4. Eclipse

by Stephenie Meyer (640pgs)
Little, Brown Young Readers 2007

Rating: 4

Edward is back, much to Bella's relief. However, Edward's presence causes a rift between Bella and, her best friend, Jacob. For those just tuning in, Edward and Jacob, by virtue of their very natures, don't like each other and, on top of that, are both in love with the same girl.

Despite the supernatural elements, Eclipse is primarily a romance. Meyer's characters continue to be realistic and interesting. The love triangle between Edward, Bella, and Jacob is handled masterfully. Even though, as a reader, I was aware of where the story was headed, following the path of discovery with the characters was both fascinating and enjoyable instead of irritating. The one complaint I have is that it seems that this is likely the end of this series and I am loath to say good bye to these characters.

Recommened as a continuation of Twilight and New Moon. Appropriate for most school settings.

3. New Moon

by Stephenie Meyer (563 pgs)
Little, Brown, and Co. 2006

Rating: 4

Edward and Bella are the perfect couple. You know, the one that was so happy it made you want to gag. Everything is perfect for them, except Edward is a vampire and Bella's blood smells powerfully yummy. Beyond that though, despite best intentions, Edward's vampire family also is having a hard time with keeping their base instincts under control. Edward's protectiveness leads him to leave Bella for her own safety, and Bella falls apart.

Sequel to Twilight, Meyer lost none of her believability or characterization skill. The plot rambles a bit and probably could be condensed a little, but the New Moon was still, overall, a highly enjoyable read. Meyer's development of formerly minor characters was masterful.

Recommended to anyone who enjoyed Twilight. Appropriate for most school settings

2. Twilight

by Stephenie Meyer (498 pgs)
Little, Brown, and Company 2005
Rating: 5

Bella Swan, daughter of Chief Charlie Swan, made the difficult decision to forsake her beloved Phoenix sun and move in with her dad. Unfortunately, Chief Swan lives in the rainiest place in the country: Forks, Washington. Forks is a very small town and Bella, as a fairly attractive girl, quickly makes a whole host of friends, including the enigmatic Edward Cullens. All the Cullens are a little strange: pale, aloof, good at everything. Edward, however, seems to quickly flip between fascination of Bella and hatred.

The writing style was clear and engaging. Meyer's true strength is in her characterizations. Her characters are brilliantly painted and distinct from each other. Despite the fantastical nature of the subject matter, the characters and events feel real and a swoon-worthy love story doesn't hurt any.

Recommend to a broad female audience and anyone who got hung up on Buffy. Appropriate for most school settings.

5. The Historian

By Elizabeth Kostova

Rating: 2 (656 pgs)

Our narrator is a teenage girl being raised by her father, an American diplomat. Through her recollections and the journals of her father, a story filled with mystery and dark overtones emerges. The novel takes us from America to Britain on to Turkey and into the Eastern Bloc. The story is sinister.

The Historian, I'm sorry to say, is a good story crippled by bad structure. Kostova's voice is well developed and engaging but the format she chose for the story hinders momentum and, in some places, breeds confusion. I have a hard time recommending this to people although, as I said, it is a good story. I will definitely pick up her next book, I feel Kostova is an author worth giving a second chance and may very well develop into a very good writer.

Not recommended.