My gosh. The Midnighters series literally rocked my world. There are way too many paranormal romance-y books out there now (seriously. Entire sections of bookstores labeled “paranormal romance.” Too many sparkly vampires. I prefer peeps) and I was so, so glad to finally come across a series with super-powered characters who didn’t make me want to vomit from their nauseating romances. The Rex/Melissa and Jonathan/Jessica relationships were both far from perfect. But all four acted HUMAN (or at least, halfling-esque). They had arguments and got over them. They supported each other. They did not make out every third page. They occasionally forgot where they had their first kiss. All normal parts of healthy relationships.

I also appreciated that Dess didn’t have a relationship and was resentful of the fact. Too many books either match everyone up with their perfect match (surprise! There’s a sixth midnighter! — so lame) or have the “awkward fifth wheel” (or third, or seventh, or whatever…) blissfully unaware of the fact that they are lacking in the couples-universe. So thanks for making Dess act human as well. Also, the fact that she gets her own small reward in the end too. Score one for the polymath (although she still can’t motivate me to do my calculus homework).

Was I happy with Blue Noon’s ending? Well, no. I actually threw my book at a wall (both book and wall are still intact). But I think an important part of reading books is that sometimes endings are bittersweet. Sometimes relationships fall apart (because the Jonathan/Jessica eventual age difference just doesn’t strike me as something that will work out in the end). Sometimes friendships get complicated, or families get complicated, or whatever. The world doesn’t always have a Hollywood ending, and since novels (even sci-fi/fantasy/etc.) are a reflection of the things that we see in real life, they shouldn’t always have happy endings either. (Tuck Everlasting, anyone? I cried for hours. And I was ten at the time).

So do I wish another bolt of lightning will strike exactly at midnight and free Jess from her confines in the secret hour? (I mean, presuming that would work and all). Well, yeah. But I’m glad that the book didn’t include this. Because in real life, yeah, the odds are slim. But the potential is there for it to happen (and in my mind I can believe it happens. Actually, I’m sure there have probably already been about 13×10^39 fanfics about it). Much like The Giver, the ending of the Midnighter’s trilogy leaves the potential for the reader to be an (unreasonable – gah, twelve letters) optimist or not, as they choose.

(Of course, if you would like to write a fourth Midnighters novel, I would not be opposed at all.)

So thank you.

THANK GOD I chose your books – they are amazing. I haven’t read any of your work before, but Midnighters just captured my imagination. I finished reading ‘Blue Noon’ this morning, and I can’t believe you ended the book like that!! How am I supposed to sleep at night without knowing what happens! And how awful that Jess’ parents blame themselves for her ‘disappearance’. And Beth! Oh my, how could she cope! Unless there is a 4th book that no-one has told me about, I am very VERY angry at you Mr. Westerfeld. You can’t do this to me! And by the looks of it, everyone else would like another book too.

So please, think about the children who will read your books. Don’t break their fragile little hearts by ending the series there.

Kay, thanks. Bye.

P.S…just so you know, you are a God.