Book Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host by Stephenie Meyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I know this isn't a teen book, but since the author is so popular with teens, I thought it would be good to include a review of this title. If you are interested in checking out a copy of this book, you will find it in our adult collection.

In The Host Stephenie Meyer tells the story of life on Earth after the planet has been taken over by an alien species that steals the bodies of humans. Wanderer has been placed in the body once belonging to Melanie Stryder. In most cases the host’s mind is supposed to fade away, but Melanie refuses to leave. She fights Wanderer and shows Wanderer images of the people she loves causing Wanderer to love them too. When circumstances force Wanderer to run away, she and Melanie seek refuge with an unwilling host of humans who would just as soon see them dead than shelter them. However, Melanie and Wanderer do find the man they love and seek acceptance in this unusual community of humans.

This was an extremely long book. I think Meyer’s editor could be a little more forceful, this story did not need to be over 600 pages. That said I did really enjoy this book, more so than the Twilight Series in many ways. This book made you think from time to time and ponder moralities in these unusual circumstances. Wanda is a noble character and she is admirable in many ways, but sometimes you just found yourself wishing she would act.

This book may appeal to fans of the Twilight series, but that is not a guarantee, because it is so different. Both Wanda and Melanie are likable characters, and Uncle Jeb is an interesting treat. You will find some romance in this book, but not to the same extent as the Twilight novels.

Good read for someone looking for something different and doesn’t mind the exceptional length.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is a lot of violence and violent deaths in this book. Although there is no sex in the book it is mildly alluded to. I don’t remember any foul language, but I can’t say for certain that there isn’t any.

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Book Byte: The Unknowns: A Mystery by Benedict Carey

When people start vanishing from a trailer park next to the Folsom Energy Plant, two eleven-year-olds investigate using mathematical clues that were hastily planted by their friend Mrs. Clarke before she disappeared.

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Book Review: Genesis Alpha by Rune Michaels

Genesis Alpha by Rune Michaels


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Josh and his brother Max have always been close. He was born to save Max’s life when cancer was killing him. Josh admires his brother and is similar to him in many ways. They look similar, they both share an interest in the same online video game, Genesis Alpha, they even meet online to play while Max is in college. Until one day when Max doesn’t show up in Genesis Alpha, and Josh finds out it is because his brother has been arrested for the brutal murder of a college girl. Josh can’t believe that his older brother could commit such a heinous crime, but as fact come forward Josh learns that everything isn’t always how it appears.

This book was a page turner. It hooks you from the beginning and draws you though the novel at breakneck pace. It raises some interesting ethical questions, and might make for an interesting book discussion. Josh is a likable character and you can see how he struggles with the idea that the brother he loves could be a vicious killer.

This book is well written and highly enterataining. I would recommend it to readers who like mysteries and thrillers. I especially found Rachel’s character interesting, and perhaps one of the scariest characters in the book.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is some violence in the book, but no sex. I don’t remember any foul language in the book.

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Book Review: Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott

Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Danielle has been stealing since she was a child, and she is good at it. She and her mother have wandered from town to town, never making any permanent attachments, stealing from the wealthiest homes and moving on. It worked well for them, until Dani discovers that she wants more.

Dani, despite being a thief, is a very likable character. Her mother is a master manipulator, who you are sometimes left wondering, who she really cares for and does she really care for Dani. The characters are well developed and likable and the dialogue and banter between characters is often humorous—sometimes even laugh out loud funny.

Recommended.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is some language, and some sex, although there are no graphic descriptions.


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Book Review: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the final book in this wonderful series Percy Jackson must finally lead the other demi-gods against Kronos to save Olympus from the evil influence of the Titans.

I loved this series from start to finish. Riordan is a wonderful author and knows how to keep a series interesting. Each book was filled with wonderful friendships, surprising twists and turns, and a healthy dose of humor.

Highly recommended! (Especially for fans of Harry Potter who don’t know what to read next.)

Cautions for sensitive readers: Only cautions for this book would be the violence, but since it is intended for a middle school audience it doesn’t have any other cautions.

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Now through September 10, 2009 you can vote for your favorite books from this year's Teens' Top Ten Nominations! This is your chance to choose your favorite. Simply click on the button on the right side of our page, and you will be able to cast your vote. Hurry, there isn't much time left!

After you vote, comment on our website so we can find out what the favorite nominated book was here in Kokomo! We would love to hear what you think!