Book Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The implantation is in its final stages. Soon, earth will be completely free of humans and the planet will be a peaceful place for the “souls” to enjoy - as it was meant to be enjoyed.

Very few humans remain on Earth. When rebels are discovered, they are captured by Seekers - the closest thing to a police force the "souls" have. Once captured, they are prepared for implantation where a small cut is placed at the base of the skull and the "soul,” a centipede looking creature, is put in the body. The "soul" connects to the body and takes control. The first experience the "soul" has is the receiving of the host body’s memories. Typically, the host recedes and leaves the "soul" alone to continue life as usual. For Wanderer, this didn’t happen.

Stephenie Meyer has weaved a creative story that will appease her large fan base. With its engaging characters and interesting science fiction elements, readers will be able to ignore the few chapters that contain too much description. Her use of vivid language paints a clear picture of the setting that allows the reader to put themselves into the story.

The Host is a complex story. Not only is there a very complicated love triangle, but there is also the issue of violence in our society and how it could lead to our downfall. Stephenie Meyer makes the world the aliens created more desirable than the one we currently inhabit. The story ends on a note of hope. It is an emotional ride from beginning to end - all 631 pages. Any science fiction fan will enjoy this story, but Stephenie Meyer may have done for science fiction what she did for fantasy when she wrote Twilight. The Host is set in enough of a realistic setting that even people who aren’t sci-fi fans will enjoy this story. You’ll want to put this one in your to-be-read-again pile.

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Article Author: Karin Perry

Karin Perry is a Librarian at a middle school in Oklahoma. She mostly reads Young Adult books, but sometimes squeezes in an adult novel as well. She’s a sucker for vampire novels (ones where the vampire is a good guy, of course!) She has a husband, a dog, 26 goats, and a donkey. …

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  • 1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch

    Apr 02, 2008 at 10:07 am

    Nice-written review. Thanks.

  • 2 - Katie

    Apr 02, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    I'm really looking forward to reading this one. I can't wait.

  • 3 - Megan

    Apr 02, 2008 at 4:57 pm

    ummm definately on my To-Be-Read pile!!!!

  • 4 - Becky Sue

    Apr 02, 2008 at 6:07 pm

    Cant wait! Stephenie Meyer is my favorite author and im positive her new book will be just as awesome as the twilight series!!

  • 5 - Alexa

    Apr 03, 2008 at 1:54 am

    cannot wait for this book :D

    should keep me busy for a few days while waiting for Breaking Dawn ;p

  • 6 - coolcat

    Apr 03, 2008 at 7:49 pm

    i'm 10 and I've read all the books. I can't wait for the host.

  • 7 - xXvampireloverXx

    Apr 06, 2008 at 2:28 am

    i can't wait to read another of Stephenie Meyer's books!i love the twilight saga, i can't wait for breaking dawn! i'm 14, and i've read all three books(so far)in the saga many, many times. i'm writing a trilogy. My english teacher thinks that the fact i've read stephenie's books so many times shows up in my writing. Stephenie Meyer is a fabulous writer! The Host is the next book on my To-Be-Read pile. (it's a very big pile)

  • 8 - jasmine

    Apr 13, 2008 at 6:17 am

    hi it looks pretty good but does anyone know wen breaking dawn's going to be published carn't wait!

  • 9 - Elizabeth A

    Apr 27, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    I have already had the honor of reading this book, and it truly shows a different side to the brilliant writing of Stephenie Meyer. I am obsessed beyond belief with the twilight series and this makes it even harder to have an actual life outside of the fantasy world :)

  • 10 - ChristianW

    Apr 28, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    Good review. I;m looking forward to this book, Im addicted to the Twilight series, and love Stephenie Meyer, lol. I'm gonna buy it right when it comes out! lol

  • 11 - Jess

    Apr 28, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    I've read this one - came out early in Sydney.
    Fantastic book, definitly on the read-again pile (which is my twilight series pile)

  • 12 - montana wilson

    Apr 30, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    i absolutley loved this book!!! very slow start! but great whe it gets going!!!!

  • 13 - trista

    May 01, 2008 at 6:24 pm

    i received an advanced readers copy of this book and I absolutely LOVED it...

    its a must have!

    ive never read anything like it before...

    AMAZING! I give it 1,000,000,000,000,000 + stars

  • 14 - haleylove

    May 01, 2008 at 11:28 pm

    i am definitely going to read the Host! if it is as good as the twilight series... oh wow... that will be awesome! i need something to keep me entertained while waiting for Breaking Dawn.. all though, i NEVER EVER EVER get sick of reading twilight, new moon, and eclipse over and over. ha i've probably read them each at least 6 or 7 times.. twilight the most of course! its my favorite. what do you guys think will happen in Breaking Dawn? I think that edward WILL turn her into a vampire.. but she wont have all the effects (since she is immune to Edward's mind reading, and Jane's visual effect) i think she will still sleep, eat regular food, and all that stuff... the ONLY thing i HOPE she has.. is being able to live forever... what love. oh and question: what would happen if a werewolf got bitten by a vampire? would it go all "Underworld" and become amazingly awesome in both species? hmmm i wonder i wonder.. haha wow long comment.. anyway, i love twilight! and i can't wait for the movie, Breaking Dawn, and i am for sure reading The Host! peace! love you all. - haley

  • 15 - JESS

    May 02, 2008 at 3:40 am

    omg guess what im from australia and ive already readit its great wanda is fab cause shes in mel and she totally pashes ian jared is a snob and jamie is SO sweet so anyway sorry if i ruined it for you but steph you are AWESOME!!!!!!!

  • 16 - OMG

    May 04, 2008 at 1:27 pm

    Don't spoil the ending if you are lucky enough to have read it already. So second grade.

  • 17 - Stephanie Meyer

    May 04, 2008 at 3:45 pm

    I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! thank you for reading my twilight serise!!! only two more days untill my book "The Host" comes out in America!!! bye 4 now!

  • 18 - LostInSilence

    May 04, 2008 at 6:28 pm

    Its so unfair that books get released at different times on different continents,believe it or not but Stephenie Meyer has fans around the globe so why cant they just release the book at the same time as it was released in Oz :o(.I am looking forward to reading the host as the preview chapter was enough to get me craving for more of The Host's story.One more day...

  • 19 - mackenzie

    May 04, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    fantastic :) cant wait to read it!
    i hope it lives up to the twilight series.

  • 20 - wandalovesian

    May 05, 2008 at 3:55 am

    Guess what i just finished reading the Host. IT's THE BEST... Don't worry! im not going to spoil anything for you. Anyways, the book is a MUST READ.. you will love the book like i did...

    Sometimes you can't help but compare the characters in twilight from the characters in the Host.. well that's what i think.. have fun reading!

  • 21 - need i say more?

    May 05, 2008 at 8:09 am

    okay so i read the book a few days ago but i can't stop thinking about it! it is seriously so good they need to warn people about it being so addictive.

    if you try (like i did) to hate wanda, it will never happen. she is as likable as Bella.
    XD

  • 22 - Bloo

    May 05, 2008 at 4:06 pm

    man i cant wait for breaking dawn. just for the people who dont know its coming out august 2. the twilight series is the best. i have read all of them about 5 times each and i know the exact pages where all my favorite parts are. and i am sure the host will be just as marvolouse as the twilight series :3 (_/)
    (+"+)
    (")(") this is bunny copy bunny to help him gain wolrd domination

  • 23 - Jamie

    May 05, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    Nothing can be better than Edward the hottest dude on earth!!!!!!!

  • 24 - love bug

    May 05, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    He is my favorite guy but my boyfriend comes close

  • 25 - Cassie

    May 05, 2008 at 6:59 pm

    WOW! THIS IS SO EXCITING! i cant wait for the host to come out! (counting down hours now hehe)I hope this book is as good as the twilight series... even though I dont think thats possible lol. To the people down under (aussie) i'm sooo jealous! haha just dont spoil it for us Americans :)
    And to Stephenie Meyer:
    you are my most favorite author in the world!!! Since i was introduced to the twilight series, i cant put the books down! i even have all of my friends hooked! You have such a talent for writing that i hope you will still keep on going even after the twilight series is finished!!
    your adoring fan,
    Cassie <333


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