This sequel to Twilight, though not exactly what most readers expected, exceeded those expectations with an amazingly unpredictable story line- complete with the familiar characters we love so much! It starts out just a few months from where Twilight left off- Bella Swan is in true love with Edward Cullen, and his family of fellow friendly vampires. But then... a papercut at her birthday party leads the vampires to have a sudden urge to feed- only on her! In the days following the accident, none of her night dwelling friends are the same- not even Edward- phased and embaressed by their actions. But Bella doesn't expect Edward to break up with her and the Cullens to leave! Bella is left in a numb, zombie-like state for months, until she begins to wake from her dream state in January. She discovers that if she takes a few risks, takes just a little step out of line, she is able to hear the warning voice of Edward in her mind! Thrilled at the chance to hear his voice- even if she might be going crazy-, Bella begins to pursue the reckless behavior he made her promise to keep away from. Let's just say that Bella soon has her hands full. She renews her old friendships- including that with Jacob Black. Rumors of werewolves and vengeful vampiresses are circulating full throttle- and to top it off, she has the challenge of her own mind; forgetting and saving the Cullens at the same time. I refuse to delve an inch further into the plot- to spoil its wonderful tactics would be a sin! This book is just as amazing as its predecessor- if not more of a thrill ride. At first I thought its lack of romantic outlook between Edward and Bella would be a complete downcast- but I found myself, as I'm sure all readers will, being so drawn into Bella's emotions and struggles that it made not a difference to the book's loveability. The only thing I have to note to the negativity of the book is that the next installment could not possibly come out quickly enough to do justice to this story's complex ending! Just as everything ties together, it also leaves the reader hanging for the the future! I also wish that we could have been further introduced as to the ways and habits of new characters we are shown- to further understand their motives to come. Well, at least it goes without saying that there will be enough future plot to fuel the oncoming stories quite generously! Stephanie Meyer's words draw you so into the story; you feel as though it is your heart being completely broken and later completely refilled, just as it is Bella's! Her descriptions and portrayals of human emotion through Bella and the other characters can at times be ardent enough to bring tears to the reader's eyes! Literally! You want to continue reading so fast, that rarely would you feel any pacing problems a bit! Though quite a large book in length, it fills up the time passing throughout the story impeccably well! I cannot sing enough praise for New Moon! For all of those that have read Twilight, and have not yet picked up New Moon for fear of 'sequel disappointment', have no worries! Even those who are not particularly fond of vampire stories, as myself, will enjoy New Moon and its prequel of Twilight to no end! What else to say other than that the story of Bella and the Cullens is pure brilliance?
There is one thing I like about Meyer's style in these novels: she takes her time to develop the relationships between the protagonist and the two main guys in her life. Bella's relationship with Edward is beautifully developed. Their intense love for each other is totally believable and I felt the depths of her pain as she mourned over the breakup. The parallels between their romance and that of Romeo and Juliet is a great touch. Edward and the Cullens take a backseat in this novel in favor of Jacob. I enjoyed reading how their friendship develops and the feelings they have for each other (Jacob is in love with her, whereas Bella sees him as a brother) are also believable. This is the typical vampire vs. werewolf thing found in many paranormal novels. The one big difference is that both characters are sympathetic and likable and you don't know which one to choose. I am more inclined toward Edward, but Jacob is also a great character, if a little immature and impulsive. Then again, most sixteen-year-old boys are. They are both gorgeous though. Man, if only there had been boys like that in my high school! But the class of '95 was sadly devoid of ultra-sexy vampires and werewolves. Lol. There is big friction between the vampires and the werewolves, which makes their conflict totally believable. You don't know the direction the series will take in the next installment, and that makes it completely riveting. Bella is a bit annoying in this installment. She strikes me as self-centered, and she uses poor Jacob throughout the novel. Of course, this is all brought up and she is aware of her behavior, which makes her somewhat sympathetic because of it. Her "normal friends" are extremely annoying, especially Mike, which is why I'm glad they don't appear much during the second half of the novel. The whole thing with the Italian vampires -- the Volturis -- is interesting. They show the true dark side of the vampire world.
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