If you’re an Edward fan like me, then New Moon may leave you slightly sour on account of its “severe Cullen deficiency”. Stop Googling ladies, it’s not a disease! I’m talking about the lack of a certain sparkling vampire with great hair and a dazzling smile. (Insert heavy sigh here) Our lovable Cullen’s were missing from almost the entire book, in fact, they didn’t make a significant appearance until the last 100 pages! I cry foul to that SM!
On a good note though, where the story lacks in “brooding vampires”, it totally makes up for with wolf-charm! The Quileute tribe and wolf pack were an exciting addition to the story. I found myself getting completely sucked in to the tribal legends explaining the history of the wolves, which were passed down from many generations.
New Moon provides us with some of the best emotionally charged scenes in the series. The pain that Bella feels when Edward abandons her is extremely well written; totally capturing the type of heartbreak and misery a teenage girl would experience when losing the love of her life. I found myself on the verge of cursing Edward for all that gloom. So, if you’re an emotional wimp like me, than get the Kleenex ready!
Bella maintains her annoying charisma throughout the story, while Jacob turns out to be surprisingly decadent in all his wolf-charm. The relationship that develops between Bella and Jacob in New Moon was very passionate at times, leaving me wanting more. Though part of me felt like I was betraying Edward until I quickly realized that with Bella and Jacob together, I could have McSparkle to myself! NAUGHTAY!
New Moon introduces some new and intense characters towards the end of the story: the Volturri. This clan makes up the oldest of the vampire race and are the keepers of the vampire justice system. It is in Italy, at the residence of the Volturri, where we finally get our glimpse of Edward again. ABOUT TIME! This is where the real drama begins and the story really takes off.
Reviewing this book presented many challenges for me in that my favorite character (Edward) was missing for 3/4’s of the story. At times, i found myself losing interest and wondering when the hell he was going to return to the story, rather than giving my full attention to Jacob and Bella. All considered, New Moon may be filled with heart break and sorrow, but the struggle through the first 500 pages turned out to be worthy of the last 100. I give New Moon 4 out of 5 pumps! 1 pump taken away for its lack of Edward appearances.
I have to agree, the quileute-legends were long, but admittedly only because I was DYING to find out what was going to happen next and wanted to rush through it. But like so many other parts of the books I found myself going back afterwards to read it again, slowly, and (satisfied with knowing the ending) really enjoyed it.
I have to confess though, I only started to wonder when Edward was going to reappear (if ever?!?) about 20 pages before Alice made her miracle, life saving appearance. I was so caught up with everything that was going on with Bella and Jacob that before I knew it the book was almost finished. And having read them all (again) New Moon is still my absolute favorite. I suspect it’s because it was the most raw, emotional, gut-wrenching book I have ever read in my life, never mind out of the series. Who knew it was possible to feel so much love, angst, regret, bitterness, elation, no, ecstasy – like when Bella hears Edwards voice for the first time with Jessica or when she sees Carlile’s car and then when Alice is in her house!! For not a single moment in New Moon was I not at the extreme edge of some kind of an emotion. Unlike the other books which were of course thoroughly enjoyable and had its extreme moments, but at least I was vaguely aware of my surroundings while I read them…
And lastly, thanks to New Moon we got to see into the hearts of all the other characters that make up our beloved series, like Charlie, Sam, Leah, Embry, Quill and of course, Jacob!
So I respectfully have to disagree, there is no WAY I would let this one slide with 3 out of 5:)
— Dmitri · Aug 19, 02:35 PM · #
This was my favorite book out of the four. I have never cried while reading a book before. (I am not an easy cryer) I was really surprised at the emotions I felt during this entire book. I loved Bella’s “rebellious” side and the growing love triangle. I have to say I was so MAD at Edward and it took me until book 4 for him to redeem himself. I can’t wait for the movie!!!!!
— BookerT · Oct 7, 05:34 PM · #
Dmitri & BookerT,
Thanks for your comments! It is great to see other fans with such adamant viewpoints on New Moon. It really brought some powerful emotions into the storyline and for that I am thankful to SM! I am so excited to see the movie! It is going to be outstanding I’m sure!
:-)
Laney Belle
— Laney Belle · Oct 29, 02:34 PM · #