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The Host  By  cover art

The Host

By: Stephenie Meyer
Narrated by: Kate Reading
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Publisher's summary

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Earth has been invaded by a species that takes 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.

©2008 Stephanie Meyer (P)2008 Hachette Audio

What listeners say about The Host

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    56
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Performance
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Story
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Surprised me

Okay... it didn't surprise me as in twists and turns - I could see most of it coming - but by how much I liked this. I'm not usually a fan of slow narrated stuff (bought it in a post-Twilight moment of insanity), but this book still sucked me right on in.
I especially liked the fact that the author didn't seize every opportunity to make a disastrous cliff hanger of every situation. Everything just keeps working out, which is actually nice. The interest comes from the commentary on human nature - the story isn't particularly deep and meaningful, but it does make you think a little.
Look forward to the sequel.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Needs editing - get the abridged version

Sometime intricate detail can be captivating and create a technicolor vision. This is not one of those times. Long winded, frankly boring descriptions with minimal actual plot progression creates such relief when something actually occurs in the story that it can be mistaken for enjoyment. I have listened to over 100 files from Audible and this is one of the 5 most tedious and boring... Sorry, but the more I heard the more I wish I had waited to read reviews (it was a new release when I purchased it).

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Host

I loved this book. After having the cover of The Host starring at me all the while I was reading the Twilight Series, I had to read it. I love Wanderer. The rollercoaster of emotions that was her plight with the humans and the choices she makes. A great read/listen.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable albeit Soap Operatic at Times

I enjoyed this audio book, this being the first I have listened to. I loved the Twilight series, but with HOST was a bit disappointed - the reactions of the characters at times seems a little unrealistic and over-exaggerated. They somehow seemd two dimensional at times, not believable. There were places I found a little monotonous however the storyline kept me interested and at times I found myself keen to keep listening, or thinking about the characters... Worth it for good escapism - I would certainly "read" any sequels to this!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

good story and great narrator

What made the experience of listening to The Host the most enjoyable?

The Narrator didn't just read, she performed

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

the Concept is really interesting

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

the different voices she puts on

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when the people started to accept the main character

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Divine!

Would you listen to The Host again? Why?

The first time I started listening I got tired after about an hour, did not really understand what was happening and I had expecte something else ... Then I gave it another chance, which I absolutely do not regret! The story is superb, you laugh and cry. is among the best I've ever heard and read. listen right now on the book for the second time!

What other book might you compare The Host to and why?

Can't think of someone..

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

everything!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When they accepted the wanderer and when they took away the soul of the young woman, but saved it, if for the original soul wasen't still in the body, and when Wanda helped to get antibiotics....and EVERYTING!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Far better than Twilight!

I originally read The Host after dipping into Twilight a few years back, before the films were released. The plot, in my opinion, is far superior and believable and I have read it again several times while Twilight grows dusty on my book shelves. I was looking for an audio book that I didn't have to concentrate on (for listening to when doing a task that demanded greater concentration at times) and so picked 'The Host' as I was very familiar with the story. Initially, I was very disappointed in Kate Reading's performance as Wanderer. I found, like another reviewer noted, she was stilted. However, it was only a few chapters in that I realised that this was actually necessary given the nature of Wanderer and by mid-way through the book I was grateful for Kate Reading's clear distinction between characters. Don't be put off in those first few chapters! Keep at it, and you will see what I mean.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Sorry I bought this

When I read this book, I was so excited to then buy this on audio. What a disappointment. It was narrated very badly, short and stilted. I'm so annoyed that I paid money for this, it could have been done so well. I wish I'd had a listen to the sample before, but I was too excited.

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