A review by jeanneerin
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I do not know why I masochistically feel the need to be a completist with this series. This book manages to be more frustrating and creepy than the original, with the incel attitude of Edward being front and center--he goes so far as to question Bella's right to exist in the beginning of the book. This is a fantasy version of Lolita more than an actual romance, and Edward's inability to let Bella choose for herself whether or not she should become a vampire feels like any male's inability to see a woman as more than a child or a pristine item to never be soiled in any way than as an equal. He puts thoughts in her head and words in her mouth, never really asking her what she is actually thinking. We are in his mind as he works out just how he will gaslight her as their relationship continues.

There is nothing new in this book since Edward and Bella both were never more than cardboard cutout characters and every scene seems to be from the original.

Still, I know I'm going to borrow the two books that managed to escape my notice before, so Meyer's must be doing something right. Or maybe it's just that I suddenly need potato-chip style books--I know I should put them down, but just can't seem to stop.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings