Twilight: The Twilight Saga, Book 1
4.6 | 46,159 ratings
Price: 18.9
Last update: 03-01-2026
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- Jana L.PerskieAn unputdownable read!!! The first novel in an extraordinary series!I usually do not read books labeled "young adult." I am an adult, many years away from being young, (except at heart!!), and, with a few exceptions, i.e., the Harry Potter novels and "Where the Wild Fern Grows," I read literature for grown-ups. To my delight Stephenie Meyer has created an extraordinary young adult series - which I love (!!) - "The Twilight Series." "Twilight" is also the title of book one. And what original, delightful novels these are - even for someone who prefers her/his literature a bit more sophisticated. I could not put the first book down, literally...and will begin book two, "New Moon," as soon as I finish writing this review. Believe me, there's a reason that more than 10 million "Twilight" series books are in print. They are addictive!
As an aside....I did see both "Twilight films," "Twilight" and "New Moon," which are now playing in theaters or on DVD. The movie versions are outstanding and true to the original storylines. The movie characters really resemble those I had in my mind's eye as I read and imagined what Ms. Meyer's world, and the folks who people it, look like. And the books' characters, especially Bella and Edward, are amazingly well depicted. Although all four books are on the market now - great Christmas presents for those uninitiated in "The Twilight Series" - there are 2 more films in the making to complete the movie series.
Isabella Swan is seventeen - a typical teen, good looking but somewhat clumsy. She is adapting herself to her long limbs and changing body. Her parents have been divorced since "Bella," as she is called, was a baby. She and her Mom live in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, where she has few friends. Bella is shy and is somewhat of an outcast amongst her peers. She is a moody and private person. But she gets along with her mother - miracle of miracles for an adolescent girl/young woman. Bella is also this stories narrator, so the reader experiences everything from her point of view.
Each year she visits her father, Charlie Swan, the chief of police in rainy, dreary Forks, Washington. These annual visits have been more of a torture than a treat for Bella. The constant rain, boredom and loneliness would get anyone down, except for those used to life in Forks. She has only three friends there - Jacob Black, a Native American of the Quileute tribe, (also a teen - and a handsome one at that), his father, Billy Black, and tribal leader Sam. All three are absolutely fascinating and original characters. They have known Stephanie since she was a toddler. The 3 of them have always regaled her with ancient Quileute legends.
Bella's mother, Renee, is about to travel with her new husband, Phil Dwyer, a minor league baseball player, to Florida for spring training. Bella has little choice - she can move with her mother and stepfather to Florida, or go to Dad in Forks. She decides to go to Dad so as not to be a third wheel in her newly wedded mother's marriage. Bella, is not a selfish person. She tends to consider others' needs before her own, a trait that can bring her joy, but can also endanger her life.
It is in Washington that major changes effect Bella's world. Once installed at Forks, she is not reticent about expressing her displeasure to Charlie, who would do anything to make his daughter happy - except move away from his home. When she begins high school, the lovely Bella, the new kid on the block, surprisingly finds herself very popular. With all the attention she receives, she is quickly befriended by a several students. Unused to being the center of attention, she is dismayed to find that many boys/young men compete for her favors. And she begins to enjoy living with her easy-going, somewhat introverted father. But Bella, who is more embarrassed than flattered by her newfound popularity, has eyes for only one boy - the dazzlingly handsome, aloof, charismatic, Edward Cullen. He is the most beautiful person she has ever seen, with his golden hair, and his dark brooding eyes - even his voice is mesmerizing. Edward is the youngest son of the mysterious and reclusive Cullen family. He and his four siblings, also noticeably beautiful, sit apart from the others, at a separate table, during lunch....but they never eat. He watches her intently, but alternates between interest in Bella and what appears to be anger at her.
When Edward and Bella are assigned to be lab partners in chemistry class, he avoids working with her or even looking at her. As a matter of fact, he is downright nasty. However, when an accident almost ends Bella's life, Edward saves her in a most non-human way. It is than when Bella discovers that Edward and his family are "benevolent vampires" who have vowed never to drink human blood. They hunt animals, and the blood of deer, mountain lions, bears, etc., is their source of sustenance. They don't eat - except for animal blood - so they dine in private. They do not sleep, and of course, they all have the usual vampire super human powers...and then some. They are all extremely sophisticated, accomplished and alluring. They can walk in daylight but their skin gleams and glitters in direct sunlight. These strange and potentially dangerous beings, unlike the characters in most vampire fiction, seem to have hearts and souls. So as not to give themselves away, they are happiest when it rains and is dark and misty outside. The head of the household, Carlisle, is a respected doctor in the community, whose citizens have no idea that there are vampires in their midst, although Jacob and his Native American tribe know.
So Bella and Edward grow close as friends, and then they fall intensely in love. They yearn for each other - and although the word "yearn" may sound corny, it really describes their feelings for each other. "Twilight" is labeled "young adult" because there is no culmination of the couple's strong sexual attraction. They do not have a sexual relationship. However, there is much sensuality here and plenty of erotic kissing. Actually, I think the abstinence gives the feeling of more passion than usual - more sexual tension. Edward is a gentleman and also fears that intercourse with Bella might harm her...him being a super strong vampire and all.
As Bella says, "About three things I was absolutely positive: first, Edward was a vampire; second, there was a part of him -- and I didn't know how dominant that part might be -- that thirsted for my blood; and third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him." Bella also discovers the reason behind Edward's initial hostility toward her. He is torn between his desire to love her and the desire to devour her. He is afraid his vampire nature might become stronger than his self control.
I do not want to give the plot away. Let it suffice to say there are multiple storylines and much danger here - to Bella and her family. And there is love. Plus, the Native Americans are more than what they seem.
Whatever flaws there are in this novel, (it IS fantasy fiction!), the magical narrative overcomes them threefold! I am thrilled that I have 3 more books to read in the series. This one is exceptional!
Jana Perskie
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3)
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4) - Daniela AlejandraRecommend this bookLove reading it one of the best books I’ve read
- Steven M. BrownA safe paranormal Romance aimed squarely for its target audience but interesting.I first read this book and series because I have a habit when I movie comes out based on the book in the science fiction fantasy and even paranormal genres that I like to read it before the movie. This book and series was my introduction to paranormal Romance. I've since read fairly heavily in the genre and my perspective of the series has changed slightly but not too much from my original thoughts.
When approaching the series you have to recognize it for what it is. The target range is for young girls in their mid-teens and up. It is focused on the emotional journey and the physical mysteries of youth more than action and adventure. It is a very clean book with no foul language and a instant love story where two people become obsessed with each other one because of the flawless beauty and hint of danger she sees in Edward the other in the the fact that he can't read her mind and her blood calls to the monster inside him. In the series is a whole there will be a false love triangle which was played up much more in the movies and an advertisement as team Edward and team Jacob. Again it is not meant to be full of action but rather an emotional rollercoaster with dangerous and mysterious love interest that the reader if they're honest with themselves knows where it will end but we'll enjoy the ride nonetheless.
As much as it sounds like I may be complaining Stephenie Meyer's is a good writer. She writes in a fashion that is clearly understandable and from the perspective and mindset of a young woman. That means not necessarily a rational young woman who makes clear and logical decisions but one who is intelligent and despite the shallow nature of her love is actually a selfless person. It was not until book three that we get several chapters from Jacobs perspective where we see the mind of a Young Man that I realize how good she was in writing from perspective and not showing her hand to the audience. Bella's interaction with other characters covers up something I had not really noticed I strongly until I came back to the series... that the character of Bella has no interest or at least shown to have no active interest really in anything other than Edward. She has shown to enjoy reading certain romantic books but there's no passion for life outside of Edward, no hobbies, or really goals to strive for. This is something that newer readers may not notice but those who have red heavily in fiction will pick up and it will be a fly in the ointment.
The mythos that she built into the story does grow throughout the series and feels true to this world that she creates. In this first book she reveals vampires not to be the hideous things that hide in the dark but rather beautiful predators, yes they sparkle LOL, that are designed entirely to attract and destroy their pray but have a conscience that makes them want to be more than just simple monsters. In truth considering the physical power and extra powers of the vampires particularly as the series goes on with another writer or a different style of story they could have been truly terrifying. However for the genre and target audience it was a perfect hit that of course made Stephenie Meyers millions.
I came to the series when the nation was swept up in the movie. I have a habit of reading books that are made into movies before actually watching the movie. and the first time I read it I wanted to be able to have an opinion of the book series for myself rather than taking others words for it. while I did enjoy the story the more that I read into the genre the more I realize that the twilight series was safe and was meant for a younger audience. The stories did mature as the years went on but not to a degree that would make it too inappropriate for high schoolers. I also realize that it was meant mostly to be a romance before anything else.
Looking back having read the series multiple times and buying the books because I felt guilty for not supporting the author I think Bella Swan while having a rough start in the first book in terms of character depth becomes a different sort of hero in the end. She may not be a sword wielding assassin but she has a strength and determination as well as bravery that makes her relatable.
I do think that looks three and four of the series are better than books one and two. The first book they love story just feel shallow. The second book with how the author had to introduce a character for the false love triangle while also putting the main love interest to the side for a while was rather annoying period in the third and fourth books it feels like a lot of the nonsense is put to the side and it gets down to the nitty-gritty no more wavering to milk the what ifs. - Mari DBeautiful!Both the box and book are just beautiful! I've always wanted a book with hidden fore edge painting, but they are so expensive. This one is amazing and so affordable. If you're a Twilight lover, then this book is a must.
- Amber M PetersSimply Beautiful!Wow! This books is BEAUTIFUL. The slipcase is pretty and so smooth...almost has a buttery softness to it without actually being soft. The book itself is also the same softness and the artwork is stunning. The gold lettering is also raised, adding that little extra touch. The fore edge of the book is a beautiful gold and when you move the pages from side to side you see artist renditions of Bella and Edward. This is probably the most beautiful book I have seen! I haven't read this series in probably 15 years but after seeing the book, I had to have it and will be reading it once again! Definitely a wonderful collector piece.
- EmilyLong time love revisitedRead this book probably 20 or more times in high school and figured I revisit it now. Such a great story, such great writing. So much better than the movie of course.