Breaking Dawn - Twilight Saga

Was an original Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, but thought I'd be too old for this stuff now. Got the Twilight book as an impulse read to take away on holiday as a bit of light entertainment to have an idea of what my kids were reading. Was so engrossed I couldn't put the book down. As soon as I was back off holiday I had to go to a 24hr store and by the next in the series (I actually couldn't wait to order it online and get it delivered) and went on to order Eclipse and Breaking Dawn before getting half way through New Moon. Yes, you have to love a little bit of tortured teen romance. However, I think that Meyer's skill is that she captures it so beautifully. She fully transported my back to being 13-14 years old and all the emotions that swirl through you at that age. Actually felt a little bereft by the time the series was over. 5 stars for Meyers.

Another great book.

This was a great read, it fits in brilliantly with the first two books.<br />Eclipse is well written like Twilight and New moon.<br /><br />If you've seen the films, then I think the books give a much better idea of what's going on in the character's minds, Eclipse is no different in this regard, I loved it, can't wait to read Breaking Dawn now (I've just started it and it seems to be just as good IMO, I'll post a review for it when I'm done)

Great lovestory

Fantastic lovestory, beautifully written, I enjoyed the book so much, could not let it go. Must read the books before the films.

received yest cant put down

i am in my early 30's bought for hubby but looked good so i started reading last nite read 24 pages this is from someone who hasnt read a book in ages and usually sticks to chat mag<br />a really good book so far makes u want to read more and more

A skilled use of futuristic fantasy to mirror aspects of today's reality

The Hunger Games trilogy has been a great story arc, set in a future that is at once grotesque and yet still recognisable. The final volume, Mockingjay, has a shift from its two predecessors. The earlier books had something of a balance between the violence of the world of Panem, and the romance / fake romance / potential romance of the three protagonists. The romance story was intertwined with violence and survival stories, of course. In Mockingjay, the romance is less in evidence. Partly this is because there is a separation between the main characters, physically and otherwise, for much of the book. Partly, however, it is because Ms Collins has placed more emphasis on the horrors of war, and the complexities of moral decisions that are taken in the political arena. <br /><br />Ms Collin's triumph is to create a description of a future world that is complete, and inhabited with characters that one can become emotionally engaged with. Her points are made through how those characters develop, and what happens to them. Because the characters are so well written, the fate that befalls them has an impact on the reader. The deaths here do not have the somewhat abstract quality of the previous two books - in those volumes there was anonymity, and very often the reader felt slightly disengaged, as if a Capitol based television viewer of what unfolded (the deaths of Roo and Cato being the exceptions, perhaps). In Mockingjay, the deaths are written in a way that more directly impacts the reader and underscores the brutal reality of war. The abrupt, casual way in which some characters are killed (or their death is revealed to Katniss) at times heightens this.<br /><br />This much creates a book that is an entertaining if somewhat shocking read. However, Ms Collins has gone further with the story arc, and with this volume in particular. Ms Collins clearly wants her readership (of whatever age) to think.<br /><br />Panem is a grotesque vision of the future, but it can also be viewed as just a distorting mirror of our own times. A world where much of the population work in environmentally unsafe conditions, often under authoritarian regimes, to supply goods for those who were lucky enough to be born in the right country? Battling for environmental resources (food riots, oil wars, and tensions over water supplies in today's world)? Children committing violence and killing without discrimination (Africa's child soldiers)? The power of mental torture (all too often in the news today)? Roadside bombs, killers that are human and yet have lost humanity, voyeurism as entertainment, the sex trade - the list of parallels goes on. It is no wonder that the romantic thread is subordinated to the realities of modern life - and yet, without being"Hollywood" in her ending (no one could suggest that of this story), Ms Collins still has romance play a pivotal role.<br /><br />This is a well written, compelling, clever, and (in a non pejorative sense) an awful book.

Excellent

Another winner by Donaldson. My 3 year old daughter cheered when the Princess did not want to be rescued! Brilliant book and appealed to my 5 year old son too, who liked the dragons. As always, an excellent buy.

Brilliant for all Twi-fans !

I am a H U G E Twilight fan, so...of course, I bought this book as soon as it came out. I was definately not disappointed with it. For starters, Bree, the main character, is alot more likable than Bella. And her relationship with Diego was really sweet. <br />It was really very clever of Stephanie Meyer to write this book from a newborn vampires' point of view. I really really enjoyed it, and recommend you to read it...if you're a fan of the Twilight series that is. <br /><br />Next up, we have to persuade Stephanie Meyer to publish Midnight Sun...which, is written from Edwards' point of view !!!

A great ending for a great charcter!

This book was released this morning and 3 hours later i've finished it. I just could not put it down! This book is a great end to (in my opinion) one of the greatest series of books of all time. My only regret is that this is the end of the series. (and yes, i did have a tear in my eye as i turned the last page!) <br />Just like the rest of Robert's books it still has great humour, characters you really want to be friends with and pages of complete excitement/terror/suspense, but all this is tinged with a bit of sadness because going into this book you know it's going to be James's last mission and you just hope the author sends him off with a bang and that he will carry on happy forever. Thankfully Robert Muchamore came through with this and unlike other series of books i've read, i'm 100% happy with this ending. Go read it, now! You will not be disappointed...except for the fact there will be no more of James's CHERUB life to read about!

Multiple Opinions

Ever since reading the first Artemis Fowl book, I have fallen in love with the series. I've even decoded some of the text at the bottom.<br /><br />The first three were easily the best. But since the Opal Deception, it's not been that great.<br /><br />However, Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex pulls Colfer's writing to a higher standard. Not as high as the originals, but still amazing.<br /><br />I especially love how he managed to fit in explanations of the consequences of their actions in the human world. Also, I love the character of Orion. He is adorable and yet irritating - a great balance. The contrast to Artemis is dead on.

Excellent book

I bought this book as a going home present for my son's party as I didn't want to waste money on tut that would end up in the bin. The book was a huge hit with everyone, my son included. It's filled with a great story, fab illustrations, and educational and fun activities. Highly recommended.<br />

Another good read

I loved the prequel to this book (Shiver) and was still impressed by Maggie Stiefvater's writing in Linger.<br /><br />However, I felt this book didn't do as well as Shiver. The romance between Sam and Grace seemed less substantial. I like the introduction of Cole, the new 'bad boy' character and loved getting to know Isabel better. I felt that Olivia and Shelby who only feature in reference could have been brought into the story more. <br /><br />Instead of concentrating on Sam's lyrics and his love for Rilke's poetry (which I felt could be quoted less!), Steifvater could have elaborated on Olivia, even if it's possible she hadn't shifted during the course of the events of the novel.<br /><br />Another character, Victor, is well introduced, but I felt that a major incident involving him had no lead up. I'd have loved a scene which shows what happened to him, but I guess with it being written in the first person from the perspective of Sam, Grace, Isabel and Cole, getting the full story of what happened would have needed one of the four narrators to witness it.<br /><br />Shiver got 5/5 for me. I was going to give this a 3 but when I think about the great characterization of Isabel I can't imagine not giving it a higher rating, hence 4/5.

I couldn't put it down!

In my haste to read the entire Twilight series of books written by Stephenie Meyer, I ordered the hard cover copy of Breaking Dawn. I couldn't wait for it to come out in paper back! As soon as I'd received my copy I 'holed' myself up and read the entire book - I couldn't put it down! I enjoyed the final tale of this vampire saga immensely. The whole series is a definite must read if you like vampire tales. And the finale doesn't disappoint.

Room on the Broom

Absolutely brilliant picture story book from Julia Donaldson - great story for young children - lovely verse - the children (4 and 2 ) <br />wanted it read to them over and over again. We are booked to see the stage performance later this year so that should be good.<br />

Faces Baby's First Book

Good product for baby's first book, we have read many times and our little one as mainly chewed & dribbled onto it all. Faded in colour fast but hey she loves it still. Great gift.

Reading fun!

Julia ans Axle have done it again - another fantastic story book for kids. My 2.5year old loves it and I think I could recite the story of by heart now - I have been asked to read it so many times and its one story I don't get bored of either!!

Surprising

I thought this book would be more of a biography, but it wasn't. I looked for sign of familiarity from The Hills, but didn't find that many except for the fact that both of them are about a reality show. I liked the book, though. I was pleasently surprised that Lauren Conrad wrote that well. I liked the plot and I liked the way she described her carachters and soroundings. All in all a great book, but I wouldn't recommend it if yoy're not into chic lit. It's more for the people that watch shows like The Hills who loves other peoples drama and conflicts.