New Moon: Book Review

In New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight series, Bella learns it is possible to live through the loss of the being her life centers around, but only the shell of her former self remains. Author Stephanie Meyers uses the disappearance of Edward Cullen to develop the relationship between Bella and Jacob Black and to pull Jacob's character to the foreground. She also shows the depth of the love Bella has for Edward even in his absence with no promise of return.

Through a simple accident, Bella becomes the momentary target of Jasper Cullen's thirst. Edward recognizes the danger Bella is continuously in because of him and his family and decides it would be better if Bella lived without him in her life. With Stephanie Meyers' unique first person writing style, the reader experiences this loss through Bella's eyes. Months pass by that are noted simply by their name on a page because Bella takes no notice of their passing. Her despair is portrayed through the monotony of her thoughts and her reoccurring nightmares. Meyers sharpens the image of the lifeless introvert Bella has become by the way her friends withdraw from her. The only person who doesn't withdraw from her is Jacob Black.

Jacob brings light to Bella's world. Instead of pulling away from her, he pulls her closer. She is touched by his friendship and warmed by his kindness. As Bella uses Jacob to forget Edward and feel better, Jacob falls in love with the broken pieces Edward left behind. He begins to pursue her in earnest and saves her life from an enemy vampire. Bella becomes part of Jacob's world and the pain of Edward's rejection is dulled minutely. Bella is addicted to the temporary relief she feels with Jacob, and in spite of her efforts to keep their friendship just that, the lines become blurred. After many months pass, Alice suddenly shows up at Bella's house unannounced and alone. She asks for Bella's help. Edward's life is in danger and only Bella can save him.

Edward is accidentally given the misinformation that Bella has died. He cannot live without her in the world and in an effort to end his life, he travels to Italy. In Italy live the nobility among vampires, the Volturi. There is only one rule in the vampire world: the existence of vampires must remain a secret. Edward intends to break that rule and so end his life when the Volturi punish him for that deed. Bella's must fly to Italy and prove to Edward that she is still alive and so prevent him from committing suicide. The danger to herself is great and becomes greater when they are captured by the sadistic Volturi.

New Moon is an excellent sequel to Twilight. The plot is well developed and builds on itself. It is a transition to the next two books as well. The book, however, is slow in developing and leaves the reader wondering when the pace will pick up. The ending is very climactic and adds the new antagonist in the form of the Volturi that returns in the next books. Overall, New Moon is a building block for the series. It has an excellent ending and several good moments, but it was not the best in the Twilight series.