YA Romance • Drama • Supernatural
Summary
Eclipse is the third book in the Twilight saga, and beginning this frankly, it was the worst of the series by far. I wanted so badly to like it, but it simply fell short of my expectations. The story follows Bella, now 18-years-old and living in Forks with her father, caught between her rekindled romance with Edward Cullen, her vampire boyfriend, and her deep, unshakable bond with Jacob Black, her childhood best friend and Edward’s mortal enemy, a werewolf.
Meanwhile, Victoria remains relentless in her quest for revenge, building an army of newborn vampires to destroy Bella and the Cullens. As the vampires and werewolves must barter for peace to prepare for her inevitable return, the Volturi, the vampire government if you will, and their eventual visit looms over them all to add to the already heightened stakes.
Likes and Dislikes
There was a lot to unpack, and while the concept maintains excitement, the story itself moved rather slowly to start. The characters were so unlikable. In the beginning, came across as overbearing and controlling, refusing to allow Bella to see Jacob and undermining her autonomy. Opposing, Bella herself felt whiny and immature, pressuring Edward to strip her of her humanity while failing to take responsibility for her choices, and Jacob became aggressive and forceful in ways that were uncomfortable to read, making his role in the love triangle more problematic than romantic. I no longer rooted for anyone. I was exhausted by their behavior and eager to put the book to rest.
However, there were elements that I did like. The lore and worldbuilding were fascinating, and the author did a wonderful job creating the supernatural world around her characters. Most fascinating was the Quileute clan’s stories. It added depth to the werewolf mythology, divulging into characters I had longed to know more of and enriched by cultural likeness. Another unexpected highlight was Jasper’s backstory, offering a glimpse into his past as a soldier and his struggles with morality. His history added nuance to his character and made him one of the most compelling figures in the book, and finally, the battle. While the fight itself felt more rushed than anticipated, the suspense and arrival of Victoria’s army of newborn vampires was thrilling, finally delivering the action and tension that the earlier chapters lacked.
Final Thoughts
While this novel thoroughly frustrated me with its character dynamics and uneven pacing, it still offered moments of intrigue and excitement. The supernatural lore and long awaited battle were standout elements that kept me invested, even when the love triangle felt exhausting.
Ultimately, this installment serves as a bridge between the emotional turmoil of New Moon and the resolution of Breaking Dawn. It may not have been my favorite, but it’s an essential piece of the saga’s larger narrative.
If you’re interested in reading the book, click here to purchase it. By using my affiliate link to purchase the novel, I make a small profit from its sale. I’m a book lover, hopefully like you, looking to turn my dream into a reality. Each contribution brings me one step closer to making that come true. Thank you!
For more book recommendations, click here.
Her Voice Rising 