For All Eternity 2

Eclipse was like a kid story book about vampires, werewolves and all the supernatural that Stephenie can throw in. It was more on about the history of the tribe of Jacob. It sure was interesting, but the overwhelming pages allocated to narrate all the backgrounder were downright unnecessary. The third book also exposed the author’s weakness to keep up with the climax of her plot. She heaped anticipation by building up the danger of the rampaging ‘new borns’ under the command of Victoria. The tension was felt with these new and old enemies and the preparation of the pack of Jacob and the Cullens was entertaining. But when it was time for the real fight, maybe because of the limited point of view, it fell short, stale and bland. The ‘new borns’ turned out to be dimwitted underdogs, easily shredded to bits by the more powerful Edward and Emmet, well- experienced Jasper and clever Carlisle, not to mention the equally powerful women members of the Olympic coven; Alice, Rose and Esme.




The final book, Breaking Dawn, was a more promising book. After all, it is The Volturi coven, whose members are the most gifted, strongest and evil vampires, who are going after the Cullens. Even if they were able to assemble the other vampire covens as witnesses, some of which are even willing to fight along with them, the coven from Italy still has the obvious upper hand. It seems that they are all doomed to die but not with out an exciting, blood soaked ‘royal rumble’ kind of fight. But disappointingly, what the readers got were word plays, instead of snarls and bites; mock trial rather than of unleashing of fighting techniques; a ‘let’s leave in peace’ shameful surrender crushed hope of trash talks about death and vengeance. It was all anti-climatic, and it was because of their secret weapon, the shield of Bella and the unexpected presence of the shape- shifter gang of Jacob.

In books and movies sequels, anticipation and climax build until the explosive and decisive face off of the protagonist and antagonist of the story. But in Breaking Dawn it is as if Agent Smith committed suicide instead of having the epic battle against Neo in The Matrix or Voldemort slipped and hit his head causing his instant death rather than having the final wand fight showdown with Harry Potter. The Volturi was demoted into all snarl and hiss bully vampires who turned out to be toothless after all.

Even with major glitches, Stephenie Meyer’s talent is undeniable. The readers were happy that the Cullens were all safe and as cool as ever. They are hopeful of the new allegiance that the different vampire covens formed and might bring down the tyranny of the Volturi. They were satisfied that Bella, Edward and Renesmee will be together loving each other, for all eternity.