New Moon - Stephenie Meyer

Rating: 4

The second in the vampire series allows us to rejoin Bella and Edward in the small rainy town of Forks. With the perils of Twilight behind them, all is well with the couple until an accident befalls the clumsy Bella on her birthday at the Cullens house. What follows horrifies everyone involved, and causes Edward to rethink his relationship with Bella.

This time around, the relationship is less hard to grasp. Edward with so many years behind him has allowed himself to fall for this human girl, with all the perils such a relationship would encounter, and more, for something about Bella seems to invite trouble. But Edward knows he is bad for her, that little good can come of such a relationship and after the accident, he and the Cullens pack up and leave. Bella is left in a state of shock, slumping into a depression that is beautifully written. Meyer captures the numbness perfectly, with Bella passing her days without even noticing them. That is until she renews her friendship with Jacob Black, an old family friend, and she finds a way of living again. Bella finds solace in the friendship, and in reckless activities, during which she "hears" Edward's voice in her head. Bella's friendship with Jacob takes a turn for the worse when he seems to change and starts avoiding her, leaving her all alone again. Then Alice Cullen arrives back in Forks, bringing with her terrible news that forces Bella to literally face her demons!

A very good sequel, though not quite on a par with Twilight. I found myself really liking Jacob, a little ray of light, and a refreshing change from the intense and dark Edward. It will be very interesting to see where this story leads now!

Other blog reviews:
Rhinoa's Ramblings
Naida at the bookworm