I tried to like "Eclipse." I really did. However, I just couldn't get into it. First, it's way too long. Major events don't really happen until the last fourth of the book. The rest is basically a love triangle drama. Additionally, it's patently obvious to the reader that Victoria is behind the killings in Seattle from the beginning. I mean, are the characters in this book really that shortsighted?

This book also solidified my complete dislike of Bella. One of the incredibly annoying things about her is her views about turning into a vampire. She seems incredibly callous, with little real thought of the consequences of her actions. Does she really get that she's giving up her family and friends forever? Has she really thought about the fact that she'll probably be a bloodsucking monster bent on killing humans for the first few years? She doesn't seem to have any moral qualms about these issues. It's like they don't really matter in the face of her all consuming (and really unhealthy) love for Edward. Ugh. Another annoying aspect is that she seems obsessed with the age difference between her and Edward. She refuses to wait to turn, but it seems largely because she doesn't want to be "older" than Edward (who was turned when he was 17 or so). Yeah, the whole Volturi thing is hanging over them, but Bella seems more concerned about being as young and beautiful as Edward. Seems shallow to me.

Another annoying thing. Why does everyone in the Cullen family have a tragic past? This books reveals Jasper and Rosalie's pasts and they are, of course, tragic. Seems overwrought to me.

I also have to be honest. I find Edward one-dimensional. I get it, he's hot and sensitive. Yippee.

The one character I do still enjoy in this book is Jacob Black, even if he is all depressed and lovelorn throughout most of the novel. I found one line of his particularly nice. (It basically explains why the title is "Eclipse"). The epilogue in his voice was initially confusing though. It took me a moment to realize we were switching to his perspective.

Overall, you should read this if you want to keep up on popular YA novels, but don't expect much unless you're already a fan of the series. If you do want some good vampire stories (including some that don't include sexy, romantic, doe-eyed vamps), check out "Baltimore, or the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire," "Silver Kiss," the 30 Days of Night graphic novels, early Anita Blake novels (before they became sex fests) or watch the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series.