Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4) by Stephenie Meyer
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Book Reviews of Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)
Book Review: I was suprised at how much I liked it
Summary: 5 Stars
Major Spoilers
I read BD slowly on purpose so that I could digest each reaction, and I think despite the harsh criticism I've heard and read, not to mention my own misgivings that Breaking Dawn edges out New Moon as my favorite of the series. Let me say that I am not a die hard Twilight Saga fan, that is not to say that I don't like the books but my relationship with them has been very hot and cold. That is why I was so suprised at having enjoyed Breaking Dawn as much as I did, mainly because the reaction I anticipated was luke warm at best. But, I admitt to being pulled in after the first few pages. I thought the wedding sounded wounderful, though I could hear the hopes of those still holding out for Jacob and Bella come crashing down. I was really pleased with how the plot was going, then...Bella got pregnent, which is actually quite funny because that was one of the most persistent and(I thought) far feched rumors to circulate prior to the books publication. All I could think was REALLY...I mean REALLY, your serious...REALLY. That went on for a while and I kept getting Angel flashbacks, I almost decided to quit reading. Then I figured I might as well continue on, if for no other reason then to see just how bad it was going to get. By the time I got to the Jacob section(which I thought was great) I was glad I'd kept reading. I've had to struggle to find things to like about Bella as a character throughout the series up to this point, and I worried that her transformation would lead me to dislike her more. I think that the opposite turned out to be true though. There was GREAT! deal less self flagellation, over dramatics, and dare I say it whining, then in the previous three books. And though I can't say she'll ever be on my list of great literary heroines, I will say that I ended the book liking her well enough and even respecting her a little. As far as Edward goes BD helped in my overall opinion of him too. I have always felt him to be a little one dymentional and well somwhat boring, but his emotions really come through here which made him a lot more accessible. others have commented that they found Jacobs inprinting on Renesmee(Groan) creepy and a cop-out on SM's part, I agree a little. when the baby was born and it turned out to be a girl instead of the expected boy, I knew where we were headed. It does work in a weird way, think later in the book, cause if Jake had stayed a heart broken mess, there wouldn't have been much point in his continuing in the story Plus there had to be a really good reason for him to stay close to Bella cause of the part he and the wolves play in the Volturi confrontation, which I liked beause it was more a battle of wits then a bloody slaughter. Plus the whole Jake/Nessie thing is a pretty wide opening for future books, I love Jake's character so that works for me. I agree that in the end it was all a little to neat and tidy, and the fact that everyone got positively everything they wanted and then some was hard to swallow. but to be fair I'm slightly cynical, but obviously Stephenie Meyer isn't, she wanted a true happily ever after, so that's what she wrote and more power to her. It's interesting to note that in an interview she gave recently on a podcast that I heard, when asked what the overall message of the twilight Saga was in regards to a deeper meaning or take away lesson, Meyer said that she never intended there to be one. the only goal she had in writing the books was for readers to enjoy the ride. I have to admitt, I did.
Also By Stephenie Meyer
The Host: A Novel
Stuck for what to read now the Twilight saga is over, Here is some of what I've been reading Wicked Lovely
Ink Exchange
Wake
Walk of the Spirits
The Gargoyle
Old Magic
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle (Vampire Diaries)
The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion (The Vampire Diaries)
The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1)
Companions of the Night
Short but good! The Ghost Mirror
The Mirror
Mortal Touch: Vampires of New England Series (Vampires of New England)
Uninvited
Marked (House of Night, Book 1)
Betrayed (House of Night, Book 2)
Chosen (House of Night, Book 3)
And currently my favorite YA fantasy series which is complete A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy)
Rebel Angels (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy)
The Sweet Far Thing (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy)
Book Review: I loved this book, and I thought it did stay true to the lessons in the first three books
Summary: 5 Stars
When I got this book I expected two things: that the length was needlessly inflated and that the ending would be too fluffy for me. What I got was a book that I felt should have been a little longer that I actually enjoyed 90% of the storyline.
I've seen a lot of people call the way SM chose to handle the relationship between Bella, Edward, and Jacob a cop out, but I actually enjoyed it. I was fearing that Bella and Edward hook up and Jacob imprints on some new character or lust after Bella forever. Worse, they'd spend the first half of this book closing a plot line I thought was finished part way through the third. What I got was a situation that put Bella and Edward through a small amount of personal hell like Jacob did for them.
There's been talk that Bella didn't sacrifice family when she married Edward, that her ending was too neat. I thought the happy ending was harder to get through then her previously suggested life would have been. The plot showed a growth in character that wouldn't have been possible any other way.
When I was little I thought I wanted a family, when I was a teenager I could take it or leave it. That seemed to me how Bella was, it was worth sacrificing everything for love, which I find is a very teenage mentality. When you grow up you learn the biggest sacrifice you make for love isn't leaving everything behind for except your lover, the worst thing you do is marry the one you love even though it means putting up with your mother in law for the duration of your marriage. I think doing more work for the one you love is harder then doing no work at all. I also thought the idea of abandoning her family was a bit juvenile as well. Thinking I could leave my parents behind forever was what I thought I could do as a teenager, readjusting them in my life as a grown up was a harder and ultimately more rewarding task.
The 'Edward and Bella get married, leave everyone but the Cullens and maybe someday she'll get to peak through the bushes at her father' ending would have been too easy. It's what she thought was going to happen, which usually isn't how life happens.
*Spoilers*
Instead, Bella ends up pregnant. Coming from a family with 'shotgun wedding' situations the Bella 'I want it' Edward 'kill it' seemed fairly realistic, as did the bonding between Rose and losing closeness with Alice.
As for the rationalization for it, that was a bit silly. Then again, it's Dhampir, and they are almost always silly. It still made more sense then the plot of Vampire Hunter D, so yeah silly Dhampir. I was a bit annoyed about the accelerated growth, but taking that away probably would have hindered instead of helped the story. If Nessie aged naturally it would have made the book go over a longer amount of time (which wouldn't have mattered too much as the Cullens and the Werewolves have all stopped aging), made it easier to explain to Bella's parents and friends, and wouldn't have made it much harder to explain to the Volturi since 'warm blooded, found another' would still work. They wouldn't have gotten that much more notice unless the Volturi made the plan years before they came.
As for Jacob imprinting on Nessie, it did make some plot points a little too convenient. However, I'll accept that because I think it benefited the plot more than it messed it up. It was a perfect reversal for Bella/Edward and Jacob, that they had a daughter they'd lose to Jacob, prematurely since Nessie aged quicker. Bella had fought so hard to keep Jacob, but the only way she got to do that was the way she was most uncomfortable with. It was twisted, but SM has shown time and time again that imprinting is rather twisted.
I was actually happy with most of the change in the characters. Both Rosalie and Leah had their back stories told, but it always felt to me as if it were the attitude was 'they had a tragic life, they still aren't cool'. This flushed them out. I did miss Alice, but I compared it to those friends who stop coming around as much when you have a baby. The relationships created a theme which was reoccurring in Breaking Dawn: things don't always work out how you expect or want them to, but it's life and you'll get through it.
It's the same reason I wasn't bitter Bella wasn't raging like the other newborns, her difference examined a side of the characters that only that plot twist could do. Bella may have been fine, but it made the other vampires, especially Jasper, question why they were so full of blood lust. The book may have given Bella her wish of balance and friendship, but it wasn't easy. To get to the happy ending of the book a lot of the characters had to deal with their own internal issues.
That said, I did think the ending was a little rushed. The Volturi attack/Alice saves the day was rushed, but Alice's gloating at the end were something she would do. I felt the end of the book was too easy, but a lot of books I've read have that problem and this one was at least good enough for me not to feel disgusted.
Overall, I expected BD to accomplish the easier story like the one the first three books gave me. The first three books dealt with only a few personal issues. BD read much more like an entryway into adulthood, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with it's quality. It was easily my favorite in the series.
Book Review: A return back to "reality"
Summary: 5 Stars
To me, even the title of Stephenie Meyer's fourth book in the Twilight saga suggested it would be vastly different in many ways from the previous three: "Breaking Dawn". To me, the title itself depicts a whole new kind of drama and the need to adjust your thoughts. Thus, I dove into the book with as open of a mind as I could. I was not disappointed.
I'd like to share some of my thoughts about this book, and the saga in general, as a 30-year-old wife and mother.
From the moment they met, I wanted Edward and Bella to be together forever. This is not to say my heart didn't ache when she had to choose between Edward and Jacob. I also hoped maniacally that something wouldn't happen that would force her to stay human. This is not to say I didn't feel a twinge of sadness when she had to leave her mortal life behind. Is this not what we all do when we grow up, get married and have children? We must sacrifice parts of ourselves and our former lives for greater rewards and changes, and I think that is what Stephenie is trying to show us. This little aspect will probably go right over the heads of most teenage readers, as will many other underlying thoughts.
Though I was more than satisfied with the way the author tied things up in Breaking Dawn, I can understand why some people, especially the younger crowd, may be upset with it. Some characters change or take on new roles. Some things get messy (Bella's near-death experience with delivering Renesmee and subsequently becoming a vampire) while other potential problems kind of go away (such as, what is Bella to do about Jacob and the war between vampires and werewolves? Easy, Jacob just imprints on Bella and Edward`s daughter, etc). However, like I said, I had an open mind. I kind of expected that things may go in different directions. Some things I sort of foresaw, other things were completely unexpected, but nothing took away my joy of the story.
Yes, Bella becoming a vampire and therefore, becoming just as strong as Edward, sort of takes that "sexy superhuman hero" aspect away from Edward. This part is definitely more for Stephenie's older readers. And of course, Bella and Edward having a baby may not feel very sexy to some readers. "A baby changes everything", as I'm sure you all have been told. Therefore, it will change our beloved story a bit. Yes Bella is young, BUT since book one she has been described, even by her parents, as a "middle-aged child". My only advice to parents of young teens wanting to read the saga: read the books first yourself, so that you can discuss what happens with your children as they experience this awesome story.
With that being said, I want to reiterate that I love that Bella becomes "equal" with Edward. We all know it NEVER would have worked out for them if Bella stayed human. So what if Edward's not as sexy now? In a way, I'm glad, for I can now look at my husband and not wish he was Edward Cullen, haha! He and Bella becoming equals in their relationship makes them more like the rest of us, aside from the whole immortal and superpower aspect. Some readers are mourning the loss of their sexy superhuman hero, Edward. However, what I see is a different kind of hero, one of the greatest unsung heroes in the world today--the Family Man. This is, after all, what Edward has always wanted and so has Bella.
I'm sure there's people out there who hoped for a more "vague" ending. Some people wish Stephenie would've tied things up more simply, perhaps by telling us just enough at the very end that Bella becomes a vampire or is about to become a vampire, and leaving it at that. As in, giving us a little glimpse and then leaving us with only our imaginations. I would have been happy with an ending like this, I suppose, but I think a lot of books end in a similar way. It was nice to see the characters "get everything they want" after one final hash-out against foes that would try to end their perfect "happily ever after". I'm sorry, but I like the "tied up with a bow" the author presented in this saga! Aren't there enough sad or loose endings in other books (and life in general) already? Why shouldn't the characters get any and everything they want? Didn't they all suffer enough?
So what if Stephenie seemed to write this book more "for herself" than her audience? It's her story to tell and it's been a pleasure to behold. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but Stephenie is the one who invented these characters and their story, and no doubt sat for countless hours doing the research and the writing for this book. It saddens me when people bring shame down upon her for going with her heart of hearts on how this adventure should end. Though I can understand why some can't embrace it, I couldn't help but love it.
It is my opinion that most level-headed people will appreciate Breaking Dawn. I like picturing Bella and Edward out there, enjoying their love together for all eternity. The first three books were fun in that they presented the giddiness and adventure of forbidden love, mystery, heartache and juicy fantasy. Breaking Dawn has tied everything up just right.
This is my personal message to Stephenie: Thank you for such a refreshing and exciting adventure away from reality with the first three books in your Twilight saga, and thank you for the safe return back to reality with Breaking Dawn.
Book Review: I Didn't Always Agree But I Always Was Entranced
Summary: 5 Stars
So first things first.... * Spoiler ALERT! Do Not READ!*
Okay, now that we have that out of the way...I just finished Breaking Dawn a few hours ago and I've been mulling it over in my mind about what rating to give it. So first I guess I'll talk about what I wanted:
I wanted it to be so good engrossing that I could not stop reading:
It was. I really had to continue on...I really couldn't put it down.
I wanted Bella becoming a vampire a beautiful experience:
Nah...not beautiful...mostly just gross, nasty, and painful.
I did not want Jacob and Edward running around to Bella's every beck and call.
I did not want Bella running the show but the only thing Bella doesn't decide is apparently her lavish gifts and clothes...poor thing. Everybody just runs around pleasing her. Jacob always gives in the very most. He is put through so much pain, anguish, hurt, longing, etc. and he keeps coming back for more all because Bella's whole face lights up when she sees him. Give me a break. However, I realize that love is painful and sometimes you give and give till you think there is nothing more that could be asked of you and people will still take.
I wanted Bella to become more independent and strong about something other than how much she wants to be with Edward:
This I was a tiny bit pleased because once Bella finds out that she may be of use, that her gift of shielding could protect those she loves she becomes fierce and works hard to get control over it. In other instances I feel like Bella causes all the trouble by being so stupid and putting herself in harms way. In this instance the harm doesn't really come from Bella because the Volturi are the ones who start all the trouble. Yet you could argue that if Bella would have agreed to no sex until after she was turned, like Edward asked, then the pregnancy wouldn't have been possible. I was impressed that Bella listened to Alice and did the whole getting the ID's and stuff on her own and didn't tell Edward. She actually had a bit of a backbone in that part. I just am not that crazy that Bella is a chick that just wants to get her man, get knocked up, and live in a cottage. Not everyone has endless supplies of people to take care of their demon spawn and tons of money.
I wanted Jacob to be truly happy:
I am so unbelievably happy that Jacob is over her...she just isn't worth it. I'm not sure why they thought so in the first place BUT they did/do....whatever. I'm not crazy about the imprinting thing...not because Nessie is a baby...he doesn't think of her in a girlfriend way yet...just wants her to be happy. I kind of took it like when a parent sees their child for the first time and the love is instant. Yes, that does make it a little creepy to think of them dating in seven years but I suppose it's a gradual thing and we really can't think of Ness in human years and terms. The reason I don't like it is that it's Bella and Edward's child...it's too hurtful to think he didn't have a choice...but maybe he never had a choice with Bella either. Maybe you don't choose who you love, you just choose whether or not to be with that person. I would have rather he imprinted with Leah, who is a way better person than Bella.
I did not want a fairytale happily ever after:
Yes I did want Bella and Edward together, only because they want each other so badly...but to have all the loose ends tide up so perfectly without any major consequences....I don't know. What's her face dies but really...who cared...I can't even remember her name. This part was a bit disappointing for me. I felt that yes, in a way things were not happily ever after because things started going downhill after the wedding...which at the end of most romance novels or chick flicks is the end. At that point everything is perfect. You don't get to see after Cinderella and the Prince get married and Prince charming won't pick his underwear up off the floor and Cinderella nags about the toilet seat being left up. There is this whole weird pregnancy baby thing, they are having disagreements, but really...Edward always gives in even when he has to suffer and Bella is asking too much. It just seemed a whole lot of perfectness....
Regardless, even with my gripes I still had to give it 5 stars...I'm going to start the series all over again, because I really enjoyed the ride. There were parts that made roll my eyes: "little nudger." Parts that made me want to tear out my hair: how selfish Bella is sometimes, she wants what she wants and she takes nobody else into consideration. There were parts that made me want to puke, the whole descriptive pregnancy and "birth" thing. But there are lines that are just hilarious, like all of Jacob's chapter headings. Interactions between characters that just make me grin..Rosalie making the dog bowl for Jacob.
I don't want to dissect and gripe about every little bit. I realize that the series was changed for teen readers...this was supposed to be an adult series...perhaps Meyer had some conflict with where she wanted it to go. That's okay though..it's not my story...but it is one that I enjoyed and it took me to another place. She has a way of conveying emotion that draws you in and I look forward to future books.
Book Review: A very satisfying and mature ending
Summary: 5 Stars
I was very surprised by the negative reviews given to "Breaking Dawn". People have talked about the writing, the sex, the "eewww" quality", and the lack of battles.
As a 40-is mother of two, I agree with several reviewers that they audience that has not appreciated this book are more likely to be younger and expecting that individuals 'remain the same' even as they mature, marry and have children. I agree that Bella has had little time to mature however having had so many high-risk incidents, difficult decisions and character-changing decisions -- I think the outcomes are quite logical. The other factor is that Bella was always described as an 'old soul' and spending time with individuals that are at least 80 years old -- tends to provide a more mature outlook.
1) In terms of the writing, I never felt the writing in any of the books was 'literary prose' and I suspect Stephanie Meyers feels similarily. She wrote about characters that she is passionate about. It isn't JK Rowling and shouldn't be considered as such. That doesn't mean that it isn't 'chair-gripping'. I myself read all 4 books in one week -- amazing for me.
2) I find the sex issues to be ridiculous. Of course, sex would be important to them considering their overwhelming desire for each other. It only makes sense that this is very important -- to be honest, it is very important for most people when they are honeymooning etc. Also, having to 'be careful' and discuss it so much -- they would have built an expectation that they would have been afraid about as well. This is fiction not a 'teen sex guide'. I would have been very disappointed if Ms. Meyers wrote with the purpose of providing a 'role model'. For Edward, he had waited for a long time. For Bella - she had as well -- in a modern sense.
I also think readers are not aware that with the love and family that they had -- they lived culturally more like an extended family in other countries. I know that in Asian cultures where there is a large family under one roof --- a parent would feel very comfortable to have others with their child. If you have had a baby -- you know that the feeling of 'motherhood' is not instantaneous. And fatherhood tends to be even longer. My husband was a little frightened that he didn't feel 'like a father' immediately. It came -- it just takes a bit. This was actually very realistic considering the risks to her baby and the total trust of whom she was with (the Cullens).
3) the "ewww" factor: I also thought this was ludicrous. Have any of these reviewers ever seen a live human birth??? Lots of 'eeewww" however when you love someone -- you accept it. I was horrified to learn later about how 'gross' it may have seemed to my husband as they wiped away bodily fluids etc --- but he didn't see it that way. Edward as a vampire was closer to the human element in some ways. Hunting as they did -- they were used to the feeling of biting a live animal etc. I thought this was very sensible and was relieved she didn't candy-coat this. Birth is wet,bloody and gross. It is also beautiful.
4) The lack of a final battle: This made more sense to me than to many of the reviewers. I am a loyal Harry Potter fan -- but that battle was necessary for a variety of reasons. These vampires are CENTURIES-OLD creatures --- similar to Anne Rice's logic ---- it would take a lot for them to actually battle one another considering the fewer number of their species. She explained this in a way -- by comparing them to the young shape-shifters of Jacob and Sam's packs. They would have fought but that is because they are merely 'children'. When you have lived hundreds of years -- you will think a lot before dying for a cause. It reminds me of some species where the battle is more about who is bluffing and who backs away. Very logical.
I loved how Bella was a vampire. It was clear that all of the vampires were beautiful, strong and graceful. Why shouldn't Bella be as well?
For all the mysogynistic criticism --- she was strongest in this book. She was physically stronger than Emmett, protected those she loved and even jumped at Jacob. I loved that scene. People are crazy to think that all of the events of the past 3 books wouldn't have made her stronger, more confident and better able to cope.
I agree that people think literary expertise means that 'someone dies' --- that is foolish. Things were lost here. She may never get to really see her mother easily. Though she can see Charlie -- there are things she can never explain. Although she trusts Jacob -- this isn't the person she would have liked him to imprint on.
Edward's personality matched perfectly in this book with the others. When the most important person is near death -- he can't be sarcastic and witty. Of course he asks Jacob to have her child etc. He's more mature than many of these reviewers. It's no longer about petty jealousy -- he's desperate to have her live at any cost. It made sense if you see him as being 100 not 17.
I hope Stephanie Meyers reads these interviews. I am sure that if she had 'killed off' people just to make it interesting --- she would have gotten as many complaints.
I understand this matured Bella very well. It is a path, albeit a different one, but similar that many of us have taken as we reach our places of comfort and confidence.