Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer

Grace | Colts Neck High School, Grade 10

Rating: ***

Stephanie Meyer’s Midnight Sun encapsulates the storyline of the first Twilight book, but with a twist. Rather than following the plot from protagonist Bella Swan’s point of view, the fanbase receives the privilege of understanding the complexity of Edward’s swarming and tormented brain. Although the majority of the novel tends to be repetitive following exact scene-by-scenes of the very first book, Edward’s fresh insight along with a few brand new scenes constitutes a brilliant new addition to the Twilight saga book series. Despite what many viewers criticize Midnight Sun as one of Stephanie Meyer’s most mundane novels, it is absolutely a necessary piece in allowing one to understand the depth of Edward’s brain, providing a newly profound insight into the remaining novels in the series.

It is within the realm of my personal opinion that the book in itself, although articulately written, can be redundant which is why I would rate it three out of five stars. I would only recommend reading Midnight Sun after finishing the entire series beforehand, to enhance understanding. Edward’s mindset was one full of pain, that is before he met Bella; “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?” (Meyers) This unfathomable bond between Edward and Bella is outlined through the use of repetitive metaphors, providing influential background to the series as a whole. The only reason I am shorting the novel of a five-star rating is that it was more of an informational piece, rather than pure entertainment. I would 100% recommend Midnight Sun for one who has a deep understanding of the Twilight series, but not for one seeking a lighthearted read.