The Twilight Saga has captured the hearts of readers across the globe, spawning a series of hit films and huge fan base. Author of the series, Stephenie Meyer, has announced the forthcoming release of a new spin-off title, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, a novella told from the viewpoint of a newly born vampire.
Who is Bree Tanner?
Known only as Bree in the third Twilight Saga book, Eclipse, she is turned by Victoria to become another recruit in Victoria’s newborn vampire army, which she plans to use against Edward and Bella to avenge her lover James’ death. After surrendering to Carlisle, Bree attempts to change to the Cullen way of life, but is killed by order of Jane after breaking the Volturi’s laws.
What is The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner About?
According to Stephenie Meyer’s official website, stepheniemeyer.com, she began working on this story before Twilight was even released, wanting to explore what it was like to be a newborn vampire. Originally intended to be part of The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide, it came in too long at almost 200 pages, so the publishers suggested releasing it as a stand-alone title.
The novella tells the story from Bree’s point of view, and according to Meyer, provides a nice complement to Eclipse and explains a lot of things that Bella never knew. It follows Bree and the newborn army as they close in on Bella and the Cullens, following their story right through to its conclusion.
Release Date for The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
The new Twilight novella is due for release on June 5th 2010. Published by Little, Brown Books, the 192-page hardcover edition will be available from 12.01am priced at $13.99, according to the publishers’ official press release.
A donation of $1 from each sale during the first printing will go to the American Red Cross International Support Fund, which supports relief work in areas such as Haiti and Chile.
Read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner for Free
As a thank-you to fans for buying her books, Meyer will allow the book to be read for free for a limited time. Starting at noon on June 7th 2010, the novella will be available to read online at breetanner.com, until July 5th 2010. The website currently has a forum available for fans to discuss the forthcoming book.
On her website, the American author explains that she wanted the story to be a gift for fans, but is releasing a physical copy so that fans can add it to their Twilight Saga collection.
Bree Tanner in Eclipse Movie
Bree is to be played by Jodelle Ferland in the film version of Eclipse. The actress was shown a copy of the manuscript, along with screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, director David Slade, actress Bryce Dallas Howard (Victoria) and actor Xavier Samuel (Riley), in order to give them an insight into the newborn vampires’ story, so elements of the novella may end up in the film.
As the first new offering from Meyer in two years, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is undoubtedly due to become a massive hit, following in the footsteps of its Twilight Saga predecessors.
Louise Heyden - Louise Heyden is a writer, artist, work at home mum, sound technician and former school Library Manager.
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