Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Dede

The Host is a novel about alien invasion very different from Hollywood versions. Small "souls" are imbedded in humans and take over the body and mind. It happens fast, and most of the earth is "taken" and implanted before they realize what is going on. You can tell from surgical marks on the back of the neck and a reflection in the eyes. There are a few survivors that must live in hiding. Melanie is one of these until she gets caught by seekers and is implanted with the soul Wanderer. But Melanie doesn't give up and fights for control of her body and mind. Wanderer has never had to deal with this and is confused, scared and embarrassed. Wanderer can see all of Melanies' thoughts, memories, etc. and starts to fall for Jared, the man Melanie loves. They set off "together" to try to find him and Melanie's younger brother. They find them with Melanie's uncle in a hidden maze of caves. At first, they don't trust her, they believe she is an alien spy because she is obviously infected. As Wanderer tries to deal with her emotions - curiousity, anger, fear, understanding, compassion, the humans begin to accept her and believe that Melanie is still fighting. Melanie and Wanderer bond and try to live with eachother and the different emotions they must share. The talk about the Wanderer being so innocent, sincere, perfect, etc gets old at times and some things she thinks/does don't make sense but it is a really good story with a really good ending.