Why is it that people either viciously love or despise this series? I'll try to stand on the fence in this review, because it deserves some degree of balance. 
 I think the appeal of this book is for those that fall in love with either Edward of Jacob. If you don't, then it could be hard to get into (or appreciate). Especially since a good portion of the book is just plain romance. It is quite fanservicey for teen girls, but the focus makes the plot weak (since some stories that contain romance can stand on its own, even if it the love is not supported by the readers). At points I cringed because it was just too much, where I'm sure others would swoon. 
 While half the book is filler fluff, the other half, with the supernatural entities, is actually quite entertaining. I found myself drawn more to the Cullen family then Edward himself, and the wolf pack over Jacob. Believe it or not, there actually is more plot to this book! I just wish it did not start half way through the book. When that is the focus, it was fun. What this series could have used was a little balance; "romance, plot, romance, plot" sort of order. My verdict is: cut the pointless school and boring home scenes, limit the young and naive love, pull the key events of all books into one... and presto = Twilight could have way more potential to appeal to a larger crowd. 
 This review is entirely based on dropping the book half way and carrying on with the movies instead. I graded low because of the decline, but added a star since there is hope yet. I still have not decided if the story is worth suffering the painful relationships for the good stuff.