Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer Series: Twilight #5
on August 4, 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 662
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.
This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?
My top thoughts:
Worth the wait! I know people have varied feelings about the Twilight series – from loving it to mocking it – and while I recognize that there are some serious problems, I fall in the love it camp.
What I liked/didn’t like:
I read the leaked chapters years ago and was sad that Stephenie Meyer wasn’t planning on releasing the rest of the book. I gave up on it and was pleasantly surprised when she announced that she would at last be releasing Midnight Sun.
So I think she definitely changed some things — or more accurately, added to — in the leaked portion. I kept thinking I had passed into new material and then something would happen that I was pretty sure I remembered. So even if you read the leaked parts, it’s really new.
Getting everything from Edward’s perspective added so much depth to the story and the experiences. I kind of wish I was reading Midnight Sun side-by-side with Twilight, especially at some of my favorite moments (like the whole Port Angeles section or the meadow). And it was so cool to see character’s with Edward’s unique ability to read minds. You get to know people in an entirely different way.
And then the whole last bit – when Bella and Edward are separated and you don’t have Bella’s perspective to fall back on – that was so exciting to read. Bella’s experience of the last quarter of the book and Edward’s are so incredibly different.
I’m kind of gushing but when a series that you’ve enjoyed reading over and over again gives you a fresh perspective to some of your favorite moments, well, you gush. I look forwarding to doing a reread sometime and maybe doing it side-by-side with Twilight. Maybe someone will publish a guide of chapter reading orders or something…
Berls is gushing over Midnight Sun. 4.5/5 stars #review Share on X
I nabbed this in a kindle sale last week! I’ll be giving it a read. 🙂
I really enjoyed all these books and the movies also. I read them initially because my daughter was reading them. I had read those leaked pages as well. It was so long ago! I hope to read this at some point. Fantastic review!
I was another one who was sad that those leaked pages represented the death of Edward’s POV and was shocked to see her finish it and publish. I will definitely be reading it. I really must. 🙂 I’m curious to see the changes you mention and those parts of the story that happen away from Bella’s POV.
I can’t believe I still haven’t even bought this book. I was the huuugest Twilight fan back in the day so I really need to get around to it!