Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun

book

2020

WISE
61%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Twilight, but through the eyes of a 100-year-old vampire who spends 600 pages overthinking his every breath.

Amazon4.6
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

Midnight Sun is basically Twilight for completionists. It’s not 'brain rot,' but it is definitely 'brood rot.'

Stephenie Meyer took the original story and stretched it out with Edward’s constant, agonizing internal debate about whether he’s a monster. For a fan, it’s a goldmine of lore. For anyone else, it’s a repetitive slog that makes the original book look like a fast-paced thriller.

If your teen is obsessed with the series, let them at it—it’s a better use of their brain than scrolling TikTok—but don’t expect them to come away with a balanced view of what a 'normal' boyfriend looks like.

Age Fit

Best for 13 and up. It’s for the kids who want to live in Forks, Washington, and don't mind a 700-page book where not much actually 'happens' that they don't already know.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
52

It's a story about a guy fighting the urge to eat his girlfriend. While Edward chooses 'good,' the vibe is heavy on obsession and brooding rather than healthy, balanced connection.

Imaginative
64

The mind-reading mechanic adds a layer of complexity to the world we already know, but since it's a retelling of a 2005 plot, it lacks true freshness.

Safe
78

Standard YA fare. No graphic sex or extreme gore, but the psychological intensity and the normalization of stalking behavior are the real 'safety' conversations here.

Enriching
58

Good for exploring internal conflict and the burden of empathy (via mind-reading), but it's mostly a repetitive character study in teenage angst.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Edward’s mind-reading ability actually makes the other characters more interesting than Bella saw them.
  • It’s a masterclass in internal monologue for kids who like deep, moody character dives.
  • The 'vampire politics' and backstories of the Cullen family get way more page time here.
  • Perfect for a teen who is already deep into the Twilight lore and wants every single detail.

What to Watch For

  • The stalking is much more obvious when you're in Edward's head; he’s fully aware he’s being a creep.
  • It is incredibly long. If your kid isn't a strong reader or a die-hard fan, they will quit by chapter four.
  • Edward’s self-loathing can be a lot to handle for kids prone to overthinking or anxiety.

Conversation Starters

  • "Does Edward watching Bella sleep count as 'romantic' or 'creepy' now that we hear his thoughts?"
  • "If you could hear everyone's thoughts like Edward, would you want to? Why would that suck?"
  • "Is it possible to have a healthy relationship when one person has all the power?"

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