Have you already read the new 'Twilight' book? Stephenie Meyer's 2020 release 'Midnight Sun' was leaked in 2008

The US novelist described the leak as a breach of her ‘rights as an author, not to mention me as a human being’

Author Stephenie Meyer arrives for the world premiere of ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’ in Los Angeles in November 2012. EPA

Twilight author Stephenie Meyer has announced she is releasing another book in the young adult series, much to the glee of her diehard fans.

Midnight Sun will be a prequel written from the point of view of vampire Edward Cullen, a leading character in the novels.

If it sounds familiar, it may simply be that you have already read it.

The book is set to be published 12 years after Meyer abandoned it, following the leak of half of the manuscript online.

"I am very excited to finally, finally announce the release of Midnight Sun on August 4," Meyer said.

“It’s a crazy time right now and I was not sure it was the right time to put this book out, but some of you have been waiting for just so, so long it did not seem right to make you wait any more.”

Midnight Sun was leaked when Meyer gave a draft to someone she trusted, to read. She wrote of the leak on her website: "I did not want my readers to experience Midnight Sun before it was completed, edited and published.

"It is important for everybody to understand that what happened was a huge violation of my rights as an author, not to mention me as a human being."

At the time, she said she did not know if she would ever finish the story as she was so “devastated” by the breach.

The prequel explores the characters’ love story from the perspective of Edward. It chronicles his past and the time he first meets Bella Swan, a human high school classmate who later becomes his wife. Earlier editions in the series have been told from Bella’s point of view.

“This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting beautiful, mysterious Bella is both the most intriguing and unnerving event he has experienced in his long life as a vampire,” said the publisher, Little, Brown and Company.

“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 let himself fall in love with Bella when he knows that he is endangering her life?”