Bite this, vol. 3
Here again with the third installment of the curious - that is, when it's not downright dull - fantasy saga.
In a slightly surprising turn of events, there was actual, tangible conflict to be found here - along with the usual issues.
Edward is back for good, and although Bella is overjoyed at this, she could stand to be happier. Edward's clan of vampires are direct enemies of the pack of werewolves that roam La Pushe, the town next to Forks. This wouldn't be a major problem except that Bella's best friend Jacob belongs to the pack, and he doesn't like it when Edward wants to keep Bella away from him. She wishes they could put their feud behind them, but as they jockey for her affections, this proves to be impossible. A more pressing matter is that of Victoria, a vengeful vampire who is still out for Bella's blood and who might be connected to the sudden random killings going on in nearby Seattle. If there is one thing the Cullens and the werewolf pack can agree on, it's protecting Bella at all costs and getting rid of the "newborns." Meanwhile, Bella and Edward are at odds themselves: she wants to be with him physically, while he wants to make an honest woman of her - before she is scheduled to become a vampire herself ... although Edward isn't exactly looking forward to that.
As messy and meandering this book was, it was also suspenseful and somewhat introspective. Bella tries time and again to sort out her feelings for Jacob, who later declares that he is in love with her and then kisses her against her will. She knows how she feels about Edward, and how she wants to express it, but Edward insists on waiting - which could be read either as a switch on the usual horny boy/prim girl trope, or Edward being in control of Bella's sexuality. Also, the "conflict" in their relationship - it's hardly there, since they constantly talk about their love for once another - is pointless: if Bella's going to spend the rest of eternity with him, why does she shy away from the idea of marriage? It's interesting - and rather stupid - that the actual word "sex" is never spoken or thought, never showing up in the text. One gets the feeling that, whatever Meyer's motivations, she is as prudish as Edward seems to be.
This is a reoccuring theme in this book: whenever Bella gets the idea to do something, it's more or less shot down. For example, in the climactic fight scene (which is quite well done), she has an urge to get in on the fight and help Edward, but ends up doing nothing because, well, ultimately she can't keep up. When the main character interacts with the story to the same extent as the audience, it gets increasingly boring - no matter if she's involved in an intriguing love triangle. In fact, she does little herself to move that plot forward; it's Edward who suggests that she explore her feelings for Jacob before they agree to commit to each other. Edward, meanwhile, looks better in comparison with this book's version of Jacob, who has become arrogant, self-assured, and somewhat immature. Part of the conflict is that Bella wants the old Jacob back, but it looks as though he's gone for good.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of tension, drama, and tons of backstories about secondary characters that are quite enjoyable and, dare I say, redeem the book. We learn of Jasper's past, and Rosalie's (as she buries the hatchet with Bella), and we get an inventive story/legend about the werewolf tribe and ancient spirit warriors. The Volturi make an unnecessary appearance, though, and I don't know why (yet) they are getting such a large roll in the books. Plus, it's kind of disconcerting reading about vampires who believe in heaven.
Rating: 3 charm bracelets out of 5.