Eclipse is one of Stephanie Meyer’s better novels. Thank goodness, because another novel like the first two would have been depressing. I love the obvious allusion of fire and ice between Edward and Jacob. Although it’s not a difficult allusion, I feel it represents the two pieces of Bella’s heart, it is still well placed and well used.
The poem that opens the novel is perfect! I can literally hear Bella saying it out loud (possibly because I just watched New Moon). It’s dramatic and slow and carries the weight of Bella’s decision in this book. The opening of the novel is a poem by Robert Frost, “Fire and Ice.”
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
This poem is the perfect description of the despair Bella will endure as she tries to bring the two worlds of hers together…or men I should say. Page five of the novel, Bella says, “Jacob’s pain cut me deeper than my own,” but any reader knows Bella’s desperate if not obsessive love for Edward. The first book, Twilight, describes Bella’s life and feelings with Edward. The second book, New Moon, describes Bella’s life and feelings with Jacob. Eclipse is the collide of both.
The novel offers a little for everyone from romance and marriage to broken hearts and sadness, but Meyers also includes some action. An army of newborn vampires threatens to destroy the life that the Cullen’s have so carefully built, bringing in the attention from their council of vampire leaders, the Volturi. Bella fights to remain in control of her emotions as both the men she loves have to face this new evil. What she also faces is the choice between them. Who will she hurt? Her heart breaks either way. So who does she take down with her? And who will help her recover as she gives him exactly what he wants?
Eclipse is an excellent, if not the best, addition to the young adult fantasy series.
B+
Moderate sexual content
Limited to no foul language
Some violence, violent descriptions are moderate
No Drinking, Drugs or Smoking
Age recommendation: 14 +