The novel opens as Bella learns there’s been a series of gruesome murders in Seattle. The Cullens believe someone is making an army of newborn vampires. While powerful, the newborn vampires can barely contain their bloodlust.

Bella’s safety is important since Victoria is still loose, but Bella’s concerned with her friend, Jacob Black. Jacob is a werewolf. He’s also hurt that Bella has taken up with Edward again. Initially, Bella finds a balance between spending time with Jacob and Edward. At La Push, she learns how the Quiletes became werewolves at a tribal council meeting. While she’s away, a mysterious vampire breaks into her room. The Cullens are stymied, unable to recognize the unknown vampire’s scent. They know they have to get involved soon with the Seattle newborns, or risk the wrath of the Volturi.

Rosalie and Jasper share their stories with Bella to help her understand what it’s like to be a vampire. She claims she’s ready for it, and reluctantly agrees to marry Edward. In return, he’ll turn her himself. After talking to Alice, Bella uses all she’s learned about the supernatural world to conclude that it’s Victoria behind the army of newborns.

The Cullens form a pensive alliance with the La Push werewolves to lure Victoria and her army out into the open. While they wait, Bella is forced to choose between Jacob and Edward. Her decision is heartbreaking.

After a fierce battle, Victoria and her newborn army are defeated. The Volturi show up, but too late to affect the outcome. Bella reaffirms her commitment to Edward, breaking Jacob’s heart.

Exploring the paranormal. It's a nice escape.

The author's writing style. It's very easy reading and I found I'd read 300 pages in no time, yet I totally understood what was going on.

By the sequel, "Breaking Dawn," to find out what happens next.

I was riveted to the page. It was very suspenseful.

is Stephenie Meyer. Her "Twilight" series is incredibly popular and is being made into movies. You can find out more info about her on her official website - http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/

of the creativity. She's given vampires and werewolves a new spin since Anne Rice.

As with New Moon, “Eclipse” reaches a broader audience, appealing to those who enjoy a fast paced, action packed supernatural tale, as well as keeping its core base of young adult readers with the romance between Edward and Bella. Meyer’s writing is crisp, her characters are compelling, and her dialogue is sharp. She writes in the first person from Bella’s perspective, staying consistent with her point-of-view. Her references to “Wuthering Heights,” while infrequent, prove timely comparisons between Edward and Bella, and Catherine and Heathcliff.

“Eclipse” takes Meyer and her readers to new heights. Where the moon blots out the sun, “Eclipse” dares Meyer’s characters to let go of old superstitions, and forge new relationships. A good character driven story combines with a high octane action plot to make “Eclipse” a stand out book in the Twilight saga.

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Created May 03, 2009 at 8:24pm • Submit your own review...