Midnight Sun

Reviewed by Sophie Rose on June 30, 2009

While reading Twilight did you ever think to yourself, “Bella is so naive and immature! I wonder how a grown up would think or act in this position?” Well, you’re in luck! The soon-to-be fifth book in the Twilight Saga, called Midnight Sun is Stephenie Meyer’s finest, yet unfinished work, because it’s the Twilight story from Edward’s perspective. He is what the series is all about anyway, right? Now, I know what you’re thinking; “Why in the hell didn’t Stephenie put this out instead of Twilight?!” Your guess is about as good as mine! And as great as Twilight has done, I think Midnight Sun is going to do just as well.

In the beginning, we discover that Twilight is about the relationship dynamics between sparkley vampire hottie Edward, and the average human teenager Bella. However, what Stephenie Meyer offers in Midnight Sun is the realness and the urgency behind Edward’s obsession with Bella. Every awkward moment is clarified, and just when you think you can predict Mr. Perfect’s next thought, he offers up a surprisingly different side of himself. Because the other books are written from the perspective of Bella, I don’t think that they provided an equally authentic depiction of the essence of Edward. Every self-loathing moment that crushed my heart, and every romantic scene that made my loins call out to him for more is magnified and enhanced brilliantly.

Even though this book is only a draft, we hope that Stephenie Meyer has every intention of finishing this project one of these days. While part of me thinks we should all cut her some slack for delaying the release of this future literary masterpiece (that’s right, I said it), the other part of me thinks, “What are you waiting for, you crazy woman?! You’re depriving me of the very thing that gets my blood boiling!” Sigh, well for now, I guess I’ll have to stick to staring at the pictures we have posted on For All the Stupid Lambs and dreaming about MY Edward coming to life in the written word again very, very soon.

At this time, I predict that some of the very best parts of this book will include more character development of the Cullen family. We are given a small taste of this during the short 264 pages of the current draft. But I think we’ll get much more of Carlisle, Emmett, Alice and the gang, than we ever had imagined! Additionally, I think this book will be far more romantic and heart-pounding than the sometimes weak and fragile depiction that Bella offers up. Based upon what I have read, I don’t want to rate this book quite yet, because I don’t think that’s fair to the author and her characters. However, prepare yourself, because this book will leave you wanting more….

Midnight Sun cover art courtesy of artist Richard Solis


Read the draft of Midnight Sun at Stephenie Meyer's site

Not Rated

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Comments (27)

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  1. Hurry!!! Please a print in Large text.

    Lovins, Cathy (56 yrs)

    Cathy McGowen · Jul 19, 04:21 AM · #

  2. Hey Cathy, we’re not big enough to get our voices heard with Stephenie Meyer JUST YET! But if she ever asks us, we’ll be sure to relay the message that larger font would be appreciated among SM’s “WISER” fan base!!

    Sophie · Jul 19, 01:54 PM · #

  3. I hope like hell she publishes midnight sun. Just the same as you I need to read it. Its like my drug!

    — Monica · Jul 22, 08:48 AM · #

  4. I totally agreed with your post here, Sophie. I also wondered why this is not the first one they published. I love and am dying to know what Edward’s point of view much more than Bella’s. It’s more exciting and interesting(at least for me) and I crave for more and more. I’m addicted by Edward. My Edward. ;) I need a dose of my Edward. Please, please, please Stephenie(I hope she reads this) finished Midnight Sun….soon. We’re dying here. And if Stephanie will make the other 3 more books Edward’s version of New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, I’ll definitely buy it whenever it’s out. I can’t wait…. :)

    — Jaclyn · Aug 5, 09:29 AM · #

  5. I haven’t heard that she was going to finish this after it released online without her permission. Is this a sure thing because I can not afford to get get hopes up????

    — jennifer · Aug 8, 12:05 AM · #

  6. Hi Jennifer, thanks for your question! You have a very valid point! I too am not a fan of getting my hopes up for nothing. Unfortunately, I think that’s the nature of the business. Nothing is ever a sure thing until it’s out in the world and available for purchase, right?

    And sadly, the last update we’ve received from Stephenie on this subject was back in late August 2008 when she discussed the draft leaking out on the internet. Here’s what she had to say:

    “So where does this leave Midnight Sun? My first feeling was that there was no way to continue. Writing isn’t like math; in math, two plus two always equals four no matter what your mood is like. With writing, the way you feel changes everything. If I tried to write Midnight Sun now, in my current frame of mind, James would probably win and all the Cullens would die, which wouldn’t dovetail too well with the original story. In any case, I feel too sad about what has happened to continue working on Midnight Sun, and so it is on hold indefinitely.” — Stephenie

    So my thoughts are this: we fans ought to continue to show Stephenie how much we enjoy her writing, and provide our endless support for the Twilight Saga and all of her other projects (‘The Host’ and ‘Prom Nights from Hell’). Maybe, just maybe, she’ll find the motivation she needs to finish this fantastic project once and for all!

    Sophie · Aug 8, 05:05 PM · #

  7. I hate to be a downer, but, I was searching on Midnight Sun the other day to see if there were any updates. Like you guys, I am totally hooked. What I found depressed me. There was a post on yahoo in a forum that someone had put up where they had been emailing with the publishing company that Stephanie is with and they told her finally, after a few aggrevated emails on her part, that Stephanie would not be publishing it. I’m not sure I want to believe since Stephanie did say on her site that more then anything she wants a matching copy to set beside Twilight, but I’m hoping with a lot of encouragement from her devoted fans, maybe she will finish it.

    — Kim · Aug 17, 09:44 AM · #

  8. Hi Kim, thanks for your comment. No, I hadn’t heard about that. I will definitely be researching this topic as well, since I am very interested in seeing Midnight Sun published! Thanks again!

    Sophie · Aug 17, 12:08 PM · #

  9. Please continue these Books. I’ve bought the 4 book hardcover set, I am so obsessed I read it 5 times or more. I am 53 this love story keeps me young. .Got to give us fans more. Plus I was a chronic depressed person your stories have lifted me up. ThankYou,GodBless.

    — Bea Whittlesey · Sep 9, 03:32 PM · #

  10. if midnight sun dosn’t comee out i will go mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    — mina · Oct 9, 11:57 AM · #

  11. After reading the first 264 pages of Midnight Sun on Stephenie’s website, I have been obsessed with hearing the rest of the story! ;) Actually, I have never visited a fansite before, for any book or movie or, well anything. I like whay I’m seeing here so far. Not a lot of Oh, I love Edward. (which, of course I do!) But a lot more actual discussion.

    Anyway, I have bought the 4 book set twice and three copies of Twilight. I would certainly be buying a copy or two of Midnight Sun! It has been quite a while since the partial draft was released online. Hopefully, time will heal the wounds and Stephenie’s story for Edward will pound inside her head until she can’t take it anymore and she just has to get it out! All I know is that I read Midnight Sun as hungrily as I read Twilight and I am desperate for more!

    — Shauna · Oct 16, 02:49 PM · #

  12. I hope everything you have written about the Cullens’ will come to pass. I adore all the books and I want more of Midnight Sun. Stephenie do you hear…more more more, please?

    — Sammy Gray · Jan 15, 11:41 AM · #

  13. When I first read that Stephenie had written Edward’s version of Twilight I was a bit worried, affraid that it would be tedious to re-read a story that we already know – but after reading the draft, am I ever so sorry to hear that she has no plans to finish it. I would love to read not only the rest of the book, but read the next three from Edward’s point of view.

    Reason number one: is the fact that from Edwards perpective we hear and see so much of what happens behind the scenes. Example, wouldn’t it be great to ‘hear’ everyone’s inner thoughts when Bella asks for the ‘Vote’ in New Moon.

    Knowing what Edward is going through, and the rest of the Cullens brings a totaly new dimention to the universe of Twilight. It would be great to have the full story, but on the other side of things, would it be too much information? Can we get too much of a good thing? Sometimes stories need to end, even if we’d love to have them go on and on…. However, if Stephenie ever did write such books, I’d buy them in no time :)

    — Marie · Feb 8, 01:01 PM · #

  14. I’ve only recently come to the “Twilight” world. And, it didn’t take me long to load up the van and move rite in.
    I borrowed the books from a friend and before I had finished the first chapter in the first book, I bought my own set.

    After finishing the last page of the last book, I was so sad there wasn’t anymore to learn about all the folks in Forks.
    Then, to my surprise, my elated surprise, I found the “Midnight Sun” draft. All I can say is WOW! It was so fantastic to read the ‘rough draft’ and to get into Edward’s mind. It really gives a new understanding of everything that happens.

    Next came this website and a place to voice my opinion.

    My hope is that Stephenie will listen to the fans and finish this book. And, I have to agree with Marie from the earlier post…I wish Stephenie would do the other three books from Edward’s perspective as well. Guess that’s too much to hope for.
    So, Stephenie, if you read these posts, it’s OK if you just finish “Midnight Sun”. :)
    And, thank you for letting us be a part of the “Twilight” world.

    — Candy · Feb 26, 02:31 PM · #

  15. I think Stephaine Meyer is a wonderful novelest and I can’t wait to hear what else she has to write about the Twilight saga. I don’t think she realizes how many fans she really has. I really hope she does continue with Edward’s side of the story and I also hope she will allow nessie to grow up and let us see where life takes her and the cullens and of course Jacob as well. I am glad she has Edwards side of the story but Im dying to know where life take them now that Bella is a vampire and nessie is going to be around forever. Please let Stephaine Meyers know we are praying that she keeps on going with the Twilight Saga! Thank you- her biggest fan!!

    — JOLYNE DIAZ · Mar 5, 12:36 PM · #

  16. These books are addicting(and I am not one to sit and read novels like this. Wow. what a magnificent writer. You changed my life. I am speechless. thank you. thanks for bringing these characters to life. I love midnight sun. can wait for you to publish it. Eres la mejor. Your fans; the millions that you have, adore you.

    — Patricia · Apr 2, 05:54 PM · #

  17. I don’t know where else to put this. But I am soooo tired of KS and her lack of any acting ability….. What?… did she go to the Allie Mcgraw school of acting……. She can deliver ANY line in any volume of monotone that you require….. How about that little secretary on 2and1/2 men as Alice and Ms. Greene as Bella Swan….. Now that would make sense…..

    — Shannon · May 13, 10:47 AM · #

  18. I have purchased every single Twilight item that has come out on the market so far.Each book is more addicting than the one before.The first movie was so fantastic that waiting for the second one is nearly driving me crazy !!! Edward is truly the greatest hottie vampire yet!!! Here’s to wishing that we all could have our very own Edward-like hottie!!! xxxoooxxx

    — Dessie · May 28, 07:40 AM · #

  19. I have read the draft of Midnight Sun and although I understand Stephanie Meyer’s reluctance at this point to complete the project, I strongly urge that she do so in the near future. I found the draft fascinating.
    I have read and re-read all four of the Twilight series books and never really thought of Edward’s take on the changes in his life after meeting Bella. I found his reactions interesting and read the draft with an entirely different feeling and prospective.
    Please, Stephenie, make this project a reality. I can’t imagine that a series from Edward’s point of view and feelings would not be as big a hit as the Twilight series has been. I am anxiously awaiting the release of Eclipse in a couple of weeks and already looking forward to the Breaking Dawn conclusion.
    Keep up the great work and cudos to your writing skills. I have found very few books I could read over and over and never tire of them. I have learned certain passages and sections word for word.
    Thanks again and please reconsider the continuation of the Midnight Sun series in the near future.

    — Carol · Jun 5, 09:05 AM · #

  20. I think that it is unfair to the character Edward not to have his side of the story and not publish this book. Bella tells her part and Jacob has almost half of the longest book, Breaking Dawn, to reaveal his mind, yet Edward has not one thought revealed. This is a bad mistake on the author part so we deserve a whole book on Edwards thoughts and it would be nice if some of his thoughts could come during the last movie. I have read all four books nine times and watched Twilight over 100 times and New Moon 63 times. I watch them both atleast two to four times a week. I love the books and movies. Please put this book ‘Midnight Sun’ out for your dedicated fans.

    — Connie · Jun 12, 12:38 PM · #

  21. I would like Mrs. Meyers to have a theme song for Edward. Bella has one, new moon had one, and now Jacob has one. Do you think it’s fair to give the other two actors theme songs and not have one made for Edward? In fact, why don’t you let Rob make his own theme song for himself? I’m sure he could do as good as anyone! He can really play the piano and guitar so let him do it! I think his fans would love it! I think you should let him and Kristen do a couple songs for the soundtrack. They are both good and sing and play. I think you would bring in more monies maybe even in the millions because their fans would buy them.

    — Connie · Jun 13, 10:18 PM · #

  22. I have read the Twilight series three times.I own the hardcover set.I would buy Midnight Sun so please finish it and continue the series from Edward’s point of view. I am addicted to these books and the movies too. I see the movies when they come to the theaters and then buy them as soon as they are available. I have watched them over and over. I also own Bree. Keep these books coming please.

    — Darlene · Jun 14, 03:13 PM · #

  23. twilight is awesome!!!! how i wish the story never ends

    — cathy · Jun 19, 01:36 AM · #

  24. I have to say that I agree with many of the voices in this forum… I think Stephenie Meyer’s books are wonderful. It was such a treat to read the draft of Midnight Sun on her website and like many others I am hoping Midnight Sun will be published. Edward’s perspective is edgier and more exciting than Bella’s and would take the Twilight Saga in another direction adding more dimension and complexity to the series. It would be incredible to see all 4 books written from his perspective. It would also be very cool to get some of the other Cullen’s perspectives as well. As long as I’m wishing… I hope Stephenie Meyer has not concluded with “the end”. There is so much story begining with Renesme… Please Stephenie Meyer don’t put the Cullen’s to bed.

    — Susie · Jul 28, 11:15 PM · #

  25. hi everyone I was just saying that though we are ALL eagerly awaiting midnight sun, stephanie’s choice is final, and I think that she DOES have a good reason.

    Also she has said that she has Edwards and Bellas life story planned out in her head, but she ended breaking dawn in a way that she was happy with incase she decided not to write any more in the twilight saga.

    Oh and Twilight is THE best saga ever!!

    — georgie · Aug 11, 01:20 PM · #

  26. hi… can anybody anwer this question for me ? apart from Mrs.Stephanie off’course…. why does stephanie writes only about VAMPIRES? no offence to that as i am already in love with Edward… but i want to know from where does she get this insiration to write so clearly about them…..

    — Sneha · Oct 14, 12:18 PM · #

  27. I just read the series and I’m hooked, I was able to read all 4 and a half books in less than a week. I agree with everyone that Stephanie should continue a series with Renesme and also that Midnight Sun definitely clarified a lot of why Edward was so attracted to Bella. I loved reading his point of view and even read the draft twice in a row, I wasn’t ready for it to be over. It’s so agonizing waiting for it to be released!

    — anni · Sep 30, 03:54 PM · #

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