Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer, is the third installment of the Twilight series. The first two books, Twilight and New Moon, should be read before moving on to Eclipse. The first two set the tone for the third and explain all the background information needed to understand what’s happening.

The novel starts with graduation in reach, and college on the horizon, for eighteen-year-old Bella Swan. To her friends and family, Bella is just like any other girl her age. However, she has decided that at the end of the school year she will follow Edward, her vampire boyfriend, and become his soul mate for all eternity. Eclipse is more romantically based than the first two novels, and involves an in-depth look into Bella and Edward’s relationship and as well as the love triangle formed by her best friend Jacob Black, a werewolf. The twist is deepened when Bella realizes that she loves Jacob, but she loves Edward more.

This novel, despite the romance and drama that consume it, did not hold the same appeal that the first book, Twilight did. However, it was still an exciting adventure that, once you pick it up, you cannot put it down again. It leaves you wanting more, and will be continued in the new book coming out in September 2008.