A book review contributed by Tan Yi Hui Carolyn (5 Marikh)
A companion novella to the popular Twilight series by the author, Stephanie Meyer, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is written from the perspective of Bree Tanner, a newborn vampire featured in the third book of the Twilight saga, Eclipse. This book brings the readers into the riveting story of Bree Tanner and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits, a world and life both different from the ‘vegetarian’ vampire family, the Cullens, which was portrayed throughout the series.
Bree was only fifteen, almost sixteen, when she turned into a vampire three months ago. She came from a broken family, and had run away from home. She lived in the streets, struggling to find food for survival when Riley asked her, “Want a burger, kid?” Hunger made her willing to exchange what Riley would want for the meal, and she was brought to “her” and turned into a vampire.
Living together with other ferocious and bloodthirsty newborns had taught Bree to be careful not to draw attention to herself, especially from Raoul, Kristie and their gangs. She never speaks to other newborns and hides behind “Freaky Fred”, a newborn who has the power to repel others, whom she develops a friendship afterwards.
Eventually, Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as “her”. Diego is an eleven-month-old vampire, a close friend of Riley. They develop a close bond with each other, hunting together, sharing secrets and seeking refuge in a cave when all the newborns has been relocated after their hunting trip the night before.
Bree and Diego come to know that all the urban vampire stories and taboos that Riley told them are nothing but lies. They also realize that all newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined. Diego decides to talk to Riley after they eavesdrop on the conversation between Riley, “her” and some cloaked-figures one night, while Bree will go back to their home, acting clueless.
What will be the outcome of the friendship between Bree, Diego and Fred? What is the big game that is to happen to the vampire newborns? Who is that mysterious creator? Sink your teeth into Stephanie Meyer’s vampire novella for more answers and secrets, a truly thrilling story for adventurous readers, and of course, Twilight fans.
