Life and Death, Twilight Reimagined by Stephenie Meyer
Start: 10/26/15 19:00 – Finish: 10/29/15 19:30
Warning: MILD spoilers
Ok, so I have started writing again and it feels pretty good. I also picked up a book and read through to the end. With both roadblocks now removed maybe I can get on with things I love to do.
I know, of ALL the books to pick up to read after my hiatus why would I pick up a Twilight series book? Easy, it is because I actually liked the series (and did not hold the books responsible for the first movie which was horribly awesome). Also, to be fair, I love a book series – why should a story be confined to a single book? Earlier this year I read all of the Outlander books. I hope to reread those starting in January and then blog about them as I finish each one (I didn’t take time to write after each completed novel because I wanted to continue the story with no pauses – and there is a lot to digest that one reading does not truly allow). Right now I have a shi’ton of books I want to tear through that have been begging for my attention. The Twilight series was always an easy read and I thought it would be a good book to kick off the literary journey.
This story was created because the author, Stephenie Meyer, was curious about what would have happened in Twilight if the human were a male and the vampire a female. The end result is Life and Death, Twilight Reimagined. The story is included in the 10th Anniversary re-release of Twilight. Interestingly enough, the stories are written in opposite directions (i.e. you have to flip the book over when finishing one story to read the other). Good marketing having two front covers which means no matter what direction the book is placed on the shelf, it displays a title.
The sexes of all characters are swapped with the exception of Charlie and Rene. Meyer had specific feelings that during the 1980s divorce courts would more than likely not allow the father to have full custody of a child and it would only make sense in the parental mode of things to leave that as it was in the original. So there were swaps
Bella – Beau
Edward – Edythe
Alice – Archie
Jacob – Jules
And so forth and so on.
Although the two stories were very much alike (until the ending) – there were some stand out differences. I will not spoil that for you here, I encourage you to read it, if you are so inclined. My perspective: If you liked the Twilight series: READ IT. If you didn’t: don’t. It’s the same, only different. Ha!
My “no spoilers” review:
I liked the story and found it very easy to read. I was able to detach myself from the fact that it was to somewhat mirror the original because there were enough differences to make it a new story of its own kind. There are a ton of open ends at the conclusion which leads me to believe there might be follow-up stories. I think it is sad that there is such a definitive split between the actors who played the leads because I would find it fascinating to watch them play characters opposite of the originals. The major difference: the ending is VASTLY changed from the original storyline. I am on the fence regarding my feelings on the new scenario because I did not like how the character of Charlie (Beau’s father) was handled. The other thing that I am on the fence about is the lack of interaction between Jules and Beau, that was a major part of the original storyline. Maybe if there are more stories on the horizon that storyline will resolve itself for my point of view. If there are more stories offered, I would be inclined to read them. As for changing the sex of each character…for whatever reason, in my mind, it stood out more that a century old female would be that drawn to a 17 year old male. It never sprang to mind when I was reading the original. It made the edges of my brain itch.
On a scale of 1-10: 8
Read it, let me know what you think…
Up next: The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
Thoughts and Ponderances 