Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Summary: In this intense novel, humans have lost the Earth to a race of aliens that stealthily invade planets throughout the galaxy. The alien’s method? They possess the bodies of their ‘hosts,’ and take over their lives. But the body given to Wanderer, an alien ‘soul’ who has lived multiple lives across the vast universe, seems to have a mind of it’s own – Melanie, who refuses to disappear as most human psyches seem to do. Melanie was part of the dwindling human resistance fighting the alien invasion, and she fills Wanderer’s thoughts with painful memories of the man she loves – another rebel named Jared. Wanderer must make a choice: Move to a new human host so another ‘soul’ can attempt to access Melanie’s secrets and uncover the rebel cell, or follow Melanie’s instincts to reunite with Jared and other humans, a decision that will mean her death.
Fans of Stephenie Meyer will flock to this book, but be warned: The Host has a very different feel than the Twilight books. It is more complex, and in many ways more meaningful, with thought-provoking questions about the nature of love and the definition of humanity.
Who will like this book?: Fans of the Twilight books, and of love triangles (even if this book only has two bodies.) If you like your sci-fi with a dose of romance and philosophy, this is a great book for you.
If you like this, try this: Another literary adult sci-fi book with a similar feel (but entirely different subject) is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. For a (much more) lighthearted body snatcher tale, try Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins.
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian