Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

Book Reviews: Twilight Series Book 4- Breaking the Dawn

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

breakingdawncover-196x300 Book Reviews: Twilight Series Book 4- Breaking the Dawn

It ought to seem redundant to dismiss the fourth and final Twilight novel as escapist fantasy-but how else could anyone look at a romance about an ordinary, even clumsy teenager torn between a vampire and a werewolf, both of whom are willing to sacrifice their happiness for hers? Flaws and all, however, Meyer’s first three novels touched on something powerful in their weird refraction of our culture’s paradoxical messages about sex and sexuality. The conclusion is much thinner, despite its interminable length. Everygirl Bella achieves her wishes quickly (marriage and sex, in that order, are two, and becoming an immortal is another), and once she becomes a vampire it’s almost impossible to identify with her. But that’s not the main problem. Essentially, everyone gets everything they want, even if their desires necessitate an about-face in characterization or the messy introduction of some back story. Nobody has to renounce anything or suffer more than temporarily-in other words, grandeur is out. This isn’t about happy endings; it’s about gratification.

Book Reviews: Twilight Series Book 3 - Eclipse

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

eclipsecover-198x300 Book Reviews: Twilight Series Book 3 - Eclipse

High school graduation looms for Bella, and conventional worries over college applications vie with her plans for immortality and marriage to a vampire classmate, Edward Cullen. In this sequel to Meyers TWILIGHT and NEW MOON, Ilyana Kadushins elegant voice again moves from scenes of typical teen angst to moments of horror, including an attack by newborn vampires on the Cullen family (who have forsaken traditional vampire fodder for big game). Kadushins growling tones and pace are terrific as she differentiates the star-crossed lovers, immersing listeners in the clandestine world that exists around us.

Book Review: Twilight Series Book 2- New Moon

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

newmooncover-210x300 Book Review: Twilight Series Book 2- New Moon

Recovered from the recent attack that hospitalized her in the conclusion of Twilight Bella celebrates her birthday with her boyfriend Edward and his family, a unique clan of vampires that has sworn off human blood. But the celebration abruptly ends when the teen accidentally cuts her arm on broken glass. The sight and smell of her blood trickling away forces the Cullen family to retreat lest they be tempted to make a meal of her. After all is mended, Edward, realizing the danger that he and his family create for Bella, sees no option for her safety but to leave. Mourning his departure, she slips into a downward spiral of depression that penetrates and lingers over her every step. Vampire fans will appreciate the subsequently dour mood that permeates the novel, and it’s not until Bella befriends Jacob, a sophomore from her school with a penchant for motorcycles, that both the pace and her disposition begin to take off. Their adventures are wild, dare-devilish, and teeter on the brink of romance, but memories of Edward pervade Bella’s emotions, and soon their fun quickly morphs into danger, especially when she uncovers the true identities of Jacob and his pack of friends.

Book Review: Twilight Series - Book 1

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

twilightcover Book Review: Twilight Series - Book 1

Isabella Swan moves to the gray town of Forks, Washington where she meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen. Her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. He’s absolutely beautiful and perfect at everything with his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. There is something strange and different about him but Bella cant put her finger on it, but she is determined to solve this mystery. What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk.

Posted by: Galaadriel

Books

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Books Test - Nora Roberts