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Plot Summary

Birthday Dreams and Nightmares

Bella's birthday brings unexpected dread

Bella Swan's eighteenth birthday is overshadowed by anxiety. She dreams of her grandmother, only to realize it's her own reflection, aged while Edward remains eternally young. At the Cullens' party, a paper cut leads to chaos as Jasper's bloodlust is triggered. Edward's protective instincts clash with his family's nature, leaving Bella feeling like a danger to them all. This incident foreshadows a deeper rift, as Edward becomes distant, burdened by the fear of Bella's mortality and his family's vampire nature.

Edward's Departure and Despair

Edward leaves, shattering Bella's world

Edward decides to leave Forks, believing it's best for Bella's safety. He promises it will be as if he never existed, leaving Bella devastated. She wanders into the forest, lost in despair, until Sam Uley finds her. Months pass in a blur of numbness and nightmares, with Bella struggling to cope with the void Edward's absence has left. Her life becomes a monotonous cycle, haunted by memories and the pain of his departure.

Jacob's Friendship and New Beginnings

Jacob offers friendship and healing

Bella finds solace in her friendship with Jacob Black, who becomes a beacon of warmth and laughter. They bond over fixing motorcycles, a reckless endeavor that brings Bella fleeting moments of Edward's voice in her mind. Jacob's presence helps Bella feel alive again, though she remains haunted by the past. Their friendship deepens, but Bella is careful to keep it platonic, aware of Jacob's growing feelings for her.

The Meadow and Danger

A visit to the meadow turns perilous

Bella seeks the meadow where she once shared a magical moment with Edward, hoping to reconnect with his memory. Instead, she encounters Laurent, a vampire with deadly intentions. Before he can harm her, a pack of giant wolves appears, chasing him away. Bella is left shaken, realizing the supernatural dangers that still lurk around her. The wolves' presence hints at a new mystery, one that Jacob might be connected to.

Secrets and Transformation

Jacob's secret and a mysterious change

Jacob becomes distant, avoiding Bella and leaving her confused and hurt. She learns from Quil that Jacob is involved with Sam Uley's group, which seems cult-like. Bella fears for Jacob, suspecting something supernatural is at play. Her attempts to reach out to him are met with resistance, and she worries about losing him to whatever is happening in La Push. The tension between them grows as Jacob struggles with a secret he can't share.

Confrontation and Revelation

A confrontation reveals hidden truths

Bella confronts Jacob, desperate to understand his sudden change. Jacob hints at a secret he can't reveal, one that involves the supernatural stories he once told her. Bella is left to piece together the truth on her own, realizing that Jacob's transformation is linked to the legends of the Quileute tribe. The revelation is both shocking and dangerous, as Bella finds herself caught between the world of vampires and the mysterious wolves of La Push.

Jacob's Painful Revelation

Jacob reveals the treaty's terms

Bella is shocked when Jacob tells her that the treaty between the Cullens and the Quileute tribe will be broken if any human is bitten by a vampire. This revelation comes with the painful realization that Jacob is acting out of a sense of duty to his tribe, even if it means betraying Bella's trust. The tension between Jacob and Edward is palpable, as both are bound by their respective worlds. Bella is caught in the middle, torn between her love for Edward and her deep friendship with Jacob.

Bella's Desperate Realization

Bella's epiphany about Edward's love

After a harrowing experience in Italy, Bella comes to a desperate realization that Edward's love for her never wavered. Despite his previous departure, Edward confesses that he left to protect her, believing she would be safer without him. Bella's understanding of Edward's actions brings a new depth to their relationship, as she grapples with the implications of their love and the dangers it brings.

The Volturi's Deadly Decision

The Volturi's ultimatum looms over Bella

The Volturi, the powerful vampire coven, have given Bella an ultimatum: become a vampire or face death. This decision hangs over Bella and Edward, forcing them to confront the reality of their situation. The threat of the Volturi adds urgency to Bella's desire to become a vampire, but Edward's reluctance to change her complicates matters. The couple must navigate this dangerous path while considering the impact on their future.

Edward's Heartfelt Confession

Edward's unwavering love and regret

Edward confesses to Bella that he never stopped loving her, despite his earlier claims. He explains that his departure was an attempt to give her a normal life, free from the dangers of his world. This heartfelt confession strengthens their bond, as Bella realizes that Edward's love is as deep and enduring as her own. The couple must now face the challenges ahead with renewed commitment to each other.

The Cullens' Crucial Vote

The Cullens decide Bella's fate

Bella asks the Cullens to vote on whether she should become a vampire. The family is divided, with some members supporting her transformation and others expressing concern. Edward is vehemently opposed, fearing for Bella's soul. Despite the mixed opinions, the vote highlights the family's love and concern for Bella, as well as the complexities of her decision. The outcome of the vote will shape Bella's future and her place within the Cullen family.

A New Beginning

Bella and Edward's renewed commitment

With the threat of the Volturi looming and the Cullens' vote behind them, Bella and Edward face a new beginning. They must navigate the complexities of their relationship, balancing their love with the dangers that surround them. Bella's determination to become a vampire is stronger than ever, and Edward must come to terms with her decision. Together, they embark on a journey toward an uncertain future, united by their love and commitment to each other.

Characters

Bella Swan

Determined and conflicted protagonist

Bella is deeply affected by Edward's departure, struggling with a void that leaves her numb and desolate. Her friendship with Jacob offers a glimmer of hope and healing, though she remains cautious of her feelings. Bella's journey is marked by her search for connection and meaning, as she navigates the supernatural dangers that surround her. Her desire to become a vampire is driven by the threat of the Volturi and her commitment to Edward.

Edward Cullen

Protective and loving vampire

Edward's decision to leave Bella is driven by his desire to protect her, though it leaves her shattered. His presence lingers in Bella's mind, a haunting memory that both comforts and torments her. Edward's love for Bella is unwavering, despite his earlier departure. He is determined to protect her from the dangers of his world, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. Edward's internal conflict over Bella's transformation highlights his deep concern for her soul.

Jacob Black

Loyal friend with conflicting loyalties

Jacob becomes Bella's anchor, offering friendship and laughter in her darkest times. His transformation into a werewolf is a pivotal moment, as he grapples with his new identity and the responsibilities it brings. Jacob is torn between his duty to the Quileute tribe and his friendship with Bella. His actions are driven by a desire to protect her, even if it means betraying her trust. Jacob's struggle to reconcile his feelings for Bella with his responsibilities adds complexity to his character.

Sam Uley

Mysterious leader of the pack

Sam is the enigmatic leader of the Quileute werewolves, guiding Jacob and others through their transformations. His influence over Jacob creates tension and fear, as Bella worries about losing her friend to Sam's control. Sam's role is crucial in the unfolding mystery of the supernatural events in La Push.

Laurent

Dangerous vampire with a mission

Laurent's return to Forks poses a deadly threat to Bella, as he seeks to fulfill Victoria's revenge. His encounter with the werewolves reveals the hidden dangers in the forest and the ongoing conflict between vampires and the Quileute tribe. Laurent's presence is a reminder of the perilous world Bella is entangled in.

Victoria

Vengeful vampire in the shadows

Though not directly present, Victoria's threat looms over Bella, driving the tension and fear that permeate her life. Her desire for revenge against Bella for Edward's actions is a constant danger, influencing the events that unfold in Forks and La Push.

Alice Cullen

Visionary and supportive sister

Alice's ability to see the future plays a crucial role in the events that unfold. Her unwavering support for Bella's transformation is driven by her desire to protect her family and ensure Bella's safety. Alice's loyalty to Bella and Edward is a testament to her deep love for them.

Carlisle Cullen

Wise and compassionate patriarch

Carlisle's leadership and wisdom guide the Cullen family through the challenges they face. His support for Bella's transformation is rooted in his understanding of the Volturi's threat and his desire to protect his family. Carlisle's compassion and empathy are central to his character.

Esme Cullen

Loving and nurturing matriarch

Esme's love for her family extends to Bella, whom she considers a daughter. Her support for Bella's transformation is driven by her desire to keep her family together and ensure Bella's safety. Esme's nurturing nature is a source of comfort for Bella.

Aro

Charismatic and dangerous leader

Aro is one of the leaders of the Volturi, a powerful vampire coven. His interest in Bella's potential as a vampire adds tension to the story. Aro's charisma and dangerous nature make him a formidable antagonist.

Plot Devices

Supernatural Transformation and Conflict

Werewolves and vampires collide

The introduction of the Quileute werewolves adds a new layer to the supernatural conflict in Bella's world. Jacob's transformation and the pack's role in protecting their land from vampires create tension and intrigue. This plot device explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the struggle between natural enemies, setting the stage for future confrontations and alliances.

The Volturi's Ultimatum

A looming threat to Bella's future

The Volturi's demand that Bella become a vampire or face death adds urgency to her decision. This plot device highlights the dangers of the supernatural world and the complexities of Bella's relationship with Edward. The Volturi's ultimatum serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold, driving the narrative forward and shaping Bella's future.

Analysis

Exploration of love, identity, and choice

"New Moon" delves into the complexities of love, identity, and the choices that define us. Bella's journey is a poignant exploration of the human condition, as she grapples with loss, longing, and the desire for belonging. The novel examines the tension between the human and supernatural worlds, highlighting the sacrifices and risks inherent in love. Through Bella's relationships with Edward and Jacob, the story explores themes of loyalty, transformation, and the struggle to reconcile conflicting desires. Ultimately, "New Moon" is a tale of resilience and the enduring power of love, set against a backdrop of supernatural intrigue and danger.

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FAQ

Synopsis & Basic Details

What is New Moon about?

  • Bella faces devastating loss: After a dangerous incident at her birthday party highlights the peril of her human mortality to the Cullen family, Edward decides the only way to keep Bella safe is to leave Forks permanently, promising it will be "as if I'd never existed."
  • Despair leads to unexpected friendship: Bella falls into a deep, months-long depression marked by numbness and nightmares, only finding solace and a return to feeling through a burgeoning friendship with Jacob Black, who helps her engage with life again.
  • Supernatural secrets resurface: As Bella grows closer to Jacob, she discovers he is part of a secret group of Quileute shape-shifters (werewolves) tied to ancient legends, whose existence is linked to the presence of vampires and who become her unexpected protectors against a vengeful threat from Edward's past.
  • A race against time and fate: A misunderstanding leads Edward to believe Bella is dead, prompting him to seek destruction by provoking the powerful Volturi vampire coven in Italy, forcing Bella and Alice into a desperate race to save him before it's too late, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the Volturi and a crucial decision about Bella's future.

Why should I read New Moon?

  • Deep dive into emotional impact: New Moon offers a raw exploration of grief, depression, and recovery, providing a relatable portrayal of loss and the struggle to find meaning when faced with devastating change, resonating with readers on a profound emotional level.
  • Complex character development: The novel significantly develops Bella's internal world and resilience, while introducing the dynamic transformation of Jacob Black and exploring the intricate, often painful, dynamics of love, friendship, and conflicting loyalties in the face of supernatural realities.
  • Expands the supernatural lore: The story broadens the Twilight universe by introducing the Quileute werewolves and the ancient, powerful Volturi coven, adding layers of mythology, conflict, and danger that deepen the stakes and world-building beyond the initial vampire romance.

What is the background of New Moon?

  • Sequel building on established conflict: New Moon is the second book in the Twilight saga, directly following the events of Twilight where Bella discovered Edward and his family are vampires and faced a deadly encounter with a nomadic coven, setting the stage for the heightened dangers and emotional fallout explored in this installment.
  • Mythological and literary allusions: The narrative draws heavily on classic literary themes of tragic romance (explicitly referencing Romeo and Juliet) and incorporates elements from various mythologies, particularly vampire and werewolf folklore, reinterpreting them within a contemporary setting in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Focus on the Quileute reservation: The story significantly shifts focus to the La Push reservation, introducing the culture, legends, and characters of the Quileute tribe, whose history and supernatural abilities are intrinsically linked to the presence of vampires in the region, adding a new cultural dimension to the series.

What are the most memorable quotes in New Moon?

  • "It will be as if I'd never existed.": Edward's devastating promise to Bella upon leaving encapsulates the core pain and void that defines the first half of the book, highlighting the theme of erasure and the profound impact of his absence on her identity and sense of reality.
  • "Before you, Bella, my life was like a moonless night. Very dark, but there were stars—points of light and reason… And then you shot across my sky like a meteor.": Edward's confession near the end reveals the depth of his love and the transformative effect Bella had on his immortal existence, contrasting his previous state with the brilliance she brought, explaining his inability to live without her.
  • "I'm not a killer, Bella.": Jacob's earnest declaration on the beach, after Bella confronts him about the missing hikers, is a pivotal moment that clarifies the nature of the Quileute wolves as protectors rather than malicious monsters, shifting Bella's fear and solidifying their bond based on trust in his character.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Stephenie Meyer use?

  • First-person subjective narration: The story is told entirely from Bella's perspective, immersing the reader in her emotional state, thoughts, and limited understanding of events, which heightens the sense of confusion, despair, and later, the surprise of revelations, but also restricts the reader's knowledge to only what Bella perceives.
  • Emphasis on internal monologue and emotion: Meyer heavily utilizes Bella's internal thoughts and feelings, often detailing her physical reactions to emotional pain (e.g., the "hole" in her chest, difficulty breathing), making her psychological state a central element of the narrative and driving the plot through her subjective experience.
  • Foreshadowing and symbolic imagery: The novel employs subtle (and sometimes explicit) foreshadowing, such as Bella's birthday dream mirroring her fear of aging and Edward's immortality, and uses recurring symbols like the forest (representing danger and the supernatural world) and weather patterns (reflecting Bella's mood) to enhance thematic depth and build atmosphere.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

  • Bella's scar's coldness: The crescent-shaped scar on Bella's hand from James's bite is consistently described as being colder than the rest of her skin ("always just a few degrees cooler"), a subtle physical manifestation of her brush with vampirism and a constant, tangible reminder of the danger Edward saved her from, linking her permanently to his world.
  • The Volturi painting in Carlisle's study: Mentioned briefly when Bella first visits the Cullen house in Twilight and recalled by Bella in New Moon, this painting depicting Aro, Caius, and Marcus centuries ago serves as a visual foreshadowing of the Volturi's ancient nature and unchanging appearance, subtly introducing the powerful coven long before their direct involvement in the plot.
  • Emily Young's facial scars: The description of Emily's severe facial scarring, caused by Sam Uley losing control during his transformation, is a stark, visual detail that underscores the inherent danger and volatility of the werewolf nature, highlighting the risks the pack members face and the potential consequences of their power, particularly for those close to them.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

  • Edward's "suicide" contemplation: Edward's casual mention of contemplating provoking the Volturi if Bella had died in Phoenix ("I wasn't going to live without you... maybe I would go to Italy and do something to provoke the Volturi") is a direct foreshadowing of his actions later in the book when he believes she is dead, revealing his deep-seated dependency on her existence.
  • Jacob's Quileute legends: Jacob's early sharing of tribal legends, including stories of descent from wolves and ancient enemies called "cold ones" (vampires), serves as crucial, albeit initially dismissed, foreshadowing of his own transformation and the true nature of the conflict between the Quileute tribe and vampires, which Bella only fully grasps much later.
  • The "clean break" metaphor: The doctor's description of Bella's broken leg in Twilight as a "clean break" that will heal easily is echoed by Edward's intention for their separation in New Moon ("a clean break would be better for you"), a callback that highlights the painful irony of his attempt to sever ties, as the emotional wound proves far from clean or easily healed.

What are some unexpected character connections?

  • Carlisle's history with the Volturi: Carlisle's past connection to the Volturi, having lived with them briefly in his early years, provides a surprising link between the seemingly benevolent Cullens and the formidable ruling coven, explaining Aro's "fondness" for Carlisle and adding complexity to the vampire hierarchy and history.
  • Jacob's lineage and the pack: Jacob's explanation that his werewolf ability is tied to his ancestry, specifically his great-grandfathers Ephraim Black and Quil Ateara (the Quil in the previous pack), reveals that the transformation is not random but hereditary within certain Quileute lines, connecting him directly to the historical conflict and the current pack members through bloodline.
  • Emily's relationship to Sam and the pack: Emily Young is revealed to be Sam Uley's fiancée and is deeply integrated into the pack's life, providing a domestic center and emotional support. Her scarring serves as a constant, tragic reminder of the dangers inherent in the wolves' existence and Sam's struggle with control, highlighting the personal cost of their supernatural reality.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

  • Jacob Black: Beyond a friend, Jacob becomes Bella's emotional anchor and lifeline after Edward leaves, representing the human world she tries to cling to and later revealing the existence of the Quileute shape-shifters, fundamentally changing the supernatural landscape of the story and offering a contrasting form of love and protection.
  • Alice Cullen: Alice's visionary ability is crucial to the plot, first by seeing Bella's potential future as a vampire (a vision that influences Edward) and later by seeing Edward's suicidal plan, prompting her to rescue Bella and travel to Italy, acting as Bella's guide and protector in the vampire world and providing vital information about the Volturi.
  • Carlisle Cullen: As the compassionate patriarch, Carlisle represents the ethical path for vampires, providing a moral counterpoint to the Volturi and other vampires. His history with the Volturi is key to their interaction, and his willingness to transform Bella (despite Edward's objections) is pivotal to the resolution of the Volturi's ultimatum.
  • Sam Uley: Sam is the Alpha of the Quileute pack, guiding the younger shape-shifters and enforcing the treaty with the Cullens. His initial portrayal as potentially sinister (from Bella's limited perspective) gives way to an understanding of his protective role and the burden of his leadership, highlighting the complex dynamics within the pack and their conflict with vampires.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

  • Edward's self-punishment: Beyond protecting Bella, Edward's decision to leave and later seek death with the Volturi is implicitly driven by a deep-seated sense of guilt and self-loathing regarding his vampire nature and the danger he believes he poses to Bella, viewing his existence as inherently harmful and her death as a release from this burden.
  • Bella's pursuit of danger: Bella's seemingly reckless behavior (motorcycles, cliff diving) after Edward leaves is not solely about seeking adrenaline; it's an unspoken attempt to feel something to combat her emotional numbness and potentially trigger hallucinations of Edward's voice, revealing a desperate need for connection and a distorted coping mechanism for grief.
  • Jacob's desire for Bella's happiness (and love): While Jacob genuinely cares for Bella and wants to alleviate her pain, his motivation is also fueled by his deep love for her and the hope that his presence and the human life he represents might eventually replace her need for Edward, creating an unspoken tension in their friendship as he navigates his conflicting desires and loyalty to his pack.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

  • Bella's dissociative response to trauma: Bella's reaction to Edward's departure—entering a state of prolonged numbness, emotional detachment, and difficulty engaging with reality—is a complex psychological response to trauma and loss, illustrating a form of dissociation where her mind attempts to protect itself from overwhelming pain by shutting down emotional processing.
  • Edward's struggle with control and self-worth: Edward exhibits deep psychological complexity in his constant battle to control his vampire instincts, particularly his intense reaction to Bella's blood. His decision to leave stems from a profound lack of self-worth tied to his perceived monstrousness, leading to self-sacrificial actions that are both protective and self-destructive.
  • Jacob's identity conflict: Jacob's transformation into a werewolf forces him to grapple with a sudden, involuntary change in identity. He struggles with the loss of his perceived normalcy, the burden of his new responsibilities, and the fear of losing control (as seen with Emily's scarring), adding layers of psychological strain to his character arc.

What are the major emotional turning points?

  • Edward's departure: This is the primary emotional catalyst, plunging Bella into profound despair and marking the end of her initial happiness, setting the stage for her emotional journey through grief, numbness, and eventual recovery.
  • Bella finding solace in Jacob: The deepening of Bella's friendship with Jacob represents a crucial emotional turning point, as his warmth and presence begin to pull her out of her catatonic state, offering a different kind of comfort and connection that allows her to feel alive again, even if the pain of loss remains.
  • Bella's realization of Edward's continued love: The confrontation in Italy and Edward's subsequent confession that he never stopped loving her, but left to protect her, is a massive emotional turning point, shifting Bella from despair and perceived rejection to understanding and renewed hope, fundamentally altering her emotional landscape and relationship with him.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

  • Bella and Edward's relationship transforms: Their relationship shifts from an intense, almost idealized romance to one defined by devastating separation, grief, and misunderstanding, before evolving into a more complex dynamic based on Bella's resilience, Edward's regret, and a shared understanding of the sacrifices their love demands, culminating in a commitment to face future challenges together.
  • Bella and Jacob's friendship deepens and strains: Their relationship evolves from a casual acquaintance into a vital, life-sustaining friendship for Bella, marked by shared activities and emotional support. However, Jacob's transformation and developing romantic feelings, coupled with Bella's unwavering love for Edward and the supernatural conflict between vampires and werewolves, introduce significant strain and conflicting loyalties that challenge their bond.
  • The Cullen family dynamics are tested: Edward's decision to leave causes distress and division within the Cullen family, particularly impacting Alice and Esme. Their reunion is marked by relief but also lingering tension and disagreement regarding Bella's safety and future, highlighting the family's deep interconnectedness and the impact of individual choices on the group.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

  • The exact nature of Bella's "shield" ability: While it's established that Bella is immune to Edward's mind-reading and Jane's pain illusion, the precise nature and extent of this "shield" ability remain somewhat ambiguous. Its potential for development and how it might manifest if she were to become a vampire is hinted at but not fully explained, leaving her future powers open to interpretation.
  • The long-term implications of the werewolf/vampire treaty: The treaty between the Quileute pack and the Cullens is re-established, but the deep-seated "enmity" between the species, particularly between Edward and Jacob, suggests that maintaining this peace will be an ongoing challenge. The future interactions and potential conflicts between the pack and the Cullen family remain open-ended.
  • The Volturi's true intentions and future involvement: While the Volturi allow Bella and Edward to leave based on Alice's vision of Bella becoming a vampire, their interest in Bella's potential and Caius's warning ("We do not offer second chances") leave their future involvement and the consequences of any delay in Bella's transformation as a significant, unresolved threat.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in New Moon?

  • Edward's decision to leave Bella: This is highly debated among readers. Some view it as a necessary, albeit painful, act of self-sacrificial love aimed at protecting Bella from danger and allowing her a normal life. Others criticize it as abandonment, arguing that he underestimated Bella's resilience and caused her immense psychological harm, highlighting themes of control and agency in relationships.
  • Bella's period of depression and numbness: Bella's extreme, almost catatonic, reaction to Edward's departure is sometimes debated. Some find it a realistic portrayal of severe grief and trauma, while others view it as an excessive or unhealthy depiction of dependency, sparking discussions about the portrayal of mental health and romantic relationships in the novel.
  • Jacob's actions after his transformation: Jacob's shift in behavior, including his initial avoidance of Bella and later attempts to keep her away from vampires (culminating in revealing the motorcycle to Charlie), is controversial. Some see it as a protective instinct driven by his new nature and love for Bella, while others view it as manipulative or possessive behavior, debating the line between care and control in his actions.

New Moon Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

  • Edward and Bella reunite and commit: The climax sees Bella and Alice saving Edward from the Volturi in Italy. Edward realizes Bella is alive and confesses his unwavering love, explaining he left to give her a human life but cannot live without her. This signifies a renewed, deeper commitment between them, based on honesty about their feelings and the dangers they face together.
  • The Volturi's ultimatum: The Volturi spare Bella and Edward based on Alice's vision of Bella becoming a vampire. They demand that Bella be transformed eventually, threatening intervention if she remains human and exposed to the supernatural world. This establishes a clear deadline and external pressure for Bella's transformation, shifting the conflict from internal (Edward's reluctance) to external (the Volturi's threat).
  • Bella chooses immortality, but on her terms: Faced with the Volturi's ultimatum and Edward's continued reluctance to change her himself, Bella puts her fate to a vote with the Cullen family. The majority votes for her transformation. While Edward initially resists, he eventually agrees to be the one to change her, but proposes marriage first, delaying the transformation until after her high school graduation. This ending signifies Bella's agency in choosing her path, the Cullen family's acceptance, and sets up the central conflict and resolution for the next book, Eclipse.

Review Summary

3.61 out of 5
Average of 2M+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

New Moon receives mixed reviews, with many readers critical of Bella's depression and behavior after Edward leaves. Some praise Meyer's writing and character development, particularly Jacob's role. Others find the relationship dynamics problematic and the plot weak. Fans appreciate the emotional depth and vampire lore, while critics argue the book promotes unhealthy relationships. The introduction of the Volturi and expansion of the werewolf storyline are generally well-received. Overall, opinions are polarized, with some considering it the weakest in the series and others finding it compelling.

Your rating:
4.2
35 ratings

About the Author

Stephenie Meyer is the author of the bestselling Twilight series, which gained immense popularity and critical acclaim. The first book, Twilight, became a cultural phenomenon, appearing on bestseller lists and receiving numerous accolades. Meyer's other works include The Host and The Chemist. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English Literature. Born in Connecticut, Meyer now resides in Arizona with her family. Her success with the Twilight series has made her one of the most influential authors in young adult literature, with her books adapted into a successful film franchise.

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