Okay, having finally finished the last two books of the 'Twilight' series I feel I finally know enough to wade into the 'is it crap/is it the best series ever' debate.
***Warning, spoilers are coming!***
Personally I don't think it is either. Yes, for the most part I found these books to be an enjoyable read, with some parts that I found rivetting, particularly in the fourth book 'Breaking Dawn'. But by the same token, there were parts I found quite boring and long winded and could well have done without. It was only the ongong questions about when/if Bella was to become a vampire and the added element of Jacob that really kept me reading at times. I found the Jacob/Bella/Edward triangle interesting, and I thought Jacob was the saving grace of the series when Edward became too much of a tosspot in my eyes ;) Yes, of course your actions were all in the name of your unequivocal love for Bella blah blah blah but sorry Edward, I didn't always buy it!
I must admit, the final book was interesting. I struggled through big chunks of the first, second and third book trying to maintain interest, but 'Braking Dawn' had a huge shift that I enjoyed. The storyline with Bella and Edward finally marrying and the surprise of Reneesme (Worst name evey by the way!!) really had me hooked. But in a way that made the ending all the more disappointing to me, I was finally with the story 100 percent and then felt like the ending was one of the biggest cop outs I have read in a long time. Yes, I was hoping against all hope that the family would be ok, that they could continue on against all odds, and a small part of me was happy that that was the case. But the way it happened - yaaaaaaaaaaaawn!! With so much leading up to this confrontation, I feel the least the plot owed us was more than a killing off of a minor character and a whole lot of chat. There was so much more that could have been done with the conflict with the Volturi, to have such a huge lead up and basically have them say 'Oh, ok then, good argument, as you were' screamed of the author getting herself into a position and not knowing quite how to get out of it cleverly. And realistically, I expected so much more.
So yeah, overall it was a bit of an interesting read, I don't think it's the worst series ever but by the same token I don't think it deserves all the hype that surrounds it. Although I do very much understand how this series appeals so much to younger readers, all no doubt lying in bed waiting for their own 'Edward' to come along.
Personally, with my rose coloured glasses firmly in place, I think 'Interview with a Vampire' was so much better. But then again maybe it's just because I was a teengaer when I read that as well?! Maybe I need to go back and read it with an adult eye.
So all that said, I am giving it a three out of five, although that might be being slightly generous.
