by Amber Hilton

Created on: November 24, 2009

Stephanie Meyer might have had adolescents in mind when she penned her best-selling Twilight series, but adults everywhere are recognizing the addictive nature of her work, even if its been decades since they reached puberty. After all, who can resist a world where magic is possible, true love flourishes and one sultry bite from your beloved buys you a ticket to immortality and breathtaking beauty?

The Twilight saga consists of four novels: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, the first two of which have already been made into full-length motion pictures. Real-life romantic couple Kristen Stewart (as Bella) and Robert Pattinson (as Edward), heat up the screen and bring the star-crossed lovers to life. You will notice that like many other writers before her, Stephanie Meyer has cast herself in her own story (or maybe that was the screenwriter's idea?). In the first Twilight movie, you will notice her receive a veggie plate at the restaurant where Bella frequents with her father.

Both the novels and the movies are packed with breathtaking action, suspense and romance, making them nearly impossible to tear your eyes away from. Whether you're into science fiction or not, all four books are quick reads that you won't want to put down. Although they were written for a teen audience, they were written for today's teen audience, which means that the content still feels more R-rated than PG. Meyer seems to recognize that today's teens need action, violence, romance and sex, and although the Twilight series isn't overly violent or graphically sexual, it still delivers. Meyers knows how to create a suspenseful plot with loveable characters, and this is saying quite a bit considering that half of the cast is undead. If you're looking for a beach read or simply something quick and simple, you could do much, much worse than the Twilight saga.

And if you're still embarrassed about reading a book that was written for a teen audience, no one has to know. Just ask the cashier at Borders for gift receipt and he or she will think that they're for your niece. I guarantee that after flying through the novels, you'll want to see the films as well. If you don't have a teenager to bring to the theater you might have to rent one or (sigh) wait for the DVD release so that you can swoon in the privacy of your own home, but it'll be worth the wait.

Although the genre may be a guilty pleasure for most adults, no one can argue that Stephanie Meyer truly is a gifted author. I would love to see what she could do if she ever decides to write for an adult audience.

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