Midnight Sun

By: Stephenie Meyer

Narrated by: Jake Abel

Length: 25 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

Number one best-selling 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, listeners 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 and brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.

An instant number one New York Times best seller
An instant number one USA Today best seller
An instant number one Wall Street Journal best seller
An instant number one IndieBound best seller
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)

©2020 Stephenie Meyer (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Very Impressed

I don't usually write reviews but I felt very compelled to after listening to this book. I first read Twilight as a teenager in highschool before the movies came out. Coming back to this story as a fully grown adult I was expecting the same "love concurs all" teen romance. While it is still very much that, I've found this version of Twilight to have so much more depth. I know this is partially due to to receiving the same story from a different perspective as well as Edward being a much more mature, though still flawed, character. But I also feel like Stephenie Meyer's writing has matured so beautifully as well.

I have very much enjoyed Edward's point of view and it really helped flesh out the decisions he made in this story. I also love receiving more history of Cullens in general. It was great to receive so many more details about these vampires which made them feel so much more grounded and ironically, human. I'm happy with all of the changes Stephenie added in, like Bella actually naming the album Phil gave her as well as naming her favorite songs. I liked getting to know Bella through Edward's perspective too, much more than I thought I would. However I could possibly attribute that to relating much more to Edward this time around as opposed to when I was a teenager and very much related to Bella.

As for the narration of this book... WOW. Easily one of the BEST performances I have listened to in a LONG time. I had to do a quick search of Jake Abel and after realizing he was an actor, his performance made so much more sense. The emotions that he is able to convey are fantastic and feel utterly real and raw. Jake Able PREFORMED this book, he didn't merely read it. His female voices aren't annoying either. I find males usually have more trouble with pleasing female voices than the other way around so this was also a very large bonus. I hope he continues to narrate audio books and I suggest you listen to this book if for no other reason than to hear this performance.
*EDIT* I'm throwing in an edit here to clarify this narration review. I think the performance is great for Edward. Real emotion is put into his words. No, there isn't a huge variety of character voices in this narration but I don't think it's needed. The story is told through Edward's perspective and to me, that's the most important part. Everyone else that's speaking is distinguishable enough from Edward that you know it's someone else. If the POV was different, like 3rd person, then I'd have different feelings. *END EDIT*

In conclusion, I hope that Stephenie continues on to write the rest of the Twilight Saga from Edward's point of view. I have been recaptured by this love story and I want to follow it to it's conclusion via this perspective. Please give it a listen. It is more than deserving of your time.

Don’t do it

The fans were so preoccupied with whether or not she could, they didn't stop to think if she should... She definitely should not have done this. I have so many issues with this novel. First of all the audible narrator! Who made the decision for this story to be portrayed by such a MATURE and older sounding person? It’s already creepy enough that Edward is 100+ years old. He is supposed to sound 17 though, not like a middle aged man. This made me cringe. Back to my issues with the actual story. Most Twilight saga fans are at least 25+ years old now and reading the original story from Bella’s perspective has a special place in our hearts; however, we can all admit this tale has not aged well. We all knew Edward was a creep, even back then, but now as a mature reader it’s SO MUCH worse. This story dragged on and on. His inner monologue was so creepy, so whiny, so jealous, so gross. I thought about stopping so many times but I am nothing if not committed. Every chapter SO long and uninteresting. I could barely make it through chapter 17. I will never forgive myself or S.M. for finishing that chapter. I will admit the story picks up around chapter 20. I think I could finally start to picture the finish line. I did appreciate the new insights into Edward’s history and family. I also appreciate S.M. for her clear love for this saga, the characters and her fans. We should not have begged for this story. We were all wrong.

Not the Right Narrator

I was so excited for this but the narrator was awful! I couldn't get past the first 10 minutes. So disappointed!!

So worth the wait!

After all these years, it was so easy to spiral right back into this world! All I want now is EVERY SINGLE TWILIGHT STORY to be told from Edward’s perspective! The very best story yet!!

Everything I could have ever hoped for from Edwards POV!!!!

I’m not going to lie...I was a big fan of these books 15-18yo and one of many who indulged in the first leaked chapters of this book YEARS ago. I remember Stephanie coming out to tell everyone she will release it when everyone has moved on and forgotten all about Midnight Sun. Years ago, that had completely shattered my heart and thought it would never hold the same importance as an adult. I am 28 years old, I finished this book in one day and all I can say is, OMG THE NOSTALGIA! It was honestly written better than any of her previous books and, in my opinion, did Edward justice! I know it is book one just in another POV, but...wow. I just can’t believe it’s released or that it is as awesome as I could have ever hoped for! I also have to give props to the narrator of the audiobook, I thought he did a fantastic job!

Not What I Expected

I did not like the narrator very much. Why do all of the females talk so fast & sound so catty?

The story was as expected, but there was so much introspection. So much repetition of thought. Okay we get it...Edward considers himself a monster. Cheese & rice, he must have said it about 150 times in the first ten chapters alone.

In comparison to Twilight, it falls far short. But still it was interesting to hear Edwards point of view.

Narrator is a perfect Edward;

Thank you so much to everyone who had a part in creating this book and audio version. Stephenie, thank you for helping to make the surgery my father is having tomorrow feel more bearable!

Edward all Edward

I enjoyed this audiobook. Just words. No music sound effects or other voices. Read it straight one person reads the book

Terrible narration

Jake Able was not the right choice as a narrator for Edward Cullen. I couldn’t get past the narrator. He sounds to old and rough for the character. Edward has a smooth voice that draws you in. Also, there is barely any distinction in the tone used for the different characters so it was difficult to follow. I’m crushed because this was a pre order and I was expecting to revive my love for Twilight but it just didn’t do it for me.

I'm still on chapter 2 but

It's how is exactly like thought. I remember reading the leaked script on my laptop in middle school/high school. I'm 24 now! I bought Midnight sun immediately on audible since I work all day and use my headphones. So far it's great, the man's voice is soothing, and it fits perfectly. I'm so excited for these 24 hours with my new audio book!