Host

Stephenie Meyer continues to delight science fiction/fantasy readers with this new adult novel (though her Young Adult readers need not fear, they will find this novel both appropriate and easily readable). Wanderer, a 'soul' who inhabits a human body acts as the story's central narrator. In this regard Meyer certainly achieves a literary feat, somehow she manages to make an alien parasite into a sympathetic narrator. It could have something to do with the other consciousness kicking around Wanderer's head, Melanie. Melanie is the former owner of the human body that Wanderer inhabits, and unlike most humans she refuses to completely relinquish control of her body to the 'souls.' As Wanderer becomes overly attached to Melanie's still intact psyche she becomes unable to distinguish between their desires. She runs off in search of Jared, the man Melanie loves, and finds herself entangled in a love triangle involving only two bodies amidst a whole band of renegade humans. The Host calls into question just what quality makes someone 'human' as Wanderer embarks on a journey to find out where she really belongs. Meyer leaves things open for a possible sequel or another series, though the book is satisfying as a stand alone read.

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

Stephenie Meyer graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in English literature. She is the author of the bestselling Twilight Saga. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three young sons. This is her first novel for adults.

Visit www.thehostnovel.com and www.stepheniemeyer.com


"Meyer has, like one of her vampires, turned into something rare and more than merely human: a literary phenomenon....The way she manages the reader's curiosity, maintaining tension and controlling the flow of information, is simply virtuosic....People do not want to just read Meyer's books; they want to climb inside them and live there."

"An epic story of love, family, and loyalty. . . . The Host is The X-Files meets Days of Our Lives."

"Meyer is more interested in relationships than in flashy genre conventions. . . . Her affirmative life lesson is disarming."

"The Host lives up to the hype, blending science fiction and romance in a way that has never worked so well."

"Stephenie Meyer is an amazing phenomenon--out of the brightness of her mind and spirit comes the illuminated darkness of her stories. For no matter how much pain her characters suffer, Meyer infuses the tales with light and hope."

"A fantastic, inventive, thoughtful, and powerful novel.  The Host should come with a warning label: it will grab you and keep you reading well into the wee hours of night, and keep you thinking, deeply, hauntingly, well after the final word.  Stephenie Meyer captures characters and handles story line like a master--a hybrid combination of Stephen King and Isaac Asimov."


"A brilliant and fascinating premise.... Its mix of adventure and new love on a new Earth is just right to get lost in this summer."

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Distributor: Hachette Book Group USA
Publication Date: 04-13-2010
Pages: 656
Measurements: 8.25in X 5.5in X 1.75in X 1.3lb