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: The Twilight Saga black sheep still leaves plenty of satisfaction.
Summary: 5 Stars
I can understand a little dissension about Stephenie Meyer's final book in the Twilight Saga due to its slightly new style and point of view. But for all the fans who love and UNDERSTAND the characters in the Twilight Series, Bella's story is concluded nicely. While this last installment wasn't my favorite book in the Twilight series, I read it with the same fervor and enthusiasm due to Meyer's amazing ability to draw the reader into the story and more importantly the characters. While there were aspects of the book I found odd or unbecoming, the story was well received and reflective of the way the characters would think and act, were they real people.
The book is broken up into three "Books": the first from Bella's perspective, then Jacob's, then Bella's again. I enjoyed reading the final book the most as it was the most untraditional. Meyer seemed to throw the traditional story arc out the window and the main conclusion seemed to come before the final conflict. It also gave new insight into the world Meyer has created. For this and other reasons I found this book to be the most intriguing. The second book however, is my favorite. It feels more like and true to the other novels in the Twilight Saga (despite the different perspective). I also love the Meyer's way of entitling chapters changes as her character perspective changes. Jacob's chapter titles are one of my favorite things about this novel.
(Spoilers Below)
I would most like to say that I approve of nearly every controversial decision Meyer made in this final installment. Twilight was always meant to be Bella's fairytale and thus, it is more than acceptable for the final book to have a fairytale ending. Meyer's Description of Bella's newborn life before the final conflict emerges shows that even in a happy, blissful vampire-marriage, Bella and Edward's eternity will still be marred by the conflicts and problems of parenthood and everyday life. She ended the book with Bella's happiness in a "piece" of her and Edward's eternity. While Meyer sometimes takes the happy ending to the point of cliché (such as with Jacob imprinting on Nessie allowing Vampires, Wolf-shifters, Bella, Edward, Jacob and Nessie to all be one big happy family) its perfect for the fairy-tale that Twilight always was.
Jacob's imprinting, while cliché, is appropriate. If Bella truly was the object of HIS fairytale, this would have been a love-story about a human girl and a werewolf. But Bella is obviously not Jacob's true soul-mate. He is only her Best Man. There is still something missing from Bella that makes her imperfect for him (in some way). Therefore, it is only fitting that Bella's daughter, would be the true object of his desire as the person in the world most like Bella in all the ways that Jacob loves. Additionally, Nessie has kinship with Jacob that she doesn't share with her parents, her heat, ability to sleep, and her diet(s) are all things she shares with Jacob. Her superhuman strength/invulnerability also make her a good match for Jake that allow her to fit in better with the pack. Any human Jake would have been with would always be in danger of being the next Emily.
I love that Meyer's "final battle" never happened. The fact that there was no fight with the Volturi allowed Meyer to avoid bloodshed for her characters while still being realistic within the confines of the story. It also allowed her a place to continue from should she wish to return to the Cullen universe at a later point in time.
I'm happy with Bella's new ability. It is an extension of the ability she had as a human and therefore, fits perfectly. I am especially happy that her extended power works both ways allowing for a truly romantic and fairy-tale moment between Bella and Edward in the final pages.
My only real criticism of this final novel is that Stephenie did not endow Bella with the ability to name her child well. Had her parents had better names, the idea might have been acceptable. (Carlie is really cute actually) But Renesmee is the most absurd name in Meyer's series. I took to Jacob's nickname immediately and I'm glad everyone else did too. Even Edward seemed to realize that Renesmee is a horrible name and and quite quickly took to calling her Nessie.
While this book is different, I feel it is a satisfying conclusion to a beautiful story with beautiful developed characters.
Book Review: Please try to understand the author...
Summary: 5 Stars
Look everyone. I have seen plenty of reviews on this book, the good and the bad. I am seeing some recurring complaints though- the writing is bad, the ending was too cheesy, some characters were barely mentioned- but you need to think a little before you go ranting away about wanting your money back. First of all, this is her FIRST SERIES. She had never written before and had no direct writing education. Lets see you right a book on a whim and watch it soar to number one on the NY bestseller list (obviously, that takes something). Remember as well that Meyer wrote this book, as I said, on a whim. The idea came from a dream (that dream being the scene in the meadow where Bella first sees Edward in the sun), and she wrote these books just to figure out what would happen. Thats right, everyone. You are critizicing a women who wrote hundreds of pages just for that reason, not to be a star writer (hint: why the high expectations?). I'm not too sure about what you would think,but I think you are one depressing person if you decide that you want anything but perfection for the characters in the dream that you wanted so much to be happy that you wrote FOUR BOOKS for that to happen.Personally, the events of this book were the first in a long time that made me happy. I am sick of authors feeling like they need to kill off some character you loved, or have the ending be unhappy, or adding so many twists that there is no way all the loose ends could be tied up. The way Meyer ended her series seemed rushed, but at the same time it was skillful. Everyone is happy, Bella didn't have "newborn" issues, etc. etc.-- sure it seems Mary Sueish, but so many people would have hated to see Bella, Edward, Jacob, etc. struggle. Yet, though there was a happy ending, it left plenty to think about. What would happen in the future with the volturi? What would Bella and Edward do with their eternal life? Will vampire society change because of the discovery of the hybrids? What happens to Bella's family? See? You are satisfied knowing in general that all is well, but Meyer leaves you to imagine the rest of Bella's world.
Some characters were not mentioned a whole lot because the story was so intensely around other characters, and they weren't important. Sure, Esme is a Cullen, buy Meyer knew that she didn't have to have every vampire in every conversation and scene. I didn't care about Esme too much anyway- she wasn't too central to the story. Another complaint I have to shoot down-- the stuff about Edward being able to have a baby? And contradictions in "vampire facts?" Come on, people. Once again, have some imagination and think out an explanation yourself. It is a fantasy, not a scientific textbook. Unless you think vampires are real... but if you did that might explain some of your negative outlooks on this book. Meyer mentions that vampires have no bodily fluids (through one of the vampire's dialogue), but she also shows how little the vampires know about themselves. They dont know exactly how the transformation works,they didnt know about hybrids, they dont understand abilities fully, why a mix between a 23 chromosome and a 25 chromosome didnt make a 24 chromosome shapeshifter (aka the Quilete "werewolves")... so many things. Meyer made an decision that an explanation was not necessary.
The book had some symbolism that made it have to end Mary Sueish. Meyer is LDS, as many know, and the Mormon religion believes in a plan of salvation where a married couple can exist in bliss forever. It wouldn't really fit Meyer's good outlook on life and after death if the characters in the book DIDNT live in peace together forever, and get a child out of their love.
Overall, the book is a good read. Definitely has some skillful, unexpected twists (what was that some of you cynics said about predictable storylines?). The writing is great, especially at Meyers low experience level. The characters changed only because the settings changed. The cheesiness made me happy, instead of making me want to kill myself because it was a tragic/stupid/unclear/ ending (ahem* Series of Unfortunate Events). Meyer has a unique writing style, it's fun to read and predict,she has ended the series at a good time without going crazy into detail but still giving enough, and if you have read the other books you need to know what happens anyway! I RECOMMEND HIGHLY
Book Review: Rebuttal to Criticism, in favor of Breaking Dawn
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a 28-year-old mother of four with a master's degree who read strictly classical literature until a friend gave me a copy of Twilight last year. I have since become a big fan of the Twilight cycle and The Host. I would like to counter some of the criticism I hear about Breaking Dawn and express my hope that Midnight Sun will continue at some point.
What kind of people have we become if we are skeptical about a happy ending and disappointed if a large chunk of main characters are not ceremoniously killed off? In defense of Meyer and the Twilight cycle, the characters suffered acutely throughout the arc of the story and it was refreshing to see sacrificing and moral characters obtain peace and rest.
How could the events of Breaking Dawn be outrageous in a fantasy world of vampires? How could the readership be surprised by events Meyer foreshadowed throughout he cycle? I thought Meyer's choice of events was much more interesting and justified the story much better than most of the fan's speculations did. If you want outrageous, improbable, unsatisfying, distasteful and disappointing, read the blogs full of fan's ideas before the release of Breaking Dawn. We must remember that the Twilight story began with Twilight, and Breaking Dawn is the culmination of the entire cycle.
Why is there criticism that there was no physical battle with the Volturi? I found it more accurate that power hungry people would seek under-handed ways to attack and weaken their foes, then cowardly flee when they saw it would be a fair fight. Meyer left us with the unsettling idea that the Volturi would have to be dealt with again later. I thought the battle of the minds was more interesting that ripping off a few heads would have been.
I was very pleased that Meyer showed us first-hand a vampire transformation and Bella's discovering her new powers. I was delighted that there was a way for Bella and Edward to have a family. (Yes, vampires can't get pregnant, but Bella was not a vampire!) Expanding the vampire world to include the Cullen's friends from around the world was interesting. Of course Jacob imprinted on someone; what an intriguing twist that it was Bella's daughter. Why shouldn't these characters be able to fight for what they want and deserve and find a way to get it? I thought Breaking Dawn was a satisfying culmination of all the events in the cycle, and Meyer's writing is exciting, passionate, and clever in the way she foreshadows events and links them together.
Meyer insists she writes only for herself and I hope she will continue to do so. Her unpretentious style is refreshing, and her world of moral and passionate vampires (or aliens) is intriguing. I can cheerfully accept these works for what they are: unassuming, creative and delightful storytelling; and couldn't disagree more with the petty and uninformed criticism I hear occasionally. The story is romantic, intense, gripping, but still filled with the zippy one-liners and quirky anecdotes we've all come to adore. As always, Meyer has us all over the spectrum of emotion.
To Stephenie Meyer: Thank you for telling your stories, they are exciting, uplifting and gratifying. I am sorry some unscrupulous jerk ruined the Midnight Sun experience for you and your millions of honest and adoring fans. I read the draft you posted on your website and was both moved and devastated (and hyperventilating!) I was moved by the insight into Edward's character, how ardently in love but how conflicted! How interesting to have all the details filled in! The experience from Edward's point of view is so very intense, I found myself wrapped up in your vampire world all over again. I was devastated it stopped before the meadow scene, and it's unbearable to think that I may never read it! I understand the way you are feeling and share in your disappointment. I hope that when you are ready you will return to this most interesting project. It is a story that deserves to be told. I hope you feel supported by the millions of fans who adore your work and appreciate your contribution to the reading world, which is a much more interesting place now, thanks to you!
Book Review: Finally! The end of a series is finally good!
Summary: 5 Stars
I absolutely adored the first three books, primarily because of the strong feelings I felt towards Edward. I found myself relating to Bella often, in looks and attitude. I certainly would not consider myself some obsessive fan girl, I started reading the series last summer and I always enjoyed how the books had a 'personal' feel to them.
I have always been apprehensive towards the last book within a series, generally because I feel there is either a lack of closure, or the book lacked personality because there had to be closure. Personally, I heavily disliked the last Harry Potter book so I was worried this was going to be the same, especially with the reviews and spoilers I had heard about.
And then, I started reading. And I couldn't put it down.
The rhythm of the book was 'intoxicating.' It was constantly fast paced, with new information hitting you like a ton of bricks. There was hardly a dull moment; personally the only one noticed was in the beginning of book 3, mainly because it felt like SM was putting closure in early on, and then BAM! A total twist! (but it was still interesting).
I was also slightly disappointed in the lack of 'how' the baby was created. I have come to my own theories, however, and I think SM did that on purpose. When I read more about Jacob's chromosomal make-up, I was able to come to the conclusion (and this is PERSONALLY my opinion) that Edward's venom acted as a type of sperm. It was very nice to finally learn more about everybody's chromosomal make ups, and I found the whole situation a lot different than to what I was expecting.
So, to make all you *haters* happy, I did want to prove to you that there were some bad points.
But the good points overruled.
This book was a lot darker than the previous three. Bella has a monster child, she's drinking blood, she goes through the process of becoming a vampire- it's certainly not for the 'imaginative' light-hearted. The romance wasn't terribly cheesy, but I found it humorous and appropriate- another thing I believe SM did on purpose- it allows the reader to choose what they want to believe. I found Bella's personality change refreshing, she really grew up in this book. I'm not even talking about her becoming a vampire, but she is a lot more selfless and interesting (I did find her character to be a bit dry in the previous books, especially in New Moon).
The book was also a lot different than I had expected, which was nice. A lot of books reveal too much information about the end of the series, and the last thing I was expecting was a child. There were obviously a few things we all knew that were going to occur in the book (such as the wedding and Bella's change), but the remaining content was always a surprise.
I got a kick out of Jacob's character- he really grew up too! I think that his imprinting on 'Nessie' was the cause for much of his change, however, does it really matter *how* the change occurs? And I was not the least disturbed by the imprinting. I had already come to the conclusion in the previous books that it is something that is not perverted, but really sweet. It's not like he's having relations with a baby or anything! Plus, it gives the reader a sense of relief that Jacob will always be a part of Bella's life- without Nessie, I highly doubt there could have been a happier ending between the two.
It was also nice to see Edward in a different light. He seemed so much more vulnerable, not the big and strong romantic hero we have all come to know and love. I laughed when Bella first hugs Edward as a vampire and he says 'Ow!'
And yes, it did have a happy ending. But hey, think about it, it's about time! Constantly during the books these horrible and gut wrenching events were taking place- give the poor couple a break! Must we need more sadism? And it's fiction, there is likely never a happy ending in real life. But then again, if you are complaining about the overly happy ending, why are you reading these books in the first place? It's not like vampires exist either :).
Book Review: A story that does not let go
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I read this book I tried to separate myself from any spoilers and to keep an open mind. Since I am am a fan of the series for the last month or so this was the best decision that I made, because I loved the forth book of this grasping saga from the beginning to the end. Everything that we learned in the previous books comes together. The characters mature* and take new paths in their life's. (This maybe way so many people seem to write so many negative comments.) Great read recommend that to anyone.
****Spoilers
Comments / Explanations about parts of the book
-The wedding- Bella enjoys her wedding and it seems to be like a goodbye but by knowing her she is determined to keep as much as she can from her human life.
-Honeymoon (A Midsummer-night's Dream) - As with other books there seems to be something related to a classical literature in Breaking Dawn as well. The honeymoon seems to resemble Shakespeare's play because it is warped with sexual feelings and actions.
-Pregnancy- Bella becoming pregnant was shocking and unexpected part of the book. The fact that she wants to keep the baby is really not out of character as many people say. In Eclipse when Bella kisses Jacob she has a vision of family that she could have with him. However, she loves Edward so much that she is ready to let go that part of human life and not dwell on it and make it harder. In the forth book Edward has the dissuasion with her about children and she says that they can always adopt a child as his family did. However, it seems that she would like to have children of her own if that would be possible in any way. Therefore, when she becomes pregnant with Edward she wants that baby madly because she knows that this is her only chance to have a real family in her immortal life when she become a vampier.
-Pregnancy and Edward- He is shocked by Bella's pregnancy because he sees that what is growing inside her is stronger then her and hurts her. At the beginning he believes that the baby will be like the immortal children that has no conciseness and ability to respect human life. Since the baby is protected by something that prevents an ultrasound and has some power that stops Alice from seeing how it will turn out, most of the Cullen's are pro "abortion". However, as the baby develops in Bella's womb Edward starts to hear baby's thoughts and he learns that the baby has concusses and doses not want to hurt Bella any more so it will not move to not hurt her. At this moment we can see Edward dream of a full family come through.
-Jacob imprinting- Jacob thinks that Bella is dead therefore he decides to go downstairs and kill the baby that was the cause her death. However when he gets there he imprints on the child while Edward fights for Bellas life. This was unexpected and curious but the only way for Jacob to have love in his a the time immortal life. Since Jacob became a werewolf he is not aging and his state will continue as long as he phases. To control the transformation takes years and because of that a leader of the pack form a Indian story in Eclipse had three wife's (he was imprinted on his third).
-Bella The Vampier- Bella goes through a painful transformation during which she feels also helpless since the morphine that she was given immobilized her but did not kill the pain of the transformation. Therefore she lays there in pain not screaming and wishing that someone would killer just to stop the pain. When the transformation is complete and she opens her eyes for the first time she seen the world with a sight of a hunter. She is no longer Bella the human. She brings with her the strongest attributes of herself from her human life such as love, determination and others first philosophy. However, other then that she becomes new Bella and she knew that would happen because Cullen's explained that to her. -(I could go on about that forever)
Okay I will stop because my explanations would make another book. But if someone wonders what I think about something form the book just comment.