Book Review: "Breaking Dawn" by Stephanie Meyer

By Amanda Linsmeier

The final book in the Twilight saga. Finally! As I finished the book I was sad, not because of the book itself, but because the story was over. I have heard other people say they weren’t crazy about this last book but I loved it. Breaking Dawn (Little, Brown Young Readers, 2008) is a compelling, intriguing and unexpected tale of love, passion and strength, and a fitting end to the series.

If you’ve read the first three books you know that Bella and Edward are very much in love and have undergone several trials throughout their relationship. Whether it’s the threat of other vampires, the Vulturi, Bella and Jacob’s confusing friendship or even Edward’s fear of hurting Bella himself, they have always come through. Now Edward wants to marry Bella. He refuses to “change” her into a vampire unless she agrees. Bella, unsure of the idea of marriage, finally gives in because she wants so badly to be with Edward forever. One of my major questions throughout this series has been “will Bella actually become a vampire or will Edward find a way to become human again?” followed closely by “will Bella and Edward truly end up together?” I can’t give too much information without spoiling the story but let me just mention that I was extremely surprised and did not see this plot unfolding in the manner that it did.

It is inevitable in Edward and Bella’s relationship that even if they think they’re going to live happily ever after, something will stand in their way. In this case, one of the evident problems was with the Vulturi. This ancient and powerful vampire clan has returned to cause more problems for Bella and the Cullens. Will they destroy Bella and all she’s come to love and hold dear or will Bella prove, once and for all, that she’s stronger than even she knew? Breaking Dawn is full of different perspectives, adding spice to the narrative and also ties up many loose ends of the other books. I really liked it and I can’t wait to start reading the series over again soon.

Click here to read Amanda's review of Twilight

Click here to read Amanda's review of New Moon

Click here to read Amanda's review of Eclipse