The Host cover art

The Host

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The Host

By: Stephenie Meyer
Narrated by: Kate Reading
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About this listen

 Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The 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 Stephenie Meyer Fantasy Fiction Paranormal

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All stars
Most relevant
OK, I'll admit it, I am a Stephanie Meyer junkie. If she copied a restaurant menu, I'd probably read it.

That, however, doesn't stop The Host being an excellent, thought provoking listen! Picking up from the credits of most bodysnatcher movies, you're transported into the body of Melanie and the mind of Wanderer. Melanie and her 'Soul' form a bizarre union, searching for Melanie's lost love. The Host casts an inetersting new light on the 'love triangle' whilst posing some interesting philosphical questions about whether the person is contained in the body, conscious, or conscience.
Kate Reading has an upward vocal inflection, which I found quite irritating to start with, but once she started expanding the character range it became less noticable.

If you started with Twilight, I suspect you will buy this regardless, but if you have seen your children become obsessed and want to know what all the fuss is about, I would start here.

B-movie standard with a twist!

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An original and accomplished story which is beutifully narated.

Original

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This was an engrossing and interesting listen. It starts slowly but once it gets going (and it does get going) it doesn't stop. I listen at the gym, and one day even found I'd done 4 minutes over my time on the treadmill I was so caught up in things!
I sort of guessed how the end might be resolved, and womanfully avoided picking copies of the book up in my library or local Smiths just to see if I was right (I was, in a way).
What was nice was that there was no contrived badness to interrupt what was essentially a book about learning who, and what you are, and how that affects those you love.
The only problem now is, after over 20 hours of listening I'm going to really struggle to get into another audio-book.
This is beautifully read with lovely characterisation - she copes with the main characters brilliantly, doing crotchety old men, teen boys, women and men, staying in character throughout. Well worth the pennies and well worth listening to - go buy!

Excellent!

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Host to be better than the print version?

I love the book so I was expecting to love the audio version and I did. I do all of my listening in the car and I found myself tempted to go for a drive just so I could hear some more.

What did you like best about this story?

I found this a very interesting story and very touching.

What three words best describe Kate Reading’s performance?

I have my doubts about the narration though. I found Kate Reading to sound a little mechanical at times and her phrasing threw me off a little. Once I got used to her though, it rarely interfered with my enjoyment.

Great story - unsure about narrator

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A great book, well narrated a firm favorite that I have already listened to twice.

Excellent

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