Bite Me

Note: If you read the first three books and have not read the fourth book, there are spoilers on this post.

My first experience with vampire stories was with the movie Interview with the Vampire. I borrowed the Vampire Chronicles of Anne Rice to complete the series (with the exception of The Body Thief). From there, I always have had fascination with vampires. I loved how their stories are told and the different ways to defeat them. From how to defeat them, the different sets of vampire mythology opened the fantasy, what If I become one. How will live a life of immortality? Stephanie Meyer opened a new set of mythology regarding vampires. This particular twist made the readers hang to every thread of her Twilight series.

What is this mythology?

1. Vampires do not die using stakes, garlic, and sunlight.

This particular mythology was used for most vampire stories. The removal of this particular hindrance to their immortality gave freedom on their capacity to learn and adapt well with the mortals. It opens the door for romantic liaisons.

2. Vampires glisten like diamonds when the sun hits their pale skin.

Ah, a romantic scenario is born because it will surely fascinate humans. Aside from the immense attraction their persona exudes, this mythology becomes another romantic interlude.

3. Not all vampires have special abilities.

This makes a very good indication that vampires can be separated in terms of hierarchy. Though old vampires have the necessary experience, these extra abilities allow them to have a fighting chance (if it is an offensive or defensive ability). It also makes a good distinction because it is not the same for all vampires. These special abilities create an illusion of hierarchy which is also good for a romantic novel.

4. Men can procreate while women cannot.

I am sure that some feminists might puke about this particular mythology. Men vampires can sire children with mortal women. Though they explained it using other mythologies like the incubus and succubus (more of mentioned than explain), I think it would not be enough. Since the books’ general audience is “mortal” women, this particular mythology can be a nice addition. It creates opportunity for those who want to “sleep” with vampires.

5. There are no coffins.

This particular mythology is the one I love best. It removes the creep factor. I do not like coffins. For me, it is the creepiest portion of the vampire mythology. I always asked why can’t they just hide inside and decorate it with drapes to hide them from the sun. At least, it still feels normal and adaptation would be better. I mean if you enter their house and due to curiosity you see this particular “furniture”. What would you say? At least, if you enter a house and you do not see a bed, you will just wonder. They can explain they use sofa beds.

For the fanatics out there, I am sure they can think of other mythologies of this series.

The change in mythology is the main reason I read this vampire series. The bigger question now is why did I stay with this series? I know for a fact it would be a romance novel and it is not your “normal” fantasy series. It was geared for the young adults so it would tend to go mushy. I stayed, aside from the mythology, because it would be a good topic within the confines of our workplace. I have 4 co-workers who are into vampires (most would like to become one too). Another reason is the movie. I want to read the book before the movie comes out.

After reading the books (I actually borrowed), here I am declaring what I liked best and least among the series. I will also provide my own insight if it is better to buy the book or just borrow it.

Among the four books, I liked Eclipse the best.

1. There is a battle. It is not just your ordinary battle but a battle between vampires and the vampire-wolf collaboration. (Note: Jacob and his pack are not werewolves but shape shifters.)

2. Exposition of narratives is fast-paced without sacrificing the romantic moments (mushy it is but you can skim past it without losing the main thought of each chapter).

3. It provides insight on how the series will end. For those after the romance, you would glimpse that there would be a wedding, sex, and more mushy scenes on the next book. You can also deduce that there is a possibility of a child.

4. The internal conflict of the love triangle between Jacob, Bella, and Edward is engaging. The line where Jacob says that he cannot fight an eclipse despite being Bella’s sun sums up that it is Bella and Edward till the end. This conflict opens another question what happens to Jacob.

5. Jacob not imprinting at this stage opens the possibility that Jacob will not be Bella’s “boy-toy” is a good sign of things to come.

6. Overall, this is the most riveting of the four books. Even after three re-reads, it still has the same hold for me.

If I liked Eclipse the best, I liked New Moon the least.

1. Dragging is the word that will sum it all. Redemption of this book is the necessity of it to be published.

2. Another redeeming quality, it needs to expose Jacob’s identity as a werewolf (into Bella and Jacob’s eyes but shape-shifter is the correct term).

3. Since this is a romance novel geared for young adults, the necessity to let the reader feel Bella’s pain and her hallucinations is necessary. However, it could have been written better. I did not feel Bella’s pain but my head was pained from reading it all over again. Half of the book is devoted to this cyclical spin-off of a Philippine Drama Show in a novel. It was too tiring to read.

Tip: If you get bored with this half, go to the latter pages and check if Edward will return. I forgot; he left after Chapter 3 for some supposedly “heroic” sacrifice. It was definitely for Bella’s sake (geez, no wonder the book got boring).

4. Another good thing for the book is the introduction and meeting of the Volturi. Another mythology was explained, la tua cantata (or something like that). Bella is a blood singer that excites Edward (another “censored” connotation).

As for Twilight, it was a very good opening book. It was fast paced, it was exhilarating to read, and it was really cool. Even if there was a fight scene, nothing beats a battle.

As for Breaking Dawn, some portions were rehash of New Moon. Read Jacob’s Book and you would see that the stuff that Bella did in New Moon were the same as that of Jacob’s supposed pain. It was done using the male psyche’s point of view. Another thing, there was no battle not even a fight scene. How disappointing? The redeeming quality of Breaking Dawn for me was the memorable scenes.

1. Jacob turning into a wolf in front of Charlie
2. Edward asking Jacob to kill him if Bella dies
3. Edward accepting Jacob as his brother, friend and son.
4. Nessie’s cool talent
5. Bella saving the day (imagine her powers saved them big time but there was no freaking battle)
6. Honeymoon scenes (ripped pillows, ripped headboard)
7. Seth Clearwater’s bouncy attitude – his character is fun to read (I mean a Quilleute idolizing a vampire – read Eclipse for the reason)
8. Jacob finally assuming the Alpha role
9. The redeeming factor on Jacob’s book – despite wanting to kill Bellla’s daughter – he wasn’t able to do so
10. My favorite scene of all – Bella trying to kill (vampire kill) Jacob because he imprinted on Renesmee.

Overall, Breaking Dawn is such a cool book because of many memorable scenes. It landed in the middle of because of one reason for me, there was no battle. However, keeping things into perspective, it is an excellent follow-up for the Eclipse. The tension was there. The storytelling was there. The romantic elements are there. Most questions are answered. It also ended where a next book can still come out and it opened new avenues for future stories.

The books if you purchase them, it would cost around PHP1300. It is definitely cheaper than the Harry Potter series (which I have). It is still a good addition to your collection. If you buy one, I suggest buy them all. However, you can still borrow from good old friends. Will this be a classic? It will stay long until a better vampire romance novel comes along. Better yet, if another vampire story comes along (for me anyway). Will I buy the books, I think I will.

UPDATE: I DID NOT BUY IT.