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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I like books that mess with your mind and this book's premise was based on exactly that! It was honestly really easy to tell where Wanda ended and Melanie began and I think Steph does a good job showing the divide and the blurring of it too even as the characters notice too. Ending was predictable. However it was kinda giving killing time ? I think that's the vibe for a lot of apocalypse/dystopian books cuz the whole point is just to stay alive and while I really liked learning all about the other worlds, the plot was a lil thin for me. I did really like learning the lore behind the souls too! Reminded me of disneys soul movie. Cool read I suppose
4.5 stars: I just reread it. It's undeniable that The Host has lots of issues. But I still really love it. I love the characters, and their arcs, even if they aren't the most interesting or well-written. And I love the way it makes me think without thinking, if that makes any sense. It's just a really cool dynamic between Wanda and Melanie. And Jeb. And Jamie. And Ian. And even Jared. Basically everyone. So yes. Plus, many passages are very beautifully written. But it's definitely more of a romance novel than a SciFi one, so I think it's appearance is a little misleading.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Self harm, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence, Terminal illness
Where to start? I was completely unsure of this book. I got it, looked at it and put on the pile of TBR books I have on my desk. I didn't touch it for three weeks, and since it was a book I borrowed from the library, I tried to renew it a few days before it was due. I couldn't, so now what? I set all other books aside and started it, not really sure if I really wanted to read it all.
Now, I've read a few reviews on this book, and they seem to say 'ehh, it was good, but not too enjoyable' and all I wanna say is 'what? are you crazy? this book was awesome!' but I won't because everyone has they're opinion.
When I first read the inside flap of the book, I expected an evil alien invasion kind of book, but its not like that. The "souls" as they call themselves on Earth, have quietly and non-aggressively conquered the earth. The soul we follow is Wanderer, a kind and pacifist soul that has lived on nine planets, a record for her kind. Melanie, is the human host she has been given. Confused over being able to hear and feel Melanie, Wanderer fears that she will eventually take control over her. Instead, they form a special bond, and start the search of the people they love, and are able to learn how to live life together.
At first, I was confused; I had no idea what was going on and the beginning frustrated me. I didn't understand what was happening and I desperately wanted explanations. It wasn't until about half-way through the book that I started to really get into it. Once I got halfway, I could not put it down. It felt like a roller coaster, everything happening, one exciting and fearful event after the next. And as the book got closer to the ending, I really wasn't sure how it would end, and I was dreading it. The last about 100 pages made me cry, tears streaming down my face. The way it was written made me feel like it was me, in my head, like I was there and so I got really emotional as always.
I love Meyer's writing style. I know its complained about a lot, and her characters aren't liked much, but I love them. Since I first read Twilight, I fell in love with her writing. I think she is a great storyteller, and as her first adult novel, I think she went above and beyond than with the Twilight series. I really loved this book, I would definitely read it again, and I probably loved it more than the Twilight series. I've already heard rumors of there being a sequel and possibly a series for this book and I must say I was a tad disappointed. I did read this to jump the band wagon, but I was hoping this wouldn't be another Twilight fanatic kind of book. But I'd probably read them also...
Now, I've read a few reviews on this book, and they seem to say 'ehh, it was good, but not too enjoyable' and all I wanna say is 'what? are you crazy? this book was awesome!' but I won't because everyone has they're opinion.
When I first read the inside flap of the book, I expected an evil alien invasion kind of book, but its not like that. The "souls" as they call themselves on Earth, have quietly and non-aggressively conquered the earth. The soul we follow is Wanderer, a kind and pacifist soul that has lived on nine planets, a record for her kind. Melanie, is the human host she has been given. Confused over being able to hear and feel Melanie, Wanderer fears that she will eventually take control over her. Instead, they form a special bond, and start the search of the people they love, and are able to learn how to live life together.
At first, I was confused; I had no idea what was going on and the beginning frustrated me. I didn't understand what was happening and I desperately wanted explanations. It wasn't until about half-way through the book that I started to really get into it. Once I got halfway, I could not put it down. It felt like a roller coaster, everything happening, one exciting and fearful event after the next. And as the book got closer to the ending, I really wasn't sure how it would end, and I was dreading it. The last about 100 pages made me cry, tears streaming down my face. The way it was written made me feel like it was me, in my head, like I was there and so I got really emotional as always.
I love Meyer's writing style. I know its complained about a lot, and her characters aren't liked much, but I love them. Since I first read Twilight, I fell in love with her writing. I think she is a great storyteller, and as her first adult novel, I think she went above and beyond than with the Twilight series. I really loved this book, I would definitely read it again, and I probably loved it more than the Twilight series. I've already heard rumors of there being a sequel and possibly a series for this book and I must say I was a tad disappointed. I did read this to jump the band wagon, but I was hoping this wouldn't be another Twilight fanatic kind of book. But I'd probably read them also...
Backstory:
I love this book so much. It was my first true favorite book of all time. Love it!!!
I was so excited when this book came out. I didn't know what to expect though. I didn't think it would be like Twilight, but I wasn't sure. Now after reading this book for the billionth time I'm sure it's safe to assume I loved it. No expectations is sometimes a really good thing. I bought this book because I was a fan of the Twilight (so sue me). Anyway I saw that Stephanie Meyer was coming out with a book called The Host and had to read it.
Music:
The song I chose this week is Avalon by Bad Religion. Avalon is the island paradise King Arthur was taken after his death. The first part of the song before the chorus kind of seems like the first part of the book where Wanderer goes walking through the desert. Then the second part kind of talks about how everyone was feeling after Wanderer met some of the characters in the cave. The chorus is so perfect because Avalon is mentioned as kind of a paradise which is what the world was made into after the "souls" came and took the world over. Perfect song for this book. Here's the link to the lyrics: Avalon by Bad Religion Lyrics and this is the link to the video: Avalon by Bad Religion Videos.
Review:
The Host is a looong book. 619 pages long to be exact. Seriously when I was reading this book even though I couldn't put it down, it took me almost a month to complete. It's long. Filled with description, feelings, inner dialogue, as well as multiple character interactions. The story was never dull, or filled with too much "fluff" which was great.
I feel like the host did an amazing job of depicting the insanity of human emotions. Wanderer is the "soul" who has taken over human Melanie's body, and while even though she's been warned, the human emotions she feels on a day to day basis overwhelm her many times throughout the story. And throughout reading you realize she isn't the only one.
This story if a not the traditional love triangle. I'm not going to say a lot on it but if you read it you'll know what I'm talking about.
I fell in love with almost every character after the first time I read the book. They all have different personalities, that are so individual it's amazing. You know kinda like real life I guess.
This story talks about love at in it's most true form, and how far people truly are willing to go for the one's they love.
Favorite Quote: This quote is one of the main reasons I love this book. I find this quote so true.
“We value the individual. We probably put too much emphasis on the individual, if it comes right down to it. How many people, in the abstract, would...let's say Paige....how many people would she sacrifice to keep Andy alive? The answer wouldn't make any sense if you were looking at the whole of humanity as equals.”
I love this book so much. It was my first true favorite book of all time. Love it!!!
I was so excited when this book came out. I didn't know what to expect though. I didn't think it would be like Twilight, but I wasn't sure. Now after reading this book for the billionth time I'm sure it's safe to assume I loved it. No expectations is sometimes a really good thing. I bought this book because I was a fan of the Twilight (so sue me). Anyway I saw that Stephanie Meyer was coming out with a book called The Host and had to read it.
Music:
The song I chose this week is Avalon by Bad Religion. Avalon is the island paradise King Arthur was taken after his death. The first part of the song before the chorus kind of seems like the first part of the book where Wanderer goes walking through the desert. Then the second part kind of talks about how everyone was feeling after Wanderer met some of the characters in the cave. The chorus is so perfect because Avalon is mentioned as kind of a paradise which is what the world was made into after the "souls" came and took the world over. Perfect song for this book. Here's the link to the lyrics: Avalon by Bad Religion Lyrics and this is the link to the video: Avalon by Bad Religion Videos.
Review:
The Host is a looong book. 619 pages long to be exact. Seriously when I was reading this book even though I couldn't put it down, it took me almost a month to complete. It's long. Filled with description, feelings, inner dialogue, as well as multiple character interactions. The story was never dull, or filled with too much "fluff" which was great.
I feel like the host did an amazing job of depicting the insanity of human emotions. Wanderer is the "soul" who has taken over human Melanie's body, and while even though she's been warned, the human emotions she feels on a day to day basis overwhelm her many times throughout the story. And throughout reading you realize she isn't the only one.
This story if a not the traditional love triangle. I'm not going to say a lot on it but if you read it you'll know what I'm talking about.
I fell in love with almost every character after the first time I read the book. They all have different personalities, that are so individual it's amazing. You know kinda like real life I guess.
This story talks about love at in it's most true form, and how far people truly are willing to go for the one's they love.
Favorite Quote: This quote is one of the main reasons I love this book. I find this quote so true.
“We value the individual. We probably put too much emphasis on the individual, if it comes right down to it. How many people, in the abstract, would...let's say Paige....how many people would she sacrifice to keep Andy alive? The answer wouldn't make any sense if you were looking at the whole of humanity as equals.”
The first 200 pages were rough, and then Ian made it all better. I greatly enjoyed the book when Ian came into the picture. A super odd book that honestly made me cringe a bit, but I did like it. It really is a cool premise but it’s super complicated when you feel and care for both sides. And I liked the ending.
I was hesitant picking up this book after the trashiness of Twilight but my hopes were exceeded tremendously.
The characters were very interesting to read about.
The plot was interesting. The thought that someones memory and existence can be put into someone else is creepy yet fascinating. We could solve so many things. Yet as we see in the book, there are consequences.
There were a few parts that dragged but overall the storyline kept flowing. I think that our main character was a little winey at points.
But overall this was a good book with interesting storylines and characters. If you hates or liked Twilight I think you should at least give this book a chance.
The characters were very interesting to read about.
The plot was interesting. The thought that someones memory and existence can be put into someone else is creepy yet fascinating. We could solve so many things. Yet as we see in the book, there are consequences.
There were a few parts that dragged but overall the storyline kept flowing. I think that our main character was a little winey at points.
But overall this was a good book with interesting storylines and characters. If you hates or liked Twilight I think you should at least give this book a chance.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Awesome. I can not believe this was written by the same author as the Twilight Saga. It's night and day where writing style is concerned. There is only one very small similarity, which I will not divulge because it's completely insignificant to me. Very interesting concepts and very enjoyable read, especially the ending.