The Host: A Novel (The Host, #1)

by Stephenie Meyer

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. But Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. 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.--From publisher description.

• ISBN10: 0316068047
• ISBN13: 9780316068048
• Publish Date: 6 May 2008 (first published 1 May 2008)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Little Brown and Company
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 624
• Language: English

Reviews

[vagasker]

I didn't like Twilight at all, so I didn't expect much. But I really liked it! Maybe not the best book I've read (not even close) but I really liked the storyline. The storyline wasn't cliché, though I didn't like the romance, too sappy. But what to expect from the author of Twilight? Overall I enjoyed it.

[layawaydragon]

The Host is an improvement up to a point and even without counting Twilight, I can say its not the worst thing I've read. Still do not like the writing style, it is very...bad. I'm not a great writer, but I'm an avid reader. Meyer's is a terrible writer. I can't specify exactly what the problem is with the way she writes. It's just painful to read.

The romance isn't the main focus of the book, thank god, and it is unbelievably cheesy. It's unreal. It's like the sappy fairy princess tales and their prince charming. This is suppose to be a book for adults but Meyer's romance is still stuck in lala-land.

There was also way more descriptions of the characters so we actually know who they are. Bella was a shell, plain drab, no personality with no details on how she looked in order for young women everywhere to put themselves in Bella's shoes. As if being Bella is a good thing. GAG. This doesn't happen in the book. The characters were actually characters. I was actually interested and cared about them.


This book is indeed an improvement, but considering how bad Twilight saga was...

I did enjoy this book. It's not a good book. It's not well written. There are plot holes, lack of realistic romance, lack of common sense at times and lack of logical follow through when it comes to the world building. Nevertheless, I was drawn in. My frustrations of the book was out weighted by my intrigue and caring for the people. I just wish Meyer was a better writer so I don't feel so bad for getting some enjoyment out of crappy writing.


TL;DR: Think of it as a really long fan-fic story. The romance is cheesy and unreal, but still you like the people, the world building could use some help and in the end you only lose some people's respect by getting enjoyment from someone's crappy writing. Just don't pretend this book or writer are good. They just aren't. There are so many writers and better stories, Meyer's just doesn't make the cut.

[celinenyx]

The love triangle reminds me too much of Twilight to be honest... Maybe not the most original book in the genre, but still worth it to read.

[Hixxup]

It's ok it took a long time to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I think I read the first 10-12 chapters then set it down for like a week. I picked it up again last night and was determined to read it and I did, and I got engrossed in it. I can totally picture this book as a movie and it would probably make more sense if it were a movie at least in the beginning.

I am conflicted on the whole Jarred/Ian thing because come if you read it I am sure you know why. But I like it that Wanda stayed and hooked up with Ian.

I don't think I would own this book, but I am proud to say that I am pleased I read it and finished it.

[EBookObsessed]

I really liked this story. After I finished it, I went right back to the beginning so I could note at what point everyone perceptions started to change. It was an interesting concept and an entertaining story with very likeable characters.

Can't wait to see how it is is presented in a movie form. I am not happy with some of the casting choices but I am hoping that they can change my mind after I see the film.

[Eve1972]

I fully expected to not like this book at all, first it really isn't the type of book I usually would read and my love affair with Stephenie Myer ended with that joke she called Breaking Dawn, in fact the only reason I grabbed it was because I saw it on the shelf at the library and figured "what the heck". I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised, it took me about 100 pages to get into it, but after that I finished all 600 pages in two days! I'm glad took the time to read it.