The whole story which encompasses four large novels is actually another variation of a very old storytelling theme. It is perhaps the oldest type of story there is. Romance, of course, is the theme I mean. Somehow Stephanie Meyer has managed to make it fresh again. I find this very interesting because while I have read several versions of the vampire story, some involving romance and some not, and have read a great variety of romance novels, it has been a long time since I have read anything that has captured my attention in such a manner.

Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) tells the story of Bella, a self described mature teenager who lives with her mother, her parents having been divorced many years ago. Bella begins her story as she is going to live with her father in the gloomy Northwest. Her mother has remarried and Bella wishes to allow the new couple time to spend with each other. She has a new school and town to adjust to, and a new permanent home where she has always only been a visitor before. She is rather introverted, but is accepted at her small school as an interesting new student. Bella realizes right away that there is a group of kids who keep to themselves, and thinks that one of the males is kind of cute. She notices that some of their habits are strange but doesn’t know why, and is affronted when the cute guy named Edward appears to have a serious aversion to her. After going through some teenage angst she discovers why he is avoiding her. He is one of a group of vampires who have learned not to drink human blood, but he is disgusted to realize that her blood above all others is completely irresistible to him. He fears losing control and killing her. How many females can’t resist the allure of a male who cannot help his attraction to her?

The rest of the novel, and indeed the whole series, revolves around Bella and Edward's relationship and the other characters they come in contact with. Each book is dedicated to a new dimension of their relationship and how they deal with those issues that affect it.

I considered doing a separate review for each book, as each successive novel is full enough on it’s own to warrant that. I decided that I would be doing a disservice to the few who haven’t read this series and wished to. It was much too entertaining to spoil the story for them. I would definitely recommend the series, at least to any female who likes romances. Some may find it to be a little silly for their taste, but I still remember what it was like to be a teenager with an uneven mixture of confidence and common sense. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the entire 2445 pages.

Tracey.