Twilight (ISBN 978-0-316-16017-9 (hardcover) 978-0-316-01584-4 (paperback) Copyright 2005 Published by Hachette Book Group USA) is the first book in a 4-book series. Each book has a prologue that is really a brief (1 page or less) snapshot of what appears to be A Black Moment, when all is lost. The half-page prologue in Twilight begins with “I’d never given much thought to how I would die-” and mentions, “if I’d not moved to Forks, I wouldn’t be facing death now.” On the next page, Bella Swan tells us of her arrival to Forks, Washington.

         Bella has left Phoenix, where she has lived most of her life. She’s come to live with her father, Sheriff Charlie Swan, in the small northern Washington community of Forks. Bella is an unusually mature and introspective 16-year-old. In Phoenix she has always been a bit of an outcast. She expects the same here and is surprised to find herself eagerly accepted into the Forks High School community. Her classmates seem to like her, going out of their way to make her feel welcome.

         Except for one. Edward Cullen, the boy she is paired with in chemistry. He reacts to her with what appears to be disgust and anger. Then he surprises her by saving her life when a runaway van skids on ice in her direction. His dislike alternates with politeness and coolness over the next few weeks, leaving Bella confused and irritated. Finally, he offers friendship, even while warning her it isn’t wise. She should stay away from him. He is dangerous.

         Unable to stop her fascination, she puzzles over him and his family. They are all different. Graceful, beautiful, aloof. As she asks questions and googles hunches, she discovers more mysteries that lead her to a shocking possibility. Edward, his foster parents and all his foster siblings are vampires. Finally, unable to resist his attraction to her, he confirms her suspicions and offers a tentative friendship. He explains that he is one of a small group of vampires who have chosen to resist their thirst for human blood. They feed on animals, but never humans.

         Danger arrives with some human-feeding vampires who decide they want Bella. Bella flees Forks with Edward’s foster sister and brother. The rest of the Cullens attempt to lead the hunting vampires in the opposite direction. The ensuing events lead to a confrontation that brings us to the moment in time seen in the prologue. Bella faces death.
Twilight is a compelling well-told story. It is written for young adults and might be not appeal to adults, but this adult enjoyed it. The places and people of Forks come alive as Bella tells her story, revealing layers of her personality with every word. The ending is satisfying even as it creates the desire to know more of Bella and Edward.

         Bella and Edward’s story continues in the subsequent books (New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn). Edward remains concerned that he is putting Bella in danger every time he is with her. In New Moon, the 2nd book in the series, he decides he must leave Forks, giving her a chance at a normal life. Bella is devastated. It takes months for her to show an interest in anything. Slowly she renews old friendships and forges new ones. The next two books continue the story, with the relationships and repercussions of previous events colliding with dangerous new developments.

         On first glance, Twilight seems like a book totally inappropriate for a Christian. After all, it is about falling love with a vampire. In the typical folklore vampires are cursed creatures. In recent years, though, vampires have become fascinating, seductive fantasies, many which can cause Christians to cringe and shudder. So why would I give Twilight a positive rating? Why do I rate the series as one of my favorites?

         To answer that question will take more time and space than I have today. I’ll give specific details in Tuesday’s blog. For now, I’ll just say that I do not see anything that challenges Scriptural principles and much that reflects them.