The Host: A Novel

The Host: A Novel
by Stephenie Meyer

The Host: A Novel
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Book Summary Information

Author: Stephenie Meyer
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-05-06
ISBN: 0316068047
Number of pages: 619
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
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Book Reviews of The Host: A Novel

Book Review: Don't let Twilight stop you from reading this book
Summary: 5 Stars

Stephenie Meyer will probably always be first, and best, known for her Twilight series. However, whether you loved or hated Twilight, I would definitely recommend The Host. I'm not going to re-hash the plot here for the millionth time, I will just give my thoughts on the book itself.

The Host is a story about human nature, told through the eyes of someone who is not human. It may sound strange, but because it is told through an alien perspective, literally, Meyer was able to explore the entire range of human emotions through someone who had never felt them before. The book also questions what it means to be humane. Many times in the book it is the humans that are quick to react with violence, while the "aliens" take pacifism to the extreme. Some way wonder it is a love story? That's one aspect of it, but it's also a story about friendship, family, survival, and finding your place in the universe.

Sometimes the story does move slowly, especially in the beginning, but it a slow build up to a great middle and end. I've read this book several times, and it's only gotten better every time I've read it. If you're looking for a character driven story with some sci-fi elements, pick The Host up.

Summary of The Host: A Novel

The author of the Twilight series of # 1 bestsellers delivers her brilliant first novel for adults: a gripping story of love and betrayal in a future with the fate of humanity at stake.

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.
Amazon Best of the Month, May 2008: Stephenie Meyer, creator of the phenomenal teen-vamp Twilight series, takes paranormal romance into alien territory in her first adult novel. Those wary of sci-fi or teen angst will be pleasantly surprised by this mature and imaginative thriller, propelled by equal parts action and emotion. A species of altruistic parasites has peacefully assumed control of the minds and bodies of most humans, but feisty Melanie Stryder won't surrender her mind to the alien soul called Wanderer. Overwhelmed by Melanie's memories of fellow resistor Jared, Wanderer yields to her body's longing and sets off into the desert to find him. Likely the first love triangle involving just two bodies, it's unabashedly romantic, and the characters (human and alien) genuinely endearing. Readers intrigued by this familiar-yet-alien world will gleefully note that the story's end leaves the door open for a sequel--or another series. --Mari Malcolm

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