This book is a vampire novel for people who don’t like vampire novels (according to Stephenie Meyer). Intended for a young adult audience, Twilight will appeal to adults as well.

Bella is a high school student who has just decided to move in with her father in the small town of Forks, Washington. Bella loves living with her mom in Phoenix but decides to move to the gloomy Olympic Peninsula to give her mother and new stepfather some time alone.

On her first day of high school she meets the beautiful and mysterious Cullen family. She becomes intrigued by, and falls in love with Edward Cullen setting into motion a chain of events that could end with her death. Their intense, secret relationship soon becomes a struggle to survive when outside vampires invade the territory. Bella and Edward’s relationship defies their instincts and is precariously balanced. He is the predator and she is prey. It’s a bit like the lion falling in love with the gazelle. The most poignant and beatiful part of the book is the scene in the meadow sunlight. Bella is fascinated though she should be frightened by Edward’s desires.

This was a profoundly great vampire novel, long enough satisfy readers and to develop the story. You’ll be rooting for the future of Bella and Edward. But the real question is will he or won’t he make her a vampire? Read it and find out. Book two, New Moon continues their story.