The Host, by Stephenie Meyers

I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this first "adult" novel by Meyer. I enjoyed her Young Adult novels and I didn't want to be disappointed. I'm happy to report, that I was not disappointed. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. It was more than a love story. It was an examination of humanity at its best and worse.

I particularly loved the premise that earth was invaded and subdued by "benevolent" souls who could not kill and felt they were improving the situation on earth. Wars ended, people were cured, deviant behaviour eradicated. The alien souls viewed earth's inhabitants as barbarous monsters, and in many cases, this was appropriate.

The resolution at the end was quite satisfying. I particularly like the "cliff hanger," if you can call it that. Yes, I like Science Fiction so I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I think Young Adults would, too. Melanie was a young adult -- perhaps 18 years of age at the time of her capture -- so I will recommend it to my babysitter. It's the least I can do since she got me reading Stephenie Meyers in the first place.

Here is the blurb from the publisher:
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.