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Twilight: The Twilight Saga, Book 1 (Unabridged) | 
 enlarge | Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: audible.com
Category: Book
List Price: $48.00
Buy New: $25.46
You Save: $22.54 (47%)
Rating:  2815 reviews
Sales Rank: 997024
Media: Audio Download
ASIN: B000BO2D64
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Amazon.com Review
The book that started the phenomenon is now available in a deluxe collector's edition! Featuring a ribbon bookmark, cloth cover, ragged edges, new chapter opener designs, and a beautiful protective slipcase, this edition is perfect for fans and collectors alike.
Bella 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, Bella'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 Bella, the person Edward holds most dear.
Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.
Product Description
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.
“I’D NEVER GIVEN MUCH THOUGHT TO HOW I WOULD DIE– I’d had reason enough in the last few months –but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this. . . . Surely it was a good way to die, in the place of something else, someone I loved. Noble, even. That ought to count for something.”
When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back. . . .
Deeply seductive and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight will have readers riveted right until the very last page is turned.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2810 more reviews...
 My 13yr old wanted to read this... May 19, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
My 13yr old daughter was dying to read this book that all of her friends raved about. So I decided that it was something I wanted to read myself first to be sure the content was appropriate.
First of all I'm an avid reader, everything from classics to sci-fi fantasy to historical romance. I've literally read tons of books and this is the first to prompt me to leave a review. Now can I say that this is wholly appropriate for a 13yr old? I'm still on the fence with that one although I did let my daughter read it after a lengthy discussion about some things that take place in the book. I would suggest to any parents of children under 15 that you read it first to decide for yourself if it is appropriate for your child. As one other reviewer mentioned - it does sort of make it seem to a teenage girl that her whole life should revolve around a boy and its barely worth living without him. Not something that hormonal teen girls need any further emphasis on. However, its not really any different than the star crossed lovers story of Romeo and Juliet - in fact they did off themselves in the end and that is a literary classic still taught in schools today. I wasn't as worried that my daugther would decide that vampires were romantic and great and become obsessed with something supernatural though as I was about planting the idea of sneaking Edward into her room at night - or lying to her dad about being with him. I was also concerned that she set too high of standards for the average male, teen or otherwise, and sometimes a relationship that passionate and all consuming is actually something more disfunctional than what a real loving relationship should be - although if she did have that standard it might buy me a few more worry free years before she "settles" on a less Edward-like boy. :)
Now my review as an adult woman; I loved, loved, LOVED this story. The author cleverly plays on a women's emotional and instinctual needs. Its the classic damsel in distress and white knight situation that's has a bit of a dark and out of the ordinary twist. Pure fantasy and I couldn't put the books down. She sucks you into their world to the point where you are living through the love and anguish right along with Bella and when the book is done you feel sadly bereft until you can read the next one. I know I'll feel like part of me is missing while I wait out the agonizing two months for the release of the 4th book.
Excellent debut, impossible to put down! March 19, 2006
26 out of 33 found this review helpful
This is one of the best books I've ever read, even though vampire novels aren't my preferred genre. I started reading it and didn't stop until I had finished. Twilight has a blend of believable characters, a fantastic, imaginative plot, and a commonplace but well-fitting setting; these qualities really set it apart and make it so readable.
Meyer's treatment of vampires in a whole different light was certainly refreshing: no gloomy, dark, brooding-but-gorgeous Anne Rice stereotypes. The vampires portrayed in the small Northwestern town of Forks laugh together, play baseball, share true familial bonds, and participate in and contribute to the unsuspecting community around them. I was also pleasantly surprised at the fact that her vampires could stay in the sunlight--and furthermore, they look beautiful; you can easily imagine from her description the diamond-like quality of Edward's skin. Vampires are much more human, accessible, and likeable than in other novels--you would practically like to fall in love with Edward yourself!
The setting itself I also enjoyed. Rather than New York City, Paris, London, or some other expected place, the story centers around a tiny Washington state town, an average place with nothing special or exciting. Rather than detracting from the plot, it helps to enhance it. The tall trees, constant rain, humid air, ancient forests, and green meadows create a soft, comfortable backdrop for the potential cruelty, sharpness, and danger that vampires can have.
The plot is, of course, very compelling and exciting. You want to keep reading to find out what will happen next--how Bella will react to and settle into her new surroundings, how her relationship with the Cullens will develop, and how Bella escapes the terrifying threat of outside vampires. Meyer manages to intertwine typical high school events like prom, dating, and making new friends in a new school with the fantastic, intriguing world of vampires. Over all this is a continued theme of awkwardness, uncertainty, and lack of confidence that Bella, like all teenagers, experiences.
The only complaint that I had (and it's not a very big one) is that at the beginning of the novel I found the writing to be a little underdeveloped and almost novice, like something a young person would write. That seemed to disappear quickly as the novel progressed, however, but it could be a potential turn-off to some people. I felt that Bella's mother could have been developed a little bit further as well. Although she doesn't take a huge role in the story, I thought she was too stereotypical compared to such other well-developed characters.
Overall I think this book is a fabulous, quick read that anyone can enjoy, not just teenagers or vampire fans. Meyer is greatly adept at keeping her readers completely engrossed in and involved with the story, and never once loses their interest. Twilight has suspense, romance, danger, intrigue, and a little comedy, not to mention great characters that you can't help but love and sympathize with. I look forward to a sequel!
This book should have a surgeon general's warning... January 24, 2006
14 out of 17 found this review helpful
I had been debating for the fourth time at Borders if I should or should not get this book. The cover was absolutely enticing, but the summary just wasn't clicking. Vampires? Cool, but cliche. New kid at school? Yawn. But, heck, I could just admire the front cover if the book turned out to be boring! So, I bought it.
Bad idea.
It is the week of finals, and I'm addicted. Literally, twitching. I can't...put...it....down. It must be coated in a powered drug or something because the second I close the book my brain has an epileptic fit, my fingers itch, I'm gasping for air and I have to go through breathing exercises. At night, as my brain sends waves of sleep through my mouth and head, filling me with dizzy thoughts, I can't convince my eyelids to close and my brain to stop functioning. I want to crawl into this book. I want to be there. I want to step my foot into those soft cream pages and just live in this amazing world Meyer has created. And it's finals week. And I will probably fail due to lack of studying. Because every time I pick up my notes in an attempt to stuff some information through my racing thoughts, images and dialect drift through of Twilight. It's like smelling the richest, warmest cookies baking in the oven. You can't help you, you must look! You must eat! Screw the diet, screw the test. Must...Read...Book...
Ok, so the summary. I could just rant forever..
Bella Swan is the main character, a girl who sees herself as average. She's surprisingly real without being annoying, she's confident but not cocky, a bit insecure, but brilliant. Bella decides to go live with her dad in Forks Washington, a city where it rains everyday and even a peak of sunshine is like the apocalypse. This tiny town is somewhat familiar, she visited her dad during her younger summer years often, but she doesn't remember the Cullens. They are a group of five teenagers, stunningly beautiful and very un-worldly. They sit by themselves in a table in the back of the High School lunch room, and they seem to have their own world. Bella is very intrigued by one of them, a boy with copper brown hair and the most stunning topaz eyes named Edward. But he seems to hate her. He glowers at her with such might she shrinks into herself and begins her quest to find out why Edward Cullen would hate her with all his might if she hasn't done anything to him except get paired as his biology partner.
And that's when it starts.
The inquires and old legends lead Bella to an odd conclusion. Edward is a vampire. But not the typical Dracula, coffins and blood vampire. God no. This new genre of vampires is something you have never heard about. Meyer creates a new world of myths, dismissing all the old legends and creating her new vision of this strange and foreboding creatures. They crave blood, true, but not in the sense we think. They hunt animals in order to live at peace with humans, and going out into the sun isn't a problem. Except for the whole glowing with radiant beauty thing.
And then, they talk. Bella and Edward soon become friends, his mystery and charm slowly make Bella obsessed. Perfect, graceful, agile, amazing. What, how? Why does the town whisper about them? Why does no one know where they live? Why does his family go hiking on the weekends? Edward is fascinated by Bella, whose thoughts he cannot read. It is his special skill, the ability to hear every creature's thoughts, and yet Bella's are a mystery. And she compels him. Her scent, her everything. He craves her, her blood, her body.
The lion and the lamb, the beauty and the beast.
They talk, and everyday their love seems to grow stronger, and weirder. The vampire and the human. It cannot be. He knows that he needs to keep her safe from him, from his yearnings, but he cannot force these human emotions of pleasure from his mind. She knows the danger, but she just cannot let go. Touching makes his blood boil, every second they spend together is hazardous. Energy flies through the air, and yet they come together for a kiss. This creatures are so complex, his history so deep, his emotions so real, so fierce, you are compelled to fall in love with Edward yourself. The Cullens are introduced, the misfit family of adopted vampires who all have their special abilities and all agree on one thing, Edward has never been so happy. And therefore, Bella is precious.
And the story evolves.
A vampire who tracks humans for snacks catching wind of Bella and her new protective family of Cullens. And he wants her. Dead that is. The hunt is launched. Edward and his family of six vampires, all very unique and deep, start a crazy plan in an attempt to save Bella and kill the tracker. Save Edward's happiness and love.
It is so intense, so odd and yet so real you can barely stop your racing heart. The love is so deep, so true and yet so wrong they tears leak down your face. I can't describe this book in words, all I can do is urge, URGE you to read. I'm a big fan of Libba Bray and other authors, and I have been looking for a new book to occupy my hungry mind. This is the book, and I will be obsessed for the next few months now until another book comes out. Definitely amazing, definitely up anyone's alley. It has the romance, the fiction, the modern day drama, historical references, angst, and so many emotions your head with spin.
This book should have a surgeon general's warning.
Read Twilight with extreme caution.
2ND BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD! October 20, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
NOTHING can beat Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie, however this one comes pretty damn close!
I am typically uninterested in reading over-dramaticized fantasy books with dragons and witches and magic, and, god-forbid, vampires- but as I was perusing the shelves at my favorite bookstore, this one caught my eye. It didn't hurt that I was in a distinctly Halloween-ish mood that day, either. So I picked it up on a whim and read the cover information. I figured that if anything, I could just give it to a friend who likes books from that genre.
So I read Twilight, and low-and-behold, it rocked my socks off in a big way. I actually gasped and groaned and made other involuntary noises while reading it; it was just that good!
I was thoroughly surprised when I realized that this book comes from an inexpreienced author. That her first-ever published novel is THIS GOOD, makes her my new hero!
Could read this book every week! November 27, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I loved this book and read it all in one sitting. The characters are well-rounded and very realistic (as realistic as hundred-year-old vampires can be:)) and invoke the reader's sypathies.
This is a book that is great for vampire fans because it shakes up the stereotypical folklore of vampires. But it is also a great read for non-vampire fans because it is so much more than just a vampire book. it is a book about love and trust and acceptance and sacrifice.
The prose in this book flows seamlessly and does not get bogged down the way many authors' prose does. Anyone else found themselves skimming descriptions because they are so long and boring? You won't in this book.
I also recommend checking out Stephenie's website (www.stepheniemeyer.com remember to spell it with an "e") because she has recently put up "outtakes" and they are a lot of fun. I especially recommend the outtake called "Emmett and the Bear." If you have read this book it adds to the story so much. I am going to print out that outtake and tape it into the back of my book!:) As far as I am concerned it is part of the story.:)
This is a fabulous book! If you are not a teen, don't feel like this book is not for you. It is great for all ages and all levels of interest. Wonderful!
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