The Host

If you’re a fan of the Twilight series then you’ve likely heard of The Host, released May 6 of this year. I just finished it and wanted to give you my thoughts on it. While not enamored of the Twilight series like so many others, I do think Stephenie Meyer is a very engaging storyteller and her talent for that shines through even better in The Host. Her writing seems more polished in this novel as well. A brief synopsis of the book is as follows:

“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.”

Thus begins what I think is one of the most intense, emotionally riveting science fiction novels I’ve read in a long time. Don’t get scared away by the science fiction genre! It’s full of suspense, heartache, romance, hope and all the other crazy complications that come from feeling human emotion. The brief description I’ve seen on the back of the books cover does not do justice to the story.

I was surprised at how well Stephenie made me understand and sympathize with both sides of the issue at hand. I loved how she emphasized that the essence of being human has little to do with physical appearance and everything to do with how we act and what we do. The romance, while not overdone and as melodramatic as in the Twilight books (thankfully), is still clean but steamy enough to satisfy. And last but not least - the protagonist is a woman with a mind! One that is thoughtful of those around her, who grows to become someone so much stronger than she was in the beginning. So many characters who interact with her grow better in the same ways and I came to love and care for them all. I had barely closed the book when my craving to read more about these amazing characters hit me. This is a book I highly recommend reading and hope to see a sequel to in the future.

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August 6, 2008 | Filed Under Reviews 

Comments

11 Responses to “The Host”

  1. AnnetteNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 2:36 pm

    Couldn’t agree more. I’m not a Twilight fan, but I did enjoy The Host (I didn’t LOVE it, but I liked it). It’s much better written, and as you said, the heroine (both of them) have a BRAIN! Yes!

    It is a bit long, and with some editing, it could have been cut down by a couple hundred pages in the slow parts, but overall, it was pretty good.

  2. HillaryNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 2:37 pm

    Ooo! I’ve been wanting to read that. I’m so glad you liked it.

  3. Memarie LaneNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 3:01 pm

    Thanks, I’ve been wondering about this book.

    Memarie Lanes last blog post..When the moon hits your eye like a nicely toned thigh…

  4. loniNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 3:19 pm

    The synopsis just sounds dumb, but after your review I would definitely consider reading it.

    lonis last blog post..Peas

  5. KimberlyNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 3:50 pm

    Invasion of the body snatchers, eh? Sounds fascinating!

    Kimberlys last blog post..It Hurts to Bleed

  6. BeckyNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 4:05 pm

    I completely agree- I was completely riveted by this book. For almost a full week after I read it, I could hardly think of anything else during my free time besides what exactly humanity is, and pondering about what other people think about. And as someone who loves science fiction and fantasy, I really felt like it was really not about the sci-fi aspect at all, but pretty solely focused on the people within the story. It really hardly felt sci-fi at all to me, so I definitely agree that people shouldn’t be scared by how it’s categorized and give it a chance. Can’t imagine anyone not getting something out of it!

    Beckys last blog post..Breaking Dawn

  7. LeslieNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 6:25 pm

    I haven’t read any of the Stephenie Meyer books yet…I think I’ll start with this one. I love a good (emphasize good here!) sci. fi. Thanks for your wonderful post!

    Leslies last blog post..Cook Cracks Under Pressure

  8. Vader's MomNo Gravatar on August 6th, 2008 7:19 pm

    I am waiting on this book to arrive at my door. I’m really looking forward to it.

    Vader’s Moms last blog post..Why?

  9. HollyNo Gravatar on August 7th, 2008 11:36 am

    I’m not a big Twilight fan either, but I thought the Host was great. And much better written. She managed more depth to her characters too. The exploration of how much of a person is their soul was terrific too. There’s a review of it on my book blog.

    Hollys last blog post..Breaking Dawn

  10. MelissaNo Gravatar on August 7th, 2008 12:30 pm

    I am waiting (rather impatiently) for my turn to read this book. I’m number 132 on the library waiting list. I just got a coupon from Barnes and Noble for 15% off… maybe I’ll just buy it myself!

    Melissas last blog post..

  11. angieNo Gravatar on August 7th, 2008 7:01 pm

    I loved this review and I felt exactly the same way.

    angies last blog post..WW: Out to save the day…..

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