 Critics noted its exploration of more mature themes than those of its predecessors, while praising the novel's love triangle and plotting.The story begins with Seattle, Washington being plagued by a string of murders, which Edward Cullen suspects is caused by a new-born vampire with an uncontrollable thirst for human blood.As Edward and Bella apply to colleges, Bella tells Edward she wants to visit her friend, Jacob Black, a Quileute Native American who, like some other tribe members, can shape shift into a wolf.