Although recently best known for her Twilight vampire series, Stephenie Meyer has moved to the realm of Science Fiction in The Host. In a brilliantly created story, we learn of an alien invasion of earth unlike any we could imagine.
Tiny parasites known as "souls" must have a host to survive, and on earth are implanted into humans. Although the humans have their original body and mind, complete with memories, the Soul is expected to eventually dominate the Host and completely take over its being. A Soul known as Wanderer is surgically given to a beautiful young female Host whose human name was Melanie. Melanie and Wanderer immediately are able to communicate, and Wanderer realizes that Melanie's love for her younger brother, Jamie, will cause difficulty in subduing her. Ultimately, Wanderer's compassion for Melanie's plight sends them on a journey to locate Jamie.
Host humans are recognizable because their eyes dramatically change when inhabited by a Soul. Therefore when Wanderer and Melanie find the humans keeping Jamie, there is a emotional and violent reaction to her. They have to be persuaded over time that she was not sent to find them by the Souls.
Even those who don't appreciate Science Fiction can soon understand why this book has remained a best seller for over 50 weeks. It is beautifully created tale impelling readers to consider what exists in the universe and how other beings would view our human lifestyle. For readers of all literary taste I recommend this unique and highly imaginative tale. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it 8 1/2.
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