Friday, May 23, 2008

The Host

This book was touted as being science fiction for those who don't do science fiction. And, that includes me. In short, I liked it. It wasn't love for me, but I honestly liked it.

It took me about 30-60 pages to figure out what the heck was going on. But, my husband, the scifi/fantasy guy told me to keep at it, and I'm glad I did. The story is set in Arizona as aliens have invaded the planet and taken over the bodies of humans. Melanie Stryder refuses to leave her host, Wanda, and the two become inseparable as they embark on a journey to find family and loved ones hiding in dark desert caves. It is a story about love and what it truly means to be human.

Three things that bugged me:
1. The cover. Granted, authors don't usually have much say about that.
2. What did Ian look like? I totally missed the description of him in the beginning because I didn't realize I was really going to CARE what the guy looked like. I never had a mental image I was happy with. So, if you are starting from the beginning, pay attention.
3. The name Wanda. It just didn't work for me.

Having said that, I was pretty engaged in the story, although the last half went much quicker for me than the first half. I don't think I'll run out and start reading science fiction by the armload. But, if Stephenie Meyer writes anymore, I probably give it another go.

6 comments:

Booklogged said...

My daughter bought this after loving Meyer's vampire trilogy. She started reading, but I haven't heard any response from her. Probably because she's so busy. I plan to read it soon

Becky said...

Funny you should mention that about Ian. Of course, the same thing happened with me. The reader just really has no idea what's coming. I think I read somewhere--I just can't remember where--on how Meyer was surprised by Ian. She didn't start out thinking that he'd be a major player in the novel. Yet he soon took over the story. :)

Wanda--the name doesn't do much for me--but I'm not about to let that stop me from liking this character. I just really liked her a lot. I'd have stuck with Wanderer though.

Rae said...

I am on page 257...and I started reading the day it was released. In short? It is not taking over my life where all I want to do is find out what happens. There have been days when I do not pick it up at all! But then again, maybe I haven't gotten to the good part yet. Or maybe I really do not like sci/fi. Like you, Tricia, it is not my genre. :) I'll keep plugging away!

Iliana said...

I may give this book a try. I read her vampire books and loved the first one but the others went a bit downhill for me so I don't know... Fantasy is a genre I never thought I'd enjoy but I've been so surprised at the books I've read in the last couple of years that I've liked.

Unknown said...

I thought it was good, but I made myself pay extra attention at the beginning, telling myself Meyer wrote this one for adults so I'd better read carefully. I thought the book could have ended without the last chapter or two. It just kept going on and on.

Anna said...

I agree that the book could've been shorter, but I did enjoy it. I read somewhere that it might become a triology. I like the Twilight saga more, but that might just be my obsession with Edward talking. :D