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The Greatest Host
The Mists have traveled and lived for a long time. Their only purpose is to find a suitable host and share their lives. The planet where their last host lived, was bombarded by poisonous meteorites and after losing many of their kind they were forced to abandon their hosts and escape. They traveled for a long time and finally found hosts that seemed suitable. Once they occupied the new hosts they found and ideal life and they recognized that they finally found the perfect host.
Audible Audio
First published March 9, 2015
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Ray Jay Perreault
54 books141 followersI’m a retired Aeronautical Engineer who is trying to bring a different style to science fiction writing. I’ve always loved science fiction and I’m trying to write with deeper characters and create stories and situations that a reader can feel part of. The be honest I love a hero that has amazing weapons, takes on hundreds of aliens and can survive anything, but I also want to read a situation and be able to relate to it. An extrapolation of what might really happen with a little less stretch in my imagination.
I’ve been fortunate and I flew in the US Air Force for 10 years, during which time I flew C-130’s and visited 27 countries, then I flew T-38's and trained the best pilots in the world, as well as the first female US Air Force pilots. I then was fortunate to spend 28 years in a major aerospace firm and worked on some of the best programs in the world including the F-23, F-35, B-2, Global Hawk and many I can’t tell you about….
I hope I can bring my real life experiences into my writing so you can appreciate my work.
I’ve been fortunate and I flew in the US Air Force for 10 years, during which time I flew C-130’s and visited 27 countries, then I flew T-38's and trained the best pilots in the world, as well as the first female US Air Force pilots. I then was fortunate to spend 28 years in a major aerospace firm and worked on some of the best programs in the world including the F-23, F-35, B-2, Global Hawk and many I can’t tell you about….
I hope I can bring my real life experiences into my writing so you can appreciate my work.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2020
The Mists are microscopic creatures that exist in a cloud, and seek suitable hosts to occupy and live with. They're benign; they live in harmony with their hosts. Unfortunately, their last planet got bombarded by meteors that rendered it uninhabitable. The Mists had to leave, and seek a new, safer planet with suitable hosts.
The Mists reach a planet that has life, the right kind of life, and is much safer from massive meteor bombardment from space. Now, can they find a good species to be their hosts?
They want an animal that's smart enough to have the brain space the Mists need for their own activities, but not so smart that the Mists will disturb the host with their detectable presence. They want a social animal, because it's much easier for both themselves and the host animals if they can spread out over a number of them while remaining relatively close--herd animals are great for that, but it's not the only possibility.
I really don't want to say any more than that. The Mists are likable, thoughtful, considerate of their hosts. It would be fun to talk to them about some of the planets they've lived on. It's a very enjoyable, gentle story, and I think you'll be charmed by the host they find.
I believe I got this audio short story free from the author. In any case, I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
The Mists reach a planet that has life, the right kind of life, and is much safer from massive meteor bombardment from space. Now, can they find a good species to be their hosts?
They want an animal that's smart enough to have the brain space the Mists need for their own activities, but not so smart that the Mists will disturb the host with their detectable presence. They want a social animal, because it's much easier for both themselves and the host animals if they can spread out over a number of them while remaining relatively close--herd animals are great for that, but it's not the only possibility.
I really don't want to say any more than that. The Mists are likable, thoughtful, considerate of their hosts. It would be fun to talk to them about some of the planets they've lived on. It's a very enjoyable, gentle story, and I think you'll be charmed by the host they find.
I believe I got this audio short story free from the author. In any case, I'm reviewing it voluntarily.
November 14, 2016
In this short and amusing story, Ilrod and his fellow organisms (known as the Mists) have had to abruptly leave their planet where they shared a symbiotic relationship with their hosts for many years. Now, alas, the planet is destroyed and many of the Mists have been lost. It takes many, many years, but they eventually reach another habitable planet and begin their search for a new host species.
This was a cute story that gave me several chuckles. The Mists made me think vaguely of jellyfish in that each Mist is made up of individual molecules that cooperate together to make one functioning being. The Mists look like just how their name implies and they search for symbiotic relationships with other animals.
I enjoyed the last few minutes as Ilrod and his fellow Mists discover a new species to play host to them. The descriptions from Ilrod’s point of view were amusing and I quickly guessed what kind of animal they had come upon. Once again, the author has provided quality entertainment.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author.
Narration: Christopher M. Allport did a great job with this short story. As the voice of Ilrod, he was excellent at portraying the Mist’s emotions, first at the loss of the planet and fellow Mists, and later at the wonder of discovering such a compatible host.
This was a cute story that gave me several chuckles. The Mists made me think vaguely of jellyfish in that each Mist is made up of individual molecules that cooperate together to make one functioning being. The Mists look like just how their name implies and they search for symbiotic relationships with other animals.
I enjoyed the last few minutes as Ilrod and his fellow Mists discover a new species to play host to them. The descriptions from Ilrod’s point of view were amusing and I quickly guessed what kind of animal they had come upon. Once again, the author has provided quality entertainment.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author.
Narration: Christopher M. Allport did a great job with this short story. As the voice of Ilrod, he was excellent at portraying the Mist’s emotions, first at the loss of the planet and fellow Mists, and later at the wonder of discovering such a compatible host.
March 14, 2016
This was in interesting short story about a colony of aliens called The Mists in search of a new host after their home is destroyed.
I enjoyed the story of how The Mists moved from host to host. I also thought the ending was very clever.
The author was vague about the final hosts until the end which I understand was for the purpose of the storyline and worked well. However, I did find that the lack of any description other than "the host" or "the subservient creature" to be a bit confusing because those terms were used to refer to several different beings. I never quite had a grasp on what was being talked about.
I think this was a interesting concept. I liked the idea but I think would have enjoyed it more if the descriptions were a little clearer.
The narrator did an excellent job. He spoke clearly and pleasantly. Also, the pace was good.
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author. This is an unbiased review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the story of how The Mists moved from host to host. I also thought the ending was very clever.
The author was vague about the final hosts until the end which I understand was for the purpose of the storyline and worked well. However, I did find that the lack of any description other than "the host" or "the subservient creature" to be a bit confusing because those terms were used to refer to several different beings. I never quite had a grasp on what was being talked about.
I think this was a interesting concept. I liked the idea but I think would have enjoyed it more if the descriptions were a little clearer.
The narrator did an excellent job. He spoke clearly and pleasantly. Also, the pace was good.
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author. This is an unbiased review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2022
This is a fun, witty story about an alien colony of microscopic parasites, who inhabit their hosts without harming them. Their planet is destroyed, so they roam the Universe to find new hosts.
They come across a planet with creatures that seem to match their requirements of being reasonably intelligent and sociable and try to inhabit them.
Here begins an amusing story of observation and interaction with these host beings and their servile subspecies.
I was at first nonplussed as to where this was heading, but very quickly cottoned on and listened all the way with a big grin on my face.
The narrator Christopher M. Allport was clear and concise and read at a good pace.
I received this book in audio book format free from the author and am leaving this review of my own volition.
They come across a planet with creatures that seem to match their requirements of being reasonably intelligent and sociable and try to inhabit them.
Here begins an amusing story of observation and interaction with these host beings and their servile subspecies.
I was at first nonplussed as to where this was heading, but very quickly cottoned on and listened all the way with a big grin on my face.
The narrator Christopher M. Allport was clear and concise and read at a good pace.
I received this book in audio book format free from the author and am leaving this review of my own volition.
August 5, 2017
Very short but powerfully fun story. I laugh every time I think about this story. I just retold it to my husband and he laughed and said what a great story! It's a simple story, but not necessarily aimed at children. Not that children wouldn't love it. They would. It's just an awesome all around story for people who love all kinds of creatures. Even aliens.
December 22, 2017
An interesting short story about a group of Aliens called the Mists. Who are in search of a new home because their home planet was destroyed. It takes many many years for the Mists to find a habitable planet and their search for a new host species begins anew.
February 24, 2020
Cute short story. Do we really know what items host our body? The Mists hosts bodies, any body. A short story that makes you think, could this really happen? Strange things do happen that makes us worry.
May 20, 2018
Cute short story
I short treatise on the pursuit of symbiosis. ET likes a good scratch behind its ears and a gratuitous bowel movement!
I short treatise on the pursuit of symbiosis. ET likes a good scratch behind its ears and a gratuitous bowel movement!
October 15, 2018
Fascinating short story
This is a great story but I would like to see it expanded upon. Maybe have the mist enter people.
This is a great story but I would like to see it expanded upon. Maybe have the mist enter people.
November 11, 2018
Fun
A fun little read. I totally agree with the ending, we should all be so lucky to find such nice home.
A fun little read. I totally agree with the ending, we should all be so lucky to find such nice home.
November 14, 2016
The Greatest Host by Ray Jay Perreault In this short and amusing story, Ilrod and his fellow organisms (known as the Mists) have had to abruptly leave their planet where they shared a symbiotic relationship with their hosts for many years. Now, alas, the planet is destroyed and many of the Mists have been lost. It takes many, many years, but they eventually reach another habitable planet and begin their search for a new host species.
This was a cute story that gave me several chuckles. The Mists made me think vaguely of jellyfish in that each Mist is made up of individual molecules that cooperate together to make one functioning being. The Mists look like just how their name implies and they search for symbiotic relationships with other animals.
I enjoyed the last few minutes as Ilrod and his fellow Mists discover a new species to play host to them. The descriptions from Ilrod’s point of view were amusing and I quickly guessed what kind of animal they had come upon. Once again, the author has provided quality entertainment.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author.
Narration: Christopher M. Allport did a great job with this short story. As the voice of Ilrod, he was excellent at portraying the Mist’s emotions, first at the loss of the planet and fellow Mists, and later at the wonder of discovering such a compatible host.
This was a cute story that gave me several chuckles. The Mists made me think vaguely of jellyfish in that each Mist is made up of individual molecules that cooperate together to make one functioning being. The Mists look like just how their name implies and they search for symbiotic relationships with other animals.
I enjoyed the last few minutes as Ilrod and his fellow Mists discover a new species to play host to them. The descriptions from Ilrod’s point of view were amusing and I quickly guessed what kind of animal they had come upon. Once again, the author has provided quality entertainment.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author.
Narration: Christopher M. Allport did a great job with this short story. As the voice of Ilrod, he was excellent at portraying the Mist’s emotions, first at the loss of the planet and fellow Mists, and later at the wonder of discovering such a compatible host.
March 1, 2016
My rating: 4 stars
Audiobook narrator Christopher M. Allport rating: 4 stars
This was another fun short story by Ray Jay Perreault. It had a similar feel to Progeny in that the reader is purposely kept in the dark but completely revealed in a somewhat-comedic way at the end. This lightened the tone and made the book more enjoyable.
It seems that there are not a lot of suitable planets to live on according to this book. All of the ‘hosts’ of the different planets in which the mists travel to end up in some cataclysmic turmoil!
Some people agree that this would be a great novel if it were elongated into an extended edition. I felt that it was the appropriate length (with plenty of Science) and did great with the short length of this book.
The narrator did a good job of reading this book. I look forward to future books from Ray Jay Perreault.
I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.
Audiobook narrator Christopher M. Allport rating: 4 stars
This was another fun short story by Ray Jay Perreault. It had a similar feel to Progeny in that the reader is purposely kept in the dark but completely revealed in a somewhat-comedic way at the end. This lightened the tone and made the book more enjoyable.
It seems that there are not a lot of suitable planets to live on according to this book. All of the ‘hosts’ of the different planets in which the mists travel to end up in some cataclysmic turmoil!
Some people agree that this would be a great novel if it were elongated into an extended edition. I felt that it was the appropriate length (with plenty of Science) and did great with the short length of this book.
The narrator did a good job of reading this book. I look forward to future books from Ray Jay Perreault.
I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.
February 11, 2016
I listened to the Audible audio version of this book.
"A Really Neat Short SciFi"
THE GREATEST HOST was a pretty neat little science fiction story about a lifeform called the Mists. They seemed to me to be somewhat like photons. I liked this. I think it would be a good preface for a longer novella based on the character of Ilrod. Ray Jay Perreault did a nice job writing this.
CHRISTOPHER M. ALLPORT did a great job narrating the story. He had good voice inflections as well as a nice tone. He has a fantastic voice. I think he was the perfect reader for this story.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
December 4, 2022
"I Love to Go A-Wandering....." (audiobook)
Fourteen minutes of fun with a dash of mystery. I still grin at the first line of the synopsis "A wandering alien life form seeks a compatible host to share its life."
This is a very enjoyable short story by author Ray Jay Perreault. I can picture this as being part of an anthology of short science fiction stories about finding a home or with a little Perreault magic maybe even a full length book.
Christopher M. Allport as always does a wonderful job narrating and bringing the character(s) to life.
This audiobook was provided in exchange for an unbiased review.
Fourteen minutes of fun with a dash of mystery. I still grin at the first line of the synopsis "A wandering alien life form seeks a compatible host to share its life."
This is a very enjoyable short story by author Ray Jay Perreault. I can picture this as being part of an anthology of short science fiction stories about finding a home or with a little Perreault magic maybe even a full length book.
Christopher M. Allport as always does a wonderful job narrating and bringing the character(s) to life.
This audiobook was provided in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 12, 2016
BOOK REVIEW.....
A very short sci-fi story of an alien life form called the Mists that travels around searching for life forms to inhabit. I think it could make a good full length book if built upon.
AUDIO REVIEW......
The narrator did a fairly good job narrating the story. However he sounded more like a teacher giving a lecture rather then someone telling a story. He could have used more feeling put into it.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
L.
A very short sci-fi story of an alien life form called the Mists that travels around searching for life forms to inhabit. I think it could make a good full length book if built upon.
AUDIO REVIEW......
The narrator did a fairly good job narrating the story. However he sounded more like a teacher giving a lecture rather then someone telling a story. He could have used more feeling put into it.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
L.
March 15, 2016
I'll admit it...I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. I had difficulty following this one on the first go round. Then right at the end, you get a clue. Going back and listening again, I understood it much better. Still a few fuzzy spots, but this story takes you through a microscopic analysis of familiar life forms that really didn't fall into place for me until the end. Pretty neat way to look at something you are already intimately familiar with.
Narration was pretty good as well. Nice short story!
I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.
Narration was pretty good as well. Nice short story!
I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.
February 6, 2016
I would love to see this short story expanded into a full length novel. I found the mist creatures a fascinating construct and would be interested to see where this story could go with more length and story building. As I listened to the audio version of this book, I would also say the narrator did a great job and carried to the story well!
*I was provided a free copy of this book via AudiobookBlast for a fair and honest review.
*I was provided a free copy of this book via AudiobookBlast for a fair and honest review.
March 6, 2017
Some on Kindle Unlimited bit more surprised than used to, read a LOT and in a lot of genres, lot of things going on in this story, and the writer told it well. Also just read SIMPOC by same writer, Gemini, and Science Fiction Anthology: Vol1 which has "Progeny" "The Greatest Host" "Circle is Closed" ‘Good Morning…’ Same genre basically but definite differences in each type of book somehow.
March 17, 2016
This short story is good.Narrated nicely by Christopher M. Allport,we are treated to an aliens point of view.They need hosts.They spread like mist.They need hosts...This audiobook was provided to me at no cost for a fair and honest review
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews