*I received a free copy of The One from Harlequin via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
The One by John Marrs Published by Harlequin on 20 February 2018
Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller
Pages: 416
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
How far would you go to find The One?
A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner—the one you’re genetically made for.
That’s the promise made by Match Your DNA. A decade ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless relationships and upended the traditional ideas of dating, romance and love.
Now five very different people have received the notification that they’ve been “Matched.” They’re each about to meet their one true love. But “happily ever after” isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others…
A word-of-mouth hit in the United Kingdom, The One is a fascinating novel that shows how even the simplest discoveries can have complicated consequences.
The One shows us a different reality, where people find their soulmate thanks to their DNA. Easy, right? No need to stay alone if you don’t want to, only, things don’t work out exactly as planned.
Story:
The story follows several characters on their quest to find the one. Their soulmate. The person who will make everything right in their world. The One is also filled with secrets, most of them dark. There are also lies, disloyalty, and downright murderous intent.
The One has a great plot, but following so many characters was exhausting. Especially because I didn’t find all their voices to be distinctive enough. However, the ethical perspective on what would happen if we truly could find our soulmate with our DNA was interesting.
Characters:
Mandy, Christopher, Jade, Kevin, Nick, Deepak, Sumaira, Sally, Ellie, Richard, and several others…
Writing style :
Chapters follow various characters closely, with third person, past tense narration.
Feels :
I definitely felt the suspense, and I also felt hope alongside some of the characters.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Interesting premise….
I agree, Nina, the premise is so interesting. If there had been fewer characters, I’m pretty sure I could have loved this!
This book sounds really intriguing but also looks like MANY people to follow. I don’t mind multiple characters usually but that amount might be a little too much for me as well.
It made things a little bit confusing to me, because the different characters didn’t always have a distinct voice.
The overall premise of the story is awesome, though.
I had been considering this one but I am not so sure now. I don’t really care for books that have a whole lot of characters to keep track of. Interesting premise though.
Keep me posted about the Iron Druid audiobook. I am not in a rush or anything but am looking forward to it 🙂
The premise is SO good. And original. It just didn’t fully work for me. Maybe, being forewarned about all the characters would make it better for you?
Twitter: Mlsimmons
I requested this one from NetGalley, but didn’t get approved. I might see if my library has it, but frankly, I’m so far behind on books to read, I’m not that upset about it. I thought it sounded really good too, but if there are that many characters and the voices are distinct, it would make it hard
Aww, this does sound like an interesting premise. Too bad it didn’t deliver completely. I don’t mind a lot of characters but they have to be done well.
{{{BIG HUGS}}}} & LOVE