Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
TL;DR: Bella Swan is torn between her love for Edward Cullen, a vampire, and her deep friendship with Jacob Black, a werewolf who loves her. Meanwhile, a string of mysterious killings in Seattle points to a growing army of newborn vampires. The vampire Victoria wants revenge on Bella, and the Cullens and the wolves must work together to protect her.
Table of Contents
Eclipse at a Glance
| Author | Stephenie Meyer |
| First published | 2007 |
| Type | Paranormal romance |
| Best for | readers who want the tense, romantic third chapter of the Twilight saga |
Eclipse is the third book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga, published in 2007. It was adapted into a 2010 film. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes violence, death and emotional manipulation.
Main Characters
- Bella Swan: A human girl torn between two loves.
- Edward Cullen: A vampire who loves Bella.
- Jacob Black: A werewolf and Bella's best friend.
- Victoria: A vampire seeking revenge.
- Riley Biers: A young vampire leading the newborn army.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Danger in Seattle
News reports describe strange killings in Seattle. The Cullens suspect that someone is creating newborn vampires, who are wild and powerful in their first year. Meanwhile, Bella wants to become a vampire after graduation, but Edward wants her to marry him first. Bella is unsure.
Jacob
Bella misses Jacob, but Edward does not trust the wolves. Jacob tells Bella he loves her and wants her to choose him. He kisses her without permission, and she punches him, hurting her hand. Still, they remain close. Bella cares deeply for both of them.
Histories
Bella learns more about the Cullens' pasts. Rosalie tells how she was attacked and left for dead before Carlisle turned her, and why she envies Bella's human life. Jasper explains his history in the vampire wars of the South, where newborn armies were common. The Cullens realize that the Seattle killings are part of an army made to attack Bella.
Alliance
The Cullens and the wolves agree to fight together. Jasper trains them to fight newborns. Bella, Edward and Jacob hide on a mountain. During a cold night, Jacob warms Bella in a tent while Edward listens. Bella realizes she loves Jacob too, and she kisses him, but she still chooses Edward.
The battle
The newborn army attacks. The Cullens and wolves defeat it. Edward kills Victoria, and Seth, a young wolf, kills Riley. The Volturi arrive and destroy a young newborn, Bree, who had surrendered. Bella agrees to marry Edward. Jacob, heartbroken, runs away to live as a wolf.
5 Key Takeaways
- Love can be complicated.
- Old enemies can return.
- Alliances can form between rivals.
- Choices have consequences.
- Respecting boundaries matters.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- You can care for two people in different ways.
- Understanding someone's past explains their choices.
- Saying goodbye can be painful but necessary.
Who Should Read Eclipse?
Read Eclipse if you enjoyed Twilight and New Moon and want more romance and action. It suits teens and adults.
About Stephenie Meyer
Stephenie Meyer (born 1973) is an American author whose Twilight saga includes four novels and several companion books. She also wrote the novella The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, about the newborn vampire in Eclipse. Her books have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Eclipse:
- Why does Bella choose Edward over Jacob?
- How do the Cullens' pasts shape them?
- Was the alliance between vampires and wolves a good idea?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Eclipse is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Eclipse, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes, for fans. It has more action and a big romantic choice.
Check price of Eclipse on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer: the final Twilight book
- The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer: a newborn vampire's story
- The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith: another vampire romance
Related: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer: Summary and Key Takeaways · Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eclipse about?
Bella must choose between Edward and Jacob while a vampire army threatens her.
Who wrote it?
Stephenie Meyer, in 2007.
Who is Victoria?
A vampire who wants revenge on Bella.
What is a newborn vampire?
A vampire in its first year, wild and strong.
Who is Riley?
The leader of Victoria's newborn army.
Who does Bella choose?
Edward.
Is there a film?
Yes, the 2010 film.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 630 pages.
Do I need to read the earlier books?
Yes.
Who is Bree Tanner?
A newborn vampire who surrenders.
What comes next?
Breaking Dawn.
Is Jacob a bigger character in this book?
Yes. His relationship with Bella is central to Eclipse.
Is Eclipse worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want the tense, romantic third chapter of the Twilight saga. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.