I’d like to just say I loved this book, ‘nuf said. But that wouldn’t really make this review very good.
So, I loved this book more than Twilight. Please don’t hate me. I thought it was easier for me to imagine an alien species implanting itself into my brain than it was for me to imagine a vampire living within a three hour drive from my home (which would translate into how long of a vampire run? Scary!). Maybe it just has to do with some twisted comfort-level thing. But, yeah. Vampires are not my favorite topic, and aliens don’t bug me so much. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m a spacehead but I actually thought that this novel was more ‘realistic’ and believable.
Melanie Stryder has the ultimate stubborn will, grit, determination, and a huge heart. All of these make it difficult for her when she is captured by aliens disguised as the human hosts they have invaded like parasites. When Wanderer is implanted at the base of Melanie’s skull, she is shocked to find that Melanie will not give up her mind, her body, her life. As the two struggle for balance and sanity, Melanie begins to influence Wanda’s pacifist views.
If you haven’t read the book, I don’t want to spoil it for you, but I really thought Stephenie Meyer proved that she has more magic up her sleeve than some were willing to believe. I would love to read a sequel. Hopefully that will soon be a reality! I was a fan of Meyer before, just more of the squirm in your seat, uncomfortable with vampires kind. I’m sorry, I know that sounds pitiful. But, I was the person who always watched horror movies (we’re talking the Disney ones) through my fingers and writhed in discomfort until they were over. So, as I mentioned in my Twilight review, I was pleasantly surprised that Twilight wasn’t horribly creepy. Maybe that says more for my mostly g-rated imagination than it does for Meyer’s series. I think I liked the host better simply because the topic was different. Space is a ‘frontier’ I’m more acclimated to. I was an avid Star Trek watcher in high school (but not exactly what you would call a Trekie). My brother and I would sneak up past our bedtimes to watch it in the basement. So I guess alien lifeforms are a lot more familiar to me.
If you are unsure why I would review an ‘adult’ book on a kids lit blog here’s the answer: this book will appeal to YA just as much as Twilight did. I think the only reason it was classified adult fiction is because the publisher wanted to appeal to a larger audience. They already knew the YA fans were in the bag. Plus, I think the writing is more refined and so are the life-lessons- I personally think Melanie and Wanda are better examples for kids than Bella. I wouldn’t make my kids wait to read these, whereas for Twilight, I would definitely have an age limit. Any other thoughts on this?
Okay, I better end this post before I babble too much. Read the Host, it’s awesome. Kuddos to Stephenie Meyer- I can’t wait to read your next book!
I think that I would really like this book, since I love reading books I love books that deal with a little mystery and thrill- I loved the twilight series. If you like books of this genre, you would probably love “Resonance” by A. J. Scudiere. I think the thing I loved most about the book is that AJ made the science easy to follow, without long, overdrawn explanations. I never felt talked down to.
Thanks for the great tip on Stephanie Meyer’s new book- I didn’t have a clue that she had come out with other books besides the “Twilight” series.
I’m in the middle of reading this book, and I definitely agree with you! It’s funny how the book meant for teens has poor role models (for the most part) and the book meant for adults has more ideal role models.
I am really loving the book so far. Stephenie Meyer does a wonderful job in developing her characters. That’s one of the things that keep me coming back for more of her books! 🙂
I liked this book better than Twilight, too, so I can see where you are coming from!
Becky- Resonance sounds interesting – I’ll have to check it out. You’re welcome for the tip! I think you will really like The Host.
Jessica Leigh- Maybe the adult book has better role models because we’re less gullible than teenagers. Who knows? I hope you like the rest of the book!
Kailana- I’m glad you agree with me. I was a little nervous that I was the only one who liked the Host better.
I have NO desire to read Twilight, but this one appeals to me. (I am a definite Trekie.)
I think it needs to move up on my list.
I also agree with your review. I thought it was funny/interesting that an alien character (Wanda) was easier for me to relate to than a human character (Bella).
Britt- I, also, had no desire to read Twilight, but was quite surprised when I was handed the book by a friend. I find it hard to resist books that are in my possession. Once that barrier was crossed, it was an easy, fun read and left me thinking someday I will read the rest. If it hadn’t been for the fact that my husband was traveling a lot and I tend to get paranoid at night, I would have already read the others.
If you are a Trekie, then you will really like The Host. It was a completely different book and easy to believe.
Cynthia- What planet are you from? Oh, that’s right it would be Venus j/k. Yeah, I had some of the same issues- Bella was so frustrating to me, because I have a lot more common sense than she does. Wanda just pulls on your human desires to protect and help- or are those alien desires? How about we just say they are instincts?
Sorry everyone, I just realized that I dropped the ball for a minute. There was no picture with this post- no worries, I fixed it!
I read it as an ARC and thought, “this will appeal to boys AND girls, YA AND Adult” and that’s how I’ve been promoting it. The story feels realer (yeah, I know) than Twilight, doesn’t it?
I liked the Twilight series, but for some reason I have avoided “The Host.” Maybe because it’s more sci fi and I don’t read much sci fi; or maybe because I can’t find it in paperback. Someday I will read it, since I keep reading reviews like yours.
Holly (and Natasha @ Maw Books) – I have a confession. I was checking the spam and lo and behold there was a comment from Natasha in there, but I hit the delete button by mistake. Sorry! It went something like this
Her MIL hated the book because it reminded her of Star Trek. Interestingly the particular episode was called The Host. Natasha like it okay although it dragged in the middle?
I think I got the gist of the comment. Sorry guys
Lazygal- I agree with you. I think all those categories are well covered in The Host
Framed- I just saw the Twilight series in paperback the other day, so maybe someday soon The Host will join the list. I thought that the alien theme was pretty universally liked, but after reading Cari’s Natasha comment, there are apparently people who don’t find it appealing.
Cari- You did WHAT!?!? Oh well. You win some, you lose some. I still love you.
Natasha- Thanks for the comment even though I never got to read it. Does you MIL like Star Trek? I’m guessing not, although it’s possible that she does and that she thought The Host was a poor imitation. Just wondering.