Twilight author Stephenie Meyer has announced she is releasing a new novel in the vampire saga: Midnight Sun.
The announcement was made after Twilight fans crashed Meyer's site this afternoon, waiting for the end of her countdown which has been going since last week.
The countdown, which ticked down to 1:30pm BST today, gave fans some long awaited news: that Midnight Sun, a previously shelved companion novel of the Twilight franchise, would be released on August 4.
“It feels strange to be making this announcement when the world is suffering through a pandemic, and no one really knows what’s next. I thought seriously about delaying this announcement until things were back to normal; however, that felt wrong, considering how long those who are eager for this book have already waited," Meyer said in a statement.
"I know how much I personally need distractions right now, how much I need something to look forward to, and most of all, how much I need more books to read. So, I hope this book gives my readers a little pleasure to anticipate and, after it arrives, a chance to live in an imaginary world for a while. I can’t express how much I appreciate the patience of my readers, and their support over the years it took to finish Midnight Sun,”
While Twilight is told from the perspective of protagonist Bella Swan, Midnight Sun tells the same story but from the perspective of her love interest, perennial teenage vampire Edward Cullen.
Fans got a glimpse of this novel when it was leaked in 2008, but after the leak it was put on hold until further notice.
Before the new novel was announced, other speculations included a film project to do with Meyer’s production company, Fickle Fish Films, which produces literary-related independent films like Austenland and an adaptation of Meyer’s novel The Host (starring Saoirse Ronan).
The Twitter-sphere has reacted to the news accordingly, many regressing to their early teen years.
One user, @Chel221B said: “I have been waiting 12 years for this announcement #MidnightSun. Stephenie Meyer just made my Twihard dreams come true.”
Another, @BriannaNCollins said: "Stephenie Meyer just announced that she is finally releasing Midnight Sun on August 4th and suddenly I’m 11 years old again."
With only a few months to wait before the book is released, a new generation of Twilight fans could soon emerge.
