Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsNot for teens
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2019
I first read this series when I was 12 or 13 and LOVED it. I was all about hot vampires and love triangles with hot werewolves (I still do). However, rereading this as an adult, I'm appalled. Bella's relationships with BOTH male protagonists are abusive. Throughout the series, both try to (and do) control her through physical force and they manipulate her like it's nobody's business. Even after nonconsensual contact occurs, everyone is really quick to write it off. Bella's dad blames her for trying to set boundaries. What??? Abuse and noncon aside, the relationships are super unhealthy and codependent. That's fine if you wanna read that as an adult, but please save your niece/daughter/whatever some confusion and don't buy them this book for them. I can't believe I used to think this book was relationship goals. Aside from that, Bella holds incredibly problematic views about herself in relation to others, and the book offers no resolution or growth for her aside from "pick a guy you think you don't deserve and they'll take care for you". Again, not a message I think young women need to read when they're not fully capable of recognizing it as an issue and not the norm. Having said all this, the series is a fast and entertaining read. I recommend books 1 and 2 and googling the plot for the 3rd and 4th.
