New Moon Book Review

New Moon is the second instalment of the international bestselling Twilight saga book series by Stephanie Meyer.

To recap – Twilight is narrated by 17-year-old Bella Swan. She encapsulates us through her journey of falling in love with the dreamy Edward Cullen, who happens to be a ‘vegetarian’ vampire.

In spite of having to deal with cravings, family disputes and vengeful vampire killers, Bella and Edward’s love becomes stronger and is very much endearing.

A summer later, Bella and Edward’s romantic nature sends your heart fluttering along with Bella’s as they have evolved into one hopeful soul.

However, in a split second this all changes. During Bella’s birthday party she accidently has a paper cut around all members of the Cullen family, causing a problematic scenario for newest ‘vegetarian’ vampire Jasper. For Bella’s own safety Edward decides they must leave Forks. This separation leaves Bella heartbroken and disorientated.

After reading Midnight Sun (Edward’s Point of view in Twilight) I could imagine how heartbreaking this decision to disappear would have been for him.

Bella embarks an intense emotional period after losing the one she loves. Her grief even questions her insanity making her reckless and depressed.

Though, a new moon rises in the form of Jacob Black. Jacob becomes the glowing sun in Bella’s state of flux.

Meyer often recommends readers to re-read New Moon as many people do not appreciate Jacob from first glance as they are grieving Edward’s absence, as is Bella.

Bella’s friendship with Jacob grows each day with their playful games and sincerity. Their strong bond is hopeful like kindred spirits. Despite having feelings for Bella, Jacob’s patience and promise makes him a loyal friend.

Midway Jacob’s change in behaviour becomes uncertain. For team Edward fans, it can be disheartening when Jacob depersonalises the Cullens calling them leeches, as he cannot see how they are indifferent to ‘carnivore’ vampires.

The wolf pack (left) is also introduced, providing an alternative to the Cullen family showing their nature to this supernatural lifestyle.

Soon enough Bella becomes caught in a time constraint predicament that will change her relationship with Jacob.

Transporting from Forks, Washington to Volterra, Italy, Meyer’s vision is dynamic and mesmerising. The characterisation of the Volturi family is fascinating giving you goose bumps throughout the plot.

As the ending dawns upon, I begin to feel sorry for Jacob but at the same time I feel as though Bella and Edward’s love is so undeniable it would be insane for them not to be together. Once a vampire falls in love they do not fall out of it, and Bella seems to be true to this also.

Bella’s infatuation with immortality becomes a topic for discussion again.
Edward does not want Bella to lose her soul.
Jacob does not want her to lose her humanity.

What will she do?

The Twilight Saga is available in Waterstones, WH Smith and Borders bookstores. New Moon: the Twilight Saga film adaptation is due for release November this year in the UK.

Midnight Sun showed Edward’s perspective of Twilight, to read about Jacob’s side of New Moon click here.