I picked up New Moon (NM) by Stephenie Meyer after I fell head over heels with Twilight (TW). For some reasons, it doesn't quite work out for me. Something's missing. I find the plot a bit of a drag though there are some pretty interesting and suspenseful moments, mainly towards the end of the story.New Moon picks up the pieces from Twilight after Isabella Swan (known as Bella) landed in the hospital following a saga with some bad vampires. Thanks to Edward Cullen and his family, she is safe though badly injured.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the romantic sparks between Edward and Bella in the first book. In NM, things turn sour in the sense that he left her because he wants her to live a normal human life. Bella, of course, is devastated. There is a slight mention of Jacob Black in TW, and he gets lots of air-time in NM. In the absence of Edward, Jacob 'heals' Bella's wounded heart. Bella thinks of him as her best friend, but Jacob has romantic feelings for her. With his company, she becomes herself again though she still misses Edward a lot. She notices that whenever she attempts or does something reckless, she hears Edward's beautiful voice. This has given her the 'green light' to do more of that just because it gives her the satisfaction, even though it is a delusion. For example: The cliff diving incident that almost took her life, and Alice (Edward's gorgeous vampire sister) has mistaken it as a suicide attempt. Really, the plot only becomes better from then on, i.e. from Chapter 17 onwards.
This book lacks the magic that Twilight has. I do feel for Jacob though. It is as if, he's a 'spare tyre' only to be set aside when not needed. I am sure Bella does not have that intention, but her actions toward him suggests that. Can't entirely blame her though because her feelings for Edward runs deep. His sudden departure has definitely shaken her to the core.
There is a promise from the Cullens to change Bella into their kind upon her graduation, but whether that will take place or not, that's for us to find out. Despite my slight dislike for NM, I am still quite keen to get Eclipse to find out what will happen to Edward, Jacob and Bella, and their relationship. By the way, the vampire serial killer is still on the loose.
I'm looking forward to getting my copy of Eclipse from Kinokuniya next weekend as I've placed an advanced order. Has anyone read Eclipse? If yes, what do you think of it? I would like to hear honest opinions... Thanks!
To Melody: I have enjoyed reading New Moon with you! I definitely hope we can do more joint-readings in the future.
9 commented:
Hi, Alice. That deleted comment was from me.. I accidentally was in a different account (dumb blonde!)
I just finished Twilight last night and I'm looking forward to reading New Moon... even though I'm disappoined Edward won't be around as much. Hopefully things will work out for him and Bella in the new book.
I didn't like New Moon... I didn't even finish it. I have no intention of picking up Eclipse -- which makes me really, really sad because I LOVED Twilight.
I've got all three coming from B&N. I have no idea when I'll start it, but I'm glad to hear you liked the first one. I am looking forward to October when I'm on vacation, so maybe I can get some serious reading time in.
Great review, Alice! I'm disappointed that there isn't much mention of Edward here, but well I still enjoyed the book. It's about Jacob after all... and I can't wait to read Eclipse! :P
It's a shame you didn't enjoy it as much. I have Twilight to read but I don't think New Moon is out in paperback over in the UK yet.
Hi Judy, I hope so too. BUT, from what I read on some reviews at Amazon, it seems that the ending isn't quite erm... ideal. I guess I'll have to read it to find out. I hope you'll enjoy New Moon!
Hi Marianne, I share your sentiment. I find NM not as good as TW, not just because Edward's not there most of the time, but also the writing. I find it a bit of a drag...
Hi Kristy, the first one is definitely a winner. I love it. I love it so much, I was I think, in love with Edward. LOL. Enjoy your vacation too!
Hi Mel, actually, I thank God for Jacob in the story. I'm looking forward to find out what happen to them in Eclipse... I hope we are reading it together again. I'm really hoping Julia would join in too...
It's indeed a shame, Rhinoa. I don't know what happened, but Stephenie Meyer seem to have 'lost it' a little bit in NM... Just my thoughts...
Thank you all for your feedback! Happy reading...
I must say I disagree about New Moon. It is my 2nd favorite in the series (1st being Eclipse, now!). I joyfully embraced the concept of New Moon - Edward (arrogant, silly boy that he is...) decides to leave, and Bella is lost without him. I am a HUGE supporter/lover of Jake, and his story fascinated me - I didn't see it coming, and I loved that his role increased in this book. I also love that he literally saved Bella's life. He picked her up off the bottom of her bedroom floor and gave her a reason to get up in the morning again. It's a rare friend who can do that for you. I love Edward... don't get me wrong.. but I am very bonded to Jake. Eclipse continues the love triangle that is beginning to form for Jake/Edward/Bella, and I personally loved the book. It is very dense in some parts, but also hilarious, frightening, uncertain, and unexpected, at least to me. I think that Stephenie Meyer is nothing short of brilliant. I am addicted to her characters - they linger in my psyche. I truly hope that you find Eclipse to your liking. It does have a great deal of Edward/Bella, which hopefully you will enjoy!
Hi Library Girl, thanks for your thoughts. The enjoyment of a book is largely a subjective matter and opinions differ from one person to the next.
I am not saying New Moon is not good, but I do find it not as good as Twilight (the first book in the Edward/Bella/Jacob story). Have you read Twilight? New Moon lacks the 'magic' when compared to Twilight.
I think Jacob is great in the story. That's why I said "Thank God for Jacob". I appreciate him and when I read your wonderful comments about him, I'm thrilled.
I'm looking forward to reading Eclipse and see how the story goes. I hope Stephenie Meyer does a better job this time and hopefully, the magic in Twilight can be once again found in Eclipse.
Thanks for visiting. I've enjoyed reading your comments.
Post a Comment
Thank you for visiting and for your comments!