The long-awaited ‘Breaking Dawn’ is finally here

For months, fans of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” saga have been engrossed over the fates of Bella, Edward and Jacob. Who will Bella choose? Many questions and more are answered in “Breaking Dawn” the final installment in this four-part saga.

The excitement and build-up to the release of the final book in the saga was compared to that of the Harry Potter series. However, “Breaking Dawn” is receiving mixed reviews on barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. Some readers are criticizing Meyer for the message she is supposedly trying to portray, while others commend her for a great closure to a highly praised series.

For me, “Breaking Dawn” was a great ending to the series. It touched on the ideas of faith, love and friendship on a whole different level than what we’re used to seeing in a typical love story. I was completely captivated by the direction of the plot and finished the 700-plus page book in about three days.

“Breaking Dawn” begins where “Eclipse” left off — with Edward and Bella’s wedding. Events during their honeymoon serve as the catalyst for the main conflict in the story, and the Cullen family’s abilities and knowledge are put to the test.

Meyer includes numerous twists to the plot that prove to be totally unexpected. However, these twists do not hinder the plot, but add to the dynamic storyline. In this book, Meyer takes us deeper than ever into the world of vampires and werewolves and really brings her fantasy to life.

One of the things I liked about this book is that it is divided into three parts. Two parts are told from Bella’s point of view, while the other is told from Jacob’s perspective. Jacob’s perspective in the story allows us to better understand the world of werewolves and their take on the neighboring vampires. Jacob’s part also features some funny snide remarks and blond jokes exchanged between him and Rosalie.

Compared to the other three books in the saga “Breaking Dawn” is different, but in a good way. While the other three books focused more on Bella’s human life and family, “Breaking Dawn” reaches more into the supernatural without being too farfetched. It also allows us to better understand each member in the Cullen family.

“Breaking Dawn” lacks in the action-packed fight scenes portrayed in the first three books in the series, but makes up for it in the emotional department. Because more emotion is involved in the story, we can trace everyone’s character development from beginning to end. Although this is a story about werewolves and vampires, we relate to the characters through their human thoughts and emotions.

As for the end of the story and the saga, let’s just say everyone gets their happily ever after.

Favorite Quotes from “Breaking Dawn”

Bella: “When you loved the one who was killing you, it left no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it?  If it was someone you truly loved?”

Alice: “I’ll play you for it. Rock, paper, scissors.”
Edward: “Why don’t you just tell me who wins?”
Alice: “I do. Excellent.”

Jacob: “‘What’s for breakfast?’ I asked, a little sarcastic. ‘O negative or AB positive?'”

Jacob: “‘You know how to drown a blonde, Rosalie?’ I asked without stopping or turning to look at her. ‘Glue a mirror to the bottom of the pool.'”

Bella: “‘Don’t be afraid,’ I murmured. ‘We belong together.’ I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him… It felt like very nerve ending in my body was a live wire. ‘Forever,’ he agreed.”

Bella (to Jacob): “‘Did you know I told you so has a brother, Jacob? His name is Shut the hell up.'”