilight, and I thought it was OK but didn't get the hype AT ALL. I wasn't planning to read any more, but a friend insisted I read the next one, New Moon. And I have to say I really liked this one. She is bringing me #3 tomorrow. We also watched the movie this weekend and I loved it. Edward wasn't right, but Bella totally made up for it. She was awesome.
Mar. 30, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Queenbrownshuga
I haven't read any of her books, but I did go see the movie with my teen daughters. I thought the movie was good, but was unsure about my 13 yo reading the books as they have more detail. In light of her "we dont allow her to date" boy issues, I was leanin toward her NOT reading this series.
Thanks for your review. It gives me way more insight.
Tirzah
Mar. 30, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Great review, and I agree with a lot of your points. It is a well written clean love story with an unusual twist, but that's with me reading it as an adult like you say. Julie http://funinthesunmom.blogspot.com
Apr. 8, 2009 - Twilight
Posted by Anonymous
I, too, am an adult who adores YA literature: I plan to go into studies of YA literature for my postgraduate degrees. After hearing about Twilight, I read the series. I have to say, i don't find the books as "clean" as everyone seems to think they are. They basically revolve around Bella's attempts to get into Edward's pants. The plot was alright, but the writing could have been much, much better. However, despite the constant grammatical and mechanical errors, I did enjoy the books. However, I would much rather recommend L.J. Smith's books, especially her Dark Visions series and her Forbidden Game series. Her books are even more "clean" teen reads revolving around the supernatural in the real world--and the quality of writing is much higher.