The Host: A Novel

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves -- Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, The Host is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.

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Published Apr 13, 2010

656 pages

Average rating: 7.82

215 RATINGS

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Readers say *The Host* by Stephenie Meyer is a compelling sci-fi novel blending alien invasion with deep themes of love and identity. Many praise its ...

Mfloyd1031

Feb 13, 2024

9/10 stars

This is a sci-fi novel in which aliens have taken over and us humans as hosts. There are a few surviving humans who are trying to escape becoming a host to the aliens. There is a love story but it is very much teen “love” and isn’t inappropriate in my opinion.

njlbo1

Jul 18, 2023

10/10 stars

EXCELLENT!!!! I really loved this. I am so very impressed with Stephenie Meyer now. I think The Host is even better than the Twilight series, and that had me completely addicted. There are definite parallels, Meyer's writing style is unmistakable, but this story is like nothing I've ever read. Amazing.

abookwanderer

Oct 09, 2025

10/10 stars

It's been 2 years since I read The Host for the first time. I had forgotten that it was so good. People can say what they want about Stephenie Meyer, but the girl is a great storyteller. She can weave so many characters into a story, and make the reader care about and feel like they know each one. This is a book, not only about aliens taking over the human race, but more importantly about love and sacrifice for fellow humans or species.

Ambird

Dec 28, 2024

This book had me diving in profusely!! Very inspiring 💫

Erin Hollenbaugh

Dec 11, 2024

8/10 stars

I absolutely love this book! I've read it twice and I'll probably read it again. It's a great story. I've never been into science fiction books (especially ones with aliens), but this one has made me more open to them. It's a great book about love. But not just romance, also the love of a family and friends and enemies.