Eclipse ,
by Stephanie Meyer and Ilyana Kadushin (Narrator)
Being a teenager in love is hard enough without
having to cope with decisions about choosing immortality and
disturbing the natural order of the universe because of the
choices you might make. Isabella Swan, know as Bella to her
friends and family, is in love with a vampire, Edward Cullen,
and is best friends with a werewolf, Jason Black. Werewolves
and vampires are sworn enemies but have agreed to coexist
peacefully in tiny Forks, Washington, as long as boundaries
are maintained and treaties respected. With Bella moving freely
between the worlds of her boyfriend and best friend, those
limits become strained. As graduation approaches and Bella
nears the age when she and Edward can live together forever
as vampires, Bella begins to question whether she is ready
to give up her human life and Jason.
This is the third book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight
series. Although it would have been enlightening to have read
the first two books for background information, Eclipse
stands on its own. The characters recount events and conversations
adequately to educate the new listener. Ilyana Kadushin is
Bella as she narrates the romantic thriller which Meyer has
written in the first person. She is able to give distinctive
voices to the other characters, but she does it in such a
way that the listener never strays from Bella's viewpoint.
This serves to personalize the adventure, making the danger
more terrifying and the romantic yearnings more wistful and
poignant.
Eclipse is a masterpiece of teen fiction,
full of supernatural beings who slip in and out of human existence
as they deal with murder, romance, tradition, friendship,
devotion and loyalty. Meyer has created an adolescent book
that deals with adult themes but that maintains PG-rated standards
of behavior for the young lovers. Even without explicit language,
the listener is able to feel the intensity of Bella's sexual
urges. As an added bonus, Meyer includes werewolf and vampire
creation myths which may or may not be legitimate, but which
might inspire listeners to do independent research. This audio
book is highly recommended as one that will be devoured by
teenagers, but can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ruth
Mormon
10/21/07
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