The Host-In Review

Synopsis:

"The author of the Twilight series of # 1 bestsellers delivers her brilliant first novel for adults: a gripping story of love and betrayal in a future with the fate of humanity at stake. Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. 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.

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.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time." Taken from Amazon.com

I bought this book because of the author's name and from my love of her previous works "Twilight". I did not read reviews and worry about the quality of the story. Just add to my Amazon cart and awaited shipment.

The book arrived and I began and subsequently finished in a 24-hour period (Phil made me come to bed and despite my best efforts-I had responsibilities). There have been complaints that it is slow and hard to get into. I admit there seems to be more of a drag as the author is setting the scene, informing you of pertinent details and familiarizing you with the alien invaders. It is deeper and the characters are real and more than the two dimensional reads from Twilight.

You may scoff at the notion of alien invaders but really, are vampires and werewolves any different? This is not Twilight. This book was written for adults, not the swooney love sick teenager that Twilight caters too. (I put myself in that category as far as the books are concerned-loved them). It is more emotionally developed and makes you think. Whenever I read a good book, it stays with me for a few days and I find myself thinking of the characters and putting myself in their shoes. This book made me examine my own relationships and the decisions I make.

It is a more intelligent read and touches on topics of humanity, personal growth, prejudice and environmental adaptation. It is not as romantically intense as Twilight and is a very clean read, passionate kissing mentioned but not exploited. Normally I can begin to unravel the plot as the book goes on but it wasn't until the last chapters that I could see where she was going.

Overall, this is a good read. Drop your expectations from Twilight, this is different. Deeper, more involved, a slower pace but a steady one. I will continue to purchase her books by her name alone. Stephenie Meyer knows how to tell a story. One deep with drama and emotion.

Buy it.

Have you read it? What did you think?