Midnight Sun – Stephenie Meyer

So, I preordered this book and when it came I started to read it right away it took me roughly a week to read. Not because it would take me that amount to read the amount of words in the book. I read quite fast so I think I I think I can read it in a day or two but it took me a while because I didn’t want it to end. For reference, the book is 56 pages longer than Breaking Dawn (which was until now the longest book). I wanted to soak the story in. I wanted to really understand the nuances to really enjoy the story for the first time for the last time. I always liked Twilight when I was younger and it was a great experience to revisit the story

The book in short
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 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
This book contains the exact information I always wondered about. It gives such an inside into why Edward did and said certain things. How their relationship progressed how they both never fully understood how much they love each other. How she changed him, how it was her, and his love for her that made him stop draining her body of blood. This story shows not only their story but also how it came about. How difficult it was for him to actually not kill her. How much it took out of him. How Edward wanted nothing more than to be a great person for her. It also shows Bella as the character she always was, messy, kind, and above all brave. I love the story because it is what I know with a new and interesting twist I suppose I really enjoy stories like that where I sort of know how it will go but not what exactly happens. It was intriguing to read that at the end he was going to leave either way. That he wanted to wait for her to become better which she was because she did not see it coming at all. The fact that he somewhat knew what it would be like for her but that he still hoped. That he chose her above himself every time. He hoped for her to have a (in his opinion) better life. That at least is admirable. It really wasn’t him being mean, it was him being misguided.

Rosalie’s story about her sorrow was/is a major factor in why Edward truly couldn’t change Bella. He knew how hurt Rosalie was, how much she resented being what she was. How much she wanted to be ‘normal’. Being in someone’s head like this and then not knowing how Bella felt. Even for his own gain. Even if Bella felt a tiny fraction of what Rosalie felt. He could never do that to her. And that is really admirable. I never saw it this way before, not truly. I never knew why he wanted her to be human so bad especially through Bella’s lens. I never doubted his love for Bella but it was this love that made him adamant to not ever change her.

I really enjoyed this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it if you liked the original or if you never found yourself drawn to it that much. There is no denying that this book is much deeper and even though I enjoyed Bella’s inner monologue. Edward’s story is simply fascinating.

Lots of love, Melissa