I was one of the millions of people who have been hit hard by The Twilight Saga. I read Book One in just 12 hours straight. I watched the movie the day after, then proceeded to read New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn and even the unfinished and unpublished Book 5, Midnight Sun, in one week’s time – and mind you, I was even able to watch the movie several times while I try to give my eyes a break from reading. I am so into it that sleep, food and rest do not seem a necessity, but rather a distraction – things that keep me from finding out if Edward will eventually allow Bella to become a vampire. In my read, I found Book 2 or New Moon the most dragging. Why? Because I am an Edward Cullen – Bella Swan fan and not of Mr. Werewolf. I am sure most pro-Edwards would agree with me on this, and so I wonder, will New Moon be able to accomplish, or much more, surpass what Twilight was able to do in the past year?

New Moon’s bits and pieces: Pro- Edward Cullen

20% Edward, 80% Jacob.

Edward was present in what, the first two chapters of the book? Then he disappears into what feels like an eternity. The only exciting thing that kept me going was those few dangerous moments in Bella’s life when she was hallucinating that she can hear Edward’s voice. I must admit, I was also hallucinating – thinking that Edward really was keeping eye on Bella and has his own way of communicating to her when the need arises.

The story is somewhat dragging.

Bella’s fall into an empty world brought about by Edward’s absence is boring. Maybe it’s just me, maybe it’s my desire to read parts that involve both Edward and Bella, but while I was reading Bella’s zero enthusiasm into going out and making friends, I found myself reading faster – wanting to get to the next chapters and find out if Edward is soon to appear.

The Cullen Family is missing.

I love all the Cullens and I simply feel no connection to the Quileutes and their history of being werewolves. Although I’m guessing that if it was the other way around and Jacob was the one for Bella, I’d feel indifferent with the Cullens as well (not considering the fact that as a kid, I was a big fan of Anne Rice’s vampire novels as well as pf Christopher Pike’s scary stories).

4. Very few Edward secretly chasing Bella moments. Let’s face it. This is what we all loved in Twilight – Edward watching Bella as she falls asleep, Edward eavesdropping as Bella says no to Mike asking her out for the prom dance, Edward watching Bella read a book under a tree, and Edward following her to Port Angeles and eventually saving her from some freaking maniacs.

Less humour interjected in the film.

Another reason why Twilight plummeted right into the heart of millions of fans is because of the humour, and I mean a lot of it, interjected in the movie – Bella smelling herself while Edward covers his nose in disgust, Edward’s witty remarks, i.e. “then i hope you enjoy disappointment” scene, Bella showcasing her clumsiness when she slipped right in front of Edward, etc. When you read the book, you’ll find that there are a lot more witty exchanges between the two that the movie failed to include. New Moon, on the other hand, is a very sad phase in the life of Bella. I found myself getting tired of the feeling of sadness and hopelessness that Bella imparts the readers. I cried, yes, but most part, I couldn’t wait for Edward to reappear so I could see the old Bella.

Gone is the element of mystery and connivance.

One major contributor in the success of Twilight is the movie’s element of mystery. The readers/viewers felt that they are “in” on Edward’s secret identity. It’s as if the viewers are in connivance with Edward – they understand Edward’s actions – hist strength, his disgust in Bella, etc. while Bella struggles to interpret the meaning of practically everything. In New Moon, although Jacob’s secret identity as a werewolf was revealed, there were no build-ups, Bella was not even interested and has not the slightest clue. She never guessed too near, did no research – Jacob simply presented himself and showed Bella his transformation.

New Moon’s Bits & Pieces: Pro- Jacob Black

New Moon is a tribute to Jacob Black.

The entire book was practically all about Jacob. New Moon recreates Bella’s old friendship with Jacob,  confirms Jacob’s love for Bella which was only slightly implied in Book One, and most importantly – reveals his true identity as a werewolf.

Bella shows signs of falling for Jacob.

In New Moon, Bella begins to show the earliets and slightest signs of falling for Jacob (in Book Three, Bella finally faces the faces the fact that she is probably in love ith Jacob). For Jacob fanatics, this is a big leap!

All in all, New Moon may come as a disappointment to those who have set high expectations. Coming from a very exciting and roller coaster ride in Twilight, New Moon is a hot air balloon ride – it’s slow, mellow and allows you to do lots of thinking and reminiscing.