If you, like me, flew through the 768-page behemoth that is Breaking Dawn during the wee morning hours following its release, you probably have little left to temper your Cullen cravings until the big screen version of Twilight hits theaters November 21 (thank you, Harry Potter). Which is all the more reason I was so psyched to stumble upon the first chapter of Stephenie Meyer’s next book, Midnight Sun.
As any die-hard Twilighter can tell you, Midnight Sun is a retelling of the saga’s first book through the eyes of hunky vampire Edward Cullen. Meyer recently told EW.com that she’s 12 chapters into the novel, which Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke and star Robert Pattinson (pictured, with costar Kristen Stewart) used to help flesh out Edward’s persona in the film. I’ve gotta say, as much as I love the original Twilight story, I think I’m even more in love with the tale from Edward’s darker point of view.
But I shouldn’t call it simply Edward’s perspective, because as you know, the vamp’s ability to read other people’s thoughts provides easy access to everyone’s inner workings. We’re not only privy to Edward’s intense (and I mean INTENSE) struggle to not eat Bella, but we get a peek into the minds of the mysterious Cullens — from Jasper’s naughty yearning to devour a classmate in the cafeteria to Alice’s ongoing worries about her partner’s vegetarian fidelity. Edward’s voice in the novel is not only more nuanced and mature than high-strung Bella’s (perhaps his 107 years has something to do with that), but we get the added bonus of avoiding all the smoldering eyes/icy-cold granite-body talk.
What say you, PopWatchers? Have you had a chance to peruse the first chapter of Midnight Sun? Do you prefer the Twilight story from Bella’s or Edward’s perspective? Which scenes are you dying to see through Edward’s eyes? (I’m stoked for the fight scene!)
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I just threw up a little in my mouth.
Here’s hoping it comes out next year.
I’ll be in full withdrawl by then no doubt.
I’m so glad you wrote this article! I too am on the edge of my seat waiting for Midnight Sun, especially after a glimpse at the first chapter. Stephenie was write in saying that most of the story actually took place with Edward we missed out on a lot from Bella’s POV. I do think it makes it better that our hunk of a narrator has the ability to read everyone else’s mind, so essentially it’s like a million stories at once! I especially can’t wait for the first night Edward stays with Bella after he sparkles for her in the field and how desperate he’ll be to get to Bella once he gets the call from Alice in Phoenix telling him that Bella ran away from her and Jasper.
It’s gonna be good……=)
My heart started racing when I read this article because I’m so happy I’m not the only one jumping out of my seat for Midnight Sun. I’m rereading the whole saga now (on the 2nd round of Breaking Dawn) and I still can’t get enough. I’m dying to read the Meadow scene from Edward’s perspective. CAN’T WAIT!
are you kidding me
the first 12 chapters leaked btw
I don’t know if you’re allowed to report on that, but you probably should know
If the first twelve chapters are any indication, to quote the fantastic Tom Servo, this book (like the other Meyer failures) is going to blow.
The first 12 chapters were horrible. SMeyer just needs to stop now.
I’m about halfway thru BD for the first time… Had to get over my initial reaction to spoilers, but I really like it now. I’m hoping for a few BD Edward outtakes, like she enjoys throwing out to answer FAQs.
This is such old news. Why does PopWatch report on things so long after they happen and pretend like they discovered it?
Jenny P. where did the first twelve chapters leak?
Honestly though, I can see why people don’t like the books (feminism, mormonism, etc), and I usually end up conceding to all of their points, then admitting: “Yep! And I like them all anyway!”
i think the first chapter’s amazing. it’s so refreshing to be able to look into edward’s mind, as it’s completely the opposite from bella’s.
i’ve read the other 11 chapters and they are also as intense! i really can’t wait for this novel, even though breaking dawn just came out weeks ago.
THE FIRST 12 CHAPTERS WERE AMAZING
I’M TALKING- WAY, WAY BETTER THAN ANY OF THE OTHER BOOKS IN BELLA’S P.O.V
i know it was wrong to read it, i don’t know how it got leaked- but it was just TOO tempting!!
It was just amazing.
that is all
<3
I thought it was horrible, actually. Made me like Edward even less and I never thought that was possible before. What is it about this series that as everyone so enamored? It’s misogynic, poorly written and complete tripe.
I read the first chapter to “Midnight Sun” a while back & I’ve been obsessing about when the novel would be released ever since. I loved it! I dig the darker tone & I’m excited to get to spend more time with Edward. (Yeah, I’m a nerd.)
Ah… the first 12 chapters… I kind of hate Edward more. Actually, I hate him with a passion now. And that’s coming from someone who read the series and fell head over heels for him. I hate how he referred to Bella as “the girl”. Grr. But I’m still going to buy it when it comes out. It was incredibly funny, the way Eddie thinks about Bella. Even during the Port Angeles scene I was laughing my butt off. I hate how Edward uses all these huge words, but when he speaks he doesn’t sound like him at all. And he acts like a walking, talking dictionary, yet he can’t pick up a thesaurus and find other words for “monster” *used 33 times in ch. 1-12* or “selfless” *used 7 times*. Don’t get me started on the C-word. Eck.
HAVE YOU SEEN MY MOMMY?
oh, the c-word?
CHAGRIN CHAGRIN CHAGRIN CHAGRIN CHAGRIN, Stephenie Meyer’s favorite word. I cringe every time I see/hear it in real life now. Honestly, why are people paying her to write? My brother wrote better work when he was in elementary school.
V, I know you liked Midnight Sun and that’s cool, but it’s just another pile of Meyerfail and it breaks my heart to know you liked it.
Love it…just got into the Twilight series and am on Eclipse right now. I was trying to think of a way that I could possibly prolong finishing the series so I could enjoy it for a longer time…but now I don’t have to worry! I love Edward Cullen!
So this author is so creatively bankrupt that she’s just rehasing her previous work, but from a different point of view?
So, in the end the series will be 10,000 pages of “Roshomon,” except terrible.
I can’t believe Stephenie Meyer is payed to write about me! I mean, I could do a better job, obviously, I’m better at everything…But I can’t believe she did that to me and Bella in Breaking Dawn. I DIDN’T WANT A RENESTARD! That’s the last time anyone makes up my life.
I liked the first chapter too, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the whole book.
I am so excited for Midnight Sun. As much as I love the first Twilight book, Bella is very young and her inner monologue really reflects that. I am very excited to hear Edward’s thoughts on everything.
Yes, I read the 1st chapter of Midnight Sun on Stephenie Meyer’s website, and I loved it! It was fascinating to read about Bella’s 1st day of school from Edward’s point of view, and to see just how close he came to giving in to his need to drink her blood! I can’t wait to read the entire book… especially if there’s the added bonus of getting more of Alice, my very favorite Cullen (beside Edward, of course).
Everyone realizes she started writing this one a while ago right. So everyone who’s saying that she’s trying to get more money, drop it. The first chapter has been up since before the third book even came out.
EDWARD! Stop commenting on fansites and blogs or else the Volturi are going to think that Stephenie Meyer actually exists and kill her. Now, I know she kind of messed up your life there for a while, but you have to take into account her safety. Alright?
Yes, I read the 1st chapter of Midnight Sun on Stephenie Meyer’s website, and I loved it! It was fascinating to read about Bella’s 1st day of school from Edward’s point of view, and to see just how close he came to giving in to his need to drink her blood! I can’t wait to read the entire book… especially if there’s the added bonus of getting more of Alice, my very favorite Cullen (beside Edward, of course).
I read “Twilight,” and finished it thinking that Edward Cullen was a good character trapped in a bad novel. Then I read the chapter of “Midnight Sun” online and realized, nope, every character Stephenie Meyer writes sounds just as vapid and overwrought. That was the end of my acquaintance with this phenomenon.
The chapters were so boring. I thought we would get so much more insight to Edward and find out why he loves Bella… but nope. It was just Twilight rehashed with barely any new material.
already reads WAYYYY better than twilight. way more interesting, indepth, well written. thank goodness.