Parents' Guide to Eclipse: The Twilight Saga, Book 3

Book Stephenie Meyer Fantasy 2007
Eclipse: The Twilight Saga, Book 3 Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Matt Berman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Love is a bit obsessive in suspenseful 3rd vampire book.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 36 parent reviews

Parents say the book is a polarizing read, with some praising its excitement and romance while highlighting significant concerns about unhealthy relationship dynamics, violence, and sexual content inappropriate for younger readers. Many reviewers suggest it might be suitable for mature teens who can critically engage with its themes, but caution that it presents distorted views of love and respect in relationships.

  • unhealthy relationships
  • violence and blood
  • critical engagement needed
  • positive messages about waiting
  • suitable for older teens
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 36 parent reviews
age 12+

Based on 162 kid reviews

 

 

See all 162 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Bella and dashing vampire Edward are back together, but Jacob (the teen Native American werewolf) wants to win Bella over for himself. Of course, she wants to become a vampire right after high school graduation, much to Jacob's horror -- but Edward refuses unless she marries him first (much to Jacob's even greater horror). Meanwhile Victoria, the vengeful vampire, is still out to get Bella, and Seattle seems to be infested with new, young vampires on a killing spree. And the two problems may be related. So ancient enemies, vampires and werewolves, join forces to protect Bella and solve both problems -- before the ancient Italian vampires intervene.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 36 ):
Kids say ( 162 ):

Those who don't find hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds) of pages of mooning over hunky vampires appealing will read the plot synopsis, roll their eyes, and move on. Those who enjoy moody fantasy romance, though -- and we know there are lots of teens that do -- will find that ECLIPSE is very well done. Author Stephenie Meyer's writing style will keep readers turning pages even when there is nothing much happening (which is most of the time). Plus, there is a lot more suspense in this entry than in last two in the Twilight series, as well as a pretty entertaining climactic battle (though much of it happens offstage). Fans won't find a final resolution here, so they will be eager to bite into Meyer's fourth book to see what happens next.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Bella's relationship with Edward. It is portrayed as romantic -- do you think it is, or is it more like obsessive? Is it healthy?

  • Why do you think the Twilight series, with the books and now the movies, is so popular, even with adults?

Book Details

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