When I finally read Breaking Dawn, the much anticipated finale to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga, I did so with a mixture of eagerness and cynicism. I enjoyed the first three novels of the series, almost in spite of myself, devouring them in a matter of days (see my review here) and I was eager to see how the story would end. Like many other readers, I found myself drawn into the story of Bella and Edward (and Jacob—don’t forget Jacob!) and all the complexities inherent in a tale of vampires and werewolves. My cynicism was due to the mixed bag of reviews I’d seen prior to reading the novel for myself.
In the Twilight saga, Bella, a human teenager, meets Edward when she moves to Forks, Washington to live with her dad, Charlie. Bella instantly and immediately falls head over heels for Edward with an all consuming passion bordering on worship. Eventually she learns Edward is a vampire, one of a vegetarian vampire community which chooses to drink only animal blood over that of humans. To further complicate matters, and provide an interesting love triangle, Bella’s best friend Jacob is a werewolf, a sworn enemy of the “cold ones,” the vampires. It is Bella’s greatest desire to become a vampire herself and so belong to Edward forever in the youthfulness of a teenage body.
And so Breaking Dawn begins days before Bella’s wedding to Edward. Will Bella finally become a vampire? Will she regret the loss of family and friends? Will she become a murderer in her thirst for blood as a newborn vampire? And what about Jacob? (which to me was the most pressing question of all—Jacob was by far my favorite character)
I’ll be honest. I had a clear opinion of what I’d hoped Bella’s fate would be and, well, let’s just say Meyer had something else in mind. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll just tell you Bella’s and Edward’s story takes several surprising turns, some steamy, some sweet, some disappointing, and some just plain creepy.
That’s right, steamy. Though certainly not graphic, sex is more than a mere allusion. I’ll admit to being uncomfortable with the thought of my fourteen year old son reading about a couple swimming naked in the ocean, headboards being broken, and bruises resulting from engaging the super human strength of a vampire. Parents of young teenagers will want to check the appropriateness of the novel for their child.
Meyers tells a compelling love story, no doubt about it. Teenagers, girls especially, will no doubt be enthralled with the dreamy romance of the novel, though my middle aged self found the gooey intensity to grow a little tiresome at times.
*Small spoiler alert*
I also cringed at the romantic portrayal of marriage and motherhood at eighteen years old.
*Spoiler over*
Despite my occasional roll of the eye, there is much to enjoy, such as the timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and honor. And, as I said, Jacob is my favorite character. He tells the middle portion of the story and his chapter titles alone are worth the read. For example: “Why Didn’t I Just Walk Away? Oh Right, Because I’m An Idiot” and the poignant “What Do I Look Like? The Wizard of Oz? You Need a Brain? You Need a Heart? Go Ahead. Take Mine. Take Everything I Have.”
All in all, it was one wild ride.
Are you interested in taking your own ride through Forks, Washington with Bella, Edward, and Jacob as your guides in this series finale? Leave a comment here to win one of two copies of Breaking Dawn. We’ll post the winners next Wednesday, August 27.
Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….
Lori Ann says
I would like to enter. Thanks for the giveaway.
Pat B says
I would love to win this!
Andrew Gordon says
would love to read it
kibibi says
I just got my preteen daughter into this series.
We love reading it together.
Jennifer G says
I’ve just started on the Twilight series – if I have the last book it’ll make me read faster!
Tonya Froemel says
like to win this
Maja says
count me in
Rachel says
I have to say, this seems like the kind of book that I can cuddle up next to the fireplace with and REALLY get into!
Teresa Cannon says
I’ve heard so much about this book. I really need to catch up and read the series.
Kara says
I need this! I feel so out of the loop with Twilight.
Linda says
I would truly love to win this.We do a lot of reading in Canada during the winter months.
Cindi says
Believe it or not, I have not read any books by this author! Please enter me in your book giveaway drawing. I really appreciate it. Many thanks, Cindi
C. clemens says
enter me please
Ginny says
I’ve only been able to get ahold of the first two books, dying to read the 3rd & 4th. I didn’t read anything you wrote, i can’t believe I caught the contest, lol. I accidentally read a spoiler for the 4th book, so I’m trying hard not to read any more & to forget what I read so I can have my own conclusion 🙂
Gaye McGill says
Sounds like a good book and you certainly seemed to enjoy it. I’d love to win.
Jennifer Johnson says
Enter me please!
Catherine copeland says
breaking dawn sounds like just the book for my autumn nights
K. Cleaver says
I’ve only read the 1st in the series. My kids start back to school next week and I plan to start the 2nd one.
Hil'Lesha says
Nice! 🙂
Karen Gonyea says
Sounds Great !
Cathy Wilcox says
I’d love to win this one, it sounds great!
Mary says
Great giveaway, thanks so much!
Kim says
I’m always up for a good story!
Holly Blanco says
I’m about half way into Eclipse, and will be ready for Breaking Dawn soon. Hope this book comes my way
Carol says
I just finished Twilight and am looking forward to reading he second book. I’d love to win this!
DL Stephens says
Count me in! Thanks!
Joy Glover says
Like many of you, I never thought I’d enjoy a book about vampires. But alas, I have read the 1st in the series and now I too am hooked.
DL Stephens says
Love Stephanie’s books!
christopher h says
love to read this
Danielle says
I’ve been dying to read this book!
I’ve heard great things about the author.
[email protected]
Danielle
djp says
need a new read
Felicia Lockamy says
Sounds like a great book, would love to read this thank you
marleen davis says
I’ve heard a lot about Stepheneines books and would love to read one.
Deborah Rose says
Thanks for a great review..you’ve peaked my interest in the book.
Carol Lawrence says
I would love to win this book.
Terra Heck says
I’d like to read this book.
Carol G says
Have been hearing a lot about this author lately.
Kathy Bruins says
Sounds like a great book!
david basile says
sounds like a good read
Kathy Scott says
I love to read and this looks like a good book.
Michelle H. says
Have read all books in this series, cant wait to get my hands on this one!
Patty says
Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.
Sharon Jones says
Would LOVE to win this…thanks for entry!!!!
Vicky Boackle says
this looks interesting.
tim brown says
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
beth shepherd says
Thank you for having this! This sounds like a fantastic read!
[email protected]
AJ says
I need this so bad I’ve read the first two in the last 4 days. I’m getting Eclipse this weekend. I’m suffering from Twilighitis. You’re my only hope of recovering. 🙂
Thanks for the contest!
Kristi Blackstone says
I’ve seen this in stores! It looks interesting! I’m on bedrest for pregnancy so read a lot lately and would really enjoy it!
Kimberly B. says
I’d love to win this! I’ve only read the first book so far, but I enjoyed it! Thanks!
Tina J. says
I’m reading New Moon right now and I can’t wait to read this!