This time there are aliens... (The Host - Stephenie Meyer)

Member Name: Trix1212

Product:	The Host - Stephenie Meyer
Date:	04/03/09 (155 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A well told story by a great new author

Disadvantages: Lacks the appeal of the Twilight books

As a fan of the 'Twilight' series I was eagerly awaiting this new installment form Stephanie Meyer. I knew that it was written earlier than the Twilight books and pulbished on the back of their success so I was not expecting too much; on the other hand it was marketed as adult Sci-Fi, a genre I love when it's done well, so I was anticipating it with some pleasure and got started as soon as the book landed in my hands...

The basic plot is that an alien species comes to Earth and attempts to settle by infiltrating the minds and bodies of human 'hosts'. Wanderer is one of the invasion of aliens and finds herself with unexpected problems when her host retains her own mind and fights to regain control of the body. The bulk of the book is about the struggles of the two (very different) personalities inhabiting the same body as they each pursue their own goals. So far, it sounds ok but a little cheesy...

However, once I started reading I found myself really enjoying the story. The real strength of it was in the characterisation; Wanderer was a fantastic character and her first experience of human emotions made for some interesting reading. The host personality, Melanie, was also excellently drawn - her strength of character was one of her distinguishing features as one of the few humans who had resisted the alien invasion to some extent. Both believe the other to be the 'bad guy'. The clash of personalities as Wanderer learns a little about human passions and Melanie learns about the alien motives begins to resolve itself as the two are forced to learn to exist together and a complicated love triangle develops to which there seems to be no happy solution.

The plot, though not a new idea, moved along nicely and I was gripped from beginning to end. Meyer certainly does know how to tell a story! Still, I feel as if the book lacked a certain 'something'. I didn't - quite - cry (one of my requirements for a book to make my absolute favourites!) and I'm not sure it's one that will stand out in my memory in a few months time. Slightly disappointing but, overall, a fast paced, entertaining and enjoyable read. Give it a try if you like Meyer's style but don't expect more 'Twilight' - this one has a very different feel to it.

Summary: Worth a read if it sounds like your kind of story...