I think everyone is aware by now that Stephenie Meyer FINALLY releases Midnight Sun, which is Twilight from Edward's POV. We've only been waiting for this one for twelve years. So I was super excited to finally get my hands on it.
I've been slowly reading it over the last month, and wanted to share my review with you guys.
Despite having read the leaked pages way back when, I wasn't really sure what to expect with this one simply because it's been 12 dang years. Would it cover anything new? Would it be boring?
I had concerns. I had even MORE concerns when I saw everyone else complaining about it. BUT I'm happy to report that I actually really enjoyed this one. Infinitely more than Twilight (which I liked).
Edward is wordy. He's awkward. He's unsure, hesitant, oblivious, confused. Seeing him struggle and fumble his way through his relationship with Bella humanized him in such a big way. He's a seventeen-year-old kid falling in love for the first time. He's also a 107-year-old vampire falling in love for the first time.
Those sides are so at odds with one another. He struggles with dark thoughts one minute...and then tries to be a proper gentleman the next. He's so terrified of something happening to her that crippling anxiety plagues him when he isn't near her. In his mind, the fact that he's in love with her is indisputable proof that Death has it out for her. The fact that she seems to love him too is further proof. It's also the only bright spot in a life he hates.
Midnight Sun had a depth and complexity that Twilight lacked. That depth and complexity added so much to the story. I loved the fact that Edward overthinks literally everything. He tries so hard to be good enough for Bella even while knowing he doesn't stand a chance of ever being good enough. And don't get me wrong here. He doesn't just think he's not good enough. He knows he isn't. But he tries anyway.
I loved learning more about his past and family. I really loved getting to see that family dynamic play out, especially during crucial times.
The book wasn't perfect. There were grammatical issues. It felt rushed at times.
Overall, I loved it.
Favorite Lines
Could a dead, frozen heart break? It felt as though mine would. (Midnight Sun, pg. 116)
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? (Midnight Sun, pg. 116)
I could live a few hours in a world where she and I could be together. She dreamed of me. I wanted to dream of her.
I could not dream of her. She should not dream of me. (Midnight Sun, pg. 209)
ABOUT MIDNIGHT SUN
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?
In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.