(image via Google)
What? Another Stephenie Meyer book? Especially how I felt after the Twilight series?
I know right.
And if you missed my wonderful review of those click here
Okay, I just reread my review. Stellar if I do say so myself.
Expecting the same?
hmmmmm..........
Okay, let's clarify a few things here, once again.
I don't like sci-fi
Which is really sad since a good friend of mine is a sci-fi writer. And based on his many awards and honors, he must be AMAZING! But I have to confess that I haven't read much of his work. I can't. I'm sure that if I were to even attempt a full chapter, I would immediately be in way over my head, confused at the story, language and brilliant writing.
In short, I'm just not that smart.
So when my DILove dropped the The Host off for me to read, I was skeptical. I love me a good biography. Something tangible and real. I also love a good legal, murder mystery, dead bodies, bad cops, fresh lawyers figuring it all out. Love me some of that.
Fantasy? Not so much.
BUT - I decided to go into it with an open mind especially since the movie is coming out and I wanted to understand it before I see it. I don't want another Avatar Fiasco.
The story's premise? Surprisingly interesting. Not my usual cup of tea, but by the second chapter, I was totally sucked in and engaged.
I found myself liking every. single. character. Regardless if they were the nemesis or not. Okay, I didn't like Wanda's seeker - she was just plain whack, but by the end of the book, and I could see why she was so nasty, I had some sympathy for her.
The middle dragged slightly. But looking back, I can see that she was using it to further develop the characters that would be pivotal at the end of the story.
By 2/3 of the way through, I was totally committed to seeing it through. I cared about Melanie and Wanda and could totally feel the conflict. Even though the entire premise is fantasy and completely far fetched, the people in the book intrigued me. I wanted, no NEEDED to know how the situation was going to resolve and I desperately wanted a happy ending for everyone, yet couldn't see how that was going to happen. Stephenie was brilliant in keeping the suspense and then wrapping it up in a completely logical way (well, as logical can go for a fantasy)
I found many thoughts in the book to be profound really. The ideas expressed regarding humanity, struck a chord. On many occasion, I was itching for a highlighter to underline the words she used to describe love, loyalty, and the human heart.
My favorite part though? That there will be no sequel.
It had a beginning, a middle and an end.
No cliffhanger.
No lingering questions.
Just done.
She told a story and now the story is over.
Did it change my opinion of the Twilight series? Nope.
Did it change my opinion of her as a writer?
Yup.
The book was well written, the characters endearing and the story intriguing.
And now, I really can't wait for the movie!
14 comments:
Yay! I love it too! I need to read it again before the movie comes out!
I am glad you liked it.
I still love you -- even though you are a Twilight Hater.
Boo!!!!!
No matter what people's opinions are about Stephenie Meyer's books.. she's a millionaire or Billionaire. She rocks. I love her merely for the fact that she made me want to read. The end. :)
If I told you that I had read the book and loathed it I'm afraid that you would hate me. So I won't tell you that. I also won't tell you that I really liked the Twilight books.
There are some some skeletons in my closet that I won't be able to tell you cuz I wanna keep being your friend.
So I just keep that all a secret.
Good review! You made me want to read the book. I didn't read twilight..I know, one the few who didn't. I liked the movies though.
Will have to give the Host a try.
i like your review, so i'll definitely give "the host" a try. i'm not a fan of the "twilight" books. i tried to read it, but could not get into it. THANKS for this thorough review! you make it sound really appealing!
I am completely on the same page with you regarding book genre. Fantasies have never been my favorite either. I read Twilight so I would know what my daughters, my friends, and their daughters were all talking about. I did like the movies OK - at least the parts that I stayed awake for :-)
But The Host I really really liked. And so now I have to ask - have you tried the Hunger Games series? Book and/or movie? Totally engaging for me. But then, it has plenty of blood and guts...
I am not a fan of the Twilight series; but I loved the Host. I agree with you about it dragging though. With the Host, Stephanie Meyer didn't treat her readers like they were 13.
Have you read the 50 Shades of Grey series? A friend just recommended it.
ha ha...no sequel.
It seems like my whole life has been one bie sequel. (tee,hee)
I haven't read it....don't plan to.
Not for any reason in particular.
Just don't.
I am freaking trying to get through the GAME OF THRONES series. Gosh, 1000 page practially each book. I am almost done book 3.
I think I need me some good "smut" right about now.
j/k
sorta
well, ok, I am not kidding
No sci-fi for this girl either. I never read the Twilight series.(Gasp) Historical fiction for me.You may have talked me into this one. I should venture out of my box sometimes.
I'm glad that you enjoyed this book! It's a fav of mine. I don't 100% agree with you about her Twilight series (more like 60% agree), but I was very happy that this book wasn't like those. I really feel like if you didn't know it was the same author, you'd never guess! Can't wait for the movie. Been a while since I read the book though, and after reading your review maybe that's the audio book I'll listen to tonight at work.
sounds like you and I have similar tastes in what we like to read.
i got a kick out of the comments.
i still probably won't read this one, but enjoyed the review and will maybe see the movie.
I didn't hate the Twilight series - I just thought it was more for high school girls. But ok - if you say this is good, maybe I'll give it a try.
Guess I had better add this one to my reading list.
Really? I love those legal, bad cop, dead bodies, mystery books too. Maybe I should try this one for a change. We should trade authors that we like. Are you on Goodreads?
Post a Comment