Dawn has Broken
This will surely be the last time I mention Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling YA series, Twilight.* Until the publishers release a four volume set just in time for the holidays (hint, hint).
About two weeks ago, a coworker mentioned that her teenage daughter is obsessed with the series and had pre-ordered the final volume, Breaking Dawn from a well known online purveyor of books which shall remain nameless. I sighed in envy, not having pre-ordered, and then commiserated when I heard that after waiting two weeks past the release date, and checking in several times with the equally well known shipping company, the box finally arrived—empty.
Luckily the horror ended there. Another copy was sent overnight and feverishly consumed over a weekend. Coming in at a walloping 768 pages, it is a testament to Meyer’s storytelling ability that a teenager is able to sit down and get through such a tome. Of course, today’s reading teenagers have been well-trained by the magical Harry Potter.
I managed to borrow Breaking Dawn to read over the following weekend and can attest that Meyer tells a good tale. She consistently surprises me; I can never tell where the story is going next. I was very surprised (I’ve done well at keeping my head down since the 2 August release date, staying off the author’s home page and related online forums) at the turn the story takes in the final volume, and was only faintly discouraged by the continued development of the vampiric characters into X-men-like superheroes. Over the course of the series the characters become more and more fantastic (in the unrealistic sense) and while some escapism can be fun, I do miss the original Bella, with her klutzy moves, Edward with his frequent loss of self-control, and Alice with her girly love of satin, sequins and hair curlers.
That said, I’d read this series again – once that four volume set is available. I’m looking forward to seeing what Meyer does next – and yes, I’ve already read The Host.
*I make no promises about the movie release scheduled for November.
Do you have any thoughts about what the next YA series craze will be?
Comments
I very much agree with your comments—the story was unpredictable but I do miss the original characters.
As far as the next teen craze? I’m in the middle of reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and am hoping that that series catches on. The first book is very good.
Comment by Lex from USA — September 1, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
I believe that Breaking Dawn was well done. The story was amazing but the only thing I felt was done wrong about it was that it seemed to be rushed and squished together so that it could fit in this last book.
Other then that…I loved the story and the plot line. It was well worth every cent :P
Comment by Raelin Brewer from Michigan — September 1, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
Stephenie is an amazing writer. I’m really glad she made the books exactly what she wanted them to be rather than what might have sold best. she’s an inspiration to writers everywhere.
if you are looking for new books to read.
LOST SOULS is a story of a young girl who is abducted for four years and escapes just to find returning to a normal life is basically impossible. She learns of the history of the land on which she lives and begins to find friends in spirits in the woods behind her house. She falls in love with someone who she can’t even touch, who no one can even see.
posted in my blog on my homepage
myspace.com/uniqueworksoftruth
must be a friend to view and prefered list to view all which is currently posted.
it’s a big hit with HP fans and Twilight fans alike.
-catherine
Comment by Catherine from Louisiana — September 2, 2008 @ 8:52 am
i LOVED Breaking Dawn. The only thing i would have changed is that the story might have been a million pages longer :p I dont want this series to end! i’m soo sad that this will be the last book! other then Midnight Sun. I dont really miss the original characters because i’ve always wanted bella to be changed. This series will be read to the next generation and many more after that. These books, like harry potter (although i think Twilight is better), will not be passed over. LOVE YOU STEPHENIE! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FINISH MIDNIGHT SUN!
Comment by Ashley from Anchorage, Alaska — September 4, 2008 @ 10:32 pm