Twilight: The Twilight Saga, Book 1

For months I'd gone back and forth with myself about whether I was going to read the Twilight novels. But being blind, my only options were to either find them in braille, a medium which I find extremely tedious to be quite frank, or to listen to them. I tried at first to listen to the Library of Congress version, also known as the Talking Book version specifically recorded for us blind folks, but the narrator's voice ruined the story for me. But as is often the case in these situations, the commercially available audiobook was done much better. The story itself was far more interesting than I was expecting, always a plus, but Ilyana Kadushin's narration added just that little bit more to the pie, so to speak. Her smooth, slightly husky voice doesn't seem out of place, particularly when the character speaking is Edward Cullen or Jacob Black. I didn't hear the flatness that another reviewer complained about. I don't think they could have picked a better narrator unless perhaps it were Stephenie Meyer herself. Needless to say I'm glad I spent the two credits on this program, although I'll say right here and now that I messed up my sleep cycle for the next several weeks reading the entire series.

At this point everyone knows what Twilight is about and very little needs to be said about the characters or plot. What does need to be mentioned, though, is Ilyana Kadushin's unparalleled performance as Bella. After listening to this book I had a hard time believing Kristen Stewart's performance in the films. She just falls short of what Ilyana is able to accomplish here. Fantastic.

Book review: I watched the movie first, and reading the book filled in all the gaps in details that wasn't covered on film. It's very mild (PG wise), but well written, and really leaves you wanting more. Some phrases are extremely repetitious, and I did get tired of hearing how 'perfect' Edward was. If you're an adult and looking for a little more heat with the same subject matter (vampires/supernaturals) try the Sookie Stackhouse novels.
Narrator review: After getting used to Kristen Stewart it took my ears some time warm up to Ms. Kadushin, but after reading the entire series, Bella wouldn't be right read by someone else.

For some reason this very simple and beautifully written story was very hard to put down. I am an older reader and have "read" many excellent audio books and this is one is such a lovely story with an excellent narrater and highly recommended.

First off, I would like to say how I have always been fascinated with vampire lore and the mere thought of undead creatures that live by night and feed on the blood of others. With that said, Twilight was a bit unexpected in that the book's main focus was about true love found between a mortal girl and a vampire. I was easily pulled into Stephenie Meyer's world of Forks, Washington where most of the story takes place. The author develops the characters very will and goes to great lengths to explain and point out vampire strengths as compared to humans. Twilight revolves around a sea of anger, inner conflict, and unexpected, undying love that will keep you listening into the late hours of the night. Personally, I loved this book!

P.S. For those of you who are looking for just another vampire slasher, check out Anne Rice's books. This one would not be for you; however, if you want a great vampire love story, I suggest checking it out.

I am not a teenager. I do not read fiction. I did end up reading all four books and loved them! I do not want to leave this world. Which is why I am rereading breaking dawn. So..Waiting for Midnight Sun! The movie does not do this book justice and the narrator of this was awesome. I am looking for more books with her as the narrator!

This book was great! I listened for hours because I couldn't put it away. It's an excellent flashback to high school for a 30 something book lover. I initially listened to review the content for my niece, but now I'm hooked and will finish the series. It's vampire lore without all of the descriptive gory details. Vampires with compassion! Can't wait to download the next one!

I was pretty late to jump on the Stephenie Meyer bandwagon, but luckily when i did all three of her books were available on Audible! After listening to Twilight i couldn't get the characters out of my head... the love story is beautiful and sweet, and the tension between love and blood-thirst is dizzying... WARNING: you WILL fall in love with these characters, so be prepared to read all three books in rapid succession!

I enjoyed this book a little too much. I actually feel guilty. It's a little bit immature and predictable but a nice example of the gothic romance type of vampire fiction popular today. . So it's not a literary masterpiece - so what. Lighten up and practice a little escapism if you like. I've read worse.

I did read the series, and really love the story which is actually why I also supplemented it on my IPOD in audiobook. S. Meyer's tale of Edward and Bella is sweet, and compelling...the characters become like friends you want to spend time with. It has it's romance, dramatic moments, and there are times when you shake your head at the behavior of or a choice a character makes, (Usually Edward or Jacob), but you love them anyway. The narrator's voice is perfect,(not too young, not too old) she has a nice voice and is spot-on as Bella. She even sounds a little bit older as you go through all four books....natural progression. For those other unknown reviewers who gave her voice a "thumbs down", I must say, I disagree and I humbly suggest you have your ears checked. I would like to hear what does sound like a "good voice" to you. Ms. Kedushen sounds lovely compared to some of the other voices I've heard in samples, ..some of them unpleasant enough or inappropriate enough to the story to keep me from purchasing a story I might otherwise like.