The Host

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of 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.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Years after an invasion, Stephanie Meyer follows one alien's journey on her path of becoming human in her novel, The Host. Originally inserted to gain the intel of surviving humans, Wanderer searches through her host's memory to complete her assignment. When Melanie refuses to be extracted, the lines between human and host become blur and readers will find themselves straddling the fence on who should rule the planet.

Wanderer is a sweet soul who continually sacrifices herself for what she believes to be the greater good. She is an altruistic alien who is more compassionate and humane than the human race. Readers will respect her generous nature, bonding with her based on her goals to help and save Melanie, those she loves, and strangers who quickly become family. 

The plot of The Host is a surprising story of survival. At the beginning of the story, I found myself wondering where Meyer would take it but the book steadily evolved into a study of human understanding and the dedication of life while the romantic plot line added more depth to the novel. Thoroughly impressed with how intricate the book was and how it evoked such intense feelings. 

Rating: 4/5 cups

The Host