New Moon

Book title: New Moon
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Status: Finished

Synopsis:
Things are heating up between Bella Swan and her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen, in this sequel to Twilight. Bella is injured at her birthday party, and the Cullens' reaction to her blood sends Edward's family packing. Bella is inconsolable until she discovers that reckless behavior allows her to hear Edward's warning voice in her head. To keep him close, she decides to live as dangerously as possible, acquiring two motorcycles and developing a close friendship with Jacob, who helps her rebuild them. Romantics will miss Edward's presence, but the suspense created by a pack of werewolves bent on protecting Bella from a vindictive vampire will keep them occupied until the lovers can be reunited.

Review:
Warning! Spoilers ahead.

I have to admit that I like this sequel so much better than the first book (Twilight). I could finally "feel" Bella's love for Edward through her grief and pain, and witness a relationship developing between Bella and Jacob, teetering on the brink of romance.

It's difficult NOT to like Jacob. He is the boy next door who'll always be there for you, with a big grin on his face, like a revitalizing breath of fresh air.

I couldn't help laughing while I pictured this image in my mind: Mike on one side, Jacob on the other, both laying one arm on the armrest like some animal trap, "open and ready". That one is hilarious!

But what's it with that adrenaline stimulated hallucination? I'm so sick of Bella putting herself in harm's way just to summon up Edward's voice. Totally annoying.

Again, the writing is a bit melodramatic, the literary references to Romeo and Juliet is horrible, but the story is somehow entertaining, so I can live with that.