Eclipse: The Twilight Saga, Book 3 Book Poster Image

Eclipse: The Twilight Saga, Book 3

age 13+
(i)

 

Love is a bit obsessive in suspenseful 3rd vampire book.
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Parents recommendPopular with kids

What parents need to know

Educational value

Even teens who don't consider themselves readers may find themselves racing through this long romantic fantasy -- as well as the other big books in this series.

Positive messages

There is a whole "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" theme going on here as ancient foes -- vampires and werewolves -- join forces to protect Bella.

Positive role models

Bella is a helpless damsel in distress, and her life completely revolves around her love, from whom she can't stand to be separated, and for whom she will make any sacrifice, including her family and life. On the other hand, readers will empathize with the difficult choice facing her (Edward's love or Jacob's friendship) and be impressed that two men are able to put aside their feud to work together.

Violence

Vampires fight and dismember one another, with some help from werewolves. Body parts fly. A helpless teen vampire who has surrendered is killed anyway.

Sex

Kissing. Lots of kissing. Bella wants to have sex, but Edward says no. Bella's father awkwardly tries to have a sex talk with her.

Language
Not applicable
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that, aside from some kissing, some sex talk, and one violent fight, the main concern here is how Bella is portrayed. This book follows the conventions of a typical romance novel -- the heroine is completely helpless, and completely obsessed with her love, and this is portrayed as perfectly OK instead of troubling. In Book 2 Edward attempted suicide when he thought Bella was dead. In this one, Jacob threatens it if Bella chooses Edward. Overall Bella doesn't have healthy relationships, yet they're not portrayed as unhealthy -- just romantic.

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?

QUALITY

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.

Families can talk 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

Author:Stephenie Meyer
Genre:Fantasy
Topics:Magic and fantasy
Book type:Fiction
Publisher:Little, Brown and Company
Publication date:August 7, 2007
Number of pages:629

This review of Eclipse: The Twilight Saga, Book 3 was written by

Matt Berman
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are conducted by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

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Teen, 13 years old Written bycatwiz97 October 1, 2009
age 12+
It's great! I think stephenie meyer is a great writer and she deserves the popularity. YAY!! I am not a humongo twi fanatic, but I will be going out to see new moon when it hits theaters.
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Kid, 9 years old May 8, 2009
age 17+

good or or not

it was wonderful.........not really jk pie
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Kid, 11 years old February 15, 2010
age 11+

okay for tweens not kids under 10

There is not much wrong with this book. I read it and parnets of kids over 10 dont really have much to concern about. Just tell your kids to skip the part where they try to do it. Thats what i did
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