Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that takes 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.