I was not originally going to review this book, since a) this book is over 10 years old and I’m sure we have all read it, and b) I have read this book probably 5 times and I don’t know if I have any more new insights. That being said, this is one of my favourite books to reread and I had such a good time that I had to write a review. So sit back, grab a warm beverage, and let’s travel back to 2010 together when our biggest problem was that our friend was on Team Jacob when Team Edward was clearly the superior choice. 

 

I will note that in this review, I will not be as conscious of avoiding spoilers. As I said, this book is over 10 years old, and the movies are on TV all the time, so I would say that it is fair game at this point. 

 

I will say that the more that time goes on, I just end up not liking Bella more and more. At the same time, I am liking everyone else more and more. A lot of people really give this book series a lot of flack for what they were. I mean, I have definitely read a lot worse than this, and I think Stephenie Meyer takes a lot of heat for books that really aren’t that bad. 

 

I will say, I can see a lot of modern-day tropes born in this series. The army against the underdog main character team for one, and obviously the love triangle for another. Say what you will about Twilight, but it paved the way for so many other stories that we love today.

 

Now let’s get more story-specific. This book could have easily thrown in the towel and just set up for Breaking Dawn, but it really does pull out all the stops and is, in my opinion, the best in the series. The plot of this book is so well-paced and it really keeps you hooked the entire time. 

 

After rereading this, I can appreciate the work behind The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. Even though I have only read it once, it does add a lot to the story and not only gives more information about the newborn army, but it gives such insight into newborn life, for anyone who isn’t as controlled and restrained as Bella. 

 

Back to Eclipse though, I genuinely love reading Rosalie and Jasper’s backstories every single time. All I want is more backstory about all of the Cullens really and both Midnight Sun and Eclipse just reinforce that for me. I think I would read an entire series just about Alice’s backstory, to be honest. 

 

One thing I will say that the movies did better is showcasing the newborn fight as well as the fight with Victoria. I wish the book went into the newborn fight a little more, but considering the story is first person from Bella’s POV I can definitely say that Stephenie did her best. 

 

The last thing I want to say is the setup for Breaking Dawn in this book! The engagement! Bella turning! Jacob running away! SO MUCH ANGST!

 

So yeah, I think that about sums it up. Eclipse is still my favourite book in the series, and every time I reread it that feeling just gets stronger. An obvious 5/5 stars to Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer.