I love the advancment of Jacob's character in this book, as well as his relationship with Bella. That adds a lovely complication to the mix that I found intriguing. And I still love the characters.

But I just don't like the way this book was put together. As a novice writer, this just screamed at me that it was characters doing what the writer told them to do. It was part of the plot and it showed. Bella was a bit too much herself, Edward and his beautiful family just disappeared for three quarters of the book, and then, in the end, there IS no reunion, after they've spent the entire book practicing dying for each other. They're just...back together again. I also agree that in Twlight I didn't quite like with the way they were curious about each other then suddenly they can't live without each other. It's the same here. It's a big jump and I just don't quite buy it. I could believe Bella and Jacob falling in love more than I can her with Edward at this point, which ends up being disappointing, because Edward is a great Hero. Just not in this book.

And the ending left me cold. There was nothing, really, that lead me into the next book, nothing that made me have to go out and get Eclipse, no reason to read Eclipse for that matter. This book really appears to me to a couple of plot turns that leads from book 1 into book 3, but it's not very well done. I honestly think this book would have been better if we'd have had the hero's point of view. She could have added WAY more angst and suspense that way.

So all in all--I still love the books, still adore the characters, Meyer still has a way of making her characters come to life (even if they ARE annoying me)... but this one didn't drive me to read it. Having read Twilight is what drove me to read this rather than actual interest in the book itself. So, am a little disappointed and hoping Eclipse is better.

Sorry pepe's, I know I'll be an outcast but these books just aren't doing nothing... zip, zilch, nada for me!

I really liked this book. It was suspenseful enough to keep you wondering what was going to happen next. I could barely put it down! Wonderfully written!!

Okay. I guess I should say "spoiler".

The premise of the novel is this: Edward leaves Bella for her safety. Bella self destructs.

I do not think I can express how much Bella Swan irritates me. I read all four of the books and I think that New Moon and Eclipse could have been condensed into one book, if that, because all she does is mope around, manipulate men and display reckless behavior for a delusion. She doesn't grow or develope into an interesting character. She isn't a charasmatic tortured herione, like Jane Eyre, because she has no dignity. The closest you can compare her to is Marianne of Sense and Sensibility and even Marianne grows through being dumped egregiously by Willoughby. But Bella? No.

Also--Bella and Edward somehow have this insane love for each other--but Edward, even though he reciprocates in this love, seems much too mature (the product of his 100+ years) for Bella.It is never answered why Edward loves Bella. Bella is weak, conniving and selfish--which would have been fine to start with if she developed somehow (which is my main problem with the series--Bella doesn't change).

Besides the writing--more "scowled", "grimaced" and "screamed"--the narrative seemed to lose the focus and the character potential it needed to become a truly great love story.

This is a great book. Could not put it down until I finished. I had to buy all four books and I've read them all