Review of "The Host" by Stephanie Meyer

Brief Summary: The Host details the integration of an alien with a human body and the struggles that ensue between the human and the alien minds.

Long Summary: The Wanderer is an alien who is implanted into a human host and then deals with the host mind still being present. Melanie and her brother were on the run and thought they were the last humans alive. While raiding Melanie runs into Jarrod another human. The three of them then become a family. Melanie sees her cousin on TV and decides to try and find her without her brother or Jarrod. She is tracked by the Seekers and jumps to her death to avoid becoming a host. Her body is able to be repaired and the Wanderer is put into Melanie's body.

The Wanderer wakes up and can tell something is not right. Her host body obeys her commands but she is having problems accessing Melanie's memories. As she remembers information she passes it along so Jarrod and Jamie can be found by Melanie keeps trying to block her. Eventually Wanda and Melanie reach an agreement and go to look for Jarrod and Jamie. They end up almost dying but find them. The reception is not a warm one and it takes a while for the community to trust and accept Wanda as they come to call her. The story continues with twist and turns and the changing of feelings as well as an unexpected relationship.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. While Twilight was very romance based and driven I feel The Host has more depth to it. The feelings of both the host and alien are explored as well as the feelings of the humans involved. I am very glad I read this book and look forward to reading more from Stephanie Meyer.



Rating: 4/5

Other works: The Chemist, The Twilight Saga