Being the massive Twilight fan that I am, when Midnight Sun was announced, I knew I had to read it right away!
(This post was originally published in October 2020) I preordered the book the day Stephenie Meyer broadcasted the news. If you know my reading habits at all, you know I’m not one to buy a book before reading it first (your local library is your wallet’s best friend). However, I’m what they call a “Twihard” – otherwise known as a massive Twilight fan – and I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.
This book is chunky. I was surprised at the fact that it was taller than the rest of the saga. However, it read very quickly! I’ll be totally honest: I didn’t pay any attention to the plot. I was thinking it was a prequel of sorts when I heard it was “Edward’s story.” That’s not the case. Let me tell you what I thought as I read it!
*Side note: this book should be read AFTER the original saga. If you have not read any Twilight books yet, I strongly advise waiting until you’ve finished the others before picking this up.
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Why You Should Read Midnight Sun
Click here to read the Goodreads synopsis. Below you can find my full and honest review.
I saw Persephone, pomegranate in hand. Dooming herself to the underworld.
Midnight Sun
I don’t say this lightly: this was the Twilight we deserved. I wasn’t even halfway through this book when I found myself wishing that the original saga had been told entirely from Edward’s perspective. However, now that I think about it, if that had been the case, this may not have felt quite as special.
If you’ve read the original Twilight Saga, you know that Edward is perceptive, with the ability to hear the thoughts of others. However, the way he perceives not only Bella, but the entire Cullen clan – and even the students at the high school (who are minor characters in the first books) – made me appreciate the characters even more. I began to respect Carlisle and Esme, I was overcome with emotions when Alice would see the future, and I cheered like crazy as Jasper’s skills really came through!
There was far more detail in this book than I even imagined there could be. I thought I knew Forks. I thought I understood Edward and Bella’s unbelievable relationship. I really thought Edward was a tool (haha?) but now I love him. It would still take a lot for me to switch from #TeamJacob, but that’s a whole other story. I can say that I definitely admire and appreciate Edward more than I ever did before.
Going back to this world of vampires and werewolves made me really nostalgic, happy, and peaceful. It was like meeting up with an old friend after years apart, and realizing that while a lot had changed, you still loved each other fiercely. I sincerely can’t wait for Stephenie Meyer to release more books! I’m crossing my fingers that she’ll have a New Moon told from Jacob’s perspective.
[TW: fantastical death and tragedy, anxiety, gaslighting]
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Have you read Midnight Sun yet?
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Raji says
Sounds like you really enjoyed this one! I’m not at all a Twilight fan, but your review has managed to make me curious enough to go back and try reading this. Thanks for the great review!
Stephanie Whitman says
I can certainly understand why some people don’t enjoy the stories. They were really special to me in high school and are probably some of my most-read books and most-watched movies. There’s something very comforting and nostalgic about them. So for me, this book was like a big hug, if that makes sense!
Robert says
Always enjoy reading your book reviews. This one sounds right up my wife’s alley. Will definitely pass this on to her for a future book recommendation. Great job as usual. 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s definitely an excellent choice for someone who already loves the Twilight Saga and wants to read the first story from Edward’s perspective. If she’s read Twilight already, she might very well enjoy this!
Merry Sari says
I am also Twihard! I remember that I was in 2nd year of junior high school (I think) when the Twilight movie was launched! And I regretted so much to watch the movie because I read the book first lol (it happened a lot, like Harry Potter). Since then I learned not to put so much expectation of movie from book adaptations ~ I ended up reading all the books except the Midnight Sun. I know I HAVE to read it now! Thank you for your review here xxx
Stephanie Whitman says
I didn’t read the books until my senior year of high school, even though by then the books and movies had almost all been released. However, I got to finish them just in time for Breaking Dawn Part 2 to come out in theaters and it was my first midnight premiere! I even got a t-shirt and everything to commemorate it haha! So much fun 🙂 I definitely love the books more than the movies, but I do say I love the movies too because they’re just so cheesy and they make me happy. I hope you enjoy Midnight Sun when you do get around to it!
julie says
I am a fan of the Twilight series, so reading this review makes me want to read this book! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
I really hope you do get a chance to pick it up. It’s a seriously fantastic book. It gave me a whole new perspective and love for the series and for Edward.
Shania says
Love this! I definitely need to check out more of Stephanie Meyer’s books. You’ve just reminded me exactly why I need to stop watching the films before reading actual book as they can definitely cloud your judhement. Hopefully the book will change my mind about Edward too😁
Stephanie Whitman says
Stephenie Meyer did a great job with the Twilight Saga. I also enjoyed The Host (and wished she had continued that series – maybe someday)! I’ll admit, I love the movies too – but they’re not even close to how fantastic the books are!
Ama says
I also loved The Host! Have you read The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer as well? It was also good…the main character is like a female Jason Bourne which makes for a fun read!
Lizzie says
Twiward lol! That made me giggle 🙂 This sounds like such a great book! I watched the first movie but my sister LOVED the entire series. I’ll have to let her know about this book (if she doesn’t already know haha!.
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Twihards are the biggest Twilight fans, and I love the name. It makes me laugh every time as well! I am definitely not the biggest fan out there by any means, but I do adore the fandom so much! I’m sure if your sister was a really huge fan, she already knows about this release. It was a pretty big deal 😉
Lee says
Aw I’m so glad the book lived up to everything you wanted it to be!! I was team jacob when I read the twilight books and omg i love the idea you mentioned at the end of there of her releasing new moon from Jacobs perspective. I can totally see me reading that!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m *still* Team Jacob haha! I think I always will be 😉 But this book made me love Edward and appreciate his love for Bella and his family far more than I did before. I really hope New Moon comes from Jacob’s perspective though. I think it would be cool!
Tiffany says
This is a beautiful review! I haven’t picked this book up yet, but I so loved the original saga. I am definitely in need of reading Midnight Sun now! Thanks for the terrific perspective!
Stephanie Whitman says
If you loved the original Saga, you’re bound to love this book. It was really well done. I thought it would be repetitive, but it ended up just being such a fresh perspective on the story!
Shuana says
I have it on my kindle but just set it aside after two chapters, felt it’s really long as compared to the first book. After reading your post, I think I should pick it up and read more about the characters! I did wait for this book for more than a decade, after all 🤗 Thank you for sharing!
Shuana
http://www.howivebeen.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Aw! I’m glad I’ve made you want to finish it 🙂 I hope you can find a way to enjoy it. I know it’s hit or miss, but I think it was really sweet, the farther into the story you go!
Serena says
I loved the Twilight saga so Midnight Sun is definitely on my list – it’ll be interesting to read the events of the first book from Edward’s perspective! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad it’s on your list! It’s a great book. Clearly, I loved it haha! I hope you end up enjoying it as well 🙂
Rach says
Back in the day I was definitely a Twilight fan. I haven’t read Midnight Sun, but maybe I will. Love to hear that you thought it lived up to its hype!
<http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Honestly, there was really no hype, since I read it the second it was released. I pre-ordered it and at the time, there weren’t many reviews about it or anything else because it was such a quick announcement-to-release date. I was just glad it lived up to my own expectations 😉
Kelly Diane says
I loved Twilight but I have been putting off reading Midnight Sun until I’d heard other people’s thoughts first. I know now I need to read this asap.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m happy to give you a stronger desire to read it 😉 I certainly loved every second of it!
Maria Koss says
I am not into the vampire romance literature, and yet the way you describe it sounds very intriguing!
Stephanie Whitman says
I had to giggle a bit about the title of “vampire romance literature” for these books. They’re so cute/cheesy that I don’t give them such an eloquent title, but I love it all the same!
Hazel @ Places + Peonies says
I remember when Midnight Sun “leaked” a few years ago and I was HOOKED!! I loved reading it from Edward’s perspective! I bought this as soon as I saw it was released; I haven’t dived into it yet but I saw the physical copy at the store yesterday and I was SO surprised to see how much thicker it was than Twilight!
I’m SO excited to read this; I miss the way Twilight made me FEEL. And no matter how many times I try to re-read it now, years later, it doesn’t feel the same. I still read every “new” book she comes out with in the Twilight world though in hopes to get even a glimpse of how it made me feel lol!
Stephanie Whitman says
It makes me sad that it leaked in the first place because it’s what ended up delaying her writing and releasing process 🙁 However, after 10 years… I’m definitely more than ready for more of this world again. It’s just so beautiful! It looks much bigger than Twilight, but it reads almost exactly the same as far as ease and speed go! I think you’ll love it!
Anna English says
I am totally going to get this to read ASAP! The way you described it makes it sound 100% worth it.
Stephanie Whitman says
That makes me smile 🙂 I hope you loved it as much as the original saga like I did! It’s so much fun to go back to this world.
Kileen says
I never read the Twilight books but I know they were really good! Stephanie Meyer seems to be a great author. I need to read all of her works for sure, because I am constantly hearing about how great they are!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie Whitman says
Stephenie Meyer is great! She did an excellent job with the Twilight Saga and with The Host (a series I wish she’d continue). I definitely recommend the original Twilight series if you get the chance. It’s my comfort read!
Jenny in Neverland says
Great review! I haven’t read this yet. I keep reading great reviews and thinking I must get a copy but then I keep forgetting so I’ll note it down. Can’t wait to delve back into the Twilight Universe!
Stephanie Whitman says
It was fun to “go back to Forks” in a way. Edward’s perspective was really refreshing and it made me appreciate the story even more!
Sarah Lindner says
Sounds like this was a fun read for you! I never read the series but did see the movies and I was totally team Jacob, just saying, lol. xoxo, Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
I’ve always been Team Jacob as well – and probably always will be. But this book made me like Edward a lot more.
Jennifer L Prince says
Ah! I haven’t seen ANY of the movies or read any of the books (which are always better IMHO). I need a good mental escape, and it would be fun to read the entire Twilight series and then Midnight Sun. Her cover choice is definitely interesting, too! I love that you’re such a voracious reader. It’s inspiring!
Stephanie Whitman says
I highly recommend reading the books first, but then get prepared for some SERIOUSLY cheesy and cringy goodness for the first few movies. They’ve always been favorites of mine, but not for cinematic greatness, by any means haha. Although, I’ll admit the last movie was excellent as far as acting/filming goes. It definitely got better! And the cover relates very much to the book 😉
Lisa says
I really appreciate your honest review of Midnight Sun. It’s been a long time since I read her other novels, and I’m intrigued to get my hands on this one too!
Taylor says
I haven’t read it yet. I LOVED Twilight when I was younger, and I started Midnight Sun and it felt so nostalgic, but then I got annoyed by Edward after a few pages. BUT I may have to give it another try. 🙂
Sarah Lennon says
Ok, now I really want to read this! Im in the need for a new book too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lavenda Memory says
Ooooh! I love a good sci-fi series and though I haven’t read the Twilight books, I did enjoy the movies and plots, so I bet she’s a great story teller. This sounds like a great read! 🙂
Ming QIan says
Hey Stephanie, I read the twilight series many years ago when I was still in secondary school. I heard about Midnight Sun, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to return to the series, but your book review has made me think twice. Maybe I should read it over the semester break in December! To be honest, I didn’t like the way the first three books in the series were written, and that plays into why I am reluctant to pick up the latest ‘spin-off’ from the series.
PS: my favorite character is Alice!
Greta says
I’m still dying to read this! It’s a long wait at the library but I’m looking forward to reading it.
Becky says
Perfect timing as I just started this book 2 days ago! I’m about 100 pages in so far. I will admit I have mixed feelings about it. I enjoyed the Twilight series and it’s definitely a “guilty pleasure” of mine. I remember reading the first one because I bought it at the airport in London flying back from my study abroad program in college. Maybe it’s just that I’m about 12 years older now but I’m struggling with this one a little more! I’m enjoying some aspects of it but the whole “Edward is actually like 100 years old” thing is really bothering me more than it did earlier! But I still have a lot to read and I really like learning more about the Cullen family from this angle so I’m excited to keep reading!
Deborah says
I’ve literally never read any of the Twilight books but your review is making me think that I’ve probably really missed out! I’ll have to check it out!
Vanessa says
I really want to check out this book! It’s been at least a decade since I ready any of the Twilight books, so I might have to brush up on them! I loved them in High School so I’m curious if I would still enjoy them now. I definitely have to add this to my list of books to read 😉
Iris Findlay says
I have not read Midnight Sun, but I did read all of the Twilight books, and I was not impressed. I thought Bella was a really bland character. And it was weird to me that Edward and the rest were so much older but went to high school. The relationship between Bella and Edward was cringeworthy, too. Maybe this one will be the one I like. That recommendation to go to the library first is a really great idea!
Lauryn Hock says
I loved the Twilight Saga! You have me convinced that I should read Midnight Sun (& get some nostalgia for the original series)
Caitlin says
I read The Twilight Series quite a few times when they first came out because I loved them so much – however I was always wondering what it would be like if Bella wasn’t the main narrative. I’m super excited to hear Edward’s point of view – and sometimes wish there’d be an accompanying movie!
Helen Phillips says
I’m a huge Twilight fan too! Or was, at least, when I was in high school! I just ordered this and cant wait to read! Thanks for sharing 🙂
xx
Helen
https://styleinherited.com
Ming Qian says
I read the Twilight series approximately ten years ago, and I watched the movies as well. I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but I liked Breaking Dawn and Alice. When I heard about Midnight Sun, I was a little skeptical about it. However, your review is making me reconsider adding it to my TBR!
Lizzie says
This sounds amazing! My sister loveddd Twilight (she is still obsessed haha) so I might have to get this for her.
Lizzie
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Tanvi Rastogi says
I have not read any of the books in this series. I did watch the movies though. Looking back I didn’t enjoy them much either. Looks like you are a true fan of this series and enjoyed the book.
❥ tanvii.com
Deborah says
Ahh, I actually have never read the Twilight books! They came out when I was in my late high school/early college years and I never really found the premise of vampires and love to be my cup of tea (same reason I never watched Vampire Diaries even though I had a roommate who was OBSESSED with it all!)
That said, your enthusiasm has me intrigued! I may start reading them now!
Lynn Mejia says
OMG I literally just re-watched the entire series. I was gifted the hard cover set as a young girl and literally went to Seattle to buy it! So many good memories! I’ll have to read Midnight Sun soon x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Della Driscoll says
I love your book reviews, they’re always so in-depth and honest! Thanks for sharing xx
Hellen says
Hii! Thanks for your review. I also loooved this book, though I’ve always been team Edward, sorry about that (:p).
I was just wondering where you got that edition of the original series in the photo, because I’ve been meaning to buy a matching set for ages and these are just so unbelievably stunning.
I hope you can help me out! I know I’m a bit late, but I just came across your blog on pinterest and I’ve been reading some of your posts. They really brighten up my day.
Love,
Hellen
Stephanie Whitman says
Hey there! These are a set of dust jackets from The Bookish Box 🙂 Hopefully they work out for you!