Vampires, werewolves, and humans were not combined with a passionate Shakespearean love story until the writing talents of housewife Stephenie Meyer collided with a computer after a vivid dream. Meyer’s Twilight is the first book in the vampire series, followed by New Moon and Eclipse.
Bella desperately escapes Renee, her mother, who focuses on a new marriage in Phoenix. The homely young woman exiles herself in dreary Forks, WA to reside with her biological father, Charlie. As Bella tries to spark a new beginning as a junior in high school, she collides with the bewitching persona of Edward Cullen. His dark hair and golden eyes enchant Bella at first sight. Eerily, Edward’s body involuntarily shakes as Bella sits next to him in Biology class, though he tries to be polite toward the new girl. The initial meeting sets Bella questioning about Cullen and his family’s history in the small town.
The reputation of the Cullens is a constant mystery of great wealth and seclusion in Forks. The famous Dr. Carlisle Cullen is father of several children, including adopted siblings Rosalie and Jasper, with his enchanting wife Esme. Alice, Emmett and Edward are known as the biological offspring of the couple in the town. Ironically the family of seven is not related to each other in human features, rather each individual is a vampire. After years of abandoning traditional vampire traits, the Cullens feed on animal blood and not humans in far away states, in order to preserve their identities and a mysterious treaty with the Native Americans at a local reservation. Additionally, each family member possesses a supernatural trait, such as Alice’s ability to perceive the future. Oddly enough, Bella plunges into the hearts of the Cullens due to the fact that she is immune to Edward’s gift of reading minds.
For hundreds of years, Edward is able to survive on animal blood until he meets Bella. After several encounters, Edward concludes his uncontrollable thirst for Bella’s blood and love. In turn, Bella is captivated by Edward’s charisma and charm. The lovers give into temptation and boundaries, as their relationship is interrupted by deadly war between the Cullens and an older breed of wicked vampires. In order to save Bella’s life, Edward must sacrifice his own.
Audiences of all ages will enjoy Meyer’s first novel in the Twilight series. Critics compare the Twilight series to a romantic version of Harry Potter, without wizards and owls. The supernatural romance of Twilight shoves a stone heart into a thrilling story of young love. Summit Entertainment is in production of a motion picture version of Twilight, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, which is due to hit theaters this December.