The Host (The Host, #1) in E.Y.A.B.

Mar 22, 2010 Rose rated it did not like it

Shelves: sci-fi, romance

From the blurb on the back of Stephanie Meyer's "The Host", one would expect a more mature setting, plot, and progression, but the truth of the matter is that this is not an adult novel, but a YA work with pedantic progression, cardboard characters, and rehashed thematics in wordy, mishandled diction. I'm fine with those who find a good idea in a recurring theme - but transferring the same exact themes to another work in a different stereotypical skin? It's not a horse of a different color, it's From the blurb on the back of Stephanie Meyer's "The Host", one would expect a more mature setting, plot, and progression, but the truth of the matter is that this is not an adult novel, but a YA work with pedantic progression, cardboard characters, and rehashed thematics in wordy, mishandled diction. I'm fine with those who find a good idea in a recurring theme - but transferring the same exact themes to another work in a different stereotypical skin? It's not a horse of a different color, it's just...not good.

I didn't come into this story having any previous expectations, not even after reading the Twilight series and coming across with lukewarm sentiments following it. If anything, I try not to compare, but this was just too repetitive to ignore - Melanie has some of the exact same character flaws as Bella Swann that it's hard to take it out of context. The first 70 or so pages of "The Host" are difficult enough to slug through with the overwrought descriptions for minor events - and this continues throughout the work, even in the recounted character interactions.

Now, the terror aspect of a "being within a being," terror at the hands of pursuit goes on for far too long without much suspense, and with the diction of the work - it doesn't improve upon the situation. Melanie, when her character is brought to light, is incredibly frustrating because of her unrelenting dependency and devotion - AND a melancholic approach to living. Her internal thoughts are juvenile at best and the desperation of her situation does not come through. Wanda (the alien soul) and Melanie are truly flat and have no sense of competing personalities. And please don't get me started on the male characters of this book. Jared and Ian are carbon copy characters of Meyer's Twilight series and are very flat. Mature Sci-Fi/Romance? Not here, point blank.

Suffice to say - I will argue that at least Twilight identifies its audience and has a progression over the four books. The Host is incredibly difficult to start and to finish. I've done both, but it's one of the few books I've read in the past year that I wish I hadn't read.

Overall score: 1/5 ...more

11 likes · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2009 Shubba The Emo Reader rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Well what can I say about this book. I loved The host so much. Although, the first time I attempted to read it I just couldn't get into it and I actually throw it against my wall (shame on mee). However, one night when I had nothing else to read I decided to give it another go and I am so glad I did. The Host is a little slow to start but a few chapters in I feel in love. Stephenie Meyer really exceeded my expections of this novel. Her writing has improved so much from The Twilight Saga. This is Well what can I say about this book. I loved The host so much. Although, the first time I attempted to read it I just couldn't get into it and I actually throw it against my wall (shame on mee). However, one night when I had nothing else to read I decided to give it another go and I am so glad I did. The Host is a little slow to start but a few chapters in I feel in love. Stephenie Meyer really exceeded my expections of this novel. Her writing has improved so much from The Twilight Saga. This is her first Adult sci-fi novels and lets hope it not her last. This is Stephenie Meyer's first adult novel and has proven to be a fantastic and gripping with great imaginative descriptions of other-worldly planets and creatures The relationship between Mel and Wanda doesnt start out that great. Mel is a rouge human in hiding from the souls who have invaded the planet and taking over the humans body. Wanda is a soul who has never found a planet she wants to stay until she gets to earth. When Mel is caught by the seekers Wanda is put into her body but on waking up Wanda realises that Mel is still there and refuses to go away. Mel and Wanda relationship is one a really loved. They really did grow to be like sisters in the end. Mel is in love with Jared and due to her memories Wanda does feel like she has affection for him also. They both love Mel's little brother Jamie, who from the first time you meet him he starts to grow close to Wanda. Jared bears a grudge with Wanda and is cruel to her but as the books go on they do get closer. He loves Mel so much and would do anything for her. There are so many characters in the books that I would be here forever lol. Most of the people in the book hated being around Wanda but through the people start to like her and treat her like everyone else. One person who did this was Kyle who really couldnt stand and eventually he become cool with her. Kyle's brother Ian is another story lol. I LOVED him. (Still do) He genuially liked Wanda for Wanda and not for Mel's body. He made me swoon. He lovely.

Overall, this book is a high recommended read to anyone. This book really gets you thinking about the ethics, the power of love and the good and bad sides of human experiences. ...more

Like · see review

Jun 10, 2010 Natshane rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Like · see review

Sep 27, 2009 Jaime West rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, sci-fi, young-adult

Okay.. I wasn't expecting this book to hit me the way it did. Like a truck. I loved it! I actually loved it more than Twilight (and I am obsessed) but I think its just my adoration of Stephenie Meyer's writing.
The characters aren't all sparkly pretty vampires and HOT werewolves. They're better cause, you hate them, then you love them, then you want to die at the thought of being apart from them.
I liked that it took an alien to show humans how to be humane and understanding through Wanderer/Melan ...more

Like · see review

Mar 27, 2009 Charlie rated it liked it

Shelves: owned

Contrary to what Twilight might say, Stephenie Meyer actually can write. This book was a lot better, it flowed in an entirely different way. The story isn't 100% original but she pulls it off, and pulls you into a world that's different and that you can't quite leave behind either. You feel more for the characters than in Twilight, and even if romance stays part of the focal point of the story, it's not always overdone. The choices some of the characters face seem true to reality; unlike in Twil ...more

Like · see review

Jan 22, 2009 Yadie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: i-have

It took me a while to read The Host because of school. But when I finally got back to reading it, it had me hooked. Very different from the Twilight series yet I found myself surrounded by so many great characters.

I definitely recommend this book :) even to people who aren't fans of Twilight. ...more

Like · see review