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Atom (2020), Edition: 01, 768 pages
Description
Fantasy. Romance. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML: #1 bestselling author Stephenie Meyer makes a triumphant return to the world of Twilight with this highly anticipated companion: the iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire's point of view. 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. An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller An instant #1 USA Today Bestseller An instant #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller An instant #1 IndieBound Bestseller Apple Audiobook August Must-Listens Pick "People do not want to just read Meyer's books; they want to climb inside them and live there." �?? Time "A literary phenomenon." �?? New York Times… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Arkrayder
Ok. The next 372 Pages We’ll Never Get Back read. Hopefully it leads to another hilarious review. If you haven’t listened to this podcast, give it a listen. Well worth it. #300SandersonFace.
LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
I read the "Twilight" novels a while ago. I remember a version of this story being leaked on the internet--and reading it there and thinking it was going to be great. But either the author changed something or the magic of the series is gone for me because I found most of this novel boring. Perhaps
I did puzzle over the pomegranate on the cover, but the author does a good job of linking that to Persephone, so it does make sense.
There were parts of the novel that I'd forgotten in the intervening years.
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the author just doesn't write from the male POV very well.I did puzzle over the pomegranate on the cover, but the author does a good job of linking that to Persephone, so it does make sense.
There were parts of the novel that I'd forgotten in the intervening years.
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LibraryThing member Monkeypats
I wasn’t sure whether to give this book one star or four. I compromised. It was nostalgic. I loved diving back into that world. I liked Bella so much more from Edward’s point of view. She ended up seeming to have a personality beyond “oooo he’s so sparkly,” which was basically her whole
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personality in the first. I also liked that this wasn’t a book just from Edward’s perspective, since he can read minds, you also heard everyone else’s thoughts. Last good point was that you get a bit more action, since Edward is there for the chase and the fight, etc. The story, however, is still terrible. Edward is overbearing and controlling in suuuuuch an unhealthy way. At least he seems to realize everything he does is morally wrong, but that never stops him from doing it. He can’t really read Charlie’s thoughts, which seems pretty inconsistent with the first book. The writing is still terrible too. I also think the Cullens are supposed to be good people, but they really never do any good. They have so much money and intelligence and literally do nothing for anyone other than Carlisle working at the hospital. I would not recommend this series to any teenage girl until she had at least two healthy relationships so she could recognize that this is not romance, it’s controlling and stalking. Someone recently compared it to You by Caroline Kepnes and let me say, Edward does remind me of stalker Joe Goldberg. Still enjoyed it though. So conflicted. UGH. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lea.Pearl
The audiobook is fantastic! Jake Abel does a great job narrating. This book deserves all the stars. Loved it!
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
I was 30 years old when I read the Twilight series, and I fell hard for the series. For all its faults, I fell in love with Bella and Edward’s story. Not only did I see aspects of my teenage self in Bella’s awkwardness and self-esteem issues, but I also saw parts of my relationship with my
Given my feelings for the original story, I suspect there is some bias here, but I thoroughly enjoyed Midnight Sun. Seeing Edward’s anxiety and fears as he struggles to make sense of his feelings simply confirmed my love for him. More importantly, Ms. Meyers addresses the more problematic aspects of his behavior towards Bella in a way that feels genuine to both characters while acknowledging that the behavior is bordering on stalkerish.
What surprises me the most is that I feel Ms. Meyer’s writing now has a maturity to it that is missing in the rest of the series. I know Midnight Sun is a novel she struggled to write for years. Seeing her writing now, I surmise she struggled because she needed more life experience and maturity in order to capture Edward’s voice. After all, he is 104 years old. Whatever changed, whatever allowed her to write Edward’s story after all these years, it works. Edward’s voice is appropriately mature and world-weary with elements of confusion and befuddlement that are simply adorable.
I find Edward’s mindscape fascinating. His guilt and his excessive situational analysis are exhausting, but they shed so much light on the face he shows the world. Plus, we see how busy his mind is fielding through other’s minds, having entire dialogues without speaking a word, and being privy to Alice’s visions. In addition, he begins to view himself in light of human behavior after decades of not doing so. All of it makes for a very mind-bogglingly complex mind that constantly thinks of worst-case scenarios rather than hopeful ones. No wonder he comes across as overbearing and overprotective at times!
As Midnight Sun draws to a close at the same point where Twilight does, my biggest wish is that Ms. Meyer would write the rest of the series from his point of view. After the torture of New Moon from Bella’s viewpoint, it is only fair we see Edward’s anguish and heartbreak as well. I know this is simply a pipe dream on my part, but I do not want to say good-bye to Edward’s mind. It rounds out the story in a way I did not know I was missing. In the meantime, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Forks again and hope it is not another fifteen years before another visit.
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husband in Bella’s and Edward’s interactions. I never really lost my love for the series even as it became rather gauche to admit it. So, when the news broke that Stephenie Meyer was finally releasing Midnight Sun, I preordered the novel that day. There was no way I was going to miss another chance to visit Forks and finally see the world through Edward’s eyes.Given my feelings for the original story, I suspect there is some bias here, but I thoroughly enjoyed Midnight Sun. Seeing Edward’s anxiety and fears as he struggles to make sense of his feelings simply confirmed my love for him. More importantly, Ms. Meyers addresses the more problematic aspects of his behavior towards Bella in a way that feels genuine to both characters while acknowledging that the behavior is bordering on stalkerish.
What surprises me the most is that I feel Ms. Meyer’s writing now has a maturity to it that is missing in the rest of the series. I know Midnight Sun is a novel she struggled to write for years. Seeing her writing now, I surmise she struggled because she needed more life experience and maturity in order to capture Edward’s voice. After all, he is 104 years old. Whatever changed, whatever allowed her to write Edward’s story after all these years, it works. Edward’s voice is appropriately mature and world-weary with elements of confusion and befuddlement that are simply adorable.
I find Edward’s mindscape fascinating. His guilt and his excessive situational analysis are exhausting, but they shed so much light on the face he shows the world. Plus, we see how busy his mind is fielding through other’s minds, having entire dialogues without speaking a word, and being privy to Alice’s visions. In addition, he begins to view himself in light of human behavior after decades of not doing so. All of it makes for a very mind-bogglingly complex mind that constantly thinks of worst-case scenarios rather than hopeful ones. No wonder he comes across as overbearing and overprotective at times!
As Midnight Sun draws to a close at the same point where Twilight does, my biggest wish is that Ms. Meyer would write the rest of the series from his point of view. After the torture of New Moon from Bella’s viewpoint, it is only fair we see Edward’s anguish and heartbreak as well. I know this is simply a pipe dream on my part, but I do not want to say good-bye to Edward’s mind. It rounds out the story in a way I did not know I was missing. In the meantime, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Forks again and hope it is not another fifteen years before another visit.
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LibraryThing member Jonez
2.75
It was interesting reading from Edwards prospective, which brought new clarity to events happening in the first novel. Being in Edwards head that long did get tedious and often times bordered on insufferable since the same thoughts seemed to drone on and on far too long. We get it Edward,
It was interesting reading from Edwards prospective, which brought new clarity to events happening in the first novel. Being in Edwards head that long did get tedious and often times bordered on insufferable since the same thoughts seemed to drone on and on far too long. We get it Edward,
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you're a monster, Bella needs you're protection, wait...no...but you're a monster, but you love Bella, but...wait...no you're a monster. *Eye roll* Nostalgia is probably what has this book earning it's stars. That and Meyer's writing. However, about 100 pages of Edwards inner monologue could have been shaved down or at least varied in subject and intensity. Show Less
LibraryThing member librookian
This book is ridiculous! Why is Stephenie Meyer cramming four books worth of Edward's POV into one HUGE book? It is very well written and I guess if you're a completist you'll want to read it but I'm perfectly happy letting the previous 4 novels be the final word on the Twilight saga. And did we
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REALLY need a rip off of EL James Darker idea just because Meyer is a fan? Come on! Show Less
LibraryThing member SheriAWilkinson
Midnight Sun (Twilight, #5) by Stephanie Meyer
Told through Edward's voice he tells how he met Bella, how he truly feels about her. Also we learn of his past and of his family (the Cullen's). The story moves at a steady pace, with attention to detail, engaging dialog and (strong) focus on each
There was a sense of familiarity even though it has been a long time since I read the series. Although Edward is not one of my favorite characters, it was interesting to see things through his eyes. I also liked hearing the backstories and details of everyone else. Overall I did enjoyed Midnight Sun . I highly recommend to those who read and (enjoy) the Twilight series.
Told through Edward's voice he tells how he met Bella, how he truly feels about her. Also we learn of his past and of his family (the Cullen's). The story moves at a steady pace, with attention to detail, engaging dialog and (strong) focus on each
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character.There was a sense of familiarity even though it has been a long time since I read the series. Although Edward is not one of my favorite characters, it was interesting to see things through his eyes. I also liked hearing the backstories and details of everyone else. Overall I did enjoyed Midnight Sun . I highly recommend to those who read and (enjoy) the Twilight series.
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LibraryThing member JamieM12
Okay, I of course love this book and twilight however.. how can we be left hanging like that...and no mention or approx release date for book 2? Otherwise it was great to see Edward's side of the story and events.
LibraryThing member MickyFine
Twilight from Edward's perspective.
Back during the heights of my Twilight obsession I more than once read the excerpt of this book that had been leaked and subsequently posted to Meyer's website, so I was delighted when I heard she was finally publishing the full book. While I am no longer a rabid
Back during the heights of my Twilight obsession I more than once read the excerpt of this book that had been leaked and subsequently posted to Meyer's website, so I was delighted when I heard she was finally publishing the full book. While I am no longer a rabid
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fan of the series I still enjoy picking up the books for a re-read occasionally and this newest book was a fun read. I enjoyed seeing everything in Twilight from Edward's perspective and to further explore the other Cullens as Edward sees into their minds and remembers their shared experiences. The final section of the novel was far more action packed than I expected and even though the ending is a foregone conclusion, it was fun to get there. Recommended to fans of the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lulu0917
Honestly...Stephenie Meyer should've just left Twilight alone after the four books. This book was wayyyyy too long; half of it Edward was lusting after Bella and the other half was him thinking of ways to not kill her.
LibraryThing member AlejandraIvanez
I enjoyed the different point of view that Edward offered.
LibraryThing member bcrowl399
I'm really glad I read this book. Ms. Meyer created a wonderful counterpoint to the Twilight series by telling the story from Edward's perspective. The detailed background on the Cullen family was exciting and compelling, leading the reader to love and despise them in equal measure. The characters
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had depth and conviction. There were occasions when the details were repetitive and unnecessarily long, but I kept wanting to read more. Twilight fans will be thrilled. Show Less
LibraryThing member Baochuan
I read and really like the twilight series, I am of two mind of this book as told from Edward's point of view since the plot can't change, sometimes I felt it drone on too much.
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
It was interesting to hear the events of Twilight from Edward's point of view - except that there just wasn't enough differences to make it completely engaging.
LibraryThing member SJGirl
Disappointing. I knew going into this that there wouldn’t be a ton of new content, still I’d hoped it would veer from the Twilight template a little more than it did and reshape it enough to actually feel like Edward’s point of view of his own life rather than his point of view of Bella’s
I get that certain moments did need to be here to still tell the story of Twilight, however, the scenes where Edward watches Bella sleep as well as the many scenes Edward wasn’t even technically in that could only be included here in his POV because of his ability to “eavesdrop” (Bella shopping, Bella in classes, etc.), couldn’t those have been replaced with a few more new scenes where Edward would have been an actual active participant? Like why not show more of his time in Alaska (only one scene yet he was there for a week!) or how about showing more of the dynamics in the Cullen household, showing what else was going on in their lives aside from Edward’s romance, or showing more of this vampire’s everyday struggles in navigating small town life and high school and sunlight? If you go by Midnight Sun, Edward occupies most of his time by listening in on Bella’s conversations, which I mean, a) what on earth did he do with himself in the decades before she came into his life and b) I never thought I would say this about a character I loved, but all that listening in and not doing anything made Edward come across as exceedingly dull.
With a few exceptions, Midnight Sun mostly consists of cutting Bella’s thoughts out of the manuscript and pasting in Edward’s over top of them rather than truly digging in and transforming the story to reflect Edward’s Twilight experience. To make matters worse, Edward’s thoughts were repetitive to the point of tedious (he’s a monster, she’s fragile, he doesn’t want her to be a vampire) and those repetitive thoughts weren’t really anything that couldn’t already have been discerned in reading the original Twilight.
I understand that publishing is a business, I don’t begrudge anyone’s desire to make money or profit off of my nostalgia, however, I do begrudge it when I buy something that feels as though almost no work went into it, the bare minimum amount of changes were made to pass this off as a different book from Twilight. Much like the gender-flipped version of Twilight, Edward’s version of Twilight conceptually seemed like it could be interesting but in execution it didn’t feel like much creative energy or effort was spent on this book.
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life. I get that certain moments did need to be here to still tell the story of Twilight, however, the scenes where Edward watches Bella sleep as well as the many scenes Edward wasn’t even technically in that could only be included here in his POV because of his ability to “eavesdrop” (Bella shopping, Bella in classes, etc.), couldn’t those have been replaced with a few more new scenes where Edward would have been an actual active participant? Like why not show more of his time in Alaska (only one scene yet he was there for a week!) or how about showing more of the dynamics in the Cullen household, showing what else was going on in their lives aside from Edward’s romance, or showing more of this vampire’s everyday struggles in navigating small town life and high school and sunlight? If you go by Midnight Sun, Edward occupies most of his time by listening in on Bella’s conversations, which I mean, a) what on earth did he do with himself in the decades before she came into his life and b) I never thought I would say this about a character I loved, but all that listening in and not doing anything made Edward come across as exceedingly dull.
With a few exceptions, Midnight Sun mostly consists of cutting Bella’s thoughts out of the manuscript and pasting in Edward’s over top of them rather than truly digging in and transforming the story to reflect Edward’s Twilight experience. To make matters worse, Edward’s thoughts were repetitive to the point of tedious (he’s a monster, she’s fragile, he doesn’t want her to be a vampire) and those repetitive thoughts weren’t really anything that couldn’t already have been discerned in reading the original Twilight.
I understand that publishing is a business, I don’t begrudge anyone’s desire to make money or profit off of my nostalgia, however, I do begrudge it when I buy something that feels as though almost no work went into it, the bare minimum amount of changes were made to pass this off as a different book from Twilight. Much like the gender-flipped version of Twilight, Edward’s version of Twilight conceptually seemed like it could be interesting but in execution it didn’t feel like much creative energy or effort was spent on this book.
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LibraryThing member LibraryCin
3.5 stars
This is, of course, “Twilight” from Edward’s point of view. Edward and his vampire family live in Forks, Washington when Bella arrives to live with her Dad. Edward, who can hear people’s thoughts, is drawn to Bella, as he is unable to hear hers and they fall madly in love.
It’s
This is, of course, “Twilight” from Edward’s point of view. Edward and his vampire family live in Forks, Washington when Bella arrives to live with her Dad. Edward, who can hear people’s thoughts, is drawn to Bella, as he is unable to hear hers and they fall madly in love.
It’s
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been a long time since I read (and enjoyed) “Twilight”. This was pretty slow-moving (as was the original, I believe), and I didn’t think this one was as good, but it was interesting from the other point of view. I know some people found Edward’s stalking of Bella creepy, but I didn’t see it that way in the original. It really stood out from Edward’s POV, though, since we could now see how often he really did watch her! I had forgotten much of what had happened in the first book. The book really didn’t pick up much until the baseball game, but things moved quickly after that (this was likely the case in “Twilight”, too). I sure don’t like Rosalie! I listened to the audio and, overall, I’m rating it good. Show Less
LibraryThing member LVStrongPuff
I hated this book. I am a huge Twilight fan, but I felt like this book was just total crap. When I read the first few chapters of Midnight Sun when Meyer had them on her website I thought this book was going to be good. Edward didn't feel like a stalker to me. He felt like someone that was just
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interested to understand Belle and her world. This book was a complete turn around. He creeped me out throughout the whole book. I also couldn't stand Rosalie in this book. She was a complete baby through the whole book. She was never this bad in the other books. This one makes her so stuck up, selfish and full of herself. I have never had one of the Twilight books take me 18 days to finish. The only reason I finished before the end of the month was because I turned up the speed on the audiobook because the person reading the book completely dragged and I couldn't stand his voice. This book was a big disappointment. I feel like either Meyers did this book no justice because she wanted to kill Midnight Sun and have people stop asking her to finish it or she just wanted to put something out there for her to make money off it. Show Less
LibraryThing member thebacklistbook
Wow! Was this ever an angst fest. Edward "oblivious" Cullen not even knowing what jealousy feels like. This book held my attention quite well and kept me entertained until a certain post-baseball sequence ran on far too long.
I found myself comparing the dialogue and scenes to what I remembered from
Ultimately to enjoy the read I had to treat it like it was a new thing entirely. An alternate version of the story. One thing about this book that is overwhelmingly important: it trounces any notion of Bella and Edward as a healthy couple by any stretch.
I found myself comparing the dialogue and scenes to what I remembered from
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the first book. I found myself constantly calculating the plausibility of certain aspects coexisting with the original narrative. In most cases it works....there are some however where it glaringly does not. Some of the dialogue sequences are utterly different. This jerked me out of the story every time I caught it. Ultimately to enjoy the read I had to treat it like it was a new thing entirely. An alternate version of the story. One thing about this book that is overwhelmingly important: it trounces any notion of Bella and Edward as a healthy couple by any stretch.
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LibraryThing member fancypengy
SO GOOD. Reminds me why I liked the first book so much. Much slower paced than the first one, but not in a bad way. Meyer's ability to pace her novels is really impressive- the chase scenes are page-turners, the more serious discussions are much more contemplative. It's great. It makes me want to
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reread the first novel again. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2020-08-04
Physical description
8.66 inches
ISBN
0349003629 / 9780349003627
Local notes
The iconic love story of Bella and Edward told from the vampire's point of view (somewhat laboriously it appears).