The Host

This book is so unique, so unlike anything else out there, you simply must give it a try.

Body snatchers have invaded our planet and they’ve just about taken over the world. The good news? They are peaceful and only do good. The bad news? Well, they take over your body.

Wanderer, one of the Souls (aka body snatchers) is implanted into the body of Melanie, a member of the resistance, a group of humans who are fighting the Souls. Only Melanie doesn’t quietly disappear like she’s supposed to. She sticks around and she and Wanderer begin duking it out for control of her body.

Complicating matters is Melanie’s memories of her boyfriend Jared, and her little brother Jamie, both hiding out with the insurgents. With Melanie unable to control her body, she has nothing to do but think about her life, exposing Wanderer to those memories. Even at night, Wanderer experiences Melanie’s life through her dreams. Though she fights it, Wanderer finds herself intrigued with these people, especially Jared.

Wanderer decides she must meet Jared and though letting her do that puts him and the entire resistance in danger, Melanie can’t help but agree. She needs to make sure he is okay.

We follow their travels as they search for where the resistance is hiding out. We’re treated to flashbacks to how the Souls took over, how Jared and Melanie met and how Wanderer ended up where she is. Once they do find the resistance, will Melanie and Wanderer finally be safe? Can they trust the resistance? Can (and should) the resistance trust them?

Once they find where the resistance is hiding out, the story takes another turn as Melanie/Wanderer try to find out where they belong. Not quite human and not quite Soul, it is difficult for them to find out where that place is. And these feelings that Wanderer finds herself having for Jared, are they real? Or are they Melanie’s memories and feelings?

The plot is so different, I never knew what was going to happen next. There were a few spots where it got a little long (especially the trek through the desert), but it picked back up quickly. There are elements of mystery (Will Wanderer give them all up? Will the Seeker find them?) and action. The dialogue and characters are excellent, very real. Nothing fake or stilted. Especially the (inner) dialogue between Melanie and Wanderer. It could have been hokey, with the two “people” inside 1 body, but Meyer manages to strike the perfect balance. The romance is also different – with 2 people in 1 body caring for 1 guy (and that’s before the second guy shows up!), it’s quite a lusty triangle.

The Sum Up: The Host is an amazing, un-put-downable story. The writing is vivid and the characters are real and full. It’s a long one, but I found myself hurrying to find out how it ends and wishing it would go on and on.

Reader reviewed by Hillary

Melanie Stryder refuses to leave. In a world where people have been inhabited by an unseen enemy, the human population serves as hosts for the aliens. Most of admitted defeat.

But Melanie was one of the human survivors. That is, until they found her. When the "souls" take Melanie's body to their city to be healed after she tried to escape via suicide, the soul named Wanderer is placed into her body. She is amazed by the many different emotions that she encounters in her new human body. Though, one thing that she wasn't warned about was that Melanie Stryder is refusing to give up control of her own mind.

Wanderer is sure she can control Melanie. But, when she tries to use Melanie's memories against her, Melanie does the same in return, showing Wanderer visions of the man Melanie loves, Jared. And when Wanderer starts to fall in love as well, she becomes allies with Melanie.

When I first heard about this book I was really excited for it and knew I wanted to run out and buy it. But then I started to have second thoughts about it. You know, what if It interferes with my opinion of Twilight. But I'm glad I took the risk. It was an excellent book. Despite the fact that it is an adult book, it is very suitable for YA readers. There was very little swearing or obscene actions throughout the book, if any. I have read some YA books with more vulgarity.

The character in the book were all very realistic. They were all very interesting and engaging. The plot was very original and even if you don't normally like SciFi, I still suggest you check it out because, like the Twilight series, you will be so interested in the characters and events that the fact that it's a SciFi won't even cross your mind.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the Twilight series, SciFi, romance books, or anything really good. I think that about 97% of people who read it will love it. (As for the other 3%, 1. you can't please everyone and 2. there are some people who can't seem to see past the fact that it's a SciFi and therefore are too narrow minded to even try to read it. )

Reader reviewed by bookworm

I absolutely loved this book. It put a whole new perspective of life and the meaning to it for me. I never saw our souls to be represented in that way. It was way cool. Also, it was interesting to read. I loved all the characters, especially jamie because he was just so young and so full of life. Melanie was also really sweet. her character was amazing and she played an awesome role. I counld not have wrote the story better myself. The ending was great but I was kind of left hanging there. so it would be so cool if they made another one to it. I think it would be a big hit. us teeenagers, we love stuff like this. so cool. keep up the good work!

Reader reviewed by Kayla (Midnight Twilight)

In a world where alien "souls" are taking over host human bodies there are a select few rebels. Melenie Stryder, her brother Jamie, and her love Jared are part of that few. That is, until Melanie is captured by a "Seeker". But even after the soul is infused Melanie refuses to fade away. This causes Melanie and Wanderer to have to share a body. But who will be stronger, and who will win?


Wow! Stephenie Meyer has done it again! Her newest book dazzles me just as much as Edward Cullen did (well almost.) The Host is an incredible take on aliens, instead of little green guys trying to take over the world, these aliens look like silver ribbons and are "peace loving body snatchers". This has to be the first love triangle involving only two bodies.

Most of the time i don't pick up books that are really long, because i don't have a very good attention span. But i had to make an exception for Stephenie Meyer, and i stayed up all night and finished this 619 page book in a little over a day. This book has now made my top 5 favorite books.

Reader reviewed by stebat

The book "The host" is a one of a kind book, i really liked it even though i don't enjoy reading science fiction, this book is about the time when the souls, creatures from other planets envade our planet, and the worst part is that they take away human bodies and transfer their souls into them, but Melanie didn't want to fade away, she resisted and stayed in her body even after being occupied by a soul named "The wanderer", but the soul decides to corporate with Melanie so that they can both find their true love "Jared" and their little brother "James"... I don't want to ruin the book for you...just check it out, it's the most touching story ever.. it made me sry.. so check out the ending of the book.. you won't be dissapointed!

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Earth has been invaded by parasitic souls. The souls think they are helping the humans by purging the Earth of violence; the resisting humans see it differently. Humans have become hosts for these parasites and been forced to relinquish control of their bodies and minds to the souls. The resisting humans see this as bad as murder, if not worse.

Wanderer is a soul who has chosen Earth as the setting for her ninth life. She is given the body of Melanie Stryder, a recently captured resister. Wanderer has been informed about the increased difficulties of a mature adult host, but she never expects for Melanies mind to still be there. Melanie, always a fighter, refuses to give up. Instead, she tries to protect the humans she loves from Wanderer, lest a Seeker find them and make them into hosts for more parasites. But Melanie slips up and Wanderer gains knowledge of the existence of Jared, the man Melanie loves. Strangely though, Wanderer finds herself unable to completely separate her bodys desires from her own, and she begins to fall in love with this human shes never met. Soon, an annoyingly persistent Seeker unites Melanie and Wanderer, and they set off to find the man they both love.

I will admit that after reading the slightly disappointing Breaking Dawn, I was afraid that Stephenie Meyers writing had gone downhill, but after reading The Host, my faith was restored. Firstly, the idea behind this story, a science-fiction romance, was so unique that it immediately captured my interest. On top of that, the characters, especially Wanderer and Melanie, were so well developed that they actions were always easy to understand. Plus, the sense of desperation added in some action. I loved how everything fit together perfectly in the end, even thought that doesnt leave room for a sequel. The ending of the story, probably the last fifty pages or so, was my favorite part of this book, because that was when everything really came together; every character realized their importance and other conflicts were unexpectedly resolved. I dont think I couldve asked for a better story than this; it was all I was hoping for from the incredible author of Twilight and more.

I loved this story and recommend it to all readers, whether they be fans of Stephenie Meyer/science-fiction/romances or not. Length shouldnt be an issue either; those 600 pages really flew by. I suggest everyone find a copy of The Host so they can read this amazing story for themselves.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

Reader reviewed by Mrs. C

The Host is an interesting exploration of love and all the different ways it can manifest in relationships. The main character is an alien who has been implanted in a human host. Though she is in control of her new body, the original inhabitant isn't giving up without a fight. In addition to that struggle, the alien also must learn to deal with being human, including strong and sometimes overpowering emotion.

The device of telling the story from an alien perspective is effective in the exploration of human relationships. Meyer successfully defines emotional situations with objectivity. She skillfully demonstrates that we as humans can sometimes be barbaric and confusing in our passionate pursuit of what (or who) we desire.

Highly recommended for mature readers interested in the nature of interpersonal relationships.

Reader reviewed by Sara E.

Despite the fact I love Stephenie Meyer, I was skeptical about this book. It sounded great, but I'm really not a fan of sci-fi. I am to a point, but I'm very particular about it. However, I loved this book, even the sci-fi elements. Stephenie created such a wonderful, scary world in this novel. It's in the point of view of the "alien" Wanderer AKA Wanda, as she takes over her host body, Melanie. This is the most hilarious, heartbreaking, and unique love triangle in the world. If you liked Twilight, you should definitely give this a shot.

Reader reviewed by Yan

I love this book! I found it so much better than Twilight in both the romance part as well as overall content. It was a much more believable romance than the rather stalk-ish, creepy romance between Bella and Edward. The sci-fi aspect is very faint and would have noticed it at all if the word alien hadn't kept popping up here and there. To all the Twilight fans, read this book as you might enjoy it much more than Twilight itself and to all the non-Twilight lovers, you just might enjoy THIS book by Stephenie Meyer!

Reader reviewed by sarhahahahaha

This.Book.Is.Amazing. i mean even if you dont like alien movies this book is worth checking out. Especially if you like twilight. it has the same heartache as twilight and has an even better ending the the twilight series. this book leaves you speechless and will even make you cry if your a sap like me. definetly take a look at this. its like one of the best.