Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Obsessive vampire romance is absorbing and fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 124 parent reviews
Based on 600 kid reviews
Kids say the book presents a mix of opinions, with some praising the engaging romance and character relatability, while others criticize it for poor writing and unhealthy relationship dynamics. Many emphasize the importance of considering maturity before allowing younger readers due to themes of obsession and dependency in the main characters, suggesting a varied suitability for different age groups.
- great romance
- unhealthy relationships
- mixed opinions
- varied maturity
- entertaining read
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TWILIGHT, Bella initially thinks she made a huge mistake when she moves in with her dad in gloomy Forks, Washington. She misses her mom and sunny Phoenix, her dad can't cook, and she has a rough time on her first few days in a much smaller high school. Most of the kids are nice, sure, but her new lab partner in biology, Edward, looks like he wants to kill her. In the school office, she even overhears him try to switch out of her class. This makes his actions in the school parking lot on an icy morning seem even stranger. When a car swerves toward Bella, Edward rushes over with impossible speed, puts a dent in the oncoming car with his bare hand, and saves her life. At the hospital, Edward tries to keep Bella quiet about the superhuman details of the accident. She says nothing, but she can't quell her curiosity about him. What exactly is he? Why can't she stop thinking about him? And how far is she willing to be pulled in to Edward's alluring but dangerous world?
Is It Any Good?
Fans of obsessive and impossible romances swoon over this hot-vampire story despite its length and some excessive moony-ness. Twilight is full of Bella's wistful descriptions of Edward and a longing that leaves room for little else in her mind. "I couldn't imagine how an angel could be any more glorious. There was nothing about him that could be improved upon," she reflects. And yet, this is a guy who angers awfully easily and watches her sleep. Still, with the world of teen romance so hard to navigate, there's something about having your love life all figured out in one date. And author Stephenie Meyer may not write with economy or brilliant turns of phrase, but she builds up the romantic tension successfully.
Meyer is also successful at building her mysterious world of vampires. It's clear that she has carefully considered her minor characters. The stories of how each vampire turned and joined the coven add an extra layer to this fantasy world. The small-town Washington setting also adds appeal. Described in vivid detail, the rain-soaked green and aliveness of Forks make the presence of deathly pale vampires in the town feel even more surreal. But readers will mostly sink their fangs into Twilight for the dramatic romance, and there's plenty of that here—and in the rest of the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Bella and Edward's relationship in Twilight. Which aspects of Edward's behavior might seem controlling, possessive, or even abusive? Where might you turn if you or someone you knew were in a relationship like that?
Have you read books that depict a healthier relationship than Bella and Edward's? What behaviors do characters show in a healthy relationship? What things would you look for in a romantic partner?
How much do you enjoy the Twilight series? Will you read all the books? Watch all the movies? Demand a family trip to Washington state for a Twilight-themed tour of Forks? What do you think is the franchise's appeal?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Vampires ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : October 1, 2005
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 498
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 11, 2025
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