Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4) by Stephenie Meyer
|
List Price: Our Price: $9.93 You Save: $13.06 (57%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)
Book Review: To Read or Not to Read?
Summary: 5 Stars
The big day has finally arrived for Bella and Edward. Wanting more than anything to become a vampire, Bella has promised Edward that she will marry him before he changes her. Their first few weeks of marital bliss are suddenly cut short by a mind blowing surprise that neither of them saw coming. Now both Bella's and Edward's families are on the verge of being destroyed and all hope seems lost.
Stephenie Meyer's fans have long been waiting desperately for this conclusion to the Twilight Saga. While this is hands down the most bizarre novel of the series, it's also the perfect ending for the journey Meyer first envisioned in a dream several years ago. Thankfully, all of our questions are answered and some much needed closure is given.
Meyer's writing has only grown with each installment and it is certainly at its peak here. One third of the book is actually written from a different character's point of view (besides Bella's) and this was a fun and pleasant addition to the depth of the story. As always, Meyer excels at the methodical pacing of the story, slowly building to a gripping and effective climax.
As mentioned earlier, this is the most bizarre story of the series and just when you think things aren't weird enough, Meyer drops another bomb on us. As a result many fans have been disappointed; however I think these elements, as strange as they are, actually work. Meyer has said that Breaking Dawn is the definitive end of the series, and all of the weird plot twists work together in the end to give a sense of finality.
The Twilight Saga has sparked much debate over whether or not these books are appropriate for young teens to read. I believe that is a decision each parent needs to make for their children. As a parent myself, I can't imagine why parents would let their children read a book or watch a movie simply based on a genre classification or a movie rating. While such classifications and ratings can be great tools, they are not a substitute for parenting nor should they be used as such. My advice to all parents is to read these books before your kids so you can make the best decision. If nothing else, read these books with them so you can talk about any elements that concern you.
Having read all of the books in this series I can tell you that with each installment the themes become more mature and intense. In Breaking Dawn, Meyer deeply explores the marriage relationship between Edward and Bella. If there has to be sex in these books (and really there doesn't) at least it is in the context of the marriage relationship. While these scenes are not graphic by any means, I still felt they were too mature for young readers. Meyer in fact leaves much of the scenes to our imaginations, but in my opinion it is too much and unnecessary. These books do not contain pervasive bad language, but they can be quite violent at times. Breaking Dawn contains some of the most violent and disturbing scenes of the series and parents should be aware of this.
However, I also feel this series has some redeeming qualities. I have raved about Stephenie Meyer's incredible storytelling ability, and I still stand behind that. It has been well documented that Stephenie Meyer created this series having never seen a vampire move (or a Rated R movie for that matter) and never having read a vampire novel. As a result, we have a much different type of vampire story. The main vampires in these stories actually don't drink human blood, because they believe it is wrong to kill people. Instead they drink animal blood to thwart their addictive nature. Many concerns have been raised over the immature and sometimes seemingly inappropriate nature of Bella and Edward's relationship. While I agree with many of those concerns, I was very relieved and quite surprised when Edward in fact turned down Bella's advances until they were married. A vampire with morals? Yeah, not your typical vampire story. Throughout the series Meyer also brilliantly explores the theme of good versus evil.
While I have enjoyed this series, it is hard for me to recommend it to everyone. I certainly understand parents' concerns over these stories and am glad to know there are at least some parents out there who actually care about what their kids are reading. I can only hope more parents will take the hint so they can be more aware of what their kids are involved in.
To read or not to read? Well, that is of course your decision. One thing is for sure, the phenomenon known as the Twilight Saga is not going away anytime soon. The film version of Twilight hits theaters this December.
Book Review: I dont understand what all the complaints were about.. spoilers possible
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just finished Breaking Dawn and I truly can not understand the negativity about this book. I have read all four books and I have read them closely and I can say 100% without a doubt that I do not feel this book was rushed. I think everything was answered the way it needed to be answered. I was reluctant to read this book because in my eagerness to learn about the author and the series I had read all of the reviews both negative and positive. With the negativity from so many I wasnt sure I could read this book and enjoy it like the other three. I often judge my interest in a book if I can get into it within the first chapter and if it can keep my attention. I have read many books where the chapter has caught my attention and then midway through the book I could not read anymore. I never lost interest for a minute. I never wanted to put this book down. I think all the questions were answered in the way they needed to be without rushing. To me it reminded me a little of the last Harry Potter books where all the questions were wrapped up within one book and that was along the same length. Like I said I enjoyed this book immensely and would reread this whole series in a heart beat as I have done with every series that has caught my attention.
Edited to include more specific opinions
I was trying to put a review without spoilers yet I see that was an impossible task now. Let me start with what i found positive. I found the fight with the Volturi positive. I did not feel that it had to come to an all out brawl for it to be a "fight". I liked the inner workings of the group that stood to fight them. I liked the fact that Bella had found her power and the one thing she so desired, to protect her family, is what she did. I loved the mind games that the Volturi tried to play and failed especially Jane and Alec failing miserably to use there powers against the Cullens, the Denali's, the Amazon's, wolves etc.. I thought it was positive that people with so many differences could unite as one like the the vampires with the wolves to fight a common cause. They stood there ground as one. That is seldom seem in this world today. I liked how Bella was able to keep Charlie in her life while not giving him too much information. I thought the friendship formed between Jacob and Edward was positive. Bella loved them both but choose Edward. Jacob was her bestfriend but Edward was her one true life and to be able to keep both in her life was remarkable. I will say I wasnt sure about the imprinting of Renesmee at such a young age, it wasnt something that was done deliberately. I took it as something that Jacob had no control over and if anything ever happened to Edward and Bella, "nessie", would at least be safe because Jacob would protect her with all that he had. I had no problems with the pregnancy. I actually thought it was a positive thing. Bella was married and had waited till she was married. While the pregnancy was unexpected and many wanted her to "take care" of the pregnancy she did not she fought to keep it. Her transfomation was exactly what I had expected. Bella's mind never worked like a regular persons so why should her transformation be any different and by injecting the venom directly into her heart and then the rest of her body it allowed to the transformation to take effect quickly. I was not surprised she did not act like a typical newborn. Again why would we expect anything different for someone who throughout all 4 novels never reacted the way that was expected. Bella's shield had protected her as a human whats to say that shield did not help curb the typical newborns lust or reactions. What I thought was most positive was that everything that was left unanwsered in the other books finally had a conclusion. Whats so wrong with a happily ever after? While I did not want the story of Edward and Bella to end it would have been more frustrating for me to have been left with unanswered questions. Like I said in my original review this book reminded me of the last Harry Potter book in the essence that all the questions and the what ifs were answered. In order to do this you needed to have the length. I started this entire series Christmas Eve and finished it yesterday. Not once can I honestly say was I ever disappointed with anything. I have read many books by a wide varitey of authors so I am not nieve as to how novels go and what I feel makes a good ending. Ultimately if I am captured by the first chapter and my attention is held than I feel that the book or novel is well written. I again these are just my opinions.
Book Review: Breaking Dawn (let down or not - you decide)
Summary: 5 Stars
SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!! This whole reveiw is a SPOLIER ALERT!!
I had heard of twilight and i planned on reading this series before the movie came out. However plans don't always go the way you want. I ended up watching the movie first(i spoil my sisters too much)and then i read the books. Now i give every book five stars!!!I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! and I loved the saga overall!!! It has made my Most Liked Books List(and that's saying something) I think that people dont understand that when Meyer originally wrote these books (all of them) they were more for adults and her publisher's had her tone it down. Now obvioulsy she did not tone it down in "Eclipse" & "Breaking Dawn". I think that people are making a big deal out of this book, because they really are only looking at it from one view.
First of all,
The whole imprinting on the infant should NOT be taken out of context, Stephanie specified that when u imprint it is for what your needed for. If your needed as a big brother, friend, partner, etc. then thats what you will be. Which was the explanation for Quil imprinting on a two-year old. This is just a book and people seem to take this out of context of the facts. So all i can say to anyone who has a problem with the imprinting GET OVER IT!!!
Secondly,
Everyone thinks that her having a baby is not understandable. Yes, Bella was 18 when she had her daughter (A child that she thought was not possible) and she never saw her self as a mother due to that fact and because she knew that she could not have a child with the one person that she would have wanted to have one with. Her little nudger was a miracle in her eyes and all she saw was Edward's child. So of course she was going to go through with it.
Lastly,
Everyone wants to be critical saying that Bella got everything she wanted. I think anyone who has read these books and understood them knows that Bella may have recieved A LOT, but she never thought that what she was getting was possible nor did she expect it. So yes Bella did not have to go through what (they thought) normal vampires went through and yes she had a special ability. AGAIN saw it coming and so should you, it was made clear at the end of "New Moon" that Bella would have an ability and a very unique one at that. Now we get to Bella's happy ending (being a vampire, having Edward forever, Jacob as a friend & family, having an ability, having her father in her life,etc.) which she deserves after everything that happened not only to her, but her family (Jake,her parents, and the Cullens). Bella and Edward both received more than either of them expected, however people fail to realize that Bella will never be able to see her mom again, she will only be able talk to her, that to me is a sacrifice, she will loose her parents and friends in years to come seeing how she will never age (another sacrifice). Bella will have to continue to move and meet new people and loose them (for those who knows Bella her attatchments are hard to break from). Then the one thing that i believe is what will NEVER give Bella her happy ending is the Volturi. That is all i could think of at the end especially when Edward confirmed that they were NOT going to let that confrontation go. Which is not a happy ending if you think about it.
Also i wanted to point out that it was made clear that Bella was not your average 17 year old from the start. She practically took care of her mom especially emotionaly, so to me this saga is meant for a much more mature audience. "Eclipse" & "Breaking Dawn" however seems to be meant for adults, because that is exactly what she is (really she's an adult in all of them) and like her mom said "But commitment was never your problem, sweetie". "My little middle-aged child. Luckily, you seem to have found another old soul." I think its safe to say Bella has never really been your average teen.
Just for clarification i don't really think this book sends a wrong message considering its for ADULTS (17 & up) and ITS NOT REAL!!!!!!! so anyone who is trying to sail that boat(i will never let my kids read this because its sends the wrong message boat)it just SANK.
Again ITS NOT REAL!!!! (its all about imagination and being able to disconnect from the real world if just for a couple of hours. Everyone needs me time or down time thats what reading is about. Expand your imagination.) Besides its all about how you raise your child. They should be able to tell the difference between make believe and reality.
Book Review: Unexpected... but pleasant.
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading Breaking Dawn, and having a few days to let everything sink in, I have to honestly say that I am happy with how everything ended.
**Might contain spoilers... so please read with caution**
Going back to Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse reminded me of my high school days... regardless of how long ago they were. :-) Those books drudged up parts of my memories that I had forgotten about over the years. I guess that's why I felt so close to them... they reminded me a lot of myself - at least Bella's perspective anyway.
But now that I have read Breaking Dawn, I feel that it touches on issues that people get into once they are out of the "high school frame of mind" - so to speak. As we know from the very beginning of Twilight... Bella has never really been a teenager... except in age. Her mind and personality go beyond that. Her aversion to marriage was just something that was instilled in her from her childhood... from her mother. Which is stated in the beginning of Breaking Dawn. But her mother realizes that Bella is going to do what she feels is best for herself, and that she's not making the same mistakes Renee made.
Some people that have given their review state that they don't like the "message" given to teens about pregnancy and such. Whether they think it's a bad message for teen pregnancies, or the "pro-choice" route, or whatever. I don't see it as a message for girls to go out and get pregnant, and I don't view Bella's decision to keep the child despite what it was doing to her physical health, a message to be pro-choice. I see it as Bella making up her mind and sticking to it, as she has done throughout the entire saga. She wasn't sure if she wanted to have children, and wasn't sure about giving up the ability to have them - especially after hearing Rosalie's story and envisioning her future with Jacob. I feel that it goes along perfectly with Bella's character, to want to keep the child, regardless of what she has to go through. As long as the others in her life were happy, she would always endure whatever pain she would have to.
There were a few parts of BD that I did start to tear up over, and felt as if there was no hope... that these characters that I've grown so attached to were all going to be killed off. But then was so relieved when that didn't happen. Some say that the "happily ever after" that was achieved in the ending was a poor excuse for the end of the saga. And also that they feel cheated that there wasn't any violence/fights, at least not as much as there were in the previous books. Some people are holding Twilight on a pedestal. And that's fine, because that's their opinion, and who am I to deny it or tell them they are wrong? But I also feel that this book was the transitioning point for the characters... going from just "teens" to adults. Mentally as much as physically, in Bella's case.
Some have also shared their 'distaste' with Jacob imprinting on Nessie, and how they just didn't like how that turned out. Imprinting is something the wolves cannot control.. as stated previously. Quil imprinted on a toddler. And while to the normal teen/adult, that may sound sick, and give way to that of a pedophile... we know by the explanation given by Jacob, that it's nothing like that. It's only the perverted minds of the readers that take it to a place it was not intended to go. Bella always knew that there was a reason she needed Jacob to be in her life. Although little did she know she would be giving birth to the reason for his 'happy ending.' It's a little strange, yes, but I feel that it finally gives way to understanding the connection Bella has felt with Jacob and why it was so hard to give him up, even though she already had Edward.
Overall... I feel that BD is the ending that I had hoped for.. we got to see how Bella turned out as a vampire... something we've been waiting for since Twilight. And then we got to see that after Bella's "change", she was still able to see her family, well Charlie at least. And that she didn't really give up as much as she thought she was going to have to give up. It's heart warming, and a good ending. One that I'm happy with.
But the way it was written, it's left open so that perhaps later on in the future, if SM is so inclined... she can grace us once again with the stories of these wonderful characters from her vibrant imagination.
Book Review: Some People Can't Stand Happy Endings....
Summary: 5 Stars
I do not normally write reviews on books that I read, but I looked over many of the other reviews for this book and was absolutely shocked at how vehemently so many people hated it! I personally loved the book. It was exactly what I would have wanted, which is a happy ending and I'm thrilled Meyer delivered. I think people must be so upset, because they fell so in love with Edward, Bella, Jacob and the Cullens that they see them as real...and real life - for most people - doesn't always include a happy ending.
I think that Meyer has been writing toward this ending for the other three books and setting things up for it to end exactly as it did. It seems "too perfect" for people, I think, because the ending Meyer has been striving toward has finally arrived and the story is finished. People would be thrilled for it to go on and on, but, eventually, the constant fights, tension and increasingly predictable "damsel in distress" routine would have been too much for any reader to take. Here is how I feel that Meyer set things up and why the books HAD to end this way:
Bella was NOT good at being human and should have died in the first few pages of the first book. She had been living on borrowed time from the start and she was totally cut out to be a vampire. In addition, she was so prepared for being a vampire and had so much support and assistance that the others really didn't have, of COURSE she was good at it! The poor girl sucked at everything else in human life (to include merely walking down a street!) that she HAD to have SOMETHING coming to her in her vampire life!
Jacob was always meant to be in Bella's family and they were connected from the start. The reason he fell so deeply in love with her was because there was absolutely NO WAY he would stick by a mere "friend" who was in love with a vampire! It took him falling madly in love with Bella for him to make all the sacrifices he did in order to be with her and keep her safe. If not for all that, he would have never met his soul-mate, which was their daughter.
Edward and Bella's relationship only got BETTER once she became a vampire, not "watered down". They could actually be a pair, instead of him making all the decisions for her and constantly having to endager his entire family to protect her. If Edward had to drag all the Cullens into some death fight one more time to save her, Bella's character would have been remiss (and not well-written)if SHE had not been the one to leave HIM! It was time for her to do the saving, for once!
Jacob needed some peace and happiness. He had been miserable for nearly the entire series! How in the world would people think he didn't deserve a happy ending?
I was beyond impressed at how Meyer wrote from the different perspectives in this book. It was so different. When I got to the section entitled "Jacob" and immediately realized it was written from his point of view, I was so upset! I did NOT want to read from his agonized mind-set...I was really starting to get tired of him and was thrilled and relieved that Bella and Edward got married and away from him so quickly in this book! I was totally ticked when we got back to him during that part, until I read the first sentence and I was hooked...all over again. I have no idea how Meyer does that, but I thoroughly enjoyed what I was sure I couldn't! (She's an excellent writer.)
In the end, this entire series has been more about life and love and happiness and wading through all the every-day messes to get to the thrill of enjoying living for life's sake. Everyone has that "grounding point" in their life when - no matter what else happens - you know that everything is going to be okay....and I think that's what this series really symbolizes. There was a very spiritual air to the entire thing and it was all wrapped up perfectly in the final book. Everything else was written to end just exactly this way and I couldn't be more thrilled with it. I will read the series over and over because it's so well-written...and I will love the fourth book more and more each time I do.
It's just sad that some people really dislike it so much. I guess that's because they really can't stand happy endings. SOMEONE is supposed to die...SOMEONE is supposed to end up miserable....and true love just CAN'T exist without tragedy. Not for me...give me a happy ending every time.