The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Available in full online at BreeTanner.com

In order to read this book and have it make sense you have to have read Twilight at least up to Eclipse. If you're like me and you read Eclipse once oh so long ago that you can't remember who Bree was I'll remind you.

Bree shows up at the end of Eclipse, and has surrendered to the Cullens. She says she doesn't feel the need to fight, and since she is not motivated the Cullens grant her shaky reprieve from dying a second time. Once the Volturi arrive, however, they take Bree and kill her, permanently.

The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner tells of Bree's experiences before the final confrontation between the newborns and the Cullens, and gives an insiders look into what happened in Seattle while the Cullens were preparing for the fight.

Over all it was intriguing to read a perspective in Twilight that wasn't fawning over another character. Bree does feel a kinship and even a spark of a romance with her fellow newborn Diego. She even grows to love him even though she never says so. The tale of newborn Bree, who hungers for human blood and believes that the sun will kill her, is a refreshing take on being a vampire. Although Bree doesn't love being a vampire the abilities and strength that the newborns display are amazing. The effect that this power has on them is human. While Bree will stand back and keep out of the many fights and power plays that run rampant in the Seattle coven she witnesses on a daily basis just how precarious their immortality really is. She fights for her survival, and is clever in so many ways outside her survival.

It was good to see consequences for their behavior, but I felt bad for Bree. Knowing her fate and getting to know her as a character make you want her to live even though you know she won't. She would of been a great character to get to know more of. She was realistic, unsheltered, and smart. She was many things I wanted in a main character, but she wasn't a flawless character. I think she took a little too long contemplating things and was not catching on quick enough for me. There were times when I wanted to her figure certain things out quicker then she was, but hey that was just me.

Like others I was annoyed at the lack of chapter breaks. I didn't sit down and read the whole book in one sitting, and not having chapters breaks was annoying. The book was a pretty decent length as well. It wasn't too long that you got bored, and it wasn't so short that you wanted or need more. It was a really good balance, and easy to read. I know Twilhards will love this book, and if you are like me and are annoyed by Bella's Mary Sue you will be pleased to read a book were consequences exist. And, a little sad at getting what you want.

Personally I'd love to read something new from Stephenie that isn't vampire related. The Host was pretty good, and I heard long ago there was going to be a second book. But something entirely new would be great to. I know I complain about Bella, but honestly I do enjoy reading Stephenie's books. If I didn't I wouldn't keep picking them up.