The Host: Book Review

From the author of the teen vampire Twilight Series comes The Host, an emotional thriller that revolves around a familiar theme: aliens have taken over the bodies and minds of humans, at least most of them. Of course, there's one woman, Melanie Stryder, who is determined not to surrender to their control, even when an alien Soul, Wanderer, has infiltrated her. However, that's where the familiar theme ends. Rather than the abject horror of science fiction, this story has a romantic element as Wanderer is intrigued by Melanie's thoughts of Jared and her beloved brother and, spurred on by Melanie, sets off to search for them.

Melanie and Jared have been part of the Resistance, a core group that wants control of Earth back from the aliens, despite the fact they're turning Earth into a virtual paradise, even offering a cure for cancer. But the fact that each bit of human essence is destroyed when the alien Soul takes over is enough for Melanie and others like her to resist. This is why it's difficult for regular humans to accept Melanie once she has been infiltrated by Wanderer. Mistrust and fear keep her at arm's length for awhile but, eventually, some do begin to realize that it's not just Wanderer inside her body but Melanie's spirit as well.

Readers of Meyer's Twilight series should not expect the same paranormal romance as this story is entirely different. However, there are some similarities as Meyer's writing draws us into this stand-alone story just as she did in the series and gives us characters we can easily relate to. The novel may not be a 'stand-alone' for long as the ending, while satisfying, leaves enough of an opening for Meyer to continue to bring us more.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a science fiction fan or who thinks they aren't. This book will definitely appeal to a wide audience, including those who enjoyed the Stephenie Meyers' Twilight series. Still, it's more 'adult' than Twilight and will appeal to an older crowd as well. This is defnitely a novel that challenges the reader's ideas of alien control and acceptance of those who are different from us.

Despite its science fiction elements, The Host is a story about relationships and enduring love and acceptance despite all odds. If you have a reading partner or are part of a book club, this would be an excellent choice to share and discuss.