Helpful Score: 28
Has Stephenie Meyer done it again? I don't know! The relationship between Wanderer/Melanie and Jared was less immediately compelling than Bella/Edward, but I still read the whole book in one sitting and could not put it down. This is billed as her first book for adults, but honestly, it reads just like her YA stuff. The ending was obvious from a mile away, to the point that it was frustrating to me that the characters couldn't see what needed to be done, when it was so clear. (They do catch on eventually!)
However, flaws aside, one thing is for sure. Stephenie Meyer can tell a story. There is something about the pace of her writing that draws you in and compels you to finish. She takes an impossible situation (three people, two bodies) and keeps you wondering for a very long time how it can possibly be resolved.
A classic? No. Worth reading? Yes.
However, flaws aside, one thing is for sure. Stephenie Meyer can tell a story. There is something about the pace of her writing that draws you in and compels you to finish. She takes an impossible situation (three people, two bodies) and keeps you wondering for a very long time how it can possibly be resolved.
A classic? No. Worth reading? Yes.
Helpful Score: 26
I am one of only a few people on the planet who can't stand Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT series. So I was a little leery of picking up THE HOST, afraid that I would dislike it as much as I did the first book in her other series. Thankfully, I gave it a chance, and now I'm very glad I did.
THE HOST is science fiction, but it's so much more than that. And it's also a love story, but, again, it goes far beyond the normal romance of many books out there today. I don't want to give away the entire story (to read what it's about, just check out the blurb), but I will say that THE HOST covers just about everything, from the invasion of Earth by a different species of being, to the ethics of mind control and morality of killing, to how far one person will go to be with the one they love.
My only complaint about the book, and the one that kept it from being a 5 Star read, is that the story drags on FOREVER. THE HOST could have been told, just as wonderfully, in about 150 less pages.
Overall, though, this was definitely worth my time, and I'll be happy now to at least give a chance to anything else the author publishes.
THE HOST is science fiction, but it's so much more than that. And it's also a love story, but, again, it goes far beyond the normal romance of many books out there today. I don't want to give away the entire story (to read what it's about, just check out the blurb), but I will say that THE HOST covers just about everything, from the invasion of Earth by a different species of being, to the ethics of mind control and morality of killing, to how far one person will go to be with the one they love.
My only complaint about the book, and the one that kept it from being a 5 Star read, is that the story drags on FOREVER. THE HOST could have been told, just as wonderfully, in about 150 less pages.
Overall, though, this was definitely worth my time, and I'll be happy now to at least give a chance to anything else the author publishes.
Helpful Score: 20
I stretched outside of my normal genre to read this sci-fi book. I find Stephenie Meyer's writing addicting! I really couldn't put the book down no matter how many dishes piled up. :-) This is an intriguing story about what it means to be human, to love in all ways, and to be a part of a family.
Helpful Score: 15
I am NOT a science fiction reader, but I read this because I love, love, LOVE her Twilight series. It took about 3 chapters to get into this book, but once I did I couldn't put the thing down! Stephenie Meyer has a way of making her characters so real, you become emotionally conntected with them personally and sit on the edge of your couch, reading as fast as you can to find out what happens to them.
She's one of the best authors I've read in a long time and look forward to her future works!
She's one of the best authors I've read in a long time and look forward to her future works!
Helpful Score: 13
This book was so different from the Twilight series (which I loved) that I had a hard time getting into it at first. However, if you find yourself in a similar situation, all I can say is STICK WITH IT. This is an AMAZING book...as it got closer to the end, I literally could not put it down, staying up WAY too late several nights in a row since I could only read when my kids were in bed! :)
Stephenie Meyer has created a fascinating world that will challenge your notions of what's right, what's moral, what's human long after you finish the last page. The book truly stands on its own, with no sequel necessary. I'll be the first in line should Ms. Meyer choose to revisit these characters, though! 5 stars!
Stephenie Meyer has created a fascinating world that will challenge your notions of what's right, what's moral, what's human long after you finish the last page. The book truly stands on its own, with no sequel necessary. I'll be the first in line should Ms. Meyer choose to revisit these characters, though! 5 stars!
Helpful Score: 9
HHHMMM??? I am one of Stephenie Meyers biggest fans, and so I had to read the newest series, but I just couldn't get into the story. It was not compelling & really didnt make me care much about what happened next. I read about 1/3 of the way through & just totally lost interest. Very disappointed.
Helpful Score: 8
Stephenie Meyer is a HUGE success because of the characters and world she intricately spun with the Young Adult "Twilight" series. Part of her success was her ability to draw in an adult audience, similar to the appeal of Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. (Additionally, romantic stories about vampires carry their own loyal following.)
"The Host" is marketed as ADULT fiction and strays from the vampire-genre completely. However, making the protagonist slightly older than teen-aged and removing high school as the setting does not necessarily "mature" the subject matter.
I found a similarity between "The Host" and the "Twilight" saga (particularly "Eclipse," book 3)in that the main characters in both novels were conflicted with their inner-natures as well as feeling divided between two very different types of love.
However, the mechanics of the science-fiction aspect of this book were so weak, it took all that I could muster not to cringe. Also, some of the specifics seemed very similar to older story/concepts like "Stargate" and the like, without any efforts of improvement or development. Because of this, I would have to say the transition from more "fantasy" to this "sci-fi" genre has left Ms. Meyer "out of her element."
"The Host" is marketed as ADULT fiction and strays from the vampire-genre completely. However, making the protagonist slightly older than teen-aged and removing high school as the setting does not necessarily "mature" the subject matter.
I found a similarity between "The Host" and the "Twilight" saga (particularly "Eclipse," book 3)in that the main characters in both novels were conflicted with their inner-natures as well as feeling divided between two very different types of love.
However, the mechanics of the science-fiction aspect of this book were so weak, it took all that I could muster not to cringe. Also, some of the specifics seemed very similar to older story/concepts like "Stargate" and the like, without any efforts of improvement or development. Because of this, I would have to say the transition from more "fantasy" to this "sci-fi" genre has left Ms. Meyer "out of her element."
Helpful Score: 7
Not my cup of tea. I don't even know why I dabble with Sci-Fi. I guess I did because alot of reviewers loved this book even though Sci-Fi wasn't a favorite of thiers. I also asked for this book as a gift while I was reading the Twilight Saga, figuring I'd love to try anything Meyers wrote. The first few chapters make me think "OK, I could get into this...it's kind of intriguing". After about 200+ pages...I was slogging through the pages hoping it would get better for me. It never did. I skimmed the next 200 pages and then absolutely SKIPPED chapter among chapter to the end. I'm sorry, but I truly wish I put it down at pg. 200!!
Oh well. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. I'm done with Sci-Fi no matter what!
Oh well. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. I'm done with Sci-Fi no matter what!
Helpful Score: 6
The Host is far less fluffy than Meyers Twilight series...but also much more difficult to get into. It felt like a chore to be reading it for the first ten chapters or so..I abandoned it for other books several times. Once it gets going though...watch out, you'll be hooked! While I don't agree that this is a brilliant or groundbreaking book, it does boast likeable characters, a coherent plot, and a complex love triangle and in general has more substance and food for thought than the superficial guilty pleasure known as the Twilight Saga. Stephenie Meyers has a way of writing that I'm pretty sure she'd be able to get me to read anything cover to cover, regardless of any real quality. The Host is a good indication that over time she will mature as an author. I look forward to future titles...and the open ending of The Host begs a sequel!
Helpful Score: 6
When it comes to the sci-fi fantasy genre, aliens usually aren't my cup of tea. However, I decided to pick this up mostly because I liked Stephenie Meyer's Twilight books. At first I was a little confused, not alot of explaining at the beginning I felt like I was thrown in not knowing anything. As the book went on I couldn't put it down though. Meyer's ability to describe people and places and the emotions of two different people in one body was amazing. After reading this I can't really even consider the souls (at least the ones like Wanderer) aliens.
Helpful Score: 6
I wasn't sure I'd like it... then I could barely put it down - read into the night the first night and the next day couldn't wait to get home from work to finish reading. Then I had to go and think about the book for days afterward.
Helpful Score: 5
I enjoyed the Twilight series, but this book was so hard to get into. It's written the same way as the Twilight books, but it didn't even have a decent storyline to keep me reading. I have read 100 pages and have abandoned it. If I ever feel like forcing myself to read something, I'll come back to it. I maintain my opinion that Ms. Meyer is a good enough storyteller, but her writing leaves much to be desired.
Helpful Score: 5
This book did not thrill like Twilight did. In fact after 138 pages, this book has lost my attention and I'm posting it on here. My friend (who tried to read this book as well and couldn't and is a Twilight freak like me) we have a theory that this was actually Stephenie's first book and that she could never get it published, so she then wrote Twilight, it became a hit, so then she repushed this book and because she is so popular, they printed it.
This book is amazing dull and the characters did not drag me in. In fact I just wanted to scream at them to shut up with their mental bickering and either get on with it or kill themselves as they kept thinking that thought. Such a boring book for such a wonderful author. I was highly disappointed.
This book is amazing dull and the characters did not drag me in. In fact I just wanted to scream at them to shut up with their mental bickering and either get on with it or kill themselves as they kept thinking that thought. Such a boring book for such a wonderful author. I was highly disappointed.
Helpful Score: 5
I think its too bad this book got "swept under the rug" because of Twilight. It's sorta slow in the beginning, but once it picks up it REALLY picks up. I absolutely loved this book; nearly as much as Twilight! I've never been into the sci-fi alien theme - I've always been for vampires and werewolves - but The Host was an excellent read. It really makes you think about what makes us human. I would recommend for anyone.
Helpful Score: 5
This is an amazing book! It is so unique, told from the perspective of the alien and her experiences past and present. I was hooked from the beginning, but the more I read, the more I could not put it down. I loved the characters and I was compelled to find how all the possible scenarios were going to play out. It was intense, thought-provoking, moving, suspenseful and heart warming. It is among the best books I have ever read. Wow! A new favorite I will read again. Well done!
Helpful Score: 4
What a different writer from the style of the Twilight series! Stephanie Meyer shows even more imagination in this one!
The story is of the takeover of Earth by the "Souls". An alien species that believe in love,kindness, working together for the greater good... everything that our news tells us that we humans do not embody.
However, Melanie is one human who stays present in her body instead of disappearing never to be heard from again. Mel communicates with and teaches Wanderer, the invading soul, that not all humans are awful. Some are good, and being human with all its messy emotions and conflicts is a powerful experience.
There were some twists I saw coming, and then others that really surprised me.
Highly recommended.
The story is of the takeover of Earth by the "Souls". An alien species that believe in love,kindness, working together for the greater good... everything that our news tells us that we humans do not embody.
However, Melanie is one human who stays present in her body instead of disappearing never to be heard from again. Mel communicates with and teaches Wanderer, the invading soul, that not all humans are awful. Some are good, and being human with all its messy emotions and conflicts is a powerful experience.
There were some twists I saw coming, and then others that really surprised me.
Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 4
My Favorite Book from my Favorite Author. This book was just great. It was suspensful, funny, romantic, sad, ...I can go on and on. I loved the lead Character so much I couldn't put this book down. I really hope she makes this into some kind of series because it was just too good to end.
Helpful Score: 4
Most people are focused on Meyers "twilight" series, so few have read "The Host". It is a rough start, is gets very scifi'ish in the beginning. But if you just give it a chance and get thru the first part, you will fall in love with the characters. I was swept away by them, it is an amazing love story that conquers even the worse of circumstances.
Helpful Score: 4
Awesome book. Completely different from Twilight, but very interesting, thoughtful and exciting. Some say that the beginning is slow, but I didn't find that to be true. I had a hard time putting it down until the end.
Helpful Score: 4
While Stephenie Meyer seems to be best known for her Twilight Series. After reading The Host I think perhaps it is the best of the five. It takes place on earth after humans are gradually taken over by an alien species, the 'Spirits'. One Spirit in particular finds a home inside a woman who doesn't submit and so the story is about them sharing a body. It reminded me of some science fiction I'd read many years ago and I recommend it to any of you who enjoy Sci-Fi.
Helpful Score: 4
This book was really,really,really good. I recomend it to the Twilighters (Twilight by Stephenie Meyer fans).
Helpful Score: 4
I like it but it was kind of a slow read. I had a hard time getting wrapped into story until the middle of book.
Helpful Score: 3
This story (over 600 pages) had me contemplating calling in sick so I could read it straight through. I am stunned by how this book captivated me (I am not usually a reader of sci-fi) and, at times, moved me to tears. Haunting and beautiful. LOVED it.
Helpful Score: 3
All I can say is WOW!
Regardless of the way it has been put into the Sci-Fi genre at many booksellers, this stroy really is not about sci-fi at all.
This book explores the fact that what's right and wrong is inevitable colored by people's own background and life training.
After a somewhat slow start (necessary to develop characters), the moral dilemmas really hit you hard.
I like to think that am not overly emotional, but this story brought tears to my eyes many times. It was very hard to put it down and caused me to read a few times until the early morning hours.
Mrs Meyer certainly hit a home run with this one. Way to go!
Regardless of the way it has been put into the Sci-Fi genre at many booksellers, this stroy really is not about sci-fi at all.
This book explores the fact that what's right and wrong is inevitable colored by people's own background and life training.
After a somewhat slow start (necessary to develop characters), the moral dilemmas really hit you hard.
I like to think that am not overly emotional, but this story brought tears to my eyes many times. It was very hard to put it down and caused me to read a few times until the early morning hours.
Mrs Meyer certainly hit a home run with this one. Way to go!
Helpful Score: 3
I thought that The Host was better than the Twilight series. I felt more attached to Melanie and Wanderer (Wanda) then I ever did to Bella and Edward.
The book follows Wanda, and Melanie, as Wanda's alien race takes over Earth to solve all of the problems that the humans created (ex. war, pollution, etc). Wanda discovers that the "host" that she occupies, Melanie, has not completely left her mind. Through out the book Wanda struggles with Melanie's rebellion in her mind to take her body back.
There is a very complicated love triangle (or square) that is involved in the story. What happens to Wanda and what happens to the remaining humans left on Earth is very moving. The reaction of them is very true to humanity. I think this book is a must read, especially if you are a Stephenie Meyer fan. I've read this book several times and I enjoy it every single time.
I talked to someone who felt like there were Mormon undertones in this book (Wanda being a "pure soul"), but the abstinence message in Twilight can be seen as a Mormon undertone as well. I didn't notice it because I was too wrapped up in the story. A great pleasure read.
The book follows Wanda, and Melanie, as Wanda's alien race takes over Earth to solve all of the problems that the humans created (ex. war, pollution, etc). Wanda discovers that the "host" that she occupies, Melanie, has not completely left her mind. Through out the book Wanda struggles with Melanie's rebellion in her mind to take her body back.
There is a very complicated love triangle (or square) that is involved in the story. What happens to Wanda and what happens to the remaining humans left on Earth is very moving. The reaction of them is very true to humanity. I think this book is a must read, especially if you are a Stephenie Meyer fan. I've read this book several times and I enjoy it every single time.
I talked to someone who felt like there were Mormon undertones in this book (Wanda being a "pure soul"), but the abstinence message in Twilight can be seen as a Mormon undertone as well. I didn't notice it because I was too wrapped up in the story. A great pleasure read.
Helpful Score: 3
I read the twilight series and did enjoy them though I wasn't sure I was ready for another like it. This was nothing like it. Because the book is so thick, I found myself shelving it for other quicker reads. I'm glad I finally picked it up. The story was a unique concept and a great read. The only flaw was once again I wanted to slap the female lead character for being so weak. I found myself shouting, "grow a backbone!" but the true character behind the host was just that. All in all, excellent read and another great book by Stephanie Meyer.
Helpful Score: 3
I bought this book 3 weeks ago. I read it at least 20 times since then. Of course not all of it but in parts, going back and forth. It is that good. What makes it so endearing? The relationships? The absolutely unusual setting? The completely human feelings, good and bad it shows and makes you understand? For me it's all of the above. This book is worth every penny (I bought it new). So if your wait will still be long I strongly recommend buying it. It's worth it.
Helpful Score: 3
I thought that The Host was better than the Twilight series. I felt more attached to Melanie and Wanderer (Wanda) then I ever did to Bella and Edward.
The book follows Wanda, and Melanie, as Wanda's alien race takes over Earth to solve all of the problems that the humans created (ex. war, pollution, etc). Wanda discovers that the "host" that she occupies, Melanie, has not completely left her mind. Through out the book Wanda struggles with Melanie's rebellion in her mind to take her body back.
There is a very complicated love triangle (or square) that is involved in the story. What happens to Wanda and what happens to the remaining humans left on Earth is very moving. The reaction of them is very true to humanity. I think this book is a must read, especially if you are a Stephenie Meyer fan. I've read this book several times and I enjoy it every single time.
I talked to someone who felt like there were Mormon undertones in this book (Wanda being a "pure soul"), but the abstinence message in Twilight can be seen as a Mormon undertone as well. I didn't notice it because I was too wrapped up in the story. A great pleasure read.
The book follows Wanda, and Melanie, as Wanda's alien race takes over Earth to solve all of the problems that the humans created (ex. war, pollution, etc). Wanda discovers that the "host" that she occupies, Melanie, has not completely left her mind. Through out the book Wanda struggles with Melanie's rebellion in her mind to take her body back.
There is a very complicated love triangle (or square) that is involved in the story. What happens to Wanda and what happens to the remaining humans left on Earth is very moving. The reaction of them is very true to humanity. I think this book is a must read, especially if you are a Stephenie Meyer fan. I've read this book several times and I enjoy it every single time.
I talked to someone who felt like there were Mormon undertones in this book (Wanda being a "pure soul"), but the abstinence message in Twilight can be seen as a Mormon undertone as well. I didn't notice it because I was too wrapped up in the story. A great pleasure read.
Helpful Score: 3
I was shockingly surprised that I seriously enjoyed this book. It grabbed me from the beginning to the ending!
Think of it as Tales of the Body Snatcher from the Snatcher's point of view. A Snatcher that can't get rid of the original spirit of the Body, which ultimately turns into a love triangle. This triangle was the beginning of acceptance from both perspectives instead of just one.
A very quick summer read, so if you have a plane or long train ride, I definitely recommend it.
Think of it as Tales of the Body Snatcher from the Snatcher's point of view. A Snatcher that can't get rid of the original spirit of the Body, which ultimately turns into a love triangle. This triangle was the beginning of acceptance from both perspectives instead of just one.
A very quick summer read, so if you have a plane or long train ride, I definitely recommend it.
Helpful Score: 3
This is a wonderful sci-fi that had me banging my head wondering why anyone would react the way the heroine did. But then I realized, it was because she was an alien and therefore, all her thoughts and actions were alien to me, as well. If this is to be considered a follow up to Twilight, it is in age group progression only. There are no vampires, but there are plenty of star-crossed lovers and the whole situation was thought provoking. What we take for granted as a species, certainly becomes clear through individual fallibilities.
It was a fascinating read and visit between the ears of ideas that are foreign, yet, still oh-so human!
It was a fascinating read and visit between the ears of ideas that are foreign, yet, still oh-so human!
Helpful Score: 3
The Host has me pulled in several directions of feeling, much like the book's main character(s).
On one hand, the idea of two beings trapped within the same body, both fighting to be their own person, fighting to be individualized and NOT simply ruled by how their body was being pulled in familiar directions was a fascinating concept. One that I was ready to see so many aspects of life and feeling played out with, and with the size of this book, I thought it would be fully fleshed out.
On the other hand, there were 150-200 pages that could easily have been simplified to about 50 pages, with the same effect. This entire section of the book dragged it out so much that it took several weeks for me to lumber through it's tediousness.
There is a point at which a reader stops forgiving amateur writing based on a good concept. And that is what Meyer is, an amateur writer. She can easily come up with a fascinating topic, thrilling trajectory, but then she falls into the trap of being a below-average writer. In another's hands, this story could have been a NOVEL, something that you cannot put down until you are fully satisfied with the range of characters and story, and which you, the reader, are never dragged down into a hole of teenage-like angst and whining. Unfortunately, Stephanie Meyer wrote this book. Luckily, the main character is appealing enough and I was drawn to finish the book to see where it would go. In the end, there are some satisfying points, and you really do end up liking many characters, however there were many aspects that were left uncharted within Wanderer/Melanie's journey which was the most disappointing part about this book.
Great potential? Yes. Great story? Yes. Great writing? Again, no. However, it will be interesting to see how the movie will turn out, now that this great storyline will be in the hands of the ever-capable Andrew Niccol.
On one hand, the idea of two beings trapped within the same body, both fighting to be their own person, fighting to be individualized and NOT simply ruled by how their body was being pulled in familiar directions was a fascinating concept. One that I was ready to see so many aspects of life and feeling played out with, and with the size of this book, I thought it would be fully fleshed out.
On the other hand, there were 150-200 pages that could easily have been simplified to about 50 pages, with the same effect. This entire section of the book dragged it out so much that it took several weeks for me to lumber through it's tediousness.
There is a point at which a reader stops forgiving amateur writing based on a good concept. And that is what Meyer is, an amateur writer. She can easily come up with a fascinating topic, thrilling trajectory, but then she falls into the trap of being a below-average writer. In another's hands, this story could have been a NOVEL, something that you cannot put down until you are fully satisfied with the range of characters and story, and which you, the reader, are never dragged down into a hole of teenage-like angst and whining. Unfortunately, Stephanie Meyer wrote this book. Luckily, the main character is appealing enough and I was drawn to finish the book to see where it would go. In the end, there are some satisfying points, and you really do end up liking many characters, however there were many aspects that were left uncharted within Wanderer/Melanie's journey which was the most disappointing part about this book.
Great potential? Yes. Great story? Yes. Great writing? Again, no. However, it will be interesting to see how the movie will turn out, now that this great storyline will be in the hands of the ever-capable Andrew Niccol.
Helpful Score: 2
I highly recommend this book! If you like Stephenie Meyer's work you will like this. One word of warning, it is a little tough in the beginning. It doesn't suck you in in the first few chapters but once the main character starts to develop you will be very curious to see how things turn out for her... you man need to push through. By the end you will be very glad you did. I know that Stephenie Meyer originally intended for this to be the first of a trilogy and can't wait until she starts releasing new titles. I hope her next book will be this book's sequel.
Helpful Score: 2
Stick with the story, it gets better.
I first bought The Host when it was initially released. I read the first 1/4 of the book and put it down because I just couldn't get into it. The plot was just so slow.
A year later, I picked it back up and started reading where I had left off before. It had taken me about a week to get through the first 100 pages and about 2 days to get through the rest of the book.
Stephenie Meyer is an excellent storyteller. The world she created was well thought out and described in vivid detail. The characters weren't as fleshed out as I would like. The storyline rang hollow. There is plenty of conflict between the characters; but the conflict between the parasitic Souls and their unsuspecting hosts is superficial, at best.
I first bought The Host when it was initially released. I read the first 1/4 of the book and put it down because I just couldn't get into it. The plot was just so slow.
A year later, I picked it back up and started reading where I had left off before. It had taken me about a week to get through the first 100 pages and about 2 days to get through the rest of the book.
Stephenie Meyer is an excellent storyteller. The world she created was well thought out and described in vivid detail. The characters weren't as fleshed out as I would like. The storyline rang hollow. There is plenty of conflict between the characters; but the conflict between the parasitic Souls and their unsuspecting hosts is superficial, at best.
Helpful Score: 2
An amazing, well-told story. I didn't know what to expect but this book was hard to put down. A fascinating plot with characters I easily connected with. Loved the ending. Don't miss this one!
Helpful Score: 2
Wonderful story. Not at all like the Twilight series, this book was written for adults. This is more science fiction, with wonderful characters discovering that not all "bad" things are really bad.
Helpful Score: 2
This book wasnt like her other series...and took a chapter to realize what was going on...once past that chapter i was hooked...and read it in one day!! I loved this book and hope that there are more to come!
Helpful Score: 2
I loved it! Way better than Twilight. I could hardly put it down. Great ending. 5 stars!
Helpful Score: 2
The human race is now peaceful after the Souls have invaded Earth and inserted themselves into everyone's brains. The famous soul Wanderer, so named for her numerous adventures on various worlds with various hosts, is chosen to be inserted into the body of Melanie Stryder, a suspected human rebel, one of the few who managed to evade the Souls for a while.
Wanderer was told that being in a human host would be difficult, what with the influx of unfamiliar and strong emotions. What she wasn't prepared for, however, are the remnants of Melanie inside her head, yelling at her, talking to her, otherwise making her stay in Melanie's body uncomfortable. Melanie fills Wanderer with memories of her younger brother, Jamie, and the man she loves, Jared. Melanie believes that they are still alive out there somewhere, and pretty soon Wanderer gets caught up in caring about these strangers as well.
The two of them, in one body, set off to find Melanie's family. Wanderer finds them all right, but they get much more than they've bargained for. Instead of being happy that Melanie is alive, the human survivors are afraid of and angry at the "parasite" in her head. Even Jared is conflicted between his former love for Melanie and his disgust that her body has been invaded by Wanderer, whch sends Wanderer into a tailspin of torrid emotions at being hated by Melanie's love.
Despite Jared's coldness, though, Wanderer is not completely alone. Jamie takes to "Wanda" and Mel as separate and both good almost immediately. And there's Ian, who sees and loves Wanderer's goodness far before anyone else even trusts her. But how can Wanderer feel free to love Ian when Melanie's body and voice yearn for Jared?
While THE HOST will probably never be as popular as Stephenie Meyer's phenomenal TWILIGHT series, it is a touching story of love and survival in its own right. Meyer's strength comes from her portrayal of complex but real characters, and THE HOST certainly makes the most of it. This is a good choice for readers who are impatiently waiting for BREAKING DAWN to come out.
Wanderer was told that being in a human host would be difficult, what with the influx of unfamiliar and strong emotions. What she wasn't prepared for, however, are the remnants of Melanie inside her head, yelling at her, talking to her, otherwise making her stay in Melanie's body uncomfortable. Melanie fills Wanderer with memories of her younger brother, Jamie, and the man she loves, Jared. Melanie believes that they are still alive out there somewhere, and pretty soon Wanderer gets caught up in caring about these strangers as well.
The two of them, in one body, set off to find Melanie's family. Wanderer finds them all right, but they get much more than they've bargained for. Instead of being happy that Melanie is alive, the human survivors are afraid of and angry at the "parasite" in her head. Even Jared is conflicted between his former love for Melanie and his disgust that her body has been invaded by Wanderer, whch sends Wanderer into a tailspin of torrid emotions at being hated by Melanie's love.
Despite Jared's coldness, though, Wanderer is not completely alone. Jamie takes to "Wanda" and Mel as separate and both good almost immediately. And there's Ian, who sees and loves Wanderer's goodness far before anyone else even trusts her. But how can Wanderer feel free to love Ian when Melanie's body and voice yearn for Jared?
While THE HOST will probably never be as popular as Stephenie Meyer's phenomenal TWILIGHT series, it is a touching story of love and survival in its own right. Meyer's strength comes from her portrayal of complex but real characters, and THE HOST certainly makes the most of it. This is a good choice for readers who are impatiently waiting for BREAKING DAWN to come out.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is a thousand times better than Twilight. I do notice that most people who did not like this liked Twilight. I don't care for Twilight, and I loved this.
-Wanda is soo sweet and selfless. She loved the humans she was trapped with even though they wanted to kill her. She refused to hurt someone even when they directly tried to give her a grusome death, in fact, she risked her life to save that person.
-Melanie is a tough-talking chick, but has a soft heart for those close to her. At first, she hates Wanda, but they grow closer as time goes. She's strong, but in a vulnerable position, trapped in her own body
-Jared was someone you don't like to much at first, but he grew on me. He's really just a jerk to Wanda at first, but sees Melanie in her and warms up. He is a little cold to Wanda, though.
-Ian is my favorite. He is sweet to Wanda and some of the things he did touched me soo deeply I almost teared up. He's the kind of guy I want.
-Wanda is soo sweet and selfless. She loved the humans she was trapped with even though they wanted to kill her. She refused to hurt someone even when they directly tried to give her a grusome death, in fact, she risked her life to save that person.
-Melanie is a tough-talking chick, but has a soft heart for those close to her. At first, she hates Wanda, but they grow closer as time goes. She's strong, but in a vulnerable position, trapped in her own body
-Jared was someone you don't like to much at first, but he grew on me. He's really just a jerk to Wanda at first, but sees Melanie in her and warms up. He is a little cold to Wanda, though.
-Ian is my favorite. He is sweet to Wanda and some of the things he did touched me soo deeply I almost teared up. He's the kind of guy I want.
Helpful Score: 2
Reviewed by Abby - The Class for TeensReadToo.com
The book THE HOST is a lot like Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT saga in the fact that the whole point of the story is that love is the most important thing. What's different though is (obviously) the storyline. Yes, that is right - this story has nothing to do with vampires; instead, aliens have taken over our planet.
The time is somewhere in the future and our world is not as we know it. Instead of mass murders making headline news, there are articles on the best type of flowers to plant. The most disturbing article is that the bridge near Maple Avenue is due for a repainting. The world is full of peace and love. No one argues, no one fights, and there is not even a hint of violence in this bizarre world.
Obviously, these are not humans we are talking about.
The aliens that came to Earth would capture a human to use its body as a host. (Hence the title.) They stretch their tentacles around the nerves and "control panels" located in our heads; thus gaining complete control of the body. Unfortunately for the human, this process eliminates them. The aliens were able to gain control of almost every person this way. By continuing their host's former habits they were able to go virtually unnoticed. Luckily for humankind, there are always a few observant people that actually see things the way that they truly are
Our story is focused on Melanie and Wanda. Melanie is (or was) one of those few humans that was able to escape. Unfortunately, she was caught and because she might have information on other fugitives stuffed in her head, Wanda is put inside her. When a soul is put in a human, it has access to every memory their host might have had. Well, at least that is what is supposed to happen. Instead, Wanda reaches some "walls" within her mind. She later finds out that Melanie is still in there and kicking. She is even able to communicate with Wanda, using her (or their) thoughts.
This starts a whole new thread of events. The most important being Melanie convinces Wanda to go and look for Jared, her true love, and Jamie, her little brother. They are both labeled as "wild humans." After getting lost in the desert and nearly dying, Wanda is found by the humans and is taken to their hideout, a large cave, as a captive. She is surprised to see so many other humans still without a soul within them and even more surprised to see Jamie and Jared have made it here.
Unfortunately many, including Jared, hate Wanda for what she is and what her kind has done to their world.
At first I thought the story itself was rather lame. I mean aliens...? Come on, can't she do anything better than that? Not to mention it had an extremely slow beginning. Once they reached the caves, though, things really heated up and Ms. Myer's amazing writing skills started to really shine through. Personally, I think that if anybody else tried writing a book with this specific topic it would go down in flames, but Stephenie Meyer was able to finish it with grace and in a way that made me want her to write a sequel.
The book THE HOST is a lot like Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT saga in the fact that the whole point of the story is that love is the most important thing. What's different though is (obviously) the storyline. Yes, that is right - this story has nothing to do with vampires; instead, aliens have taken over our planet.
The time is somewhere in the future and our world is not as we know it. Instead of mass murders making headline news, there are articles on the best type of flowers to plant. The most disturbing article is that the bridge near Maple Avenue is due for a repainting. The world is full of peace and love. No one argues, no one fights, and there is not even a hint of violence in this bizarre world.
Obviously, these are not humans we are talking about.
The aliens that came to Earth would capture a human to use its body as a host. (Hence the title.) They stretch their tentacles around the nerves and "control panels" located in our heads; thus gaining complete control of the body. Unfortunately for the human, this process eliminates them. The aliens were able to gain control of almost every person this way. By continuing their host's former habits they were able to go virtually unnoticed. Luckily for humankind, there are always a few observant people that actually see things the way that they truly are
Our story is focused on Melanie and Wanda. Melanie is (or was) one of those few humans that was able to escape. Unfortunately, she was caught and because she might have information on other fugitives stuffed in her head, Wanda is put inside her. When a soul is put in a human, it has access to every memory their host might have had. Well, at least that is what is supposed to happen. Instead, Wanda reaches some "walls" within her mind. She later finds out that Melanie is still in there and kicking. She is even able to communicate with Wanda, using her (or their) thoughts.
This starts a whole new thread of events. The most important being Melanie convinces Wanda to go and look for Jared, her true love, and Jamie, her little brother. They are both labeled as "wild humans." After getting lost in the desert and nearly dying, Wanda is found by the humans and is taken to their hideout, a large cave, as a captive. She is surprised to see so many other humans still without a soul within them and even more surprised to see Jamie and Jared have made it here.
Unfortunately many, including Jared, hate Wanda for what she is and what her kind has done to their world.
At first I thought the story itself was rather lame. I mean aliens...? Come on, can't she do anything better than that? Not to mention it had an extremely slow beginning. Once they reached the caves, though, things really heated up and Ms. Myer's amazing writing skills started to really shine through. Personally, I think that if anybody else tried writing a book with this specific topic it would go down in flames, but Stephenie Meyer was able to finish it with grace and in a way that made me want her to write a sequel.
Helpful Score: 2
The earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Most of humanity is lost. Everyone is perfect. There is no violence. Wanderer, the invading "soul" has been given the body of Melanie Stryder.Wanderer understood the challenges of living inside a human. However, she did not expect the strength of Melanie's refusal to "leave" her body. Bombarded with the overwhelming emotions and too vivid memories Wanderer begins on a journey to becoming exactly what he has invaded.
The Host was a moving story. It began a little slow and I thought I was not going to like it at all. The first 100 pages didn't catch me. Suddenly I couldn't put the book down. I read it in 2 1/2 days. This book is inventive and fascinatingly clever. Stephanie Meyer has the ability to weave together a story that feels so real. It is a gripping and unforgettable tale of love, and not just romantic love. A love that transcends all species. A love that garners hope.
The Host was a moving story. It began a little slow and I thought I was not going to like it at all. The first 100 pages didn't catch me. Suddenly I couldn't put the book down. I read it in 2 1/2 days. This book is inventive and fascinatingly clever. Stephanie Meyer has the ability to weave together a story that feels so real. It is a gripping and unforgettable tale of love, and not just romantic love. A love that transcends all species. A love that garners hope.
Helpful Score: 2
I guess were i loved the twilight saga so well i had high hopes for this one as well..Needless to say paying 25.00 when it came out was a mistake. I find it difficult to read, its a sci fi book, i found myself having to re-read chapter. I dont recommend spending money on the book, get it here when available or check it out at the library.
very disappointed
very disappointed
Helpful Score: 2
Wanderer, a being who's lived several lifetimes on many planets in many hosts, is given a new body on planet Earth: Melanie, one of the few remaining humans who don't have a "soul" implanted in them. Wanderer is determined to take control of Melanie's being and find out everything she can about the human resistance, but does she have what it takes to stay immune to humanity?
I really enjoyed this book, it was an interesting take on making our lives our own, regardless of the circumstances we're born into. In a way it was like Ms. Meyer's Twilight series - the main character finds that the one place where she truly belongs is among those who her kind believe to be the enemy, but it was also much more mature and wider-ranging in that it examined society as well as the individual, preconceived beliefs and that people can change drastically if only they'll open their minds to new ideas and allow themselves to see things for what they are.
I'm a big fan of the Twilight books but will readily admit that I prefer the writing and the voice of The Host. Not sure whether the reason for the difference is that the subject matter as well as the characters is adult or that the author has gotten more experienced and knew what she wanted to do with this story but the result is that the novel feels much more solid without sacrificing the page-turner quality I've become accustomed to in the Meyer books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction with strong characters who are not afraid of change. Don't let the name of the author prevent you from reading this book, it's very different and in a good way.
Read my other reviews at bibliophilescorner.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed this book, it was an interesting take on making our lives our own, regardless of the circumstances we're born into. In a way it was like Ms. Meyer's Twilight series - the main character finds that the one place where she truly belongs is among those who her kind believe to be the enemy, but it was also much more mature and wider-ranging in that it examined society as well as the individual, preconceived beliefs and that people can change drastically if only they'll open their minds to new ideas and allow themselves to see things for what they are.
I'm a big fan of the Twilight books but will readily admit that I prefer the writing and the voice of The Host. Not sure whether the reason for the difference is that the subject matter as well as the characters is adult or that the author has gotten more experienced and knew what she wanted to do with this story but the result is that the novel feels much more solid without sacrificing the page-turner quality I've become accustomed to in the Meyer books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction with strong characters who are not afraid of change. Don't let the name of the author prevent you from reading this book, it's very different and in a good way.
Read my other reviews at bibliophilescorner.blogspot.com
Helpful Score: 2
This book takes place after the "end of the world" - where an alien species has taken over. It is written from the eyes of one of the alien body-snatchers and the person who's boy was snatched. Some may find it a little far fetched at times; but it was a very good book with a love story or two wrapped up in side like only Stepenie Meyer an do. Overall it was a great read!
Helpful Score: 2
The book has a rough start. You have to push through the choppy beginning. Once you are past the first quarter of the book - you get hooked on the story.
I became really admired the main character - she even made me tear up a little at the end. I'm so glad I read this book. I just loved the story. (4.5 stars)
I became really admired the main character - she even made me tear up a little at the end. I'm so glad I read this book. I just loved the story. (4.5 stars)
Helpful Score: 2
This story was hard to get into -- and until the last 1/3 of the book, I would say I didn't like it, didn't find the characters believable (the humans), and just couldn't fathom the acceptance and love the humans experienced. I still don't. The concept was, however, very interesting and the twists and turns were entertaining. Overall, I can't say I disliked this story greatly but I didn't like it very much either.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. I didn't understand the first part but I held in. Then i finally got it. I hope she makes another book.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! And the ending was amazing, one of the best books i have read 10/10.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed Stephanie's writings in Twilight, even though I considered her main character a bit too weak. Her writing, however, was excellent. So I decided to try this book, and I was not disappointed. Stephanie pulls you in so fast into this world she creates, that it is hard to resurface! You live and breathe this book until you finish it, and even a few days afterwards. It is an excellent story with excellent writing and great characters. It is something adults will enjoy just as much as teenagers.
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome book! Did not think I was going to like it... the whole "alien inhabiting our bodies" thing did not appeal to me at all. But I gave it a chance because I enjoyed the Twilight series so much and I am glad I did! It was one of those books that when you open it up it just sucks you right in and you're there and thoroughly connect with the characters. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see what Stephanie Meyer has in store for us next!
Helpful Score: 1
I did not enjoy this book. It was a little too slow and confusing. I didn't finish it.
A book by the same author as the "Twilight" series. I did not like this book nearly as much as the Twilight books. It really took me a while to get into it.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was amazing... I was hooked at the very beginning which is good since it is a big book. One word describes this book best: fascinating.
Helpful Score: 1
Get your tissues ready because this story is bound to touch your heart!
I cannot believe I stayed away from this book for so long & glad that even though I had heard so many negative reviews I still went ahead and got it.
This story is in no way like Meyer's Twilight saga. Even though there is romance involved, it doesn't become the main focus. Instead you are reminded what it is to be human, what is feels like to fall in love, sacrificing for your loved ones and what truly matters in the end.
I laughed, cried (mostly the last 75 pgs lol) and wondered how would it all end. I heard Meyer is making this into a trilogy & cannot wait to read the continuation of all these characters' journey.
I cannot believe I stayed away from this book for so long & glad that even though I had heard so many negative reviews I still went ahead and got it.
This story is in no way like Meyer's Twilight saga. Even though there is romance involved, it doesn't become the main focus. Instead you are reminded what it is to be human, what is feels like to fall in love, sacrificing for your loved ones and what truly matters in the end.
I laughed, cried (mostly the last 75 pgs lol) and wondered how would it all end. I heard Meyer is making this into a trilogy & cannot wait to read the continuation of all these characters' journey.
Fell in love (like the rest of the world) with Stephenie Meyer's writing via the Twilight series, so I was skeptical about breaking into new territory. I was not disappointed. This is a great read. Well formed characters that you root for, vivid descriptions of scenery and actions in the new alien infested Earth make this a page turner.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was amazing!!! Don't know why it took me so long to read it, but I'm glad I finally did. Amazing story, amazing characters, and well just plain amazing. Since I'm at a loss for words right now, I'll leave you with this.....If you haven't read this book yet do yourself a favor and start reading it now! You won't regret it. Stephanie Meyers is golden.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was almost as good as the Twilight series but I just didn't find the characters as endearing. Though it was an excellent read
I love how Stephanie Meyer writes and after breezing through Twilight, I thought I'd give this book a try after reading some reviews. After the first 5 or 6 chapters I really got into it, all that background story and trying to figure out who's "talking" or "thinking" is hard to figure out at first, but once you get there, it's addictive as usual with SM. I thought it was an easy read, not quite as easy as Twilight, it took me almost a whole week to read this one! But if you like SM, then I reco this book, she really knows how to tell a love story and even though it's a Sci Fi, it's really deep down a love story, just like Twilight.
This book was very interesting and kept me interested from cover to cover. It was very hard to put it down. I don't normally like this type of book and only read it because I liked the author, only to discover that it is one of the best books I have read all year. I hope everyone who reads this book enjoys it as much as I did.
Helpful Score: 1
Very sci-fi, which I usually don't go for, but such a GOOD book. It was a realistic sci-fi. I just really like Stephenie Meyer's writing style! I live in Arizona so it was really cool that the book was based out of a place I have driven past a million times. It's nothing like the Twilight saga so expect something completely different.
Helpful Score: 1
this is a wonderful book maybe not as good as the twilight series but still really good and i recomend it to anyone
Helpful Score: 1
I have not read the Twilight series, but, after reading this & seeing the movie - I certainly will now. When I started this book, due to the fact that I'm not a habitual sci-fi reader & the size of the book, I thought it would take me months to finish. But, once I got past the first 50 pages or so, I could not believe how quickly I flew threw this huge book. I really, really enjoyed it!! The characters were great & the way she puts the story together was fantastic. The ending had me in tears. That's how I can tell a good book is if I get so engrossed with it I can't control the water works. I definitely would recommend this one. Enjoy!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! Another love triangle from S. Meyers, but less intense than the Twilight triangle of Edward/Bella/Jacob. As with Twilight, the story is more about relationships than the scifi aspect. But the alien story is fascinating too. A nice twist at the end brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. The book is being made into a movie to be released in 2013. Also, Stephenie is writing two more sequels! No release date on those yet, as of this writing. Can't wait! 2/8/2012
I am now ashamed to admit that I read the Twilight books, but I found them before the fan-girl craze, so I think that justifies my reading them... maybe. But I have to say that this book it her best book, hands down. She branched away from the generic protagonist and books that are oh so high school, to something actually worth being proud of yourself to own, and read several times over.
I wont try to explain anything here, sorry, if I do I'll probably butcher the explanation and scare someone off of reading it, and it's really good!
Oh, and if you have some crazy relation that keeps two years of necessities (food, medicine, flashlights and batteries, et certa) stored around, this book will make you appreciate them a lot more!
I wont try to explain anything here, sorry, if I do I'll probably butcher the explanation and scare someone off of reading it, and it's really good!
Oh, and if you have some crazy relation that keeps two years of necessities (food, medicine, flashlights and batteries, et certa) stored around, this book will make you appreciate them a lot more!
Helpful Score: 1
Stephenie Meyer can write an entertaining, fast-paced story, that is for sure! While neither the _Twilight_ series or this are particularly original, she does create nice, wholesome characters. I don't know why this is particularly aimed at adults - very little violence, no sex, no swearing (perhaps its length?) - it was entertaining. While it was, simply, another version of _Invasion of the Body Snatchers_, the P.O.V. was interesting and it added elements of characters that made it a lively and fun book. I am glad that I bought and I certainly enjoyed reading it. I would hesitantly recommend it to others who are not fans of hers.
Helpful Score: 1
Body snatchers from the snatchers point of view. This is another supernatural teen-like romance from the Twilight creator, which is pretty well written and I found myself very engrossed in. It took me only a week to tear through almost 700 pages, and I wanted more at the end. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was on my wish list for almost a year. It was well worth waiting for! At 600+ pages I read it over a weekend only because I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I finished it Sunday night/Monday morning at 4am and had to get up for work at 6am. I highly recommend this book for sci-fi fans and fans of Stephenie Meyer. Yes, it is different from the Twight books, but a star in it's own right. Very thought provoking.
Helpful Score: 1
This book started out slow and confusing concerning it was the first book I had read about an alien being (not in human form) being able to have intercourse with a human. But I pushed on and once I finished the book, I knew I would read it again, yes it was that good. I feel the thickness of the book has to do a lot with the author in setting up the world in which this story takes place. So if you choose to read it keep at it because by the end you'll be happy you did.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very popular and widely reviewed book and opinions about seem to be all over the place. I actually listened to this as an audio book. The quality of the audio book was very good. While I didn't enjoy the book that much, I found it very interesting in parts.
Foremost I have to say that Stephanie Meyer has a very, very distinct writing style. Her writing is a bit meandering and deliberate; and it focuses almost solely on the characters in the book and not on outside events. Her books are very much people books and not event or action books. That being said if you loved the style that the Twilight series was written in then you will probably also love this book. This book is written very much in the same style as that series. If you liked the characters of Twilight, and suffered through the style the books were written in, this is not the book for you.
The book is done from the viewpoint of Wanderer. Wanderer is a Soul (an alien species who has taken over all humanity) who has been placed in the host body of Melanie. There is only one problem, Melanie is still in her body with Wanderer; as such Melanie is caged in Wanderer's head. Melanie was part of a human resistance and the Soul's Seekers (the enforcers of the Soul's society) want Wanderer to try and get information about the rebels from Melanie. Unfortunately Melanie is only concerned about one thing and that is protecting those she loves; specifically a man named Jared and a boy named Jaimie. Melanie begins to drive Wanderer crazy with a need to find out if Jared is okay. Wanderer finally submits and Melanie/Wanderer go wandering through the desert in search of the rebel human faction.
This book, true to the main character's name, wanders a lot. It is slow moving and spends a lot of time dealing with how people feel for one another and how they react to one another. An inordinate amount of time is spend listening to Melanie and Wanderer argue in Wanderer's head; especially in the beginning of the book. Wanderer's tendency towards hysterics when encountered with any, even mild, violence got irritating. I understood the point the author was trying to make, that even though they take over worlds the majority of Souls are not used to any form of violence, but this was driven home so much throughout the story that it got excessive.
The special thing about this story is that it spends a lot of time on the philosophy of humanity. What makes humans, human? How much of what makes us human is linked to our bodies and how much is linked to our minds? What makes humanity unique and special as a species? How does an alien civilization promote themselves as peaceloving yet take over whole worlds of species? As with Twilight, a ton of time is spent dealing on the subject of the strength of love. How much of love is based in body, mind, memories, etc? Meyer continues with the overlying theme that she worked with in the Twilight series; which is love conquers all. I am beginning to wonder if this will be the theme of every book that she writes.
There are also interesting questions in dealing with the society the Souls have set up on Earth; although these are small asides in the story. For example if two Souls in human body have a child and they love that child what will happen? Their society is one based on peace and love; so will the society allow the Souls to keep their child and let it grow up human or will they force the Souls to give up their child so that it can be implanted with a Soul.
I did kind of have to slog through this story. Things moved very slow and very deliberately. Many times I found the characters frustrating. There were some moments that I really loved though. I loved Wanderer's stories about planets where she had previously lived. Although I wondered about the limitation of the planets she had lived on; do we really think humans are that unique as a race? I also loved the descriptions about how the rebel human society lived. The characters made the book, (Wanderer and Melanie were not my favorites) I really liked Jeb and Jaimie though.
Will I read another book if Stephanie Meyer comes out with one in the future? Yeah probably, but if her books continue on preaching the same themes of love conquers all and questions of humanity I might give her up after her next book. The best thing about this book is that it makes you think; the worst is that it is much too long for what it delivers.
Foremost I have to say that Stephanie Meyer has a very, very distinct writing style. Her writing is a bit meandering and deliberate; and it focuses almost solely on the characters in the book and not on outside events. Her books are very much people books and not event or action books. That being said if you loved the style that the Twilight series was written in then you will probably also love this book. This book is written very much in the same style as that series. If you liked the characters of Twilight, and suffered through the style the books were written in, this is not the book for you.
The book is done from the viewpoint of Wanderer. Wanderer is a Soul (an alien species who has taken over all humanity) who has been placed in the host body of Melanie. There is only one problem, Melanie is still in her body with Wanderer; as such Melanie is caged in Wanderer's head. Melanie was part of a human resistance and the Soul's Seekers (the enforcers of the Soul's society) want Wanderer to try and get information about the rebels from Melanie. Unfortunately Melanie is only concerned about one thing and that is protecting those she loves; specifically a man named Jared and a boy named Jaimie. Melanie begins to drive Wanderer crazy with a need to find out if Jared is okay. Wanderer finally submits and Melanie/Wanderer go wandering through the desert in search of the rebel human faction.
This book, true to the main character's name, wanders a lot. It is slow moving and spends a lot of time dealing with how people feel for one another and how they react to one another. An inordinate amount of time is spend listening to Melanie and Wanderer argue in Wanderer's head; especially in the beginning of the book. Wanderer's tendency towards hysterics when encountered with any, even mild, violence got irritating. I understood the point the author was trying to make, that even though they take over worlds the majority of Souls are not used to any form of violence, but this was driven home so much throughout the story that it got excessive.
The special thing about this story is that it spends a lot of time on the philosophy of humanity. What makes humans, human? How much of what makes us human is linked to our bodies and how much is linked to our minds? What makes humanity unique and special as a species? How does an alien civilization promote themselves as peaceloving yet take over whole worlds of species? As with Twilight, a ton of time is spent dealing on the subject of the strength of love. How much of love is based in body, mind, memories, etc? Meyer continues with the overlying theme that she worked with in the Twilight series; which is love conquers all. I am beginning to wonder if this will be the theme of every book that she writes.
There are also interesting questions in dealing with the society the Souls have set up on Earth; although these are small asides in the story. For example if two Souls in human body have a child and they love that child what will happen? Their society is one based on peace and love; so will the society allow the Souls to keep their child and let it grow up human or will they force the Souls to give up their child so that it can be implanted with a Soul.
I did kind of have to slog through this story. Things moved very slow and very deliberately. Many times I found the characters frustrating. There were some moments that I really loved though. I loved Wanderer's stories about planets where she had previously lived. Although I wondered about the limitation of the planets she had lived on; do we really think humans are that unique as a race? I also loved the descriptions about how the rebel human society lived. The characters made the book, (Wanderer and Melanie were not my favorites) I really liked Jeb and Jaimie though.
Will I read another book if Stephanie Meyer comes out with one in the future? Yeah probably, but if her books continue on preaching the same themes of love conquers all and questions of humanity I might give her up after her next book. The best thing about this book is that it makes you think; the worst is that it is much too long for what it delivers.
Helpful Score: 1
I really thought I was not going to like this book. Not a big Science-Fiction reader. It took me a bit to get into the groove but then... you guessed it I could not put it down. Stephenine Meyers has a way of writing that really makes you think outside the box. She has a way of writing what we would really think -to a tee. I really liked this book so much that I have read it many times over.. each time getting better!
Helpful Score: 1
This book has been on my TBR pile forever now. I finally picked it up to read it and I wonder why I waited so long! A great story. I know that I am not going to give this book justice in my review.
The earth has been invaded by aliens who are described as parasites since they inhabit human hosts. Once this happens, they are in control of the body. Melanie has one of these hosts inside her, she is called the Wanderer. Melanie however is not giving up so easily and fights the Wanderer. The Wanderer has been on other worlds, and the earth is the newest. She is trying to get used to her new body, and human emotions while she is exploring this new world.
As they both deal with this situation, they both learn about each other and themselves, and what it truly means to be human. I will warn you, you will need a tissue for parts of this book. I highly recommend it!
The earth has been invaded by aliens who are described as parasites since they inhabit human hosts. Once this happens, they are in control of the body. Melanie has one of these hosts inside her, she is called the Wanderer. Melanie however is not giving up so easily and fights the Wanderer. The Wanderer has been on other worlds, and the earth is the newest. She is trying to get used to her new body, and human emotions while she is exploring this new world.
As they both deal with this situation, they both learn about each other and themselves, and what it truly means to be human. I will warn you, you will need a tissue for parts of this book. I highly recommend it!
Helpful Score: 1
I do not like anything to do with sci fi but I love this book. The first part starts out like a science fiction book but once you get through the first few chapters it gets back into the reading that Stephenie is so popular for. She is an amazing writer and no matter what the subject is you can put yourself in her stories. A great read
Helpful Score: 1
The Host is an amazing sci-fi novel. Set in the note to distant future Stephanie Meyer has outdone herself again in an amazing genre.
The Host is an amazing work of art where the main Character Melanie Stryder has been taken by an alien race set to take over the human race and annihilate it and make it a perfect sibilant planet, to stop all wrong, make everything peaceful, and run smooth. Medical care is far improved and so far out of human understanding that most anything can be fixed except Melanie Stryder who is a host for one of the life forms taking over the earth, but Melanie is not giving up her body without a fight and leads her host on an adventure that shows it that not everything they have found is bad in a world that does not seem to really need a lot of fixing. Swirled into the adventure is Jared, Melanies love who is one of the people managing to dodge becoming a carrier of a host himself as he helps lead a group of people living deep in the Arizona desert between Tucson and Phoenix. While Melanie pushes the creature inside her with her strong emotional draw and care of her little brother and Jared she learns to work with and help teach these hidden people and learns how to help them survive, in the meantime the question always looms through out the book. What to do with the creature buried deep in her neural net, how to possibly separate it from Melanie and allow her to reunite fully with Jared.
Its a page turning, PG novel that is certainly a good read for anyone wanting a good novel without the need for the sex sells industry. I picked it up by chance seeing it on a shelf at a bookstore and thinking Idd give it a go since its by the same author that brought us the Twilight Sage, and if you check the publish date it was published in the middle of the Twilight Saga. Pick it up give it a read and pass it on to a friend.
The Host is an amazing work of art where the main Character Melanie Stryder has been taken by an alien race set to take over the human race and annihilate it and make it a perfect sibilant planet, to stop all wrong, make everything peaceful, and run smooth. Medical care is far improved and so far out of human understanding that most anything can be fixed except Melanie Stryder who is a host for one of the life forms taking over the earth, but Melanie is not giving up her body without a fight and leads her host on an adventure that shows it that not everything they have found is bad in a world that does not seem to really need a lot of fixing. Swirled into the adventure is Jared, Melanies love who is one of the people managing to dodge becoming a carrier of a host himself as he helps lead a group of people living deep in the Arizona desert between Tucson and Phoenix. While Melanie pushes the creature inside her with her strong emotional draw and care of her little brother and Jared she learns to work with and help teach these hidden people and learns how to help them survive, in the meantime the question always looms through out the book. What to do with the creature buried deep in her neural net, how to possibly separate it from Melanie and allow her to reunite fully with Jared.
Its a page turning, PG novel that is certainly a good read for anyone wanting a good novel without the need for the sex sells industry. I picked it up by chance seeing it on a shelf at a bookstore and thinking Idd give it a go since its by the same author that brought us the Twilight Sage, and if you check the publish date it was published in the middle of the Twilight Saga. Pick it up give it a read and pass it on to a friend.
Helpful Score: 1
I LOVED this book. I had to reread the first 3-4 pages to understand it. I really did like the characters, the plot and I hated having to finish it.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed the book. I was very leery at first that it might be a bit too science-fictiony for my taste but it had a great storyline that made it easy to follow even if you've never read anything quite like it before. Stephanie Meyer never ceases to amaze me with her creativity.
Helpful Score: 1
Stephanie Meyer did a great job of switching from teenage puppy love to more adult content with this story of an alien race which uses human bodies as "hosts". She explores what happens to the host body as the alien tries to take over. Can love survive? Read it and find out.
I found the writing in this book much better than that found in "The Twilight Saga", by the same Author.
This book DID hook me. I loved the concept of the Souls and glimpses of other planets. I rode along on the whirlwind of emotion as Wanda learned from her host, what it really meant to be human, to love, and what she herself really wanted from her lives. I believe I read somewhere, that someone called it the only love triangle involving two bodies. I have to agree that's a very apt description. ^^
This book DID hook me. I loved the concept of the Souls and glimpses of other planets. I rode along on the whirlwind of emotion as Wanda learned from her host, what it really meant to be human, to love, and what she herself really wanted from her lives. I believe I read somewhere, that someone called it the only love triangle involving two bodies. I have to agree that's a very apt description. ^^
I loved this book! This is the first book of her's that I've read. I have not read (or seen) any of the Twilight series. I thought this one was very well done. I felt like I knew the characters. It made me cry at one point.
Wow! Surprisingly great. Very suspenseful and interesting. Couldn't put it down.
Honestly, this book took me about half the book to really get into it. But, when I did I really liked it. Once I got into the book I began to like the characters and in the end i enjoyed the plot and how it ended. Overall I think it was a well done book, just it takes quite a while to really get into it.
If you think this is another Twilight-forget it.It holds a different kind of appeal. This is my niece's favorite book so she lent it to me. At first I wasn't all that into it, but that changed a good bit into the book. "Hang in there," she told me. So I did. I couldn't put it down once I got "there". It was thought provoking mostly, because I was thinking "How did she come up with all this?". With the vampire stories she had myths,stories, and movies to build a foundation on. It is so different from the other books I had read of Meyers. Her imagination is amazing! The story line is extremely inventive. If they make this a movie it will be interesting to see how they do it.
This is my favorite book. It's perfect.
This book is awesome. It kept my interest from page one and I was almost sad to be done with it. Great story line. This book is in the top ten of my all time favorite ooks
A new but refreshing twist into the mind of Stephanie Meyer. The characters continue to show great mental depth and the ability to change for the better. A great non vampire novel from Stephanie Meyer
I don't do science fiction or fantasy or whatever the genre is called... BUT, I love this book! OK, I admit I am a twilighter too, but in my defense, they are fun, entertaining reads. I agree that it really is a shame this book didn't get half the attention it deserves because of the Twilight phenomenon. This book is so much more in depth, suspenseful and developed than any of the Twilight books. If you are turned off by them don't even try to compare - pretend they are by different authors. Itis hard to put down - there is love - romantic and familial and drama, action and suspense. It has it all. It stll shocks me how much I liked this book - especially since I had to be forced into reading it. It has opened me up to reading a whole new genre. I only wish she had three more in 'Host' Serie - if only... ;)
WAY better than the Twilight series! The love story/triangle is more thought out with the internal struggle between the two girls sharing one body is written surprisingly well. The film did a decent job of capturing the book, but the book, as always, is better.
Having read her Twilight series and not being impressed, this one is alright. I enjoyed the concept, the unusual romance and the moral dilemmas. However, this was not a page turner. It really picked up in the middle, was ok in the beginning and dragged towards the end. The conclusion of the book was predictable but in a nice way, I'm glad they did not go with Wanda's wishes. I think her writing style is nice but not too captivating.
I read this book the second time right after I read it the first time. GREAT book. Im going to read it again.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one who gets annoyed by plots that we've seen elsewhere. The whole "Stargate/Animorphs/Invasion of the Body Snatchers" thing where parasitic aliens are taking over human hosts has been done so many times that it's just totally disappointing when an author tries to do it again without creating a better story. This book was slow and even though supposedly for adults, feels very juvenile with characters that are more related to by teens. I tried skimming through to decide if it was worth reading, but just encountered more corny dialogue and overly-dramatic crap that totally turned me off... the book and the author.
I was not at all impressed by the Twilight series, so it had taken me awhile to get to this book on my shelf (was silly enough to waste money on it before reading the other series). Now I know why this book wasn't calling to me. It just wasn't worth my money.
I was not at all impressed by the Twilight series, so it had taken me awhile to get to this book on my shelf (was silly enough to waste money on it before reading the other series). Now I know why this book wasn't calling to me. It just wasn't worth my money.
I wasn't sure that I was going to like this, but I ended up loving it! It took me a little while to get into the whole concept, but once I got into it- it absolutely enthralled me. Nothing like the Twilight Series, after a few pages I was able to quit all comparisons in style. I will probably have to read it again & can't wait for the movie. I will definitely be more open minded to any other new books that Stephanie Meyer writes. I highly recommend!
I tried twice to read this book, and I just could not get into it.
I loved this book.
So much better than the movie.
At first a little hard to follow, but once I submerced myself in the story, it was a page turner. I couldn't wait each night to get back to it.
So much better than the movie.
At first a little hard to follow, but once I submerced myself in the story, it was a page turner. I couldn't wait each night to get back to it.
I was looking forward to this book so I was disappointed when thru the first third of the book I was trying to stay interested. By the second third of the book I was starting to get interested and by the last third I cared how it ended. Was it great? No. Was it ok? Yes. Not like the Twilight series which I couldn't wait to finish each one. Is it possible there would be a sequel, I can see where it could go on, and the premise was at least something new in Sci Fi. So overall it was fair to good. I know I disagree with some of the critic's reviews but a good book is judged by it's readers tastes. At least it was a good long book that took more than 2 days to finish. I value that.
One of my all time favorite books! MUCH better than the Twilight books! It's original and captivating. I've read it twice and will read it again before the movie comes out next year!
I loved this book! It takes a little while to get into it, but it is such a great read if you hang in there!!!
Two or three times the length of a normal book, THE HOST completely drew me into its world of the future, in which quietly invading aliens insert pure souls into human host bodies to replace the current souls, one body at a time. These aliens see the humans as violent, corrupt, greedy war mongers and seek to turn the Earth into a place of peace, total health, abundance, free everything, kindness, fairness, unity, equality, etc. This change occurs except for few rebellious groups of humans who escaped into caverns in the desert and one strong host soul who refused to give up occupancy and instead developed a relationship with her new tenant and also sought out her loved ones among the rebels. The book gently raises profound questions and issues, remains in skillful neutrality, and offers a satisfying and believable happy ending to what seems an impossible situation. I couldn't put it down, although I admit that the first few chapters I had to flip back a couple of times to follow the switching back and forth between the two inhabitants of the host. Then I was good.
Stephanie Meyer says this is her favorite book she has written. I can see why. It's very complex and well done. She creates a detailed imaginary world on such a great premise and kink. Long, but worth the read. Uplifting but realistic. WIll keep you up late at night!
Stephanie Meyer says this is her favorite book she has written. I can see why. It's very complex and well done. She creates a detailed imaginary world on such a great premise and kink. Long, but worth the read. Uplifting but realistic. WIll keep you up late at night!
I had a horrible time getting into this book... After the third time of trying to read it, I gave up. I don't give up on books easily, either.
It was good, but not as good as the Twilight series. It took until almost page 300 for me to really get in to it.
One of my favorite books.
I did not read the Twilight series and do not intend to. That being said, I loved this book. It is rare that I read a book that I cannot put down, and I read a considerable amount. This book had me hooked to where I wanted to hurry and finish, but I also did not want it to be over. It is that good!
Such a great story. The ending was not what I expected. A delightful must read. Great concept and Ms. Meyer developed her characters extremely well. Just could not put this book down.
i am not usaul into science fiction books about aliens taking over earth but this is truly one of the the best books i have read. it will keep you on the edge of your seat and you will not be a bail to put it down until you have turned the very last page. i would defiantly read a sequel if it were to arise.
Since this is by the author of the Twilight series, which I've read, I have to say that this was definitely better.
The basic premise is that the world has been taken over by aliens that use our bodies as a host for theirs. The aliens are peaceful and so, too, our world has become. Except for a few humans who haven't been caught and converted.
But, of course, there has to be a conflict somewhere. In this case it's with an alien who has been caught by a group of non-infected humans and lives with and learns about them. And starts to doubt that what her race is doing is right.
This story moves much more briskly than the Twilight stories with only a few lags (which isn't bad considering the size of the story) and some repeating.
I thought I read somewhere that this was supposed to be the first in a trilogy, but I haven't seen or heard anything about the second story (the way the first ends sets up a second quite handily). I have seen posters up at my local theater for the movie version of the book. Unlike Twilight I'm actually considering seeing this one at the movies.
The basic premise is that the world has been taken over by aliens that use our bodies as a host for theirs. The aliens are peaceful and so, too, our world has become. Except for a few humans who haven't been caught and converted.
But, of course, there has to be a conflict somewhere. In this case it's with an alien who has been caught by a group of non-infected humans and lives with and learns about them. And starts to doubt that what her race is doing is right.
This story moves much more briskly than the Twilight stories with only a few lags (which isn't bad considering the size of the story) and some repeating.
I thought I read somewhere that this was supposed to be the first in a trilogy, but I haven't seen or heard anything about the second story (the way the first ends sets up a second quite handily). I have seen posters up at my local theater for the movie version of the book. Unlike Twilight I'm actually considering seeing this one at the movies.
Great book. Great characters. Great story. Stephanie Meyer fans will not be disappointed.
This was one of the absolute best books I have ever read. I was hooked from the first page. I was not ready for the story to end. It made me laugh and smile and cry (sob almost). It is my first book by Stephanie Meyer. This is definately a must read!
A very good book. Its typical Stephenie Meyer. If you like Twilight, I think you'll like this as well. Its not quite as mesmerizing, but it has its own way of holding you in. I definitely recommend it.
I read about 1/3 of the book hoping that I would get into it, but I couldn't. I loved her other books so wanted to give it a fair shake, but had to give up.
A quick, intriguing read. I recommend even to those who don't like sci-fi.
Wonderfully engaging! Fascinating look at the division of soul and body and the power of love. Inventive story. I couldn't put it down toward the end & really enjoyed it! A word of caution to Twilight fans, though, this book is nothing like it!
Excellent Book. Far better than any in the Twilight Saga. It really examines what it means to be human, who we are, and survival.
Spellbinding book...I couldn't put it down! I really hope there will be a sequel!
For me it was hard to get in to at first, but once I got into it I couldn't hardly put it down! You need a very vivid imagination as I'm not usually a Sci-Fi fan, but I really enjoyed this book.
Great story! I've read this book twice now. Just as good the 2nd time! One of those classic books I may just keep on my bookshelf to read every 5-6 years.
It only took me two days to read Twilight, this book had taken me a month and half to read however, I think that The Host is a much better book than all of the Twilight books (even though I love all of Twilight books and am a total Edward freak!) While the Twilight saga focuses on a complicated and unconditional love story this book (while it does have a complicated Love Parallelogram (not Triangle) it focuses on what it means to be truly human. Is it the soul and mind of the person or does the body make a person a human?
I have never read any real science fiction and before any of the Twilight books had never read anything about Vampires but was willing to see what they were all about. I think Stephenie Meyers does have a talent for creating interesting stories, characters and worlds in the same vein of J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter universe. I know a lot of readers have criticized her word prose but hey no one is perfect and if she continues to go write I am certain that she will only get better and better.
It is completely ironic that it is the nicest of all aliens that come down are the ones to take over Earth but I thought that was a really nice change from all of the other movies and books about alien invasions. Wanderer is such a sweet and peaceful creature that you can't help but love her but at the same time she is the enemy and you find yourself rooting for Melanie, in whose body Wanderer has been implanted in. However rather than trying to destroy Melanie's thoughts she begins to work with her to help Melanie find her family whom she has grown to love but watching Melanie's memories. I kinda hated Jared sometimes but he is a good person, but always loved Ian and Jamie and was yelling why doesn't Wanderer see how perfect Ian is for her!
I do not want to give away any of the ending but I really enjoyed this book and found myself laughing and crying and rooting for Wanderer and her newly adopted human family
I have never read any real science fiction and before any of the Twilight books had never read anything about Vampires but was willing to see what they were all about. I think Stephenie Meyers does have a talent for creating interesting stories, characters and worlds in the same vein of J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter universe. I know a lot of readers have criticized her word prose but hey no one is perfect and if she continues to go write I am certain that she will only get better and better.
It is completely ironic that it is the nicest of all aliens that come down are the ones to take over Earth but I thought that was a really nice change from all of the other movies and books about alien invasions. Wanderer is such a sweet and peaceful creature that you can't help but love her but at the same time she is the enemy and you find yourself rooting for Melanie, in whose body Wanderer has been implanted in. However rather than trying to destroy Melanie's thoughts she begins to work with her to help Melanie find her family whom she has grown to love but watching Melanie's memories. I kinda hated Jared sometimes but he is a good person, but always loved Ian and Jamie and was yelling why doesn't Wanderer see how perfect Ian is for her!
I do not want to give away any of the ending but I really enjoyed this book and found myself laughing and crying and rooting for Wanderer and her newly adopted human family
This book was slow to get in to - but eventually it starts to make sense. It has a good story and and pretty good ending.
Very different from the Twilight series of books...
Very different from the Twilight series of books...
Having read the Twilight series I was looking forward to the same spirit of anticipation I experienced as I read each book in the series. For me, The Host was a little to wordy. The idea was good and eventually the tale was told. This was not as good as the Twilight series but it was still a good reading.
This book was one of a kind. I don't know how the author came up with this idea. It took me awhile to get into the storyline, but once I did I loved it. I read it really fast and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I've seen other reviewers that said they felt this was really her first novel, it didn't sell, and only got through a publisher because of Twilight. I think rather she wrote much of it before Twilight, and then went back and finished it. It started off rather weakly, but was mostly solid near then end.
However, the ending really blew it for me. I am sure many might think the ending great, it made everything seem so very weak to me. By this I mean simply the last 2 pages, not the last few chapters. While not the shock as in the end of "Life of Pi" it is still a surprise, and not one I think helped in any way.
However, the ending really blew it for me. I am sure many might think the ending great, it made everything seem so very weak to me. By this I mean simply the last 2 pages, not the last few chapters. While not the shock as in the end of "Life of Pi" it is still a surprise, and not one I think helped in any way.
Alien transplants, refugees without transplants, and a girl with a dual conciousness. The romance in this novel could have been more, but overall the balance of affairs within one shared body really makes you love the silver tentacle being.
This was a great book. It was much different from Meyer's Twilight series but still thought provoking. I felt that this book was a look at our world from another perspective.
I did like the book, Ifound it an interesting love story of sorts, but was surprised considering the size of it (over 600 pgs) that very little explanation or insight was given into how earth was invaded and taken over. That would have been even more interesting in my opinion. Maybe SM will follow up with a "prequal".
I liked this book a good deal - something I did not expect. It's a most imaginative story and the characters have so much depth and and seem so real that I feel as if I live with them in their hidden cave in the desert. Wanda/Melanie is the primary character whose strength, compassion and love for one another is heart-rending at times. How can one soul care so much for life in all its forms.
Everyone told me that this book wasn't as good as the Twilight series so I went into it with much lower expectations. As I was not expecting much, the book was good although the editor could have easily trimmed at least 100 pages without damaging the storyline.
The beginning of the book was quite confusing as to the roles of the different "worms." About 150 pages into the book is when it starts to hook you--and then it's a can't put down kind of thing. The story remained really good dealing with adapting to life with humans and the relationships that follow. The fact that the Seeker came back into the story so late seemed gratitious--she was a loose end I didn't care about tying up. Once the Wanderer makes her decision about the future the story seems to drag on for too many pages. The ending is pretty apparent once she makes her decision although how it will happen is unclear.
The beginning of the book was quite confusing as to the roles of the different "worms." About 150 pages into the book is when it starts to hook you--and then it's a can't put down kind of thing. The story remained really good dealing with adapting to life with humans and the relationships that follow. The fact that the Seeker came back into the story so late seemed gratitious--she was a loose end I didn't care about tying up. Once the Wanderer makes her decision about the future the story seems to drag on for too many pages. The ending is pretty apparent once she makes her decision although how it will happen is unclear.
Once again Stephenie Meyer does it again... she creates an amazing world that I am grateful to be able to read about....
Publishers Weekly
In this tantalizing SF thriller, planet-hopping parasites are inserting their silvery centipede selves into human brains, curing cancer, eliminating war and turning Earth into paradise. But some people want Earth back, warts and all, especially Melanie Stryder, who refuses to surrender, even after being captured in Chicago and becoming a host for a "soul" called Wanderer. Melanie uses her surviving brain cells to persuade Wanderer to help search for her loved ones in the Arizona desert. When the pair find Melanie's brother and her boyfriend in a hidden rebel cell led by her uncle, Wanderer is at first hated. Once the rebels accept Wanderer, whom they dub Wanda, Wanda's whole perspective on humanity changes. While the straightforward narrative is short on detail about the invasion and its stunning aftermath, it shines with romantic intrigue, especially when a love triangle (or quadrangle?!) develops for Wanda/Melanie.
Publishers Weekly
In this tantalizing SF thriller, planet-hopping parasites are inserting their silvery centipede selves into human brains, curing cancer, eliminating war and turning Earth into paradise. But some people want Earth back, warts and all, especially Melanie Stryder, who refuses to surrender, even after being captured in Chicago and becoming a host for a "soul" called Wanderer. Melanie uses her surviving brain cells to persuade Wanderer to help search for her loved ones in the Arizona desert. When the pair find Melanie's brother and her boyfriend in a hidden rebel cell led by her uncle, Wanderer is at first hated. Once the rebels accept Wanderer, whom they dub Wanda, Wanda's whole perspective on humanity changes. While the straightforward narrative is short on detail about the invasion and its stunning aftermath, it shines with romantic intrigue, especially when a love triangle (or quadrangle?!) develops for Wanda/Melanie.
The Host is one of the best books I've ever read. The Host is a passionate book that tells the story of the compelling love triangle between and alien, her human host and the man that both love at the "last human outpost of the planet Earth" after an invasion that nearly extinguishes the human kind. You would experience the strongest emotion while reading it...it makes you laugh, cry, jump in your seat like the best of the action movies. It is a page turner that I recommend to everyone and of course to every Stephenie Meyer fan....when you read it the only question you could possible ask yourself is....why didn't I get it before? Five stars! You'll love it!
Excellent Book! Loved it! just as much i did the twilight series (if not more, so). I really hope she writes a sequel!!! This is sci-fi for even non-sci-fi readers! Definitely order this book. You'll love it.
She says this is an adult book, but it might as well be a YA book. I was very satisfied w/ this one
She says this is an adult book, but it might as well be a YA book. I was very satisfied w/ this one
If you love Twilight, then to pick up this book you will be disappointed because it is not what you are expecting. You think its going to be like the Twilight saga but its no where near it. Once you get into it, it does turn out to be a very good book. It does take a little while to get into, but once you do it will be hard to put it down. You just have to remember its not in the same line as twilight but it is good.
I really really loved this book. I also loved her twilight series though. Her style of writing is so easy to read, it just flows off of the page and into your mind. This story was much better than the twilight series though. It was more about the relationship between melanie and wanderer, The host and her body, than about a romantic relationship. I'm not saying there wasn't romance, because there was plenty of that, but it wasn't the main focus. I loved this book so much that I will admit I cried towards the end. sappy but true. I would definately recommend this book.
I'm not big into science fiction, but I jumped on the band wagon and read the Twilight series and loved them. I didn't think it was possible to like another sci-fi book more than that... But I LOVED this book. Now I'm like Edward who?
I thought this book was terrific. I couldn't put it down.
I loved all the Twilight novels and was excited to read something new by Stephenie Meyer. Great story. She sure has a cool imagination. Looking forward to reading more from her.
I absolutely did not like this book. It probably took me three times longer to read it than normal. I love the Twilight books but I did not care for this story line at all. I realize it's science fiction (or whatever it would be called) but I found it just way to far fetched.
I Loved the Twilight Saga but did not enjoy this novel! Very dissapointed
So much better then the movie
Excellent book from a great writer.
Surprisingly I loved this book. It took a few chapters to get into it but in the end I was hooked. I hope to see a sequel eventually.
I listened to a library copy of this audio CD set. I was quite sorry to have it end and will look forward to sequels. It is a futuristic scene in which an intelligent alien parasite is placed in a human body and has to deal with the fact that the human's brain is still active. I found it riveting.
Ok so...I was all pumped to read this book since I totally loved The Twilight Saga BUT...
I started reading this book 5 times. I couldn't ever get into it. Then I finally told myself that I would push my way through it and finish it. Well, it took me a long time to read this book...about 3 month.
The book itself seemed so drawn out and slow. Finally about Chapter 30 it started to hold my interest. It has a good story line if it wasn't in such slow motion.
I give this book a 2.5 rating just because it was so hard for me to get throught it.
I started reading this book 5 times. I couldn't ever get into it. Then I finally told myself that I would push my way through it and finish it. Well, it took me a long time to read this book...about 3 month.
The book itself seemed so drawn out and slow. Finally about Chapter 30 it started to hold my interest. It has a good story line if it wasn't in such slow motion.
I give this book a 2.5 rating just because it was so hard for me to get throught it.
another great from Stephenie Meyer!!!!
wow. That is all I can say. Stephenie Meyer is one of my favorite authors. This book was amazing. It made me cry. just when you think everythings gonna go wrong and they're all gonna die, it gets all happy. My sad tears turned to happy tears. Bravo, Meyer. Bravo.
LOVED THIS BOOK. I wish this was a series!
I read all of the Twilight series and was hungry for more from Stephanie Meyer. I got this book and I could not have been more delighted. It delves into many situations -- alien species, mind control, psychological effects of two people in one body who love the same man, self-discovery, and even more. I truly loved it. The romance was great, the suspense was great -- I could not put it down once I picked it up.
This book is the best. Its better than the movie, and the movie was great. I read it, watched the movie, and reread the book. Love it.
Interesting premise and interesting story. Stephenie Meyer spins an engaging tale that is fun to read. This one left me thinking about it for a long time. Well written
This book took seriously 10 chapters for me to "get into it." The only reason I EVEN gave it that long is because my sister INSISTED that it was a good story! It WAS by the end but this WASN'T Meyer's best work! Her thoughts felt random and her imagination didn't seem to be able to be put into words. Not at ALL on the same level as Rowling.
Enjoyed this book. Ending made me tear up a bit.
Thought the story was good and I look forward to the 2nd book in series.
Thought the story was good and I look forward to the 2nd book in series.
At first I was a little skeptical of this book but as I continued to read, I grew in love with the characters!
I read this book about ten years ago and since then it had been my favorite book. I am on my fifth time reading it and I am just as as intrigued as the first time I read it. My copy is so worn out I had to go buy a new one.
I know it is technically sci-fi, but it is so much more than that. I hate telling people what it's about because a lot of people just lose interest when I say earth is invaded, they don't want to read about aliens. Every person that has actually followed through and read it, has loved it.
I would recommend this book to anyone, because as I said, it is so much more than an alien invasion.
I know it is technically sci-fi, but it is so much more than that. I hate telling people what it's about because a lot of people just lose interest when I say earth is invaded, they don't want to read about aliens. Every person that has actually followed through and read it, has loved it.
I would recommend this book to anyone, because as I said, it is so much more than an alien invasion.
I did not care for this book at all. Found it tough to get into and eventually abandoned reading it all together.
AWESOME!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in record time.
