The Host by Stephanie Meyer

“The Host” by Stephanie Meyer  ISBN 978-0-316-068048

 

When I first bought this book for the library one of the first patrons to read it returned it saying, “Well, this was really science fiction and I don’t like science fiction”.  So it stayed and circulated a fair number of times but there was never a reserve list or people waiting eagerly for it to return.  I finally got to check it out — (I like science fiction usually) and even more miraculously it somehow got to the top of the pile of “Books to Read” at home. 

At first, I thought it was a little hard to get into … too many memories and people to be introduced.  However, after that first bit I was thankful that I stuck it out because I did enjoy the story.  It is part romance, part utopian occupation, and part adventure.  The Souls, an alien society that live within life forms of the planets they occupy, are a peaceful race that enter through a small incision made in the back of the host body.  The Souls have found the cure for disease, poverty, and war: yet they lack the passion for creative art and diverse culture.

Rebels fight against the take-over of the Souls and through the memories of the host Melaney (a specifcally resistant host) Wanderer, who has lived in 9 different worlds finds her way to the heart of a rebel stronghold.  At first she is threatened and treated poorly, but over time the rebels learn that she is not going to betray them and she truly wants to help them. 

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
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

From 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. 10-city author tour. (May)
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