 
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)
Rating:  -
I came late to the Twilight phenomenon. I became curious about all the hype and decided to find out myself why there was so much talk. I decided to watch the movie before reading the book. I fell in love with the story and decided right there to read the whole series. The first three books were amazing. I could not put any of the books down. I had to force myself to stop reading because I had to work the next day.
When I got to "Breaking Dawn" I couldn't contain my excitement. And then it happened...I started to realize there was something weird about this book. Like it was somehow different from the other three. And then I realized that it was the tone of the book. Now, I'm not sure exactly when this book was written with regards to the other three in the series and her other book (The Host), but there was a definite change in the tone, writing and general sense of the characters. Almost as if Stephenie had to put herself back into the Twilight universe, but couldn't remember exactly where she had left off in the first place.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatment. Like the other reviews, I was extremely disappointed with the direction of the story. So much so, I finally was able to put down the book without any reluctance. I stopped reading after the "first" book and could not motivate myself to read any more. It was only after two or three days that the book kept pulling at me to continue and finish this fantastical ride I had started a little over a week before. So I sucked up the disappointment and continued to read, not expecting anything more than closure to a series I had come to love.
Knowing at this point that "New Moon" and possibly "Eclipse" were going to become movies as well, I started to imagine what this book would be like on the Big Screen. It was impossible to imagine. There seemed to be too many inconsistencies and impossibilites that probably would not translate well onto the Big Screen. That saddened me even more, only because I would have loved to see Bella and Edward's wedding and honeymoon and even Renesmee. That was another thing that sort of bothered me. It didn't seem like Edward really bonded with Renesmee. There weren't very many interactions with Renesmee that seem to convey any depth of feeling for his child. Maybe it was me. But it is what it is.
So I finished the book and was done with the series. Or so I thought. Even after the disappointment and the closure I sought, I was still drawn to the book, as if I hadn't read it. For days afterwards I had this urge to re-read it. I finally gave in after re-reading "Twilight". I did skip a few parts (such as the Voltari confrontation). And I found that after re-reading that I did enjoy the book. I did still feel like the tone was off and all the characters I had come to love were a shadow of their former selves, but the conclusion of the book actually had me wanting more.
So, I would advise any new readers to go into reading the story with no high expectations. You will get a conclusion to Bella and Edward's story. I personally can't wait to read "Midnight Sun". I read the manuscript and Chapter 1 on Stephenie's website and I am eagerly anticipating that book.
Read the book without expectation and just try to enjoy the story Stephenie was trying to tell. Nothing will ever live up to the expectations she put forth with the first three books.
Rating:  -
I laughed, I cried, I cheered. It's the epitome of a truly happy ending, and there's nothing wrong with that. Everything is as it should be, at least it's how I would want it if I were Bella. I will definitely be reading this entire saga over and over again.
Here's to hoping Meyer can give us some more Edward in the future. Would love to read more of Bella's adventures with her true love, Edward. Also wouldn't mind reading more about Alice.
Rating:  -
I think I'll keep this short considering the very detailed reviews I read in the 1 star section (which I completely agree with for the most part) which I highly recommend perusing if you have time and interest. I saw the Twilight movie last week, hit my local Borders for the first 2 books (it was a Happy New Year) and was eager to get through the series because I did enjoy them. I thought Bella a little self sacrificing and Edward just a tad overbearing...but, you know, vampires. Anyway, I think I was fine with the 3rd book and was interested in the Jacob/Edward conflict only to get extremely mad in the first 5 chapters of book 4. Maybe it's b/c I am in my mid 20' and expected something different...but holy hell! This was pretty bad. The writing was off (almost forced at times), the themes and undertones are sexist and contradictory...I have 30 pages left and I'm barely skimming them just to get to the sappy ending. If you read this, be prepared for a let down. You'll get your happy ending...but the price you pay to get there is heart breaking. So disappointed!!!
Rating: -
This book was amazing.Its one of my favorites from the Twilight Saga. I'm sad that it had to end . But I will be waiting for Midnight Sun. I'm excited. :)
Rating:  -
Caution: There are a few spoilers to follow. I am 55 years old and my daughter is 17. She is beginning "Eclipse," and I am about 100 pages into "Breaking Dawn." I enjoyed "Twilight," and thought that it was a nice take on "Romeo and Juliet." I have become increasingly disenchanted with books #2 and 3 for many of the same reasons others have cited (Bella has become a selfish whiner, the writing is repetitious, it takes forever for something to happen, etc.) I am really disliking "Breaking Dawn," however. If this series is truly designed for young women, and I suspect many who are reading it are in the pre-teen to young teenager category, then I have to strongly object to the ever-increasing sex scenes and the macabre, stomach-turning plot. Do young girls really have to read about Bella and her black lingerie being shredded during a night of vampire passion, even if she is married to the vampire? Do we have to read about how vampires feel about menstruation? Is it really okay for young women to assume that waking up the morning after covered with bruises, even if Edward didn't mean to, is okay? And what happens to Bella after the honeymoon, which is where I currently am in the book, is turning my stomach. I would venture to guess that even dedicated Edward lovers may be repulsed. Is it okay for a woman's husband to propose that he share her with another man? At this point I am forcing myself to finish the book so that my daughter and I can discuss it, but it is not enjoyable reading. This series sends a number of mixed messages to girls that I don't think are positive and, in some cases, are quite disturbing and even sick.
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