The Host

By Stephenie Meyer

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316068047
• ISBN13: 9780316068048
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 624 Pages
• Weight: 1.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Nothing will ever compare to this book

I remember begging my mom in Walmart for this book, knowing darn well we didn't have the money for it. I started reading it on the car ride home and finished it in I think 2 days. I reread The Host every year because it still makes me feel the same way it did the first time. The constant pull between survival and compassion never loses its impact. It’s apocalyptic, yet comforting. Even when I know exactly what’s coming, I still feel every bit of it. That’s what makes it worth returning to. I've never found a book that has been it's equal for me.

Amazing Piece

This was such a good read. I watched the movie years ago and got around to reading the book last year. It was so much better and it felt like I was reading a story I knew nothing about since they’re pretty different. Highly recommend reading!!

The nicest aliens around

Somehow the nicest aliens you will ever meet and the worst. Love the book and I wish there was more.

Sweet love story with lots of suspense/action

I love the concept of of the character “Wanderer”, and how the 2 main characters started as enemies but ended up as a sort of family. The love story only makes it better!

Definitely worth reading

Science fiction isn’t my go to genre but this was still a fun read . The characters are fun and the concept is different ... but sometimes the writing went on and on. Isn’t my favorite book from Stephenie Myer. Comparing this with the Chemist, I choose the Chemist.

Sci-fi for people who don’t read sci-fi

Honestly the plot sounds absurd but wow does it work. I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, if you’re looking to dive into a book and become absorbed in it then this is for you. The characters are rich and relatable and by the end you feel like you know them intimately. 10/10

The first book I can remember enjoying and why I enjoyed it years later

I remember when I read this. It was about 3 years ago. I was bored and grounded and I couldn't use the internet. I was sick of Twilight and found and old copy of the Host in a closet. I've read it about 5 times since then. I saw the movie. It made me realize that I like sci fi. I adore this story.

I’VE READ IT 3 times and planning on never stopping!

I 10000% recommend this book. The first couple chapters could be considered slow but were crucial to the development of Wanda and Melanie’s characters and relationships. I love the characters. All of them are so captivating especially Wanda. The book gets so interesting and you won’t be able to put it down!! I love this book, please read it! The movie is also really good.

Wanderer is a wonder

I still remember the first time I read this book. I couldn't make it through the first few chapters (I was 12 when I first tried), but I gave it a second chance a few years later. Definitely prefer it over the Twilight Saga. Though I haven't read her other work yet, I will say this is her best work. I have reread this many times, and it still invokes such strong feelings in me that it did during that very first read. Even if you disliked the "Twilight saga", I would still recommend giving this a try. Wanderer is an amazingly unique character, and it was such a journey to watch Wanda fall in love with humanity. She is what we all (hopefully) aspire to become. Well done, Miss Meyer. Well done.

Way better than I expected

I seriously was hesitant to buy this with the disaster that was twilight, but this was amazing. It's got a permanent spot on my shelves.

oh yeah!

at first i was skeptical about this book, and it took a few chapters, but then BOOMMM i couldnt let it go!! I LOVEEEE IT!!!! This woman has some amazing tallent! and her imagination is beyond words!!!

Read Reviews for the Hardback version - Great Book

I thoroughly enjoyed The Host. Excellent writing, great sci-fi, even some romance. Fast read in-spite of the size!

Body Snatcher With a Conscience

On the surface, this novel seems to be a redux of the familiar 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' theme: aliens invade earth, taking over the bodies of humans, erasing the original personality and creating a 'new world order'. Yes, it's been done before. However, what Meyer creates in 'The Host' is beyond a simple pod people story: the central character, 'Wanderer', hasn't erased the host body's personality; instead, Melanie, the titular 'host', is still present, tormenting Wanderer with her own thoughts and emotions. When Wanderer can't take full control, she finds herself on a mission to discover whether Melanie's brother and lover are still alive -- and human. What follows is a good character study of two personalities inhabiting the same body; the novel is also a good study of what happens to humans when threatened: some, like Mel's Uncle Jeb, are canny enough to find common ground with Wanderer. Others, like Mel's aunt and cousin, become so consumed with hate that they don't function well unless in a constant state of fury. Wanderer is a sympathetic narrator, wanting 'her' body but also eventually understanding the full impact of her and her species' choice to, in their minds, make things 'better' on earth by eliminating violence and war. One of the good moments illustrating this comes when Wanderer's human companions laugh at an alien television show (it's stilted, emotionless and cheesy) when she finds it touching and completely logical. Of course, there's a romance (well, two to be exact), and enough suspense dealing with Wanderer's eventual fate, to keep the reader guessing. Worth reading.

Do NOT compare to Twilight!

First of all, you can not start reading this book thinking it is Twilight. I've read the reviews and most (if not all) of the 1 and 2 star reviews are comparing this to Twilight! Stephenie creates a fantastic world that is very believable. I read the book through in one day because I just COULD NOT put it down! The characters are very complex, but I had no trouble understanding them. In fact, I felt like I knew exactly how they felt. Jared and Melanie became one of my favorite couples - they are up there with Romeo and Juliet, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and, yes, Edward and Bella. Not very many authors can break away from the "voice" they have found, especially with such a successful series as Twilight is. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover Stephanie Meyer created a completely different voice - different feel, different characters - and still managed to write a TERRIFIC novel!

Sci-fi for people who don't like sci-fi

Just like Twilight is a vampire story for people who don't like vampire stories, The Host is a sci-fi novel for people who don't like sci-fi. Ultimately, this is a very human story about love, friendship, loyalty and family. It's moving and unique. Truthfully, I wasn't expecting to like it much. I read the excerpt available on Stephenie's website a few months ago and wasn't overly impressed, but because it's SM and I'm a big fan of the Twilight series I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! I found the storyline compelling and fascinating from the outset - unlike other readers, I did not find the beginning slow at all (or any part). I thought the entire novel flowed very smoothly. I enjoy quieter moments in stories because those are often when you really get to know the characters and it makes the action sequences more meaningful. Once again, SM has created characters we can relate to and care about. I've read some of the negative reviews and all I can say is that everyone has different taste. I didn't find this story lacking in any way - it's very different from Twilight but in my opinion just as good. In fact, thematically, I think it's better. We have a much stronger herione this time and get to explore a friendship between two women (Melanie/Wanderer). And while Wanderer is peaceful and self-sacrificing, no one could argue that she isn't a very strong herione who chooses to do things because they are right and ethical. For those who thought Bella was such a rotten roll model, Wanderer should make them happy. Even though this is considered an adult book, it's perfectly suitable for teens. I'd say this is Stephenie in her best form. The entire novel from start to finish is well written, though provoking and weaves complex emotions into a fascinating storyline. She has proven herself to be an excellent storyteller (much like Wanderer). Bravo, SM!