Title: The Host
Author: Stephanie
Meyer
Publisher:
Little, Brown and Company
Length: 864 pages
Rating: 4/5
Aliens have taken over earth. A parasitic race called
“Souls” now inhabit almost all human bodies. The rebel Mel is captured, and
Wanderer, an experienced soul, is inserted into her body. But instead of
erasing Mel’s consciousness to find out where the remaining rebels are hiding,
Wanderer finds herself sharing a body with its original inhabitant. Mel refuses
to fade away, and bombards Wanderer with memories until she becomes emotionally
attached to the people Mel once knew. Instead of leading the Seekers to the
rebel hideout, Wanderer and Mel become allies to find Mel’s brother and
boyfriend.
It’s a really weird premise. Two girls in one body? That’s a
lot of emotion. Throw in a couple guys and it gets messy (weirdest love
triangle yet, Stephanie!). Plus it’s a really long book, but maybe that’s
because it takes so long to get past the confusing concept at first.
But there are some great themes running throughout:
motherhood, altruism, hope for humanity, and the strength of a change of heart.
Deep stuff.
And because it’s the author of Twilight, of course there’s
going to be a movie (March 2013). There’s also the rumor of sequels, but that
seems unnecessary.
Is this even YA? Who knows. Let’s just say, if you liked
Twlight, you’ll probably like this one too, and leave it at that.
