Whether in book or movie form, the Twilight series captured the heart of people everywhere. So now, author Stephanie Meyer has decided to give fans a different point of view by writing Life and Death, which presents the story from a guy’s point of view. Instead of human damsel-in-distress Bella, the main character is Beaufort (or Beau for short). Instead of brooding vampire Edward, the vampire love-interest is a girl called Edythe. Instead of hunky human/werewolf Jacob, it’s girl werewolf Jules.  In fact, only a few of the original characters stay the same gender in the new book.

With the new genders, the book leaves a different feeling. Some of the things that the characters thought and did in Twilight are completely different because– well, boys and girls are different. But the teen feelings are still the same. Beau is still in love with a vampire (who may or may not be the love of his life, or else kill him), while Edythe is still a conflicted vampire trying to stay away from a forbidden human…until she can’t anymore. One character who remains essentially the same is Charlie, who is still the dad and still the chief of police in cold, rainy Forks, Washington.

Meyer continues her great writing style by making Life and Death different but retaining the same gripping love-triangle story. She does put a twist on the original book so readers are still surprised at points. It leaves you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next and wondering what the characters are thinking. If you’re anything like me, then you will get lost in this story just like you did in the original.

If you’re a fan of the Twilight series, you may be wary of reading Life and Death, afraid that it will ruin your vision of Bella and the Cullens, but trust me– it doesn’t. This book does not ruin the original books, but allows a new world to come out. Plus, the ending is a lot simpler.

Fans of Meyer’s should also be aware that she has written another book, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. The book is about the girl in Eclipse who was supposed to attack Bella, but after talking to the Cullens, agreed to do better. The story talks about how she’s doing with her new life, and how she adjusts to it. Although I have not read the book yet, I am planning on reading it soon.

Overall, I enjoyed being able to dive back into the life in Forks, and I think that with the character changes, Life and Death can engage a new set of readers with the literary vampire world. I give this story a 5 out of 5 shirtless Jacobs.   

Editor Note: As of Dec. 17, 2015, Life and Death is only available as part of a 10th anniversary double-feature book which features both Twilight and Life and Death, as well as bonus material. It is also available as an e-book.