Book Review | Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Happy Wednesday my bookish friends. Yesterday I finished my most anticipated read in like forever!! I’ve been waiting a long time for this book so my excitement for Midnight Sun was off the charts. So here is my spoiler free review and my extreme fangirling over the fifth book in the Twilight Saga.

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
Published by Atom on August 4, 2020
Genres: Fantasy
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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 Review

This book, this series is what really started my love of reading and YA, and the dark fantasy genre. It was the highlight of my teenage years, and when I heard this book was finally coming out, I don’t think I’ve felt such genuine excitement over a book. I dropped my current read to be back in the world of the Cullens and I loved all 759 pages of it! Who knew Edward has so much to think about. The one I admit, was how much I had forgotten from the original Twilight book to film and how different they are. It’s the details that I didn’t realised I missed so much.

So what to expect from the book that has taken 10 years for Stephenie to write? It’s Twilight but from Edward’s point of view. I finally understand Edward! Edward is an awkward, troubled, brooding vampire with his gift hearing people’s thoughts. His protectiveness, his inner conflict and constant struggle of being nothing more than a monster. We’ve all wondered what goes on in his mind? His thoughts and feelings, his backstory. But Midnight Sun is more than just an inner monologue, this book fills in gaps of the story of Bella and Edward more than I thought it would. We get to hear those thoughts, especially the likes of Bella’s friends and his family. Did you know he winks a lot?! Moments like these that we never got to see or hear. It’s kind of mesmerising, I guess he kind of is!

What I loved most of all was the connection and relationship with his family. We see a whole new side to the Cullen’s. They aren’t perceived as just vampires, or a coven but a family! Edward’s admiration for his father, Carlisle is so poignant and endearing. Esme, his mother for all intense and purposes is the most fragile, timid, shy character, but she radiates such kindness and caring that we don’t get to fully appreciate the films or from Bella’s point of view. I was even surprised by Emmett, I always considered him quite a secondary character, even in the films. So I was glad to see a more brotherly and protective part in the book. Plus he’s hilarious Strange and absolutely delightful Alice, joyous and protective. But their gifts are what make them stand out in the book, we see how sees and how Edward reacts. A precious connection.

I love reading Stephenie’s familiar writing, her world that has been and will always bee part of my life. This book is everything that a Twilight Fan could have asked for and more. Especially the end Acknowledgements. Midnight Sun completes the Twilight Saga! It’s a book we knew was coming but we didn’t realise how much we were really missing in the series!

Have you read it? I’d love to chat with you about it.