Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined
Published: 6, October 2015
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Part of The Twilight Saga
Genres: Dating & Sex, Fiction, Ghost, Paranormal, Romance, Shape Shifter, Teen, Vampire, Werewolf, Young Adult
Check the summary of this book here:
Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined Summary
The Review:
Stephenie Meyer's Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined is a young adult vampire romance book. The narrative is a gender-flipped retelling of the Twilight series' first novel, "Twilight," and features Beau Swan and Edythe Cullen in lieu of Bella and Edward. The book was first released on October 6, 2015, as part of a gigantic flip-book coupling with Twilight to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the original novel.
I didn't care for this book at first and thought it was just another attempt by the author to milk her cash cow, Twilight, but I persisted in reading it.
After reading all of the Twilight novels, it felt as though she was simply substituting pronouns, names, and genders for Twilight's tale.
I was hesitant to continue reading since it was so repetitious, but I'm a wild reader who wants to read everything. Once I start reading one author, I want to read all of his or her previous or future novels, so I persevered.
I'm pleased I did because it wasn't simply the same tale given in the same way as Twilight; it was a little different, and I realized I could call it a new story.
The primary turning point, which I acknowledge is still tied to the gender roles flip, was that the protagonist is a guy, a teenage fella with hormones, therefore I felt like he was more upfront in adoration than Bella in Twilight.
I think the easiest approach to reading this book is to forget about the Twilight series and read it as a standalone novel. Don't attempt to connect the names with the original cast of characters since you'll be confused at first.
I realized around halfway through the book that I was waiting to find out all of the gender-swapped names just for fun, and it really helped me complete this book.
I don't want to give anything away about the finish, but I was concerned about where it would wind up and how repetitious it would be.
To be honest, the conclusion is the only reason I gave this book more points than I planned since I felt it was a unique and different ending than Twilight's, and it solved a lot of concerns throughout the book so I wasn't left wondering, while still being surprised.
The author does a good job of describing the environment, the clumsiness of adolescence, and the all-consuming pull of first love.
She understands what it's like to long for someone, and she gives the reader a taste of fantasy by allowing that longing infatuation to be mutual, with only exterior difficulties to contend with.
And she does a better job of explaining the character's intentions in this story. In addition, the characters are more likable.
With this rendition, I believe there are too many characters for the duration of the tale the author is telling.
It was nice when she had more space and more novels to give the characters room to breathe, but there's not enough for everyone to do here.
And I believe the whole werewolf subplot might have been omitted because she doesn't do anything with them and it complicates the finale.
This review has a number of criticisms, yet it is not a bad book by any stretch of the word. The author did spend time tweaking some of the original's more uncomfortable passages, and she did develop a more appealing cast of people.
Stephenie Meyer is kind of a talented author. For the first three-quarters of the book, she kept me reading and captivated by the characters. It's a novel for daydreaming rather than profound thought, which isn't always a bad thing.
Personally, I believe she needs a better editor and someone to challenge some of her views, but she is a fine writer who deserves some recognition.
This was a unique take on the vampire-human relationship that I enjoyed. Compared to Twilight and Midnight Sun, this novel went at a much quicker pace.
Beau's persona remains empty, he cooks and cleans the house, he's still clumsy, and he doesn't have any other interests to redeem himself.
The conclusion is satisfying and unexpected. It'll be fascinating to see where the tale goes from here.
So, if you like Twilight series, I recommend you read this one. If you weren't a fan of the Twilight series then I believe you have two options: ignore it or read it as a new book, in which case you may enjoy it because it is far better than the original.
Final Thoughts:
First and foremost, I must state that I am not a great fan of the original series; I don't dislike it, but I also don't adore it. I believe the series and author receive far more criticism than they deserve.
However, if you read The Host or The Chemist, you'll see that she's a really strong writer right now.
When I initially started reading this novel, the first thing that happened was that I had to acclimate to the new names and match them up with existing characters. Like I knew McKayla was Mike and Jessica was Jeremy and so on.
Because the events in the Twilight novel differed from those in the movie, my mind had to reconcile those variations with my expectations for this tale. Once I got through that, I was able to let the plot expand and stray in unexpected places.
I agree that the main characters' connection is unsatisfactory. There are also parts of the narrative that require two or three acts to build up when they might be done in one.
And there are certain sections that are just pointless or, to put it another way, fillers that are utilized to make the book longer.
However, most authors struggle with these types of planning and interpersonal challenges. And I believe she resolves some, if not all, of the difficulties raised here.
I assumed it would be silly, but it's not just a gender switch; Edythe and Beau are wholly separate individuals.
They are significantly different from Bella and Edward in terms of personality. There were a lot of twists and turns in the plot. Overall, it is a fantastic read. And I'd definitely suggest it!
Synopsis:
“For fans of the worldwide phenomenon Twilight comes a bold reimagining of Stephenie Meyer's novel, telling the classic love story but in a world where the characters' genders are reversed.
There are two sides to every story . . .
You know Bella and Edward, now get to know Beau and Edythe.
When Beaufort Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edythe Cullen, his life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With her porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edythe is both irresistible and enigmatic.
What Beau doesn't realize is the closer he gets to her, the more he is putting himself and those around him at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back . . .
With a foreword and afterword by Stephenie Meyer, this compelling reimagining of the iconic love story is a must-read for Twilight fans everywhere.
The series has been praised as New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, a Time magazine Best Young Adult Book of All Time, an NPR Best Ever Teen Novel, and a New York Times Editor's Choice. Enrapturing millions of readers since its first publication, Twilight has become a modern classic, leaving readers yearning for more.
It's here! #1 bestselling author Stephenie Meyer makes a triumphant return to the world of Twilight with the highly anticipated companion, Midnight Sun: the iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire's point of view."
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Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
Buy the Kindle Version Here
The Twilight Saga Complete Collection
The Host (2013) (PG-13)
Twilight (2010) (PG-13)
New Moon (2009) (PG-13)
Eclipse (2010) (PG-13)
Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011) (PG-13)
Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012) (PG-13)
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