Breaking Dawn: The Twilight Saga, Book 4

(2008, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Stephenie Meyer)

Average Rating by Parents & Educators

They rate this title on for age 12 and up.

They give it four stars

Based on 38 reviews

Average Rating by Kids

They rate this title iffy for age 11 and up.

They give it four stars

Based on 125 reviews

Ratings at a Glance

35% of parents say it gives kids positive messages
30% of parents say there are good role models
30% of parents don't feel there are good role models
30% of parents don't think the messages are positive
30% of parents say it's too violent
Have you read it? Review It!

Most Recent Reviews

 

Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    Kid review

    I love this book!!!!!!! I read it when i was 10. I am eleven and it was great. There were a couple not to goos things. There were sweres such as S**t and D**n. Bella dosen't listen to wat will save her life

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    Kid review

    I love this book!!!!!!! I read it when i was 10. I am eleven and it was great. There were a couple not to goos things. There were sweres such as S**t and D**n. Bella dosen't listen to wat will save her life

  3. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Breaking Dawn- Good book, but only for teens

    I think, like most parents, that it's not appropriate for kids or tweens. If your child reads this book, I recommend asking if any part is disturbing to them. Talking to them about issues such as violence and sex is a good idea.

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    good reading for mothers/daughters

    I loved the series myself and have enjoyed reading them along with both my daughters (one adult and the other a teen). I would not recommend it for any child under 12 and would suggest it be read by parents first. I didn't have any major issues with any of the series. I believe parents need to determine if their child has a clear understand of the difference between fantasy and reality and then make their decision

  5. I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative message

    great read... for adults.

    I liked this book but it was too mature for my 13 yr old. Sadly she read it several times before me.

  6. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    for ages 11 and up

    you guys give that book to your kids and let them read it

  7. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I love this book for myself! I am a 29 year old mother to a 7 year old girl. Her friends talk about it but she knows she will not be reading it till she is 14 or so. The birth scene is very graphic and Edward and Bella's relationship is too mature for tweens.

  8. I rate this title off for age 15 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    "Twilight" a guide to abusive boyfriends for teens

    I loath this book...What are parents thinking?? Im not going to mention the writing enough has been said on that matter. Sure Bella and Edward don't have sex ....they just spend all their time obsessing over it Edward is meant to be 103 and yet he wants some 16yr old ? ick true love does NOT mean you can date outside your age bracket in my house Honestly if my teen was in such a obsessive controlling relationship with a rich older mn Id panic ..leave out the vampire stuff and it is a blue print for a abusive relationship ...do we really want young women thinking this is romantic?

  9. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Bella finally gets her man! the wedding was great!! loved it! RENESMEE!!! loved this book! this book is probably the more risque book of the 4.. but its done in such a subtle way that it doesnt even make any difference really/

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Bella a poor role model.

    I've read all four books in this series. Stephenie Meyer, get thee to an editor! This is just plain bad writing. The sentence and paragraph structure is chop-suey, descriptive narrative non-existent. I don't like Bella. She is a whiny, mean-spirited, and has a death wish. On her first day in schoool, Eric offers to help her find her next class, and she says he's over-helpful, compares Mike to a golden retriever. Edward has all the warning flags of being an abuser. Girls, if a boy sneaks into your room to watch you sleep, commands all your time, isolates you from others, physically restrains you, run-fast-in the other direction. That is not love.

  11. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    It's a very good book with a lot of drama and suspense.

    The book is great! It is full of suspense and really lets someone think of the book in their own way! It is really good and is also a good show of love and support needed through rough times. It also shows the true friendship between friends which is a very good example for teenage kids who have lots of problems with friends and relationships. It is a very good book and advice anyone to read it (preferably over 13 years of age).

  13. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Awesome, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 12!

    There were a lot of negative reviews for this book. But I really liked it! I am a big fan of the Twilight Saga. The sex wasn't too descriptive and was left mostly to the reader's imagination. The only part that would be a cause for concern is The birth scene (Quite gory!, but I didn't mind it because it was very realistic for the circumstances!) and possibly parts of Bella's pregnancy and When she becomes a vampire. No, it isn't comparable to Harry Potter or any other fantasy book I have read. I have people asking me to compare constantly. If you like the literary side of reading, different vocabulary and a really great (and complicated) story, Harry Potter is for you. If you want a good story with basic language and something easy to get into, Twilight is Good!

  14. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    perfect for 12 and up

    the book has great messages because edward and bella wait untill they're married to have sex whitch is what we tell our kids to do and it isn't descriptive edward would do anything for bella because he loves her so much

  15. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    A good story!

    I read reviews for the Twilight saga before I ever read the books. To be honest, I was more bothered by the passion portrayed in Twilight than by the honeymoon description in Breaking Dawn. Being so wrapped up in a boy isn't healthy. I have fewer problems when the whole series is considered. Edward isn't after Bella the way some boys would be. HE wants to wait for marriage and Bella ultimately agrees. Bella doesn't "want" to be the girl who marries right after high school. Her circumstances sort of dictate it, though. Edward is unnaturally attentive (creepily so, in Twilight) but considering he's both a vampire and can usually know a person's thoughts it sort of makes sense. Which somehow makes it less disturbing. He does try to control her but it is to keep her safe and he does eventually back off some. I opted to let my 11 year old read it because A) many girls she knows have and B) she can check it out at school, keep it in her backpack and I'd never know. This way, I'm aware of it and we can talk about it. I've stressed the relationships in the book between the other characters--not just Bella and Edward. There's lots of different kinds of love in the books. Alice loves her "brother" Edward, Jasper AND Bella, Edward's parents love him. Bella loves her parents. Those relationships are worth noting. The idea of waiting to have sex until after marriage and with someone you love and plan to stay with is an idea worth promoting. Bella may be helpless but she is brave and at least tries to take control. I actually appreciate that in the end it's Bella's talent that saves them all. For teen girls that's a good message--even though most girls do want to be cared for the way Edward cares for Bella. The story itself is compelling if not necessarily a classic. Overall this book is one I decided she could read now. Harry Potter it's not, but it is a good story. Stephenie Meyer has a gift for telling a story.

  16. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    I loved it. And while I let my 11 year old read the other 3 she will have to wait for this one. Violence (for the most part) doesn't bug me, my girls get that they don't do what they read...and I'm not worried they will become a vampire...lol. But I don't think 9-12 year olds need to be reading the sex portion of this book. While not graphic for teens or adults, it's a bit much for kids in my opinion. However the characters waited till marriage and I like that. I loved the entire series and spark an intense love of reading for me and my 11 year old. But why have to explain to an 11 year old about a destroyed bed on wedding night....get it?

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    The main problem that I had with this whole series is that Bella is too dependent on Edward, for everything. She feels that she can't live with out him. This is not the kind of girl I want my 14 year old daughter to model her dating life after. There is no balance between Bella and Edward. The begining of this book was completely inappropriate for the age group this was written for. If you are going to let your teen read these, please as a parent, read them yourself. Keep an open discussion going regarding the unhealthy relationship between Edward and Bella.

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Good for adults and 16+

    The twilight saga is meant for a adults and late teens. The fan base is way to young. I believe this book and the others can negatively effect young girls. Bella is helpless and hopeless with out edward. She quits school, doesnt go to college to be with him. She also get married and pregnant at 18. This makes here out to be a damsel in distress and is anti- feminism. Worst of all this protrayal of a weak female obsessed by love is treated as to be perfectly fine by the writer rather then unhealthy as it is. Bella and Edward have violent and rough "relations". "Relations" are protrayed many times in this book. After one time she is left bitten, bruised, and scratched by edward. Bella, of course, gets pregnant with a supernatural baby of some sort, which steals away all of her strenght and life as it grows. The birth of the child is highly gory, with blood breaking bones, and a near death. There is also nudity in this book. My 12 year old sister will have to wait to read this one.

  19. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    As long as it's not taken too seriously...

    I feel this series explores an unhealthy relationship. Bella becomes so dependent on Edward and can be describes as an anti-feminist character who does nothing for her self. Edward is controlling and abusive towards Bella. Remind your children (especially daughters) that being treated like that is not acceptable.

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Vermont
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    a little iffy for tweens, 12-14 still a little tiny bit iffy,15+ perfect.

    I liked this book, it was as good as the rest. I don't, however, think it needs all the gore as part of the birth scene. Otherwise, i give it a thumbs up for ages 14+.

  21. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0

    SUCKED!!!! DISCRACE TO ALL VAMPIRE STORIES!!!!

    This book is SO inapropriate.The birthing of Renessmee was WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY too discriptive and Jacob is perverted, he "imprinted" on a baby, and still tried to date Isabella even after she was married.

  22. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title off for age 15 and give it 1.0

    i made my mom read it

    dont care

  23. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0

    This is why I read books! :-)

    I loved _Breaking Dawn_. I love the fact that Stephenie Meyer did not kill off everyone who caused a "complication" and told the story at a leisurely pace. The reason I read books (over and over sometimes) is to really experience life as the characters. I felt that Stephenie Meyer ended the book beautifully for all of us who relate to Bella (and that is ALL of us, right?) The book unfolded as our lives often do--not as we expect--but BETTER! :-)

  24. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    Definatly appropriate for 10 year olds!

    I read it and my friends children have read it and loved it, so you know what it is appropriate!

  25. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Beautiful Story!!!!

    A beautiful story that is not sloopily written. it does include somethings some parents would not approve of but I am 11 and read the whole series and din't have any problems understanding it. A MUST READ!!!!!! (but read Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse first!!!)

 

Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Fabulous Book For 11+ (By a Kid)

    Personally, I love this book. I'm eleven and I absolutely loved this book. It unravels an incredible story, a vampire version of Romeo and Juliet! I must say some parts were of gory. It does say that Edward and Bella have sex, indirectly. It does not describe or allow you to visualize it, thank god. They do have sex after marrige and I felt that was an imaportant lesson/factor. I honestly did not like how the author depicted the image of Bella giving birth. I am a creative, imaginitave, ingenious person so I could picture everything. That upset me the most. The Cullens do buy expensive gifts and throw a large weddings and parties, but I did not find that to be in issue. I also felt that Bella was just throwing herself away by marrying so young, but I know I will not make that mistake. I do not think this book is appropriate for young adults under the age of 11. If you let your child read it, I suggest you read the book first. My mom did not read it so when I read the part about sex, I was devastated. Explain to your kids that what they did was foolish, tell them that they should not have sex when they are even in their teens. If you let your 7-year-old read the book, you are a big, fat oaf. Really, you don't want your child to be a S(o)L(ime)U(nlike)T(o) (read capital letters) like Miley Cyrus. LOL! Sorry. Seriously. Read the book! You'll just love it!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism

    sad

    i wish i am allowed to read it my parents are too over protective.......

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Awesome book!

    AWESOME book!! I loved it sooo much! But there is a lot of sexual stuff. I'd say for ages 13+ But it's up to the parents to decide when their kid is ready. I loved it!!!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    good for mature tweens and older.

    I really loved this book! Not my favorite in the saga, but very good! Yes there is language but not that bad. There is a short sexual part, but if you talk to your kids and they now that it is not okay you sould be fine. Also a part with a lot of blood, but I'm fine with that.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Breaking Dawn1

    Love it! I really enjoyed reading the book, and it was my favorite, besides New Moon. I liked the love story part, with all of the love and passion showed between the two, and i liked the family part of the book and how everyone is happy in the end, even Jacob.

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    twilight

    i LOVE this book it was better then all the others.

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    perfect for any as long as they're 12 mybe thirteen.. and older

    I love the book!!!!Its a wonderful book that show's a great story

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    GRRRRRRRRRREAT!

    It was pretty good! I loved chapter 19 but hated Jacob's book. I also loved chapter 20, and 21...etc.!! LOL. but it was great and I read it when I was twelve. It's a little violent but its a great read. i went through the whole thing in 7 hours! The ending is the best for all of the 'twi-hard fans' but I thought it was ok...

  9. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Bad message, Smeyer!

    I did enjoy the fourth book in the series, and believe Bella actually grew as a person. The sex scenes are very mild and a mature tween/teen should be able to handle it though I suggest that you as a parent read over the honeymoon scenes just in case. I find it very impowering and I think it gives girls all over the idea that it's OK to have sex and get pregnant and married at 18, and that you shouldn't be with your boyfriend because he's not Edward Cullen. Really? Also, it lowers girls self-esteem and thinks they need to be brown-haired, brown-eyed, damsel-in-distress, girls so they will find their "Edward Cullen" Myself being a blonde, blue-eyed chick, find this very offensive. This series is WAY to overrated, and trust me, I am not trying to rant on Twilight or Stephenie Meyer, I am a fan, I admit, and have read all 4 books so ha! I wish Bella could just leave Edward, cause lets face it, he's too good for her and she knows it! :)

  10. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    great for teens, but for tweens it's not that bad

    I, myself, loved to book. My parents let me sometimes watch/read/listen to bad stuff. The sex was not too bad. At least they didn't continue with it. There was not much violence. In fact, there barely was any! An then there's the childbirth scene. I don't know if they'll show that in the movies. Well, at least there weren't pictures. I think it should be for 11 and up.

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Good for teens and tweens, but not for children

    I think Bella's and Edwards relationship is to controlling, or even somewhat abusive. In other words, unhealthy.

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Good for teens and tweens, but not children

    I think that Bella and Edward's relationship is to controling and somewhat abusive. In other word's, unhealthy.

  13. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

  14. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Series Takes It Too Far

    I myself did not like this book. It was NOT the nice series I read for 4th graders and teenagers alike. It was dragged on long if you asked me. Throughout the whole series, you can see that Edward Cullen is possessive of Bella. He forbids Bella from seeing Jacob at all. A man comments on Bella's 'rockin' body', too. There's violence, innuendoes, and much more. The fourth and final novel of the vampire love saga. All I have to say is thank the Lord it's over! PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINIONS. I just think it is using too much valuable money. Why can't they spend the money they're using to make the movies to put children in school or feed the hungry rather than show off how excessively the Cullens live? Who honestly thought of that?

  15. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    trust your kids

    SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!! it happens every day to repopulate the earth so please dont go there.if you talk to your kids this book is fine.

  16. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Great

    I really like it but the birth scene is gross but parents should know that if kids don't want to read something they WILL put it down

  17. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    the best book ever

    i really love this book

  18. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    I loved it but my mom taped together the pages of the honeymoon because she felt it was not appropriate for a 10 year old. That was fine with me because I loved this book anyways.

  19. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Iffy for me.

    This book was very iffy for me. My friend and I both agree that this book is our least favorite in the series because of all the stuff that we shouldn't read. It is very good, don't get me wrong, just don't let anyone under the age of 11 read it no matter how mature they are.

  20. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    ICK!!!!!!

    I HATE THIS BOOK!!!!!!I wouldnt let your kids read it.Seriously.Do you really want your kids to think its okay to have "it" right after high scool?And,Whats up with all the Violence?And why does it all Get better at the end of the story??

  21. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    I do think that sometimes this book is very detailed and is a little bit...too descriptive. But overall it is a very good book for young adults.

  22. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

  23. I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0

    .

    Love it. I would reccomend all of Stephaine Meyer's books to anyone over 13+.

  24. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Good for mature tweens and pre-teens and older

    Love this book - my only concerns are the "emotional" parts that happen, which really creep you out, and the cursing, but no really bad words, just everyday language. And in the fights it's really violent, but nothing too horrible.

  25. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! itsa really good book but kinda gory and kinda sexy and a use of morphine....

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