Breaking Dawn (Twilight #4)

I must have discovered some new found appreciation for Breaking Dawn during my reread, since I enjoyed it way more than I did the first time. I flew through it, despite it being the longest of the series, and I think it might be my second favorite of the series (behind Eclipse, of course). I’m not sure what it was that made me love it the second time, even though I nearly hated it the first time around. I still found a good chunk of it boring and repetitive, and the plot still got stranger as it moved along, but I guess I liked that. Maybe it was the fact that the book didn’t focus on the tiny bubble that is Bedward. Instead we get a whole new cast of characters along side the favorites, and more outside forces.

After the action-packed adventure that was Eclipse, Breaking Dawn is a completely different tone. There is no action, at all. Even the big fight with the Volturi that the Cullens are anxiously awaiting, never comes. They work it out by talking, but I think that works, since no one really wants it to come to violence.

There’s about 200 pages where we leave Bella’s head completely and enter Jacob’s (and the pack by the nature of their connection). It should have been refreshing, but it was really boring. Every chapter was essentially the same: Jacob is in his wolf form on patrol, he phases back to human to visit Bella, Bella is overly excited to see him, something happens to upset Jacob and he takes off. Lather, rinse, repeat. We do get some interesting insight into the mind of the pack, especially Leah. It all felt like filler though as we wait for Bella to finally give birth, which was when things get interesting.

Aside from my one-line scene in Eclipse, Breaking Dawn contains my favorite scene of the series: the birth. The first time I read Breaking Dawn, I had to read that part several times because I just couldn’t believe it! Edward bites the baby out! Literally, he chews his way through Bella’s womb since none of the medical tools are strong enough. It was awesome! It was the only thing that stood out to me the first time I read this, and was probably the only scene I actually remembered.

Oh, there was also Jacob’s imprinting which weirded me out, because it prompted me to come up with this whole crazy, disturbing theory. I explained this theory to my mom as if it was fact, because let’s face it, it probably is. She found it strange too. My theory is that Jacob must have imprinted on the egg within Bella’s ovaries that was destined to become Renesme. What Jacob thought was love for Bella was really a longing for part of her female anatomy. Creepy.

Anyway, Breaking Dawn was pretty awesome the second time around. It’s still quite bizarre in places, but I didn’t hate it this time, so that’s saying something. I’m glad there was a happy ending, but I wasn’t expecting anything but. I just wish it had been less anti-climatic.

I don't really like it when authors have certain chapters for certain characters. I prefer when the story just flows from start to finish, everyone together in the storyline. I mean the story is still great, and I did enjoy the book - it had a great ending.

Lets just say that when I re-read the series I skipped the entire 'Jacob' section in this book.

Reader reviewed by Amy

Breaking Dawn is the final book in the Twilight Saga.  Breaking Dawn is broken up into three different books, with one and three being told from Bellas perspective and then the second book is told from Jacobs perspective.  The book opens with a few days before Edward and Bellas wedding.  Bella is upset that she hasnt seen Jacob in a long time because he has remained in his wolf form and is in Northern Canada.  When Bella returns home from getting gas she finds Alice finishing up measuring her dad for his tuxedo, only to find its her turn to get measured for her wedding dress.  All Bella can think about is Edward and how nice it will the wedding and honeymoon will be.

            For the honeymoon, Edward takes Bella to a secluded island, called Isle Esme, of the coast of Brazil., which was a present from Carlisle.  Edward and Bella make love for the first time but they argue because Edwards passion leaves dark bruises on Bellas body.  Bella soon finds herself constantly hungry and sick and realizes shes pregnant.  They cut honeymoon short and rush back to the Cullen mansion.

            Book two, which is from Jacobs perspective, is about when he finds about how Bella  contracted a rare disease while in South Africa.  He rushes to the Cullen household to find out that this is not true and the childs rapid growth is hurting and endangering Bellas health.  Tensions run high during the time of the pregnancy, but Edward delivers the baby girl and Jacob looks into the Renesmees eyes and imprints on her.

When the book returns to Bellas perspective again, she is experiencing the painful transformation from human to vampire.  Edward did this shortly after her giving birth to Renesmee because she is half vampire.  Bella is able to demonstrate self-control both while seeing her daughter and while hunting which is very rare for newborn vampires.  Before Bella and Edward go hunting for the first time, Alice shows Bella her reflection.  Bella sees herself as a beautiful woman with flawless skin. She is graceful, strong and fast.  Renesmee is growing at an amazing rate so she looks older than her calendar age. Bella learns of Renesmee's gift - the ability to communicate by sending images to people's minds through touch.

Finally, the Volturi pay a visit to the Cullens thinking that Renesmee is an immortal child, but shes not.  Shes half vampire and half human.  In the past immortal children had caused mass destruction and the past.  Bella also makes use of her gift which is mind-privacy she is able to shield others from other vampires powers. 

After all the chaos, Bella and Edward return to their cottage and put Renesmee to bed.  Bella places her hands on Edward's cheeks and tries to push away her shield.  She has been secretly practicing for this moment. She thinks of all of her special memories that she wants to share with Edward. He is finally able to see for the first time just how deeply she has always loved him.

Reader reviewed by Sarima89

Reader reviewed by Julie

I liked this book, it was good. It wasn't the best book in the Twilight Saga, but it was still very good. I couldn't out this book down. I got it as soon as it came out and finished it in a day. It was an exciting and addicting read. It was unpredictable and I had fun trying to guess what would happen next. I loved this book, and would recommend it to everyone.

Reader reviewed by Brooke

Don't get me wrong this book is a very good book. I mean hey i'm a fan of the series too. I loved all of the books, I even loved this one. But the ending made me feel like i was left hanging. You know like it wasw making me wanting more. I still recommend for you all to read it though! I love it. Hate that it's the last one though.

Reader reviewed by webster

i love this book,but i don't like who it the fight went down, it seems like the volturi just gave up. Renesmee sounds cute, ok even when edward is now married to bella i still totally want him...lol...I can't believe jacob imprinted on renesmee and that bella became a vampire; not fair...lol

Reader reviewed by Piper Moxie

Stephanie Meyer really outdid herself with this one, Breaking Dawn was adorable, it made me laugh, it made me cry (yes I am a total sap and I cry at books) and it made me read non stop for 2 days!  I didn't like how part of the book was in Jacobs point of view and the second time I actually skipped that whole section. I am not trying to say that I didn't enjoy getting into Jacob's head and I realize it was crucial to have it written that why, I just couldn't get into it as much when it isn't Bella telling the story.
  Other than that I adored the book, watching Bella transform and really come into her own was great, every character stayed true to themselves. Everyone should read the Twilight series, it appeals to the young and young at heart.

Reader reviewed by megannx3

This book is about Bella's triumph. She finally becomes a strong character. It has part of the book in Jacobs point of view. Which is great for all TEAM JACOB members. xD Bella  has a daughter name Renesme' with i found uhmazing. This book has a few intimate scenes between Bella and Edward. I Loved IT. Despite the fact that it seems Stephanie could have went further with it.

 

Reader reviewed by Chantel

Though she's not the best writer in the world Meyer hit it with this one.
No doubt.
This book is the best in the Saga, with surprises I didn't even think posswible.
A hear stopping book, will Bella make it?
Is it truly a happy ending?
I won't give it away, but Meyer will leave you smiling, (hint hint )   =}