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sleeping_jem 's review for:
The Host
by Stephenie Meyer
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Let's get it out of the way: this book is much better than Twilight.
A compelling story of alien invasion is subverted, introducing the reader to the alien's perspective. Difficult questions about the nature of humanity and the strength of love are thoughtfully explored through the symbiotic relationship between parasite and host.
Melanie and Wanderer's relationship is by far the most interesting aspect of the book. What drags this story down is its overcommitment to an awkward and half-hearted love triangle. Where Wanderer's relationships with Jamie, Jeb, and Jared (Stephanie Meyer clearly likes names that begin with J) are gripping and nuanced, her stilted encounters with Ian are much less compelling.
It would also be nice if Stephanie Meyer could write some love interests who don't have a troubling age gap. There really is no need for Melanie to be 17 years old when she meets Jared. Would it really kill YA authors to write a female character older than 19? Clearly not, since the POV character of this novel is over a thousand years old.
The book also handles the subject of gender - and how an alien species would understand it - somewhat clumsily.
Besides these admittedly frustrating aspects, this is a very well written, slow burn book that would make a fantastic introduction to Sci-Fi for people who aren't crazy about that genre. Forget Twilight, pick up The Host.
A compelling story of alien invasion is subverted, introducing the reader to the alien's perspective. Difficult questions about the nature of humanity and the strength of love are thoughtfully explored through the symbiotic relationship between parasite and host.
Melanie and Wanderer's relationship is by far the most interesting aspect of the book. What drags this story down is its overcommitment to an awkward and half-hearted love triangle. Where Wanderer's relationships with Jamie, Jeb, and Jared (Stephanie Meyer clearly likes names that begin with J) are gripping and nuanced, her stilted encounters with Ian are much less compelling.
It would also be nice if Stephanie Meyer could write some love interests who don't have a troubling age gap. There really is no need for Melanie to be 17 years old when she meets Jared. Would it really kill YA authors to write a female character older than 19? Clearly not, since the POV character of this novel is over a thousand years old.
The book also handles the subject of gender - and how an alien species would understand it - somewhat clumsily.
Besides these admittedly frustrating aspects, this is a very well written, slow burn book that would make a fantastic introduction to Sci-Fi for people who aren't crazy about that genre. Forget Twilight, pick up The Host.