New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The Twilight Saga: Book 2
Audience: Young Adult (some mature content)
Rating: A
Synopsis:
The sequel to Twilight. The saga of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s human-vampire love story continues in this book. Or does it? After another close disaster with Bella and vampires, Edward decides it’s time for the Cullens to leave Forks. His motivation? The vampires who snapped at Bella this time were his family. He’s no good for her. Bella is inconsolable when Edward leaves until she resumes her friendship with Jacob, whose sunny personality makes her feel alive again. But Jacob wants more than friendship from Bella, more than Bella feels that she can give. And Edward? Well, despite the fact that he always says it’s Bella who attracts danger like a magnet; Edward manages to get himself into quite the situation.
Chatter:
(Spoiler Alerts!) All right… I was wrong in my first post about this book, I said it lacked the magic of Twilight - it doesn’t. New Moon is every bit as wonderful as Twilight, and poses a few more long-term dilemmas for Bella and Edward.
I can’t believe Bella believed Edward wouldn’t love her anymore. And, I can’t believe that he would leave. I was so angry as I read that part- annoyed both at the characters and that Stephenie Meyer would split them up, but I also understood why it was necessary to move the plot forward- and necessary so that their relationship could grow stronger. It seems like they might finally stop doubting each other’s feelings.
Jacob’s reemergence in the story definitely moved the plot forward and shook something up. He was what Bella needed at the time: a sunny, upbeat friend. But could the contrast between Jacob and Edward have been any more blatant?
- Appearance: Edward is pale versus Jacob’s dark skin
- Temperature: Edward is freezing while Jacob is feverish
- Personality: Edward is brooding while Jacob is upbeat
- Monsters: Edward is dead while Jacob is alive
The last one is a biggie. Bella could conceivably have a relationship with Jacob without the same degree of worry that her relationship with Edward causes. (Although, I guess she would have to worry about what happened to Emily).
Was anyone else shocked by Bella’s refusal to marry Edward? This was out of character. She has worried for two whole books that Edward won’t stay forever, or that he’ll tire of her. Why wouldn’t she grasp at the permanence he’s offering? Her excuses seem very flimsy.
Clearly the plot is leading towards a war between the vampires and werewolves. Which side will Bella be on? (Will her transformation be the cause of it?) Will the Cullens and Quileute ever find peace? At what cost? I find the repeated Romeo and Juliet theme throughout this book foreboding.
I have to say my favorite part of this book was that Bella finally saved Edward!
Questions:
What were the voices in Bella’s head, since they weren’t truly Edward?
Who do you prefer for Bella, Jacob or Edward?
Who should fight Victoria, the werewolves or vampires?
How do you think the Volturi will be important in Eclipse?
Keep reading!
-Paige
New Moon Review Updated | Turning the Paige Says:
[...] I have finally completed New Moon by Stephenie Meyer! [...]
Candace Says:
The voice in Bella’s head was her subconcious so-to-speak. It was her rememberance of Edwards love toward her and his voice. Not wanting to let go of her deep love for him, her mind gave the illusion that Edward was still there for her, even if she knew it was only in her thoughts. There was also a part of her, in her heart, that she knew Edward was lying and that he always loved her. And that played apart in her insanity of hearing his voice in her head telling her heart he still deeply loved her.