The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host is touted by Stephenie Meyer as "Science fiction for people who don't like science fiction". In other words, a futuristic End-of-the-World alien invasion without too much of the sci - and no little green Martians.

Although when I say it's about an alien invasion, with a theme like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Host is told very cleverly & sympathetically from the view of one of the aliens or "Souls", Wanderer, who has taken hold of her host Melanie's body. But Melanie's proves to be strong - and as both Wanderer and Melanie fight for control, Melanie refuses to just fade away.

Having alienated the bodies of animals and plants in many different worlds over many centuries, Wanderer possesses the ultimate job of ferreting out stray humans using Melanie's memories. But instead of giving up her memories, Melanie fights for survival and infuses Wanderer with emotions she has never before experienced - love, desire, anger, passion - leaving Wanderer confused about her mission.

This well-paced & thoughtful story leaves you wondering who to cheer for... the human or the alien? Melanie's love or Wanderer's?

The Host was Meyer's first adult fiction and a great success. Although written as a stand alone novel, in an interview in March 2008 [link to Twilight Lexicon], Stephenie Meyer did say she was almost finished with a sequel (reportedly titled The Soul). I look forward to its release!