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by tvnz.co.nz's Anna Gowan

It's always intriguing to read a book that has fascinated millions of readers. Twilight is a phenomenon: it has topped best-seller lists, spawned fan groups and inspired rock bands.

The actors cast in the movie adaptation have become instant stars. Robert Pattinson (who plays the heroic vampire, Edward Cullen) probably needs security to pop out to get the mail. 

Twilight is told from the perspective of 17-year-old loner Bella Swan, who has just moved to the grey and rainy Forks in Washington, USA. There she meets the unpredictable Edward Cullen, her impossibly handsome, mysterious classmate who is guarding one hell of a secret: he's a vampire who longs to thirst on Bella's blood.

It's not long before Bella discovers the truth about Edward, and the two embark on a relationship which increasingly endangers Bella's life, especially when a new group of vampires discover Bella's irresistible scent.

Sound melodramatic? It is. Twilight is a yearning saga of pounding hearts. Word has it the author, Stephenie Meyer (a Morman) used the vampire/mortal relationship as a metaphor for abstinence.

The strength of Twilight lies in its characterisation and plotting. Edward Cullen is everything a hero should be: he's devoted to Bella, while maintaining an air of masculinity. He's incredibly good looking, and to top it all off, he's capable of extreme jealousy and passion.

The plot rips along, offering ample scenes for Bella and Edward to fight, make up, and pine for each other. The final climax doesn't fail to disappoint.

However, Twilight feels like it's in need of a good edit. Case and point?

"I'm sorry," he apologised.

The plot is strong enough to withstand these sloppy moments, but they could easily have been avoided nonetheless. 

Meyer's prose is flowery, and she often resorts to cliché to describe the relationship between Edward and Bella. Longing looks, gasping breath, it's all there. Perhaps the movie adaptation benefits from offering a subjective perspective on their relationship, rather than forcing the audience to listen to Bella talk about Edward's hair for the umpteenth time.

However, Twilight has got the masses reading and for that it shouldn't be knocked.  If you can ignore its flaws, Twilight will take you along for a ride... and perhaps you'll get a little crush on a 101-year-old vampire in the process.

7/10


Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Published by: Hachette Livre
RRP: $29.99
Available: Now, from all good book stores

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