 Exciting and Thought-Provoking Post-Invasion Story |
| Review Date: May 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: SciFiChick, Fishers, IN USA |
It's been years since parasitic aliens calling themselves "Souls" have invaded Earth and taken over. Once a "Soul" is placed in a human host, the alien takes over and suppresses the human's mind. But when Wanderer awakes in her new body, she finds that her human host isn't so easily overcome. Melanie, her younger brother, and the man that she loves have been in hiding; and she'll do anything to get back to them, even resist the alien parasite that has taken over her body.
The parasitic "Souls" are easy to dislike at first. But Meyer has given the alien race such a rich and colorful backstory that is truly fascinating. And Wanderer is a unique "Soul" who soon finds herself caring for the same people as her host, and finding herself torn between ties to her own people and the humans.
It's been a long time since I've read such a stirring, science fiction tale that has made me go through so many emotions. The Host is a deep and beautiful story, and very different from Meyer's popular, young adult series. This is a rare story that made me stop and think about the choices that are made and what I would do in their place. Intense, exciting, dramatic, and inspiring, I'd highly recommend this novel to any reader, not only science fiction fans.
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Sci-fi for people who don't like sci-fi
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| Review Date: May 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Dahlia, |
Just like Twilight is a vampire story for people who don't like vampire stories, The Host is a sci-fi novel for people who don't like sci-fi. Ultimately, this is a very human story about love, friendship, loyalty and family. It's moving and unique.
Truthfully, I wasn't expecting to like it much. I read the excerpt available on Stephenie's website a few months ago and wasn't overly impressed, but because it's SM and I'm a big fan of the Twilight series I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! I found the storyline compelling and fascinating from the outset - unlike other readers, I did not find the beginning slow at all (or any part). I thought the entire novel flowed very smoothly. I enjoy quieter moments in stories because those are often when you really get to know the characters and it makes the action sequences more meaningful. Once again, SM has created characters we can relate to and care about.
I've read some of the negative reviews and all I can say is that everyone has different taste. I didn't find this story lacking in any way - it's very different from Twilight but in my opinion just as good. In fact, thematically, I think it's better. We have a much stronger herione this time and get to explore a friendship between two women (Melanie/Wanderer). And while Wanderer is peaceful and self-sacrificing, no one could argue that she isn't a very strong herione who chooses to do things because they are right and ethical. For those who thought Bella was such a rotten roll model, Wanderer should make them happy. Even though this is considered an adult book, it's perfectly suitable for teens.
I'd say this is Stephenie in her best form. The entire novel from start to finish is well written, though provoking and weaves complex emotions into a fascinating storyline. She has proven herself to be an excellent storyteller (much like Wanderer). Bravo, SM! |
A Fascinating Story!
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| Review Date: May 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jake Chism, Krum, TX USA |
In the future Earth has been taken over by a unique alien species. The infiltration was slow and undetected until it was too late. Now these aliens, known as Souls, live inside human bodies, which act as hosts for the invading parasites. Usually when a Soul is placed in a new host it is able to take full control of the body, pushing aside any remnant of the human consciousness that once lived inside.
After a Soul named Wanderer is inserted into her new host she soon realizes something isn't right. It seems the human who once inhabited this body refuses to give in and die. Melanie Stryder wants no part of Wanderer and is doing everything she can to fight back. Even though Wanderer controls the body, nothing she does is able to quench Melanie's spirit. She is always there, in her head, so to speak.
As time goes by Melanie's memories become Wanderer's and soon she finds herself longing for the people that meant so much to her host. Melanie left behind her brother and the man she loves, and now Wanderer has developed those same feelings. Soon Wanderer and Melanie begin working together to track down Melanie's loved ones, all the while being careful that they don't lead the other Souls to the humans who are in hiding. When they finally do find them, they must figure out a way to live peacefully with a group of humans who have grown to hate Souls. Emotions flare and relationships are tested in agonizing ways as two lives must share one body and as enemies must learn to co-exist and survive.
Stephenie Meyer has taken the publishing world by storm with her groundbreaking young adult Twilight series. The Host is her first stand alone adult novel and millions of readers are anxiously waiting to see how it stacks up. Having never read any of the Twilight books, I didn't know what to expect from a Stephenie Meyer novel. What I found was a fascinating story that is really unlike anything I have ever read.
While this story certainly has sci-fi elements, it is not what most would consider hard-core sci-fi. Meyer focuses more on the relationships of the characters and the intriguing dilemma of two lives sharing one body. Much of the book deals with Melanie and Wanda's complicated love triangle with Melanie's old flame and Wanda's new love interest. There is action and suspense laced throughout, and Wanda's relationship with the surviving humans is tension filled to the max. The novel's real strength lies in the character of Wanda as she is constantly pulled between her duty as a Soul and the compassion she develops from her connection with Melanie and the other humans. Indeed, Wanda is the most human character of them all.
Meyer's writing is top-notch throughout and never lags despite the massive page count. Readers who expect a fast paced storyline wrapped up in a mere 100,000 words may be disappointed. However, those who enjoy a steady paced tale that slowly builds into a powerful and emotional ending will love The Host. In the end we are left with just the right amount of closure, but also with a little taste of what is to come. I can only hope Stephenie Meyer will continue this incredible saga she has begun.
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Do NOT compare to Twilight!
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| Review Date: May 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Emily M. Steiger, Okinawa, Japan |
First of all, you can not start reading this book thinking it is Twilight. I've read the reviews and most (if not all) of the 1 and 2 star reviews are comparing this to Twilight!
Stephenie creates a fantastic world that is very believable. I read the book through in one day because I just COULD NOT put it down! The characters are very complex, but I had no trouble understanding them. In fact, I felt like I knew exactly how they felt. Jared and Melanie became one of my favorite couples - they are up there with Romeo and Juliet, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and, yes, Edward and Bella.
Not very many authors can break away from the "voice" they have found, especially with such a successful series as Twilight is. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover Stephanie Meyer created a completely different voice - different feel, different characters - and still managed to write a TERRIFIC novel! |
The Host Delivers
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| Review Date: July 3, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Tamela Mccann, Nashville, TN USA |
Stephenie Meyer's The Host is set in an alternative Earth, one in which parasitic aliens have invaded and taken over humans' bodies and minds. The aliens, known as souls, actually feel that their coming to Earth is a good thing for both themselves (because they cannot survive without a host body) and for Earth itself since the humans have so misused the planet and one another. As the book opens, we meet Wanderer, a soul who has already lived eight lifetimes on other planets and has begun her ninth life inside a young female human named Melanie. Wanderer expects things to go as they always have on other planets: she will take over the host body and the host itself will "fade" as she takes over. Unfortunately for Wanderer, Melanie refuses to leave and the two conflicting personalities must learn to coexist.
With over 600 pages, The Host could have been rambling, yet it has a story that kept me turning the pages (and even, I confess, peeking ahead to see how things would be going!). As Melanie and Wanderer come to a sort of truce, Melanie brings the alien to a secret hideaway of underground caves where a few rebellious humans have managed to escape the invasion and are making a life for themselves. To say that Wanderer is unwelcome is an understatement; yet the fact that she inhabits Melanie's body provides the link to Melanie's younger brother and her boyfriend, Jared. Wanderer, eventually renamed Wanda, starts to become an integral part of the community, and through her relationships, she begins to understand that her species should not have taken over Earth, whatever their gentle reasons. But how can Melanie and Wanda continue to live in one body, and what will happen once the Seeker who is desperately looking for her finds her? Will Wanda ever be accepted into the community fully, or will her history as a soul interfere forever?
I absolutely loved this book. I loved that Wanda the alien was so sympathetic, and I loved the humans' determination to avoid assimilation. The relationships are so intricate and real; I could feel the emotions both for and against accepting an alien into the small underground community. The characters are very realistically written; it would have been much too trite to have everyone either hate or love Wanda, and the amount of time it takes for her be "accepted" felt genuine. I was on the edge of my seat frequently as I awaited outcomes of dangerous missions, and I found myself near tears at losses, and yes, even acceptances. Ms. Meyer has created an entirely believable world peopled with flawed characters who found their way into my soul (pun intended). Highly recommended for action, emotional punch, and plain ole good storytelling. |
I really enjoyed this book
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| Review Date: May 27, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Akemi, Rockland, MA United States |
Here's why.
The characters were good first of all, well drawn out, each with their own voice.
The souls didnt come off as bad guys, just creatures who want to experience the univerese and yet... well, you'll have to read it to find out more. I found this book to be throughly entertaining.
Stephanie Meyers is good at not only getting a person absorbed into the world she has created, but she's good at throwing in just enough humor to have you cracking up inappropiately at work and on subway trains. Then, she will drown you in drama and strong emotion, all the while making you thirst for more, making you look forward to turning that next page.
This is the sort of book that will have you tripping on curbs and bumping into walls because you just won't want to put it down for a second wanting to know what happened to your favourite characters.
Which is the mark of a very good book and very skilled writing.
Plus, you've got to admire her imagination in coming up with such interesting aliens. |
First taste of Stephenie Meyer
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| Review Date: May 14, 2008 |
| Reviewer: K. Marcikic, Chicago |
| I was confused when my husband gave me this book for mother's day since I'm not a sci-fi fan at all. I knew nothing of Stephenie Meyer. But my husband had heard some good things about her on NPR, so he got it for me. I'm so glad he did! This book was a page turner from the start- I had a hard time putting it down, and finished it in 2 days. I love the writing style and the story is so creative, like nothing I've read before. I really fell in love with the characters. I was disappointed when it was over, but I'm excited by the prospect of a sequel! |
The only science fiction story I have ever loved...
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| Review Date: May 7, 2008 |
| Reviewer: TwilightLouise, |
I am a huge fan of the Twilight series, I believe that they are the best books ever written (except "classics," though these are classics in a way). I was extremely worried about this book - scared that she wouldn't be able to live up to what she has already written. I was also excited to meet a new cast of characters - and excitement won out.
I suppose the only one who can top the Twilight series is the author who wrote them. (I do think this book is just as good, if not better [smiley face, Twilight fans don't be mad).
Wanderer is the kindest, sweetest person that I think I have ever run across in literature - more self sacraficing than many could be; emotionally and mentally strong. So unwilling to hurt others that she is constantly the one who is hurt. She would rather take the blows for others - an inhuman strength that may come from not actually being human.
While she was the character that I loved the most, there are other characters to admire here. Mel is physically strong, she's tough emotionally and physically able to protect herself. (Well, not physically exactly, since Wanderer has control of her body). she is the one that if a reader objectively thinks about it, they know they would act like. or would hope that they would act like, in the same situation.
The description and character developement is stunning in SM's new work. This work is a stunning book. It is easy to imagine that it is not really science fiction, that this is really happening. While readers may have wanted to step into the world of Twilight and meet the Cullens, me included, a reader would not want to step into the world of The Host. However, I would still LOVE to meet the characters that have grown so close to me in such a short amount of time, closer still every time I think about the story. Wanderer, Melanie, Ian, Jared, Jamie - and avoid some decidedly nasty characters.
this book is actually a little bit deeper than Twilight, on an intellectual level. While some may get mad (but please don't!) Bella only has to deal with problems that concern herself and her family. Wanderer is forced to deal with things that not only concern those whom she loves, but those who she fears and maybe even hates. She has to decide to do the good thing for everyone, not just those that are near and dear to her. and what that thing is.
Please read this book. Yes, I am speaking to you. It will entertain you, it will tell a BRILLIANT story, and it will make you think. Not in an annoying, in your face type of way, but subtly, and in a way that will make each and everyone of us better. and taht is what this story is about - it is about humanity from the point of view of someone who isn't, and it is about what being human means, and it isn't always defined by what species a character is.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - (warning: you might want your own copy,you'll want to read it again).
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The best novel I have read in years!
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| Review Date: May 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Brandon Witt--redbirdboy, Denver, Co United States |
| I started reading The Host with excited trepidation. I love Meyer's Twilight series. I never seem to get enough vampires and werewolves, from books and movies. I have read her series, thus far, multiple times. I was thrilled to find out Meyers was writing another novel in addition to continuing her Twilight series. However, when I saw that it was about aliens, I was worried. I typically find alien fiction boring and repetitive. So, I was prepared to be disappointed with The Host. I was especially nervous after reading a few reviews that talked about the beginning and other sections being slow and losing their interest. I am not sure what book they were reading. The Host sucked me in from the first page and never slowed down. Literally. As I haven't read much alien fiction maybe that is why some of the ideas in The Host caught me as so original and fascinating. The Host quickly became one of my favorite, most enjoyable books I have ever read. Even more than the Twilight series. The areas that I find lacking in that series are strengths in The Host. While I love the story lines and details in Meyer's first books, I often find some of the characters weak or one dimensional (Bella and Edward, namely--even though I still love them). All the characters in The Host are phenomenal, constantly changing, struggling, real. Even the ones you hate, you can understand and sympathize with. Often when I am reading a novel, I have a few possible endings or conclusions that float through my head. Most of the time, one of those are the ending that actually occurs. With The Host, it wasn't until the last fifty or so pages that I was able to form any type of conclusion that made sense, I had no idea how it could possibly end up, until the story actually started to wind down. It made the reading process so much more enjoyable to me. Truly the mark of excellent writing and story telling. While Meyers could definitely write a sequel, I hope that she doesn't. This is one of the few stories that I really find to be nearly perfect in the state it is in. This will be a novel that I read again and again. I can not wait to see what else Meyers brings us. Her talent is growing and solidifying with every undertaking. |
A surprise
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| Review Date: January 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Spharky, Bangor, PA |
In October I finished the Twilight Saga, and found it hard to pick up another book. I didn't want to be disappointed. I had picked up Stephenie Meyer's book "The Host" in the books store a couple of times but I didn't think it would interest me. Then I read a book review. It said that "The Host" was for those people that say they they don't read alien books, just like "Twilight" was for those people that say they don't read books about vampires. So, I decided to give it a shot.
I was surprised. I really liked it. There is danger, love, and you just can't put the book down. I just wonder how Stephenie comes up with these ideas. Eventhough it is an adult novel, the story line is mild enough that young adults could read it too. Just like I fell in love with the characters from "Twilight", I can't get the characters in this book out of my mind. You'll fall in love with them too.
So, if you liked "Twilight", I am pretty certain you'll like this book too. |
Hooked!
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| Review Date: July 31, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Pamela Patterson, Plano, Texas USA |
One hundred pages into this book I was hooked! Totally! I don't usually read Sci-Fi books so I resisted this read for awhile. However, I'm a HUGE fan of Stephenie Meyer and her Twilight Series (awaiting my Sat. arrival of Breaking Dawn!), so I gave it a try.
Other reviewers have outlined the story. I will say that, once again, Meyer has drawn such amazing characters that the reader cares about them, human or non-human. She's a wonderful storyteller with an amazing character development ability.
Heavy reading? No. However, if you enjoy good story telling and believable characters (yes, aliens, vampires and werewolves are believable in Meyer's hands) then you will enjoy The Host. |
One Fantastic Book for your Heart AND Soul
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| Review Date: July 12, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Stephanie Toland, Peoria, IL |
In a time when Earth has been almost completely taken over by aliens, there were a few rebel Humans left in existence. The aliens, or Souls, have done a systematic take-over of this planet. They are a parasitic creature that can not live without a Host body. When they are inserted in a human body, their "soul" takes over. You can tell by the silver that shines in their eyes.
Wanderer is unlike most souls. She has lived on 8 other planets in 8 other host bodies. And yet, she has never found a place that she could truly envision herself at home. Hence, the name Wanderer.
Melanie was a rebel human. Along with her little brother Jamie, and her true-love Jared, she was carving out a small existence for herself. But when she saw on the news a person that looked like her cousin Sharon, she knew she had to find her and see if she was still human. That's why she went to Chicago in the first place. But when she was caught by the Seekers, the souls that were scouring the planet for the last of the humans, she knew she would rather die than become one of THEM. Unfortunately for her, the attempt of suicide failed. Her body was healed, and Wanderer was inserted into her body.
But unlike all the other Hosts that Wanderer had taken over, she couldn't lose Melanie. Melanie was such a strong human, she refused to let Wanderer completely take over. Mel was still there with her, talking to her and making her miserable. Wanderer knew all of Mel's memories and feelings. As much as Mel tried to block her thoughts, Wanderer would dream of Jared and Jamie. Soon, Wanderer finds herself longing to find the Humans that meant so much to Mel. On a trip to Tuscon, Mel remembers a map that her Uncle Jeb had drawn for her, and the two of them set off to find out if Jared and Jamie have survived.
But when Wanderer is found by the group of rebel Humans that include her family and friends, it isn't pretty. No one is sure what to do. They want to hate the alien that has taken over Mel. But things are not always as it seems. And Wanderer isn't the typical soul.
Can I tell you now how much I LOVED this book?? Although sci-fi in nature, it is so much more than that. It's a story of love and understanding, acceptance and humanity. This book is so deep and so beautiful that I'm having a hard time putting down in words my feelings for it. Melanie is such a strong human, but there were times that I just wanted to throttle her. She had become jaded and pessimistic during the occupation....and rightfully so. But she didn't think things through very well. Wanderer was such a beautiful and kind soul. Altruistic was a word that was used frequently, and for good reason. She would rather die than cause pain to other person or soul.
The cast of characters in this book is large, but my favorite would have to be Ian. He was one of the rebels that initially wanted to kill Wanderer. But spending time with the soul, he realized that to be human didn't always mean being a body without an alien presence. Stephenie Meyer has put together a brilliant novel. Her focus is more on relationships than on the alien presence, and is amazing to read. And the relationships are complex. There is a really weird triangle with Melanie/Wanda/Jared. Then you thrown Ian into the mix and it gets weirder yet. There are some seriously hard scenes to read. And as the end nears, as a reader you can see how difficult it is going to be to end this story well. You come to love the soul as much as the human. In fact, they come to love each as much as they do themselves.
If you are a fan of the Twilight series, I beg you to give this book a chance. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in this story. I can't remember the last time a book completely left me so emotionally drained. I laughed, I cried, I cringed at times. But I wouldn't take back a second of it! This book was Freakin' Fantastic....and I'm telling you: GO READ THE HOST!! |
Amazingly complex and interesting story
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| Review Date: May 8, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Aaron Schloemer, |
[...]
Summary: The Host begins with the insertion of an alien into a human's body. Some of the aliens were afraid of using this particular body because Melanie Stryder was part of the resistance that formed after the initial alien invasion. However, it was deemed necessary so they could have access to her memories but they got a lot more than they bargained for. Against the norm Melanie did not fade into obscurity with her memories as the only evidence that she lived. Melanie fought to keep control of her body against the alien Wanderer that now occupied her body. It was only because of their mutual hatred toward their Seeker that they bound together and eventually found a settlement of humans that had escaped the invasion. At first it was hard for the humans to trust that Melanie was still there with Wanderer, nicknamed Wanda by the humans. One by one they started to believe and they saw how she could be helpful. In the human colony they reunite with Jared, Melanie's companion before the alien encounter. They also meet Ian who becomes their unofficial bodyguard while the other humans get used to the idea of a non-hostile alien. Complications arose because of Jared's love for Melanie and Ian's love for Wanda. They could not all have what they wanted. Wanda and Melanie must solve the problem while doing what's best for everyone, the only question is what will happen to Wanda?
Personal Notes: I don't know if it's fair to compare this book to Twilight because they are not even the same genre. However, I think our enjoyment of Twilight is why most of us picked up, or will pick up this book. The Host was an amazing book. It did grab me from the start but not as strongly as Twilight because I actually slept that first night instead of reading it all night long, but I bought it only yesterday and here I am finished so it did grab me. This book was also intended for adults so it has a different feel to it but by no means inferior.
It was an amazingly complex and interesting story. I think it was a stroke of genius to combine the alien and the human in one body so we can get the perspective of both from the same experiences. It was fascinating to see how they could view the same thing so differently. I also enjoyed their internal interactions, the struggles between what is right and wrong and the love they have for different men. Overall it was a captivating story and it surpassed even my high expectations.
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If this review makes anyone read this great book, then I've done my job!
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| Review Date: May 11, 2008 |
| Reviewer: V. Catudio, |
I never really like doing reviews but after finishing this book I had to let others know how wonderful it is, to spread the joy, as the saying goes. Have you ever felt that happy and satisfied feeling when you get to the last page of a book, yet leaves you thirsting for more, for it to never end? I felt that feeling after reading the Twilight Series and this book doesn't disappoint either, so much that I can't stop smiling.
I must admit that I was a bit hesitant before reading this book because 1.) Twilight was so good I wasn't sure that Stephanie Meyer could top that and I didn't want to be disappointed and 2.) After reading the synopsis I felt like this wasn't my type of book, I mean aliens taking over Earth? I'm not a sci-fi type of reader (despite Twilight and Harry Potter) and felt that this storyline was a little too far out there for me to enjoy. But I told myself to have a little more faith and asked myself what was the worse that can happen. I am wholeheartedly glad that I went through with it; once I started I couldn't put the book down, except to sleep last night.
Why did I love this book you ask? Well I couldn't help falling in love with Wanderer, Melanie, Jamie, Ian, Jared and the list goes on. I found myself immersed in Wanderer's and Melanie's journey and internal struggle. Stephanie definitely knows how to write so as you feel like you are there, like you are the characters, feeling what they are feeling, the love, the hate, the hope, the despair. Other reviews have said that this book is slow and contains too much detail so that it drags in places, but I respectfully disagree. I believe that the descriptions are beautiful and vivid and necessary to enjoy and understand the story thoroughly. I admit that it's not an action packed book, but it is an amazing story, and those who have more patience and appreciation for something deeper will most likely agree. This book is a perfect mix of suspense, drama, and romance; I forgot that I was reading a sci-fi book. I don't know what else to say because I don't want to give anything away (Personally I don't like when reviews do that: giving more of the plot away like a spoiler; I believe that the synopsis on a book is just enough info for someone to know before reading). Anyways, just read this book and I am 99% sure that you will love it just as much as I did. I hope that Stephanie Meyers continues this story because it was just that good. |
Captivating!
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| Review Date: May 14, 2008 |
| Reviewer: LcB, Copenhagen, Denmark |
Wanderer and her world captivated me, as well as Soul's view on humans made me step back and look at my own kind. I am not one who usually enjoys Science-fiction plots in an invasion sort of way, but I enjoyed this romantic take on it very much. The characters are enticing and I was very moved by the misery in the middle of the book where everything felt hopelessly set out in stone for a long while, I recall that Stephanie Meyer created that feeling before in New Moon, she has a nag for that feeling. The story dragged a bit at times in all the misery, although as a whole I definitely feel like I know all the main characters well because of the `dragging'. Everything had a purpose in the end when you `look' back on the experience and adventure you have just shared with Wanda.
I enjoyed the love triangle involving two people (3 minds), but even more so when another person got involves, making it a sort of a love square...with a person split in the middle between two and...- it is complicated, just read the book please.
The romantic relationships were very nicely written if you are into that sort of thing and since Stephanie's books revolve around love and not action as a plot, but has action because of love...- then you sort of have to read it because you like a good love story as a basis.
I like Meyer's writing much better in this purposely adult sci-fi than her twilight books, she just keeps improving. I don't know what makes it 'adult' though, except for maybe more violence than the twilight series. I for one was hoping for a bit more in the love department *blush*, but one can always hope. Not Katie McAlister's love scenes, but .. a cross between innocent and that kind. This was still very innocent for me, despite of Jared's `fire touch'.
I fell in love with Wanda and Melanie, and their growing friendship. I was at the edge of my seat at times. I will give this book a heartfelt thumps up. <3
Go read it now, I am sure you won't regret it.
^__^
.~. LcB .~.
From Denmark |
Finally a fan!
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| Review Date: May 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: readerone, |
It seemed like I was the only person in the world not in love with the Twilight series. Sure, I liked the books, but I didn't *love* them. I didn't engage in endless debates over who was better: Edward or Jacob. So when I picked up The Host, I wasn't sure what to expect.
But now- I'm finally a fan! A lot of these other reviews talk about how they didn't like it because it was too slow to start. This makes me sad for two reasons: one- it wasn't. Meyers did a beautiful job of explaining a very complicated starting concept while still moving the action along. And two: how short are our attention spans as a society that a slow start dooms a book? Makes people miss out on a beautiful and gripping story? Not only did Meyers make me fall compeletly in love with an Alien host taking over human bodies, but she made me examine my own humanity and at what point and under what conditions it's okay to hurt someone else. I'm not sure she did this on purpose, but in a time where the world is seeing so many horrible things being done to other people, it's a necessary point and one we should all examine.
GO OUT AND BUY THIS BOOK! |
The Host deserves 7 out of 5 stars
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| Review Date: June 1, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Rita L. Waldrop, Georgia |
| This book intoxicated me as only a good book can. A lot of the story happens in semi or full darkness, but the darkness is a character on its own, enhancing textures, smells, and emotions. It is definitely from a female perspective, so it may not appeal to all, but I found it satisfying on all levels. There is romance, but also action and suspense to balance it out. Don't let the size (619 pages) scare you. This hefty page turner delivers the goods. |
A book that could lead to good discussions
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| Review Date: June 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Ella-ann, San Antonio, TX |
Stephanie Meyer is good at creating a new world that readers are curious to understand and explore. The Host is not one of those stories that leads up to a big, final battle in which the "good guys" defeat/conquer/overcome the "bad guys". This is a relationship driven story. It's about an alien that comes to understand love more deeply - from motherly love, to friendship/family love, to romantic love. The story is appealing because most of us can relate to feelings of being a misfit, and the deep desire to belong, be accepted, and to be loved.
Ways The Host is similar to the Twilight series:
- Both stories have a group of outcasts in hiding trying to survive
- The main character's internal struggle over who to be loyal to
- The main character's struggle with gaining the trust of the outcast group
- Symbolism of the eyes. In Twilight the eyes tell about a vampire's diet; in The Host, the eyes indicate whether a person is human or alien
- The non-human characters' physical dependency on human bodies. In Twilight the vampires need mammal blood. In The Host, the aliens need sentient host bodies.
- The non-human characters' (vampires & aliens) potential for "immortality"
- The non-human characters' (vampires & aliens) don't get the same opportunities as human in experiencing a parent-child relationship
Potential discussion questions:
- How much of "who we are" is our Body and how much is our Mind?
- The story explores how an alien soul controls the host body. The story shows how humans have some kind of intelligence/mind/spirit that is a separate entity from their body. We learn through the story where the aliens' souls come from, but the story doesn't talk about where human spirits comes from. The author has religious beliefs, but she doesn't bring any of that into her writing. However, this story does present the opportunity to discuss the origin and potential for human spirits.
- Even though we don't have aliens taking over our bodies, what other entities are trying to influence our thoughts and behaviors? Some examples would be the news media, advertising, political campaigns, parenting methods, educational slants, etc. What about something like the devil as portrayed in C.S. Lewis's novel "The Screwtape Letters"?
- Many of the characters in this story have a hard time separating Melanie from Wanda. The characters looked at Melanie's body and had a difficult time recognizing the two different entities inside. Compare and contrast this to how we often look at outside appearances. How do prejudices about beauty, age, race, gender, health, etc., affect the way we view the person on the inside?
- What does it mean to "be human"?
- Who "owns" a body? What ways did the story explore different definitions and types of ownership over a body?
- What some examples about how the characters where affected by their ability (or inability) to see things from other people's perspectives.
- Are there some ways in which Earth is a better place because of the Souls? |
A unique and compelling sci-fi novel
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| Review Date: August 7, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Babyblue Kelly, Canada |
I have read Meyer's Twilight series, I'm on the 4th right now, but I can honestly say that I feel that "The Host" is a superior novel. The characters are rich and the apocalyptic feel is fun to read.
The book is about parasitic aliens that come to earth and take over and control our bodies. But things aren't so cut and dry, because our narrator is a host sharing a body with it's previous owner who does not want to vacate. There's action, romance, sci-fi. It's a really interesting book with no slow parts, I read it quite fast because I wanted to know what happens. I've also heard that there may be sequels which I look forward to.
Meyer's Twilight series is okay but to get a better sense at her writing talents pick this book up instead, or first. |
The Best Book I've Read in a While
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| Review Date: September 30, 2008 |
| Reviewer: S. Migdal, Israel |
THE HOST was truly one of the best novels I've read in my life.
I'm a moderate fan of Stephenie Meyer, meaning that I like some of her Twilight books, but only barely - they're a silly guilty pleasure. I picked up THE HOST expecting yet another thoughtless read to snuggle up with and giggle at, but I certainly wasn't expecting anything spectacular. I thought the protagonist would be a Bella Swan remake in a futuristic universe. I was not expecting Wanderer, or Melanie Stryder, the two strongest, most intriguing and spellbinding characters that Meyer has ever created.
Earth has been invaded by Souls - strange, kind-hearted aliens who had taken over dozens of planets, each one different and unique. They live in an impossible utopia which used to be our planet, taking our human bodies as their hosts so they can survive. Nearly all of the human species had been subjectified to the invasion of the souls.
But some have not, and Wanderer, an experienced soul that had earned respect through living in eight different planets, is inserted into the body of Melanie Stryder, a ferocious human with a life she has left behind that she will not abandon. Wanderer is shocked and frightened when Melanie sticks in her head, speaking with her and showing her memories she does not want to see. Those memories are that of her life before being caught by the souls, of Jared, a man she had loved, and of Jamie, her beloved younger brother. As Wanderer grows to know them as much as Melanie does, she grows to love them as well, and decides to go on a journey beyond the comfort of her home in the midst of her species, into the unwelcoming hands of a human rebel group. As time goes by, Wanda grows closer and closer to Melanie, and to her new unwilling human allies.
THE HOST is an astonishing tale woven with such great skill that it is literally impossible to put it down. The story is so well paced that the reader actually feels like he has been sucked into this crazy world, where humans live underground in secluded caves, and feels for the unlikely pair - a soul, shoved into a human community that despises her, and a human, trapped in her body with someone she could only consider an enemy. The story is complex, intriguing and thrilling, to the point of breaking a sweat as you turn the page or having tears well up in your eyes in sympathy or sadness. Stephenie Meyer has greatly surprised me with this incredible novel, which is much, MUCH better than her popular Twilight series, and feels like it was written by someone else entirely than the person who wrote of the Mary Sue-ish Bella Swan and her sparkly vampire boyfriend. THE HOST is a story for adults, no doubt, and is devoid of the irritating teenage angst scattered all over the Twilight books. The crucial pain - physical or emotional - Wanda and Melanie experience together is staggering, and the fascinating story of the Souls will keep you up all night in thought. Every page of this spectacular novel is filled with hope and light, intertwined with fear and darkness. I hate myself for not savoring this creation - I read it in less than twenty-four hours for fear of losing the vibe, and I will surely be running for the next installment. I only hope Meyer had fully jumped up from her writing style in the 'Twilight' saga and will not disappoint with THE SOUL... I can't wait to see what further difficulties Wanda and Melanie will have to face.
Oh, and there's plenty of romance as well, for those of you just out of the Twilight phase.
The last thing I will say of this novel is that it was fascinating to read of the human race from a perspective that certainly was NOT human. Somewhere in the book, Wanderer comes across an old newspaper from the time where humans still ruled, and her righteous alien soul is apalled by the crimes and cruelty committed by humans, at which point Melanie tells us that humans first became suspicious when the world started 'cleaning up'. It is difficult to think of ourselves as monsters, but with all this food for thought, we will certainly be contemplating the option. And then there's the other side of the Alien point of view; no other species feels emotion, either scorching anger or piercing love, the way a human does, and no creature is so committed and devoted to their loved ones. This book will keep me thinking for weeks, and babbling to anyone who would listen.
In a nutshell: THE HOST is truly a fantastic novel, worthy of much more appereciation than Twilight and its sequels. No reader, even a reader who does not like science fiction one bit, will be disappointed. |
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