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? 

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.