Previously... in Stephenie Meyer's World

When last we did leave our star-crossed lovers, human Bella Swan and non-human of the vampire variety Edward Cullen, Edward had just saved Bella from a vicious vampire named James. In the first book, Twilight, we learned that Edward and his "family" have vowed not to take human lives, and instead live on animals. To Edward, Bella has a sweeter scent than any human alive, and the two walk a fine line between love and danger. The Cullens also have a tentative treaty with a Native American tribe who also live in the small town of Forks, Washington. If one human is bitten, the tribe will attack the vampires.

Which Brings Us To...

In this second book by Stephenie Meyer, New Moon, after a near vampiric catastrophe, Edward decides that Bella's life would be simpler if he weren't a part of it, and so the Cullen family disappears from the Forks. Instead of moving on, Bella worries everyone around her by losing her will to live. Finally, it's her childhood friend, and member of the neighboring Quileute tribe, Jacob Black, who brings her back to the land of the living.

Bella realizes that when her life is in danger, she can clearly hear Edward's voice in her head. Because of this, she looks for ways to push the limits. Jacob is there to both support and protect her, full of unrequited love, biding his time. Jacob confides in Bella about an issue within his tribe. An older youth, Sam Uley, seems to be the leader of a group of bullies, and one of Jacob's close friends disappeared for a few days, only to reemerge as a part of Sam's gang. When Jacob then disappears for a few days, Bella is frantic with worry, and it's only when he reappears and urges her to remember the legends of his people, that they are one with the wolf, that Bella realizes just what has happened to her best friend.

Finally, very slow in coming, the climax of the novel happens when the mate of the vampire killed in Twilight, Victoria, comes back to kill Edward's mate. When Edward believes Bella to be dead, he travels to Italy to meet his end at the hands of the Volturi vampires, mafia-like group dedicated to keeping the existence of vampires a secret from humans.

Story, Writing, and Slooooow Pacing:

Once again, as with Twilight, I really found myself enjoying this book. They are written from Bella's first person point of view and her voice is one I find myself liking more and more. My sole complaint is the same here as it was before, however. The pacing is just so darn slow. Very little happens until the last couple chapters, and then it's like a roller coaster. Fortunately, the pacing issues can be forgiven with the abundance of detailed character development. Each of the characters is deliciously flawed, and there are none wholly "good" or "bad" once motivations are accounted for.

These books have been written for a Young Adult audience, and I feel they’re appropriate for the older side of that, as Bella often talks about her frustrations with Edward pulling back from her sexually, afraid he’ll lose control if he goes beyond kissing her. The language and violence is very minimal, and Mormon author Stephenie Meyer does touch upon the idea of vampires and their souls in this book. All in all, it was a satisfying read and I’m very much looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy.

The Bella Swan Trilogy:

Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse

As of August 2008 it's the Twilight Saga, not a Trilogy:

Breaking Dawn

Recommended: Yes