Your 'Twilight' refresher as the series turns 20
What is it about paranormal romance that's oh-so swoon-worthy?
'Twilight' is among the most popular vampire love stories across books and movies – generations are still debating Edward Cullen vs. Jacob Black.
The fandom persists two decades later, inspiring scores of die-hard readers, fanfic (we're looking at you, 'Fifty Shades of Grey') and still-relevant quotes like 'Bella! Where the hell have you been, loca?' The series also showed that female-led stories could be blockbusters, paving the way for fantasy favorites like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent.'
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first book's publication, here's your definitive guide to the Stephenie Meyer universe.
How many books are in the 'Twilight' series?
There are four books in the 'Twilight' series, but technically seven in the world of 'Twilight' as Meyer wrote two companion novels and a novella that reimagine or dive deeper into the story.
'Life and Death' is 'Twilight' reimagined. This gender-swapped novel turns Bella and Edward's story into Beaufort and Edythe, letting a female vampire take the lead.
'Midnight Sun,' Meyer's latest release, is 'Twilight' from Edward's perspective.
'The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner' is a novella told from the perspective of one of the newborn vampires in Victoria's coven, introduced in 'Eclipse.' It follows her friendships, romance and the mysteries of vampire life beyond hunting Bella and the Cullens.
When did the 'Twilight' books come out? 'Twilight' books in order
Here are all the 'Twilight' books by Stephenie Meyer in order of release:
Who wrote 'Twilight'?
Stephenie Meyer wrote 'Twilight.' She was inspired by a dream about a girl and a sparkly vampire talking in a meadow.
Meyer would eventually become USA TODAY's Author of the Year in 2008 after she captured the top four spots on our Best-selling Booklist, something no author had done before. She's written two other books outside of "Twilight": "The Host" and "The Chemist."
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.
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