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Books : The Host: A NovelIn association with Amazon.comRating:  - BREATHTAKING.....I am NOT AT ALL a "Sci-Fi" fan----but this wonderful book is so much more than a mere "Sci-Fi" tag can sum up.....beautifully written, exceptional characterization--not to mention, romance;suspence; and an "edge-of-your-seat" narration, that at times, left me absolutely breathless.....I LOVED the character "Wanderer," --not to mention all of the other colorful characters in this incredible story...What a talent Stephanie Meyer is---I can not rate this book highly enough!!! Rating:  - It's no TwilightThis book was a real disappointment. It would have been a lot better if about 200 pages were cut out. I agree with some other reviewers in that I would have put the book down after about 100 pages if it were not for the author herself. The book was ok, just really, really slow. I'm glad I got it from the library instead of paying full price for the book. If there is a sequel, I doubt I'll read it. The book is slow, some of the characters are so like Twilight characters you'd have to be blind not to notice the similarities. But unlike the Twilight characters, I found it hard to identify with these people. No one really won my favor. And the name Wanda!? That was hard to read with a straight face. (no offense to anyone named Wanda) This book was in the YA section of my library, and I plan on telling them it is an adult book. I don't think YA have the patience to slug through this. "Science fiction for people who don't like science fiction"--wasn't Twilight "Vampires for people who don't like vampires"? Sorry Stephenie, I'm a huge TW fan, but you need to get some new catch phrases. Rating: - Slower Starter that gets to good to put down.This took a few pages to really get into it. Once she caught me I could not put it down until it was over. I still wanted more. If you are a fan of Stephanie Meyer you will not be disappointed. Rating:  - Good but lacking characterizationThis is a good story. It's definitely an interesting read with moments that leave you wanting to know what's happening next. Some parts are honestly hard to put down. The challenges are in weak characterization, which is a criticism that has followed Meyers through her Twilight series. While Wanda is more complex and interesting, most of the men are completely one dimensional. The young men are typically violent, yet women are still attracted to them (also a trait in Twilight males). There is a bit of fascination with domineering and violent men in Meyer's worlds. SPOILER AHEAD! The whole romance with two guys and the one body with Wanda and Melanie's consciousness in it is a bit cheesy. Meyer seems to be obsessed with love triangles or at least convinced that they are a recipe for a bestseller. To me it's a turnoff. At the end of the book, I'm angry with Wanda for having feelings for Jared. If she really loves Ian that wouldn't/couldn't happen. (Why name another character Jared when you've written four books about a beau named Jacob? I think it was an intentional attempt to make the Twilight audience like Jared. Think it's a coincidence? Her younger brother who we're also supposed to adore is named Jamie, and her uncle, an admirable man, is named Jeb. J=man to marry or love in Meyer's world. 5 books and 5 lovable men with a J-name. Note to the author: please pick another letter for the next book. How's about M? There are a lot of male names that start with M.) I have a bombshell for love triangle fans: you might as well want to read about Leprechauns, because neither one exists. Their is no such thing as a love triangle. Huh? What? YES. There is such a thing as a lust triangle. If you want a lust triangle, then you're all set. But, no one can love two different people romantically at the same time. Love is about caring about someone more than oneself. One would never want to be cheated on or have one's lover in love with another at the same time. Therefore, it is impossible to love someone and put them through the hell of you lusting after someone else. Love means that you would never do that to the person. If you'd do it to them, you don't love them. If any type of a triangle exists, it ain't love. Okay, all of the above complaints aside, I still really enjoyed the book. It provides a nice escape. The underground caves are fascinating, and the above-ground society is also interesting. You can't help but care for Wanda. While the ending might be a bit predictable, it was what I wanted. Rating:  - Boo! Hiss! Not worth readingI was SOOOOOOOOO disappointed in this book. I had to force myself to finish it, hoping page after boring page it would get better. I loved her Twighlight series, and yes, I am way over the Y.A. age, I am 55. I wish I hadn't rushed to buy this book and instead waited for some of my friends to read (or in this case throw it away before finishing it) to give me their reviews. I have lent this book to 3 people and all have returned it to me unfinished. BORING, BORING, BORING. |
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