 Comparable in many ways to the fan favorite, Harry Potter series, Twilight has managed to captivate an immense, dedicated audience, and has done so quickly. The first of the Twilight saga, Twilight, was published in 2005; three years later, Stephanie Meyers finished the Twilight saga, completing four novels- Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. Stephanie Meyers' saga has sold its translation rights in 39 countries and has sold over 42 million copies worldwide. Because of the quick attachment viewers made to this series, the novel Twilight was soon made into a film and released on November 21, 2008 starring Kristen Stewart as the leading lady of Bella Swan, alongside Robert Pattinson as the role of Edward Cullen. Twilight has obviously taken a place in the heart of many readers and will undoubtedly continue to remain a noteable series for years to come. What is very impressive is that Twilight was the first novel written by Stephanie Meyers yet was an instant success, comparable to To Kill a Mockingbird which was the first, and only book, published by Nelle Harper Lee. How has Stephanie managed to captivate such a large audience so quickly? What interests readers most about her series?
1. Forbidden Love - Twilight is known for its over the top love stories. Edward Cullen entered Bella's life and seemed like the perfect man, but he was never something she could have. She wanted his love, he wanted her blood. Edward would live forever and never age, Bella was an average teenager, growing fast.
2. Tragic Circumstances - A heart wrenching story may not be what a reader initially seeks out, but is what can often make a book noteworthy: Bella's near fatal pregnancy and Alice's abandonment to those who need her most in Breaking Dawn are only a few examples.
3. Jacob vs. Edward - The unwavering battle between Edward and Jacob in the first three books of the Twilight saga divided the fans. Both men loved Bella but ultimately Bella could only choose one to love in return. Edward, the vampire, or Jacob, the werewolf. Both characters despised each other and constantly battled to win Bella's love and prove themselves worthy.
4. World of Fiction - Many people live hectic, stressful lives and want to relax at the end of the day and escape. Opening up a book that is entirely fictional, and based on characters featuring werewolves and vampires, can often be a fun, and relaxing, but also adventurous after a hard day in the real world.
5. Easy Read - The Twilight saga is not a very complex series in its writing structure, and is not by any means a difficult read. This can prove as a definite advantage for it still encompassed interesting and compelling themes and issues.
6. The unattainable - People always love hearing and reading about the things they cannot have. Movies and books such as The Notebook, Titanic, A Walk to Remember, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, are often popular because in reality, stories such as these are rare.
7. Relatable - Although the characters and plot can seem very unattainable in reality, the fact that the leading lady is an average girl, is very intriguing to the reader. Bella comes from divorced parents, and is an only child; she's not very close with her step-father and hardly knew her real father. Bella is a growing teenager discovering herself, she doesn't have many talents and is awkward and stumbling incessantly; Bella is the epitome of average which can be very encouraging for a viewer.
8. Overcoming a Weakness - Everyone wants to feel inspired- Bella was an average girl and had very few obvious talents. Bella was likeable and strong, she overcame her barriers and she discovered that she could carve her own path in life. Her story is inspiring to the potential reader.
9. Adventure - One stark difference between Harry Potter and Twilight is that Harry Potter concentrated on the adventure aspect within the series predominantly, Twilight on the other hand, concentrates on the relationship and adventure aspects of the series almost equally.
10. Rob Pattinson/ Kristen Stewart - The two leading roles given for the Twilight movies generated a lot of discussion and interest among fans. Rob Pattinson has become a heartthrob while Kristin Stewart hasn't garnered as many fans with her awkward charm. The two are now rumored to be dating.
11. Development of Characters - Stephanie Meyer's ability to connect the audience with her characters brought the viewer right into every book.
12. Attachment - Stephanie created a bond between every reader and her book, and truly captivated her audience for not only the entire series, but is sure to keep their attention throughout the films as well.
13. Timeless - Twilight's story is timeless, the themes and relationships developed in this story can be relatable and interesting at any time, for any audience.
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