The Host

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Average customer rating 4.4 (31 comments)

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Don't let the name Stephenie Meyer chase you away. This is a book I have reread many MANY times. This book is fantastic and it is very close to my heart. I highly HIGHLY recommend.

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In this unique story, a girl is sucked into a love square with half the members sharing her body. A romantic thrill of twists and turns with danger at every turn. A great book to be recommended to everyone.

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The Host was a journey for me. Every step was amazing. I found my self not thinking about the real world anymore. It is a absolute page turner I couldn't put it down. Every action scene and love scene left me wanting more. This is truly a fantastic book. It is a must read. You will find your self constantly thinking about this complex world Stephenie Meyer has created.

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Another page turner from the author of the Twilight series. I read the entire Twilight series, and then this book. I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed it as much as I did Twilight series.

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This book is amazing...I've got to admit when I read the back I thought it was going to be lame. A lot of my friends recommended it to me so I gave in, I am so glad I did. This book keeps your interest from the beginning...it's a bit slow but it's confusing at the same time, so you just HAVE to read on to understand. I like all the twists and turns and so happy about the ending. This book has love, fear, change, the unknown, acceptance...it's everything!

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I had a hard time getting into the story, I felt the story moved too slow. I forced myself to continue and was happy I did. The last half of the book went much smoother and really pulled me into the book.

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A great blend of Science Fiction and touching love story.

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In The Host, an alien species has found a way to colonize humans. Through an invasive process, aliens are inserted into live humans. Wanderer is a special alien in that she has lived in more "host planets" than almost any other of her species. Through Wanderer's eyes, we understand the rationale behind the colonization of Earth and the benefits that the aliens think that they're bringing to the planet. The invading culture is generally peace-loving - they have eradicated everyday conflict, frustration, anger, rivalry, greed and self-interest. But the alien's culture also stresses their version of "the common good" above everything else. The story is told from the point of view of Wanderer, the alien implanted in Melanie's body. Somehow, Melanie doesn't fade away like most hosts. As Wanderer is interrogated by Searchers -- standard procedure as they mine the host's bodies for information and other regular humans -- Melanie blocks information about her brother and her boyfriend. Instead, she struggles against Wanderer and she shares some of her memories. By the time Wanderer realizes what Melanie is doing, Wanderer starts to care about Melanie's family. Melanie/Wanderer risks her life to find Melanie's family unharmed, but her search results in Wanderer in danger as the sole "alien" in the middle of hostile humans. Wanderer empathizes with the humans and understands the reason for their anger and hostility. She isn't willing to defend herself and it's Wanderer's reaction and example that make The Host a fascinating story and memorable read. ISBN-10: 0316068055 - Trade Paperback Publisher: Back Bay Books; Reprint edition (April 13, 2010), 646 pages. Review copy provided by the publisher.

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Since the beginning of time, people have wondered what the future holds in store. Now, Stephenie Meyer has given us her proposal in her newest novel: The Host. Fascinatingly imaginative, The Host tells of a future of alien invasion, where the aliens that invade our world take control of human bodies and replace their minds. One insertion surgery, and the mind of a human is gone. That is how it is supposed to work, but when an alien is inserted in teenage human Melanie Stryder, the transition does not got right-leaving Melanie's and an alien's mind in Melanie's body. When the two desperately set off in search of a man Melanie loves, fresh conflicts arise for the already-struggling characters and the story gets even more twistedly complicated. The Host explores themes of acceptance, especially the theme that acceptance is the first step towards ending hate. Intriguing and entertaining, this is a novel that makes us rethink the lives we live today and the ways of humanity. The Host is a readable book for young adults and adults looking for a science fiction novel. However, I believe the story of The Host would be more powerful with better writing; there were many aspects of Stepehnie Meyer's writing that I found could use improvement. Stephenie's idea of alien souls is wonderfully intriguing, but the novel turns to focus too much on romance. Many parts of the story tend to drag on as well, unimportant and boring details tediously take up page space. I also found the themes in this novel not to be very strong and maybe even a little under-developed.This could have been an extremely powerful novel if thoughtful themes were core of the story, not romance and page-filler. Though Stepenie Meyer's The Host is, overall, not a good work of literature, this novel did serve to entertain me for a few days.

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At first I had my doubts about The Host. I'll admit that I enjoyed Meyer's Twilight Saga so I was expecting something similar here. The writing style was different as were the characters and scenery; however, what wasn't different was how much detail we learn about the characters, how moved we become by them. In addition, true to form, Meyer creates vivid images of the scenery in The Host. It is very easy for one to imagine themselves in the desert, hot rays of sun beating off the brow. The love story in this book is one unlike any other. I won't go in to great detail as that might ruin the story for some, but let's just say that you've never experienced a love triangle like this one! The Host is the story of Wanderer and Melanie and their journey home. It brings to mind the question of what exactly "home" is. Is it the place where you grew up, the places where you spent your previous 8 lifetimes or is it the place that your heart, body, mind and soul are drawn to? While we journey with Wanderer and Melanie to discover the answers to these questions, we also get a fairly decent look into the psyche of the human and alien mind. The book brings to question the definition of right and wrong. How can we can say whether something is write or wrong when two different beings may have two different definitions? Who then, is right and who is wrong?

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The Host was absolutely the BEST book I have read in years. I'm patiently waiting for The Soul to be released. Does ANYONE have any idea when that might be???

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When I read this book, I thought I wasn't going to like it. I had read the first chapter on Stephenie Meyer's website and that only confused me and made me not want to read it. The only reason, really, that I wanted to read it is because Meyer wrote Twilight as well, which I like quite a bit, and I'm sure glad I did. I think the reason that I like the Host so much, is because there are so many different kinds of love in it. There is the sister-brother love, there is the love between friends, the father-daughter love, the random stranger love, the romantic love. The Host has got it all and that's why I think it is a wonderful book. Not because it's connected to the Twilight series, but, by itself, it is amazing and wonderful.

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After reading the twilight saga i thought that this book would have more action than twilight i mean aliens invading earth how much more action could you get. now at first when i began to read the host i thought i was getting dissapointed however i was wrong in fact this book most likely has one of the best balances between a romance, thriller, action, as well as paranormal stances that i think i have ever read. i recomend to anyone out there reading this to reading this novel, it's a wonderful page turner that can easily keep you up at night reading.

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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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As a SciFi/Fantasy/Romance reader for 30+ years (but who's counting???) I looked forward to this book, especially after reading the Twilight series books a good many times (now a died in the wool 'Twilight Aunt' really). Ms. Meyers character of Wanderer pulls you in and the in-depth story of her relationships make you feel like you're right there. Definitely light on the SciFi part, other than we know Wanderer's people are alien invaders, so don't be scared if you're not a big alien fan. They are pretty much portrayed as humans. The men of the triangle remind me of the Edward/Jacob story - both men are wonderful characters in their own way, and you do love them both. I found many parallels with Twilight, and in fact occassionally wondered if I had accidentally changed books and was reading from Bella's story. Since it seemed Wanderer has the same self-sacrificing, non-violent, self-effacing, and ultimately brave and loving characterization as Bella (even a bit of the sometimes clumsy non-athleticism). The only thing negative thing I would say is that I skimmed through the narrative quite a bit bacause of the VERY detailed descriptions of what Wanderer was seeing. (For example, I think two pages on the sound of Uncle Jeb's footsteps in the cave, the smell of the food, the movement as Jeb placed the food in 'the hole' ...went on ad nauseum. Just eat breakfast already!) The unending descriptions of the environment and Wanderer's physical observations got tiresome for me. (how many times do we need the names listed each time she entered a room and the entire crowd was named) But you can skim those parts and go on with the good stuff that's all there. Overall, I liked the book, and I enjoyed the read. It's not likely that it's one I would read over again like I have the Twilight series.

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I don't know why this novel has been labeled as "adult," its tamer than Twilight in terms of sexual tension. There are some bigger vocabulary words, but you can always look those up. I found the first act dull, but the second act fantastic; and an interesting study of the effect on morality in times of desperation. The ending is so-so, I would have liked it better without the last two chapters. There are some plot points which feel unnecessary, but you find that in the Twilight series as well. If you like Stephenie Meyer, you'll enjoy this book.

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Having just finished reading the first three of the Stephanie Meyer TWILIGHT series books, I'd expected THE HOST to be written along the same 'voice' line; expectations in this case are proven wrong. Stephenie's writing skills have been honed dramatically - for the better, since the publishing and distribution of the TWILIGHT novels. Aside from a fabulous writing style, within the storyline of this book there is nothing even remotely similar to that of her previous fiction; however there will be NO disappointment. In fact this newest story of Meyers might be even more appealing to an older audience of readers. Such an intriguing concept enables this author to darn a story that is packed with suspense, edge-of-the seat moments, conflict and yes, romance; a thriller that could be our potential future. I anxiously await the next creation from this extraordinary new writer, Stephenie Meyer.

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BRAVO!!!!, Ms. Meyers. I have been a scifi/fantasy reader for over 40 years and this book is now my all time favorite. Meyer's ability to portray the intricacies of relationships is what makes this book so outstanding. One cannot help falling in love with all of the characters, flaws and all. The Twilght series is good. The Host is abolutely fantastic.

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This was the most boring piece of crap I have ever read in my life. Nothing happens in the first 100 pages, Melanie and Wanderer are both submissive, stupid, and annoying, and Jared is supposed to be this attractive manly man but mostly he's just an ass. And this is totally NOT the first love triangle with two bodies. Any legitimate sci-fi fan would remember the Stargate SG-1 episode featuring a love quadrangle with three bodies, which is almost the same thing. People touting this as great sci-fi obviously have not read/watched science fiction in their lives.

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I'm a huge fan of the Twilight series, but The Host was something special all on its own. Stephenie Meyer is very good at letting her readers form attachments to her characters. I think we can all relate to the emotions she writes, even though some of her characters are surpernatural. I'm in no way a Sci-fi/fantasy fan, but I will be keeping both eyes open for more from Meyer.

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We are obviously all Stephanie Meyer fans, although 'Twilight' is amazing, I cannot say the same for 'The Host'. This book does not grasp the reader like 'Twilight', which makes for a longer read. Characters not as lovable either. Okay book to read while we're waiting for 'Breaking Dawn' I guess.

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This book is fantastic, top-of-the-line literature. I just finished reading it yesterday, and although it is a pretty thick book and I had been reading it non-stop since I started, the last page came all too quickly for me. I wanted the story of Wanderer, Melanie, and all the people they meet on their journey to continue. Yet, at the same time, the ending fits the rhythm the author sets and keeps in the book. The plot is engrossing and the unique characters will become, like Edward and Bella, forever close to the reader's heart. Keep rockin', Stephanie Meyers.

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Absolutely my favorite book of the year. I've read the Twilight series and I like it, but this doesn't compare. The depth at which I cared for and empathized with the character, Wanderer, is credited to Meyer's attention to detail, emotion, and clarity of story. I could barely put the book down while reading it...I want to write so much, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone. Let's just say, the story went in places I wasn't expecting and the ending really threw me....I highly recommend this to everyone.

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My teenage daughter is a Stephanie Meyer Fan....her and her friends have been passing around all her books and they rave about can't waiting to get their hands on her next good read.....

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Star Trek did the symbiot-host-other-people love difficulties many years ago. Meyer has a great marketing staff, but they should let her concentrate on writing quality books instead of shooting out as many best-sellers as possible.

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Richly deep in characterization, Stephenie Meyer has woven together an amazing tale of humanity. It's very rare that a book makes me cry, and the host had me bawling on several of its lovely pages.

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AAAA I neeed to read it!!!! lol I haven't gotten to it yet and it's driving me insane!

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Again Stephanie Meyer creates a compelling read by building up romantic tension with an impossible love. My only disappointment was that all the tension-building did not culminate with more than a kiss in this "adult" marketed novel. I guess I'll just have to stick with Gena Goldwater for jaw dropping alien sex- scenes and I can always hold out hope for Bella and Edwards' last romp...

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Many of us were woried when Stephenie Meyer announced that she was writing another book... before the fourth one in the Twilight series comes out (it arrives August 2, 2008). Some authors are only able to make one plotline fly. But SM is not one of those. This book is one of the most brilliant books to come out in a long time... utterly squeal-worthy. The descriptions are superb and the characterization in flawless - she has more than lived up to the tag-line: "science fiction for people who don't like science fiction." I almost never read science fiction myself, but as unbelievable as it is, I loved this book for its believableness. For its realisticness in the face of completely unrealistic events. It is definetly different from the Twilight series - no Edwards but there are other beautifully human heroes - and if you are one of her previous fans, you have probably already gotten ahold of a copy and read it front to back (I am a huge fan and I inhaled it the day it came out - into the wee hours of the morning). It is book that will do that to you. Even if you are not a big reader, be prepared to be sucked into the this one. Plan some time, though. It is 600+ pages. :) Finally, this is one of my all-time favorite books, and I hope you will let it be for you too. Trust me (the unseen stranger) that this is a great book. If you don't believe all the other reviews that are out there. If you have already read those, I am just adding my voice to the throngs. Good reading!

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Stephenie Meyer has made a wonderful contribution to the science fiction genre with her latest book The Host. She has taken an overused plot and given it new life with compelling characters and intriguing situations. I was quickly drawn into the world she created and was sad when the book ended all too quickly.

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Stephanie Meyer is a genious. Only she could take the whole story of a vampire falling in a dangerous and forbidden love with a young teenage girl and make it new, beautiful, inspiring, and unbelievably addicting. I'm referring, of course, to her wildly popular Twilight series. When she writes, her characters and her scenes simply come alive. Ms. Meyer has the amazing ability to connect with all age groups, spanning generation gaps. The stories she has given the world thus far have all inspired a great deal amount of passion among her followers. I have read her preview for The Host and it looks to be just as original and addicting as her last stories were. I can't wait for it to come out. If you'd like to see Ms. Meyer's preview: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com /pdf/thehost_chapter4.pdf I also have traveled up past Seattle for a chance to see her in a book signing this past summer and am so happy to see that she is planning a trip to Portland for this book! I can't wait to see her again, she is wonderful at book signings!