Eclipse

I am fascinated by Ms. Meyer's titles. This one was particularly apt. I like the way she uses the title to combine the lunar (werewolf aspect) and the (solar - Jacob's affect on Bella aspect). However, the real story here is that Jacob just can't compete with the Greek god Edward: he is eclipsed.

The third book of a four book series should be extremely climatic, and this one was not really. As I am writing, I am having a hard time remembering what the major suspense is in the story, and the book itself is upstairs on the shelf of my captain's bed. Oh yes, newborns. Meyer does do a good job of tying plotlines together (not nearly as good at it as Rowling, but certainly a satisfactory job). The hunter James's mate Victoria makes a reappearance that conveniently gives Meyer the opportunity to discuss the history of vampire warfare. Newborn vampires are extra-strong and easily distractable, making them seriously dangerous. Victoria's creation of a small army of newborns to destroy Bella provides the major action for this book.

Still, the main plotline revolves around Bella's attempts to keep both Edward and Jacob in her life without crushing either of them. She fails, of course, and ends up crushing both men in her own way. Her remorse is slightly satisfying, but overall, I really wish Bella would grow up a little.

As I write, I am starting to realize how cynical and negative I sound. I must reiterate at this point that I had a very hard time putting these books down. For sheer entertainment value, they are quite remarkable. I enjoyed them immensely.