Book Review

Book Review | Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Title: Midnight Sun (Twilight, #5)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Published On: August 4, 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: physical
Pages: 662

Synopsis: 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 thoughts

(Spoiler free)

Major. Book. Hangover. Okay, so there was never any doubt that I would love Midnight Sun. And if you haven’t read it yet (and you plan to), I would suggest you stop reading this review. Or any review. I went into it blindly, without reading anyone else’s thoughts. I wanted to form my own opinions, enjoy it thoroughly, with no spoilers of any kind. Who knows if we’ll ever have new Twilight material, right??

“My life was an unending, unchanging midnight. It must, by necessity, always be midnight for me. So how was it possible that the sun was rising now, in the middle of my midnight?”

Stephenie Meyer, Midnight Sun

I forced myself to read slowly, savoring every word. I’d read the partial leaked draft several times, so I knew when the new material would start, but I was happy to see new surprises even in the parts I knew so well. It was a rough draft that was leaked, so of course there would be edits. And while I knew I would love it, I didn’t know I would love it this much. It’s going to be difficult to review without any spoilers or hint of spoilers, but I’ll try. There’s just so much I want to talk about.

I knew from reading the rough draft that being in Edward’s head can be bleak. He doesn’t think very highly of himself at all. But Midnight Sun gave me a whole new opinion of Edward. Someone give the poor vampire boy a hug, please! It felt very much like being in the head of a teenager—the angst, the self-loathing, the tendency to make rash decisions. I know I’m making it sound miserable, but it wasn’t. It was enlightening. 

The contradiction between Edward’s unedited thoughts and what he actually shares with Bella is so vastly different, it took some getting used to. It makes sense that between hearing what everyone else is thinking, the truths he’s trying to protect Bella from, and his quick-processing mind—not to mention Alice’s visions of the future—Edward’s point of view is… well, a lot.

Hearing the stories of how his family came to be are definite highlights. And I could read an entire book based solely on the inner conversations between Edward and his siblings.

And we finally get to see exactly what it took to save Bella in the end. It was so much harder than I imagined.

I know some people weren’t fans of the pomegranate on the cover, but once you see how it’s used in the book, it makes so much more sense. And fits perfectly.

“For just a second, I saw Persephone, pomegranate in hand. Dooming herself to the underworld.”

Stephenie Meyer, Midnight Sun

I’ll be continuing on with New Moon and the rest of the series. I can’t leave Edward in such despair. I need him to find his happy ending, even though it won’t be from his point of view. I think reading Midnight Sun will give me a whole new outlook for the rest of the series, as well. And if Stephenie Meyer ever decides to gift us with more of the series from Edward’s point of view, I’m there for it. 

Midnight Sun was well worth the wait. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the world of Twilight all over again. And I can’t wait to reread it.

Rating: [usr 5]

About the Author

Stephenie Meyer
Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer is the author of the bestselling Twilight series, The Host, and The ChemistTwilight was one of 2005’s most talked about novels and within weeks of its release the book debuted at #5 on The New York Times bestseller list. Among its many accolades, Twilight was named an “ALA Top Ten Books for Young Adults,” an Amazon.com “Best Book of the Decade So Far,” and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. 

Meyer graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English Literature. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons.

A Song For A Book

On Bookstagram I created a hashtag for when I include a song that reminds me of the book I’m sharing, #ASongForABook, I thought I’d make it a regular feature on my reviews, too.

Stephenie Meyer was the first author I discovered who created playlists for her books. She may even be the first author that ever shared a playlist for her books?? And I have discovered so many songs and artists thanks to those playlists. She didn’t let us down with Midnight Sun, either. I’ll be spotlighting “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron. I’ll also include the entire Spotify Playlist below.

I am not the only traveler
Who has not repaid his debt
I’ve been searching for a trail to follow again
Take me back to the night we met

Have you read Midnight Sun yet? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Wandering!

5 thoughts on “Book Review | Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer”

  1. I desperately want to read your review but I’m going to do as you suggested at the top and not read anything about the book. It may be a little while before I can get to it so it’s going to be hard to steer clear of everything!

    1. I fully support that decision! <3 I pretty much put myself on a social media, blog, goodreads ban for the three days it took me to read it. But I hope you come back and let me know what you thought after you do. I'm dying to discuss! ;)

  2. This was such a nice review! Have to confess that I didn’t stop reading your review in order to actually read the book ? but that may be because I have mixed feelings about thid book. On the one hand, there’s some kind of nostalgia for this series on the other hand, I haven’t really been following the release of Midnight sun which leads me to thinking that I may not care as much for this one as I should have (?). ? I don’t know yet when I’ll read the book but great review, nontheless!?

    1. That’s okay! I just like to give readers a moment to decide before they dive in. 😉 Completely understand and appreciate the mixed feelings on the Twilight world. Thanks for reading and commenting. <3

  3. I remember really enjoying the Twilight series when I read it ages ago but I honestly can’t remember much of it now so I haven’t had an interest to read Midnight Sun. I’ve been seeing it everywhere though and I’m glad to hear that you really enjoyed it 🙂 Great review!

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