Thoughts on the Twilight series

I just finished reading the last book in the Twilight series, and I'm wondering what everyone else thought of the books.
I put off reading them for quite a long time, because pretty much everyone I talked to said it was a series that you would either love or hate. Well, that and the fact that when I picked up Twilight in the bookstore and read the blurb on the back of the book it made me want to gag. It was honestly the schmaltziest thing I had ever heard. Anyway.

I read the series. And I didn't hate it. But I certainly didn't love it, either. I am stuck somewhere in the middle. The plot isn't very original. The book is filled with Mary Sues and Gary Stus. There is plenty of poorly written purple prose and numerous bad metaphors. But it is... a fun story. Sort of the quintessential girlish fantasy. Girl meets gorgeous guy, guy is a dangerous bad ass (who...sparkles...), guy falls madly in love with girl and they give up everything to be together. Schmaltzy, but fun. It was kind of nice to turn off my brain and read something fluffy. And let me tell you, there is plenty of fluff in these books. It's the kind of book that is okay, as long as you don't take it too seriously. And it kind of helps if you're not a rabid fan of traditional vampire canon, as well.

But then we come to the fourth book, Breaking Dawn. Don't worry, I won't put any spoilers in here for those of you who have not yet finished the series. I've just got to say: What a let down. Did anyone else think that the book was one enormous mass of anti-climactic moments? Stephanie Meyers had the makings of a really interesting story right there in her hands and she kind of let it go ppttthhhbbt.

So.
What does everybody else think? I want to hear your thoughts on the series itself and on Breaking Dawn, if anyone else has read it. Did you love it? Did you hate it? Or are you somewhere in the middle, like me?

I still haven't gotten around to the fourth book... I liked the other three alright when I was reading them but not enough to run for the next one right when I finished. Honestly, I don't really get what all the hype is about with the books. I think they are all overrated and it's just a fad, and everyone is feeding off each other. Is it just me or was Bella's character poop? There is nothing special or interesting about her... I am planning on seeing the Twilight movie but only because I've read the book. The previews make me laugh, it looks corny and really pretty lame. I guess I'll get a good laugh right?!

Yeah, I know what you mean about Bella. She doesn't really have a personality. I think that's what makes it so easy for people to get caught up in that fantasy, though. It's as if Bella could be any girl in the world. My guess is that's why the books are so popular. People imagine themselves in Bella's place, imagine that they are the object of Edward's affection.

I did enjoy the Twilight books; however, the last one was pretty disappointing. They are definitely not "deep" reads, but if you're in the mood for a bit of fluff and a sappy, yet clean, love story they do the trick nicely. I also liked Stephenie Meyer's take on the vampire lore. It was different than other vampire books, but I liked the creativity of her's, ei venom, no fangs, they don't turn to dust in the sunlight, etc.

I agree Iva. It was a good book for being about vampires, I liked that they weren't about fangs, crosses, garlic, and stakes- haha! I also agree that it's a good book for a light read- something "fluffly". I did enjoy the story while I read them- but didn't love it enough to go crazy over them I guess. Has anyone seen the movie?

I loved the books and was obsessed! I started out skeptical because of the whole Vampire thing but I really liked what she did with it. It was really fluffy but that is me. I guess I just got caught up in the whole idea of Edward. He's gorgeous and a gentleman. I liked all the books and I read them really fast. Faster than I've ever read any book. Probably because it's such an easy read (they are for teens) but it helped me get more out of it.
I went and saw the movie knowing it wasn't going to be as good as my imagination. The sound was really messed up when I saw it so I'm not going to say too much. I couldn't hear the background music and I think it just made it that much cornier.

I read the series, and though I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. I did like reading it with my daughter, that was fun and new for me. But I felt that some of it was pretty corny, and alot of fluff as well. I love to throw myself into a really good fantasy, and just get lost in it. I found myself adding or changing things as I read, to keep me going. I agree with Mellissa, she had a great story line, and she threw it out the window. The last book was by far the most of a let down.

I finished the fourth book at the end of December and I really liked it. Probably more than any of the rest besides the first one. I know I'm pretty alone in this though everyone I've talked to about it pretty much hated the last book. Maybe that's why I liked it so much- I had NO expectations. Hmmm....