Books: New Moon

Why is it that the middle books in most trilogies kind of suck? I really enjoyed the first book in Stephenie Meyer’s vampire trilogy, but the second book, which I finished yesterday, seemed more like filler to me. Nice filler, but filler nonetheless. There were sections of the book I loved – Bella’s growing friendship with Jacob Black, for instance. But the whole “I can’t live without Edward” thing got REALLY old after a while.

But I digress – a snippet of the plotline of “New Moon”, courtesy of Amazon.com:

Bella celebrates her birthday with her boyfriend Edward and his family, a unique clan of vampires that has sworn off human blood. But the celebration abruptly ends she accidentally cuts her arm on broken glass. The Cullen family retreats lest they be tempted to make a meal of her. Edward, realizing the danger that he and his family create for Bella, sees no option for her safety but to leave. Mourning his departure, she slips into a downward spiral of depression that penetrates and lingers over her every step. Bella befriends Jacob, a sophomore from her school with a penchant for motorcycles, and their adventures are wild, dare-devilish, and teeter on the brink of romance, but memories of Edward pervade Bella’s emotions, and soon their fun quickly morphs into danger, especially when she uncovers the true identities of Jacob and his pack of friends.

As I said, I REALLY enjoyed learning more about Jacob Black and seeing his character get a more complete treatment. But Bella was just downright morose and boring after a while. I sort of wished Jacob would take over the book series at some point. Like the first book, the author tends to repeat herself. A lot. She should take a lesson from other authors who streamline their books to the point where you don’t have to keep reminding the reader that your character is depressed because you just KNOW.

Also, I was perturbed that the book just kind of ENDED. Very weird resolution, and disconcerting.

Anyway, I’ll still recommend the book – mainly because of Jacob. And yes, I’ve already started the third book, which I hope is more fulfilling and finishes out the series in a more satisfying way.