Twilight: The Twilight Saga, Book 1

Overview

About three things I was absolutely positive:
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.
Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife -- between desire and danger.
Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.

Editorial Reviews

In our Best Books citation, PW called this tale of a teen attracted to a vampire, a "riveting first novel, equal parts suspense and romance." Ages 12-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Author Information

Bio of Stephenie Meyer

I was born in Connecticut in 1973, during a brief blip in my family's otherwise western U.S. existence. We were settled in Phoenix by the time I was four, and I think of myself as a native. The unusual spelling of my name was a gift from my father, Stephen (+ ie = me). Though I have had my name spelled wrong on pretty much everything my entire life long, I must admit that it makes it easier to google myself now. I filled the "Jan Brady" spot in my family-the second of three girls. Unlike the Brady's, none of my three brothers are steps, and all of them are younger than all the girls. I went to high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, the kind of place where every fall a few girls would come back to school with new noses and there were Porsches in the student lot (for the record, I have my original nose, and never had a car until after I was in my twenties). I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship, and I used it to pay my way to Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah. I majored in English, but concentrated on literature rather than creative writing, mostly because I didn't consider reading books "work" (as long as I was going to be doing something anyway, I might as well get course credit for it, right?). I met my husband, Pancho (his real name is Christiaan), when I was four, but we were never anywhere close to being childhood sweethearts. In fact, though we saw each other at least weekly through church activities, I can't recall a single instance when we so much as greeted each other with a friendly wave, let alone exchanged actual words. This may have been for the best, because when we did eventually get around to exchanging words, sixteen years after our first meeting, it only took nine months from the first "hello" to the wedding. Of course, we were able to skip over a lot of the getting to know you parts (many of our conversations would go something like this: "This one time, when I was ten, I broke my hand at a party when-" "Yeah, I know what happened. I was there, remember?") We've been married for ten and a half years now, and have three beautiful, brilliant, wonderful boys who often remind me chimpanzees on crack. Gabe is eight, Seth is five, and Eli is three. My favorite authors/biggest influences are (in no particular order) Orson Scott Card, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Maeve Binchy, Charlotte Bronte, Daphne DuMaurier, L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Eva Ibbotson, William Goldman, Douglas Adams, Janet Evanovich... the list goes on, but I think I hit the highlights. I can't write without music, and my biggest muse is, ironically enough, the band Muse. My other favorite sources of inspiration are Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Coldplay, The All American Rejects, Travis, The Strokes, Brand New, U2, Kasabian, Jimmy Eat World, and Weezer, to mention a few. My favorite places to hang out on line are: www.fansofrealitytv.com (friendliest people on the internet, and also the best place for The Amazing Race, Survivor, and America's Next Top Model recaps. Not that I watch those shows...) www.ericdsnider.com (my favorite movie reviews) www.muse.mu (home of the incredible band, Muse. Absolution was easily the best alternative album of the year, and possibly the decade. Opinionated? Who, me?) www.ebay.com (no explanation needed, right?) www.imdb.com (where I search for actors to star in Twilight, not than anyone cares what I think.)

Customer Reviews

• Twilight

  Posted October 27, 2007 by princeton_gurl_1193, Forks

  OMG. Tthis is the BEST book on the planet! Everyone has to read it! If you do read it, you'll become just as obssessed as my friends and me.

• This is the best book!

  Posted December 19, 2007 by Luvieboo2, Ft. Lauderdale Fl.

  This is the best book! I am in my 40's and I have recommended these books to at least 15 friends who are all obsessed. We love Edward!!

• 

  Posted June 21, 2008 by nydilonardo, new york

  This is one of the best books ever.

• 

  Posted August 05, 2008 by ilikegum24, Independence, MO

  If you haven't read this book yet your missing out on everything good in life. Fun, happiness, true love, great friends, heros, villians, and vampires. What more could you want out of a book? This book changed my life by the first line and i know it will change yours also.

• Very good, but...

  Posted September 01, 2008 by admin, USA

  I enjoyed this book, but I expected a more exciting ending, some sort of interesting twist. It was a nice romp, but most of the book was completely focused on the two main characters questioning the love of the other. The beginning was interesting, but toward the end of the book, I was bored.
  

• A great story.

  Posted September 05, 2008 by lokiclv, connecticut

  This author and book were not well known to me. A romance author I know (Kristin Higgins) recommended it to me. I was a little sceptic because the main characters were still in high school and here I am pushing 40. So how could this story of teenagers hold my interest? I downloaded it one day with the thought, "I read all of the Maximum Ride novels by Patterson so why not these books." The vampire spin was a definite plus. The first book really did hook me. I ended up downloading the sequels one by one until the 4th and last. They were all great books and I highly recommend them. I truly hope the movie does the story justice in November.

• 

  Posted September 19, 2008 by missjerrielynn, chicago

  I just finished the twilight series and I am reading it again. I highly recommend this series, it's just an amazing story and I could not put it down!

• one of the best books ever...

  Posted November 02, 2008 by rockstar_princess, NJ

  this book is one of the best ones ever... i couldn't decide which one was better; Harry Potter or Twilight... which one would you pick?
  
  anyway, if you haven't read this book, you should...
  

• The "Twilight" Series is my Favorite!

  Posted November 17, 2008 by Jennifer S, Killeen, TX

  The Twilight Series- Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn, Capitvated me so much that I read the whole series in TWO WEEKS, the characters are riveting and lovable, the plot hair raising, the romance(s) heart felt, it is no wonder the movie is making it's debut this Nov 1008! I can not wait!

• Edward is yummy!

  Posted November 18, 2008 by Katie, Woodbridge

  I saw all the buzz on TV about the last book in the series when it went on sale, and I thought, "The LAST book? I never heard about the FIRST...." I figured I'd see what all the fuss was about over the series, hoping to be able to present a copy of Twilight to my 16-year-old step-daughter to get her involved in reading for enjoyment. It only takes that one book to open up a new world, you know? So far, it's been an easy read and although it's kept my interest ,there have been a few lulls I had to get past. I was expecting more of an Anne Rice type of vampire series, so I'm a little disappointed. That's just me though -- I expect too much and I'm cynical and picky and cranky and an old lady of 49. But if I were young, I'd go for that Edward!! Yessirreee BOB! He could bite me all he wanted. :)

• read it in one day

  Posted November 18, 2008 by Chase, California

  this book took my breath away. with the movie coming out and my cousin and sister in law reading the book, i figured with all the hype, i'd buy it and read it-give it a shot. i wasn't disappointed. this book captivated me from the moment i read the first chapter and on until i read the last. the love between Bella and Edward is heart breaking and it almost makes you want to cry when you read it...
  
  i can't wait for the movie to come out. i hope it's as good as it's origin.

• Heck yes

  Posted November 22, 2008 by Hal, Knoxville

  OK, I liked the Harry Potter series, but I can't keep reading it over and over. This first book of the four book Twilight series creates it's own new magic, and I'm impressed with the author's ability to describe emotions. This book is quite enthralling, and I found myself staying up late, finishing the entire series within one week. If only all the books I read could be this good.

• One of the best of the year!

  Posted November 27, 2008 by Shannon, Scranton

  I loved so much I couldn't put it down, and completed it in one day! It really is a must read. I ended up completing the entire series in less than a week.

• Amazing!

  Posted November 30, 2008 by Jessica, USA

  Open your mind people! this has everything! love, comedy, action! read it! :)

• loved it

  Posted December 07, 2008 by Rhonda, Lively

  Best book I've read since Harry Potter. Adults will love this one too!

• I love this book!

  Posted December 14, 2008 by Marla, San Diego

  I was told about this book by a co-worker. She saw another person reading it they loved it. I read it and love it. I let the person who told me about it borrow the book. Know a lot more people I work with read all the books and saw the movie. We can't wait for the next movie to come out.
  

• Hallelughlia ( I know i spelled that wrong)

  Posted December 24, 2008 by sabrina, san clemente

  if i could give it 6 stars i would. in fact i'd give it 10000000000000000000000000000 stars my fave series ever i've seen the movie 3 times

• Vampire!!!!!!!!

  Posted December 24, 2008 by twilight lover, westcliffe

  This book is great for any reader young or not so young, girls or boys. I think any teenage girl in the world would find something to like abut this book. WARNING, this book may keep you up at night and may cause you to never stop reading.

• Very Good Book

  Posted December 25, 2008 by V, Bowie, MD

  Author did a good job. The book is worth 5x its value.

• Excellent with few flaws...not just for teenagers

  Posted December 28, 2008 by Elledriver, Golden Valley, MN

  I was hesitant to buy this book because of all the 'teenage' hype that surrounds it. However after reading the first few pages I was hooked. The story is excellent and moves quickly. This is a very easy read that can be completed in a day or two. Bella and Edward's love story will have you wanting more. Quite frankly, I am glad that there are three sequels to this book as I am left wanting more (and more!).

• Surprised it was so good!

  Posted January 07, 2009 by Bee, Chicago

  Like many old adults with no teen contact, I had NEVER heard of this book, this series or the movie until I saw all of the hub-bub on TV about the movie premier. I have to admit, it really intrigued me. I downloaded the 1st book (had a Sony coupon, so it was cheap) and that hooked me on the entire series. Let me say: I am NOT into "romance" novels; I am NOT into "teen" novels, and I am not into "vampire" novels. That said, I loved EVERYTHING about this series: the characters, the setting, the fact that the characters were NOT on 1) drugs; 2)video games or 3)sex. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment having a young reader enjoy this series! May not win a Pulitzer Prize but how many books do? After finishing the last book, I started the series again. Many people have panned this series on other websites; their loss, my gain.

• Loved it!

  Posted January 09, 2009 by CBG, Wetaskiwin, AB

  Best love story I have ever read. I could even feel the electricity...

• Excellent - held my attention

  Posted January 15, 2009 by Mary, Terre Haute

  I am not an avid reader - too busy, and books rarely hold my attention, so generally I read only when I am traveling and stuck in an airport or on a plane. I bought the ebook reader only for this purpose, and downloaded this book for an upcoming trip. Decided to read a bit of it just to make sure I would like it. Well, I couldn't stop reading. So I finished Twilight and downloaded all the sequels. Then I couldn't resist - I read New Moon. Now I am really exercising willpower, trying NOT to read the next 2 in the series before my trip!.

• I LOVED IT!!!!

  Posted January 25, 2009 by Taylor, San Antonio

  I am in love with this book i have read it 5 times already and it not once has not had me in love with edward. There are a lot of people who love this book and i would have to agree with them! read it u won't be disappointed:D

• Love at First Bite

  Posted January 26, 2009 by Anastasia, Hanover

  This is, by far, the best novel I have ever read. Meyer captured the hearts of so many people and clearly described the undeniable love between two teenagers. This book made me smile, laugh and cry - something no book has ever made me do before. It made me get goosebumps and butterflies, and had me on the edge of my seat with each turning page. There are numerous lines/quotes in the Twilight Saga that I, and people I know, have fallen in love with - for example: "That's practically an insult, the way you look right now. You're much more than beautiful."
  This book makes girls wish there were more Edward's out there.

• 1st Time I read 4 books non-stop (now half thru book 3)

  Posted February 16, 2009 by Chris Judge, Jacksonville

  Read it. Read it. Read it. Find yourself unsure what advice Bella should follow. Leave mom/dad for ever and live forever as a vamp with her 17 year old vamp Romeo or Grow old as his enemies lurk ready to have her for a afternoon snack. Yum!

• interesting new world of vampires

  Posted March 11, 2009 by cheekyNcharming, New York, NY

  stephanie meyer takes the world of vampires and puts her own spin on it--perhaps even including her own Mormon values. nonetheless, i enjoyed the characters, the reality of being insecure even when others think you should be confident. while the media seems to emphasize the bella-edward relationship. my favorite pairing happens to be bella-allice, actually I like the whole cullen clan. the dynamics between the two girls are hilarious. jacob is a nice foil to for the seriousness that seems to make up a lot of the bella-edward thing. along that note, the setup with the werewolves is well laid out for future books. i can see why some would hype this up as "THE" young adult series after harry potter. an easy read for a vacation or waiting in line.

• Great Book, but....

  Posted March 13, 2009 by Lucybe06, Spokane

  I really enjoyed reading this book. However, it seems a little "high school" for the adult readers. If I were a teenage girl, I would have loved it!

• it was good

  Posted March 14, 2009 by Sheila , Yokota AFB

  This book was really good It helps you to learn all about them before you can move on to the other books which are more in depth!
  

• Best READ EVER

  Posted March 23, 2009 by Tanya, Clarksville, TN

  I read all the time and this is imaginative as well as written well, there are not too many books out there that you just cant put down and this one keeps you wanting more.

• The Beginning

  Posted April 08, 2009 by Erin, Trenton, NJ

  This is my favorite of the four books because this is where it all begins. The movie does not do it justice.

• Awful

  Posted April 20, 2009 by KAL, KY

  This is one of the most poorly written books I have ever read. The story in and of itself would be interesting in the hands of a decent author. I finished it, but felt the urge to scrub my brain afterward.

• Nice Reading

  Posted April 26, 2009 by Karissa, Whitehorse

  Nice reading ... I read the book after I saw the movie and I wasn't disappointed. Can't wait to begin the next book.

• One of the best books ever

  Posted May 07, 2009 by Shawna, Warren

  I wasn't sure as an adult if I would like this book, but it happens to be one of my favorite books now!!!

• Teen love

  Posted May 15, 2009 by Diana, San Diego

  Well it sure brought back the insanity of 'being in love' as a teen. Sacrificing friends, family and self for the GUY.
  
  It was a spin off of Romeo and Juliet; so perhaps she meant to write this so kids would become interested in reading. And that is good; because even my non-reading granddaughter is reading this book.

• Better than the movie

  Posted May 18, 2009 by Dave T, Woodbridge

  If you like science fiction this is a must read book!! The movie was done well but the book gets you much closer to the characters. Flows very well, a must have for your book collection!!

• Nothing but Awesome!!!!!

  Posted May 25, 2009 by Anna, Saucier

  I have read many books in my life time but the Twlight books are ranked way up there on my BEST list I have already re read them 4 times.. A must read for any book reader..

• Don't get the hype, but willing to find out what's next...

  Posted June 03, 2009 by Bklvr, Vancouver, BC

  I thought it was an enjoyable read. I found the author very descriptive with her writing, but almost to a fault in a few cases. I don't know if it's the teenage angle, but I kept feeling that Bella was a little too infatuated and unbelievably stupid at times. I would have enjoyed a more exciting ending (and could almost predict one), but then I guess the author would not have 3 or how ever many more novels to follow up with. I would like to see how it all ends though... does it?

• Like it so much, have both in eBook and Hard Cover

  Posted June 03, 2009 by Trini, Chicago

  This is one of the better book series I have read. Certainly geared more for teenagers, it still captivates the imagination of a adults. If the adult can put themselves in the character's place, it would be easy to be swept away by the drama of first love, how exhilarating and confusing it could be. There is something magical, nearly pure in the love story that envelopes Bella and Edward. If only love could be that self-sacrificing and always unconditional. Perhaps in this day and age, the more cynical of us can scoff at the ideals presented in the book. I for one, who believes that love can be that simple and pure, found this book to be thoughtful and well written. For the cynics out there, keep reading and re-reading - it will definitely grow on you.

• BEST BOOK EVER!!!

  Posted June 06, 2009 by Tanya, Glendale, AZ

  A MUST READ!!!!! Will be a classic book for years to come.

• Well done

  Posted June 18, 2009 by Owen, Indianapolis

  The book is written very well Stephanie Meyer should be proud of herself. I only gave it a four star because of personal preferences. I thought there was too much of a soap opera feel to it, but maybe that is because I am a boy and too much romance bothers me. Regardless thank you Stephanie Meyer for such a good read.

• BEST SERIES EVER

  Posted June 19, 2009 by tasha, red deer

  THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!! Like you will be addicted and absorbed into the lives of bella and edward!

• Don't freak out

  Posted June 24, 2009 by Melanie, Texas

  Yes, it's a book worth reading. No, it's not the best in the world. I like The Host more, to be truthful. But Twilight is a compelling story. I recommend it to anyone who listens long enough. Edward is inviting to all readers, and if he's just not for you, then Jacob's got you hooked. My friends' have cried because of these books and some even screamed at them.

• Better Than Expected

  Posted July 01, 2009 by Kira, Toronto

  I was skeptical about all the hype with this series, but everyone I talked to said that they couldn't put them down. I was not disappointed!
  
  Although full of suspense, this was a touching story about living with who you are, and making the best of it. The characters were very engaging, and the action and suspense were non-stop.

• The series you will ever read

  Posted July 27, 2009 by Matthew, Pittsburgh

  I cannot say enough good things about this book. This book inspired me to buy the sony e reader and begin reading book after book on it. I have never read such a good series of books that draws you in and makes you obsess about reading more and more. I am looking forward to reading the series over again and again. Edward and Bella come to life in the series and become such real characters that one can relate to at any age.

• Bad as Reality TV :-(

  Posted July 27, 2009 by Janis, Carbon Canyon, CA

  Very adolescent. Not a book or series I think young women should read or emulate.

• Incredible!

  Posted August 02, 2009 by Tony, Aiea

  This was one the best books books i have ever read.

• Fabulous read

  Posted August 03, 2009 by Meg, Edmonton

  A fantastic series, cannot get it out of my mind. I held off on reading this because I thought it would be only for tennegers. But as a 25 year old avid reader I would recommend this book to anyone. I just finished the series and I wanted to start it all over again. Loved it.

• Best Book- Best Series

  Posted August 18, 2009 by Erika, Wappingers Falls, NY

  This book is the beginning of the what I feel is one of the best series of books ever written. While I know it is kind of considered young adult. I along with many other adults love this book and the series. It is addicting.

• BEST BOOK...THE BEST!

  Posted August 25, 2009 by Sheena, Maryland

  So I am 27...and I have heard about this 'twilight' book..I usually do not give new authors not on my radar a chance, I like the books I read and that is...it really. Well a girlfriend of mine told me about twilight and said I should read it...I put it off for about a month and finally downloaded it...well let's just say I stayed up ALL night reading it...could NOT put it down, I just HAD to know what was next. So I finished in the breaking wee daylight hours....and then I dragged my husband to the store and purchased New Moon and Breaking Dawn. (Could not find Eclipse- and I didn't care, I would search for that later) so I read New Moon and Breaking Dawn within that 24 hour day. Then the next day I purchased eclipse from the e bookstore. Read that one in one day...Pure obsession, I read thousands of pages all together in a 2-3 day time frame and then I got wind of Midnight Sun....can't wait till that is finally finished and released...obsessed. I have never been this nuts over a book saga since...well never!
  
  Characters- you feel like you KNOW them, you feel like you are just enraptured in the story and when it is over you just feel withdrawl...I know personally there were times when I shouted outloud, tossed my book (the reader too mind you!!) across the couch or bed in a fit after my characters did or said something that ticked me off. Ahhhh I can just not say enough about this book series!!! Read them, all of them. I have read and re-read the entire series several times since that fateful day in June when my addiction began, I even got turned on to the Southern Vampire series as a temp salve until I get another Twilight Saga book.
  
  Start with Twilight and enjoy the journey. You will be hooked from page one and held captive until the 'the end' and last page of Breaking Dawn!!!!!!!!!

• This not my genre. But, I loved this book

  Posted September 04, 2009 by Tahesia, Trenton, NJ

  This book kept me going to the very end. I normally do not read books about vampires or love stories. But the mix was great. I'm now hooked on this series. Stephanie Meyer is a great writer.

• Loved the whole Twilight saga

  Posted September 29, 2009 by Tracey, Tazewell

  I seriously never thought I would like these books. My 11 year old daughter wanted to read these books, so I decided I needed to read them first to make sure they were okay. I read all 4 books in less than 5 days and definitely will be reading them again.

Additional Info

Imprint

Hachette Book Group USA

Filesize

2.44 MB

Number of Pages

544

eBook ISBN

9780316007467

Awards

• Black-Eyed Susan Book Award
• Bluegrass Award
• Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award
• Evergreen Young Adult Book Award
• Garden State Children's Book Awards
• Garden State Teen Book Award
• Golden Sower Award
• Nevada Young Reader's Award
• Original Voices Award
• SCASL Book Award (South Carolina)
• School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
• Volunteer State Book Award