by Stephanie MeyersRating: 3.75/5
I'm really quite amazed. I've never read a vampire book in my life and in the last two months I've read three. I figured that The Historian would be my last RIP Challenge read, but then I saw a couple of reviews for Twilight and, since I was still in the mood for creepy, I decided to read it.
This is a Young Adult novel so it went quite quickly. I thought the first two thirds of the book was a bit mundane, but the last third totally made up for it. I couldn't believe how fast the girl fell in love with pale boy, but I wrote that off as the draw a vampire can have on a person. My age, advanced as it is, may have been another factor in my rating. I grew tired of the over-dramatic romantacism of young adults. Give me Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes or Amelia Peabody and Emerson - Oh, Wait! I forgot that I adore Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy - anyway, you get the point.
The last part of the book was definitely intense and worth the read. The last sentence leaves you hanging and you have to know what happened. The perfect setup for a sequel, enter New Moon.
I thought the cover of Twilight was very enticing and full of symbolism that fits the story; Eve trying to get Adam to take a bite of the apple. Enticing! The cover for New Moon definitely catches my imagination as well. I like the simplicity and the colors used in both. The paleness of the girls white skin, the vivid red and the black background.
14 comments:
:) Yes, it is definitely a YA novel. I'm a sucker for this sort of continued thing (even though I like Mary Russell and Sherlock better) after having been addicted to Angel reruns. The Mary Russell novels are each complete in themselves, but I like the serial aspect as well. My review in February is one line, "Not Josh Whedon, but has room for future vampire adventures and for back story." Eventually, I'll get to the next one.
Booklogged ~ Hi! I haven't ever read a "vampire" book either. And even with your review, I think I'm going to stay safe in my cocoon a little while longer. :)
Those covers are very effective, aren't they? The red and white are so striking against the stark black background.
I bought this book a few weeks ago based on the other reviews I read on blogs. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it too. - Stephanie www.thewrittenword.wordpress.com
I have never read a vampire book either, but this one sounds good. I will have to give it a try.
BTW I love your blog. I am going to check out your archives today.
Jenclair, I went back to your Feb post. Haven't heard of Josh Whedon, but I'm going to watch for him. We both entered the blog world about the same time. I am going to have to read your earlier posts. From the glance I just took, I can see that there are some good reviews I don't want to miss. You have introduced me to several great new authors and books. I appreciate your suggestions. Thank-you.
Joy, as long as that cocoon is warm and safe, I see no reason to introduce vampires. It's not like there's not thousands of other wonderful books to read.
Library Mama, in these cases the covers do relate to the story, although it may not be evident until after reading the book.
Hi, Stephanie, I'm looking forward to discussion of The Thirteenth Tale. I think you'll like Twilight.
Sheri, I look forward to review. It does get a bit tense, doesn't it?
Welcome Christina, and thanks for the nice words. Feel free to look around. How is your arm doing?
I lOVED these two books. The next one to come out will be from Edwards POV. I think some the best books these days are Young Adult. I so wish these books were out when I was a kid.
I was reading Stephen King at 13!
I have listened to a couple of Anne Rice books on audio and will admit I was fascinated with Lestat, but it was shortlived. I haven't read a novel with a vampire theme for quite a few years now. The two books you've reviewed, booklogged, sure look good though and the covers are enticing!
Booklogged ~ I loved how you worded your comment back to me. :)
I've read many, many vampire books, and I love the covers of these books... but I've been holding off reading them because they're young adult. I figured I'd get tired of the teenage angst that always seems to be there.
I may pick these up at the library sometime tho.
I loved Twilight, and am waiting for New Moon to come in the mail. I totally didn't get the symbolism of the apple...maybe I shouldn't have admitted that, but I really admired the simplicity of it.
Nancy, I'm anxious to read book two because book one just left me with to many questions. I have it on hold at the library, so I'm just going to have to be patient. ARG!
Lotus, I've never read any of Anne Rice's books so I didn't know who Lestat was, but a quick yahoo search informed me. I see they have made a broadway musical about him. Having read Bram Stoker, do you think I'm brave enough to tackle Anne Rice?
Thank-you, Joy. You're too sweet.
Angela, you may want to give the first one a try. It is really quick reading and I'd be surprised if you don't feel compelled to read the second.
Alyssa, thanks for stopping by. I visited your blog and see that you have a debut novel out that has rave reviews. I'll be checking at my library to see if they have it. If not, I'll get them to interlibrary loan it for me. Are you presently working on book two?
You are very right--entertaining, but it was heavy on the teenage angst/romance. I wrote it off as typical YA fare, but I still read every last qword--LOL. I am sure young girls must gobble her books up! The covers are very effectively done! Did you read the sequel? I have it checked out, but I think I will have to take it back unread and read it later--too many other books calling my name!
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