| Title | : | The One |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 418 |
| Publication | : | First published July 15, 2016 |
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 are 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 Reviews
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5 identical matching ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Move over Match.Com - now there’s a new way to find your soulmate!
A foolproof DNA test that will determine with absolute certainty who you should spend the rest of your life with. (Wow!)
Will it break up existing marriages...probably! Will it have people moving across the globe to find their betrothed....absolutely! Could anything here go wrong? Ha! What do you think!?
I knew I wanted to read this one from the moment I read the blurb! I was so excited to get my hands on it! And....it was so worth it!!
Told from multiple perspective of people who submitted their DNA and were lucky enough to find their match of a life time. I loved every character and every story-line. Each so different I was completely caught up in their “love stories.” But don’t for a minute think this is a romance…not even close. It’s a full-blown suspense and thriller all the way through.
Though the ending may not work for some, I found it perfect! I highly recommend this unique thriller. It might just have you thinking twice about finding your match.
A Traveling Sister read with Brenda!!
Thank you to Edelweiss, HarperCollins and John Marrs -
What could possibly go wrong?
I have to hand it to
John Marrs for bringing such a modern concept to the thriller genre. And one that happens to encompass my very favorite topic, love. Not sharing the same fondness for that loaded L-word shouldn’t mean writing this one off though. There are plenty of dark thrills, unforeseen twists and riveting plot sequences to distract from the lovey-dovey musings.
If providing a simple DNA sample could result in finding your soulmate, would you partake? This just one of the multitude of questions the plot manages to provoke.
The author thrusts readers into a world that’s no longer wallowing in the woes of online dating or what can sometimes be a grueling quest to find that perfect mate. Instead, finding the one is now as simple as taking a DNA test—hoping your match also chooses to participate—and paying a nominal fee. Match Your DNA has single-handedly revolutionized the way people discover love.
Told through the eyes of five recently matched couples,
The One explores the perplexities of each pairing. The cleverness of the plot, fascinating relationship dynamics and short chapters all work in tandem. Jump-starting the *just one more chapter* game. Which means, good luck putting this book down. And for those who enjoy blood-spattered pages, don’t fret, one couple delivers the gore.
As we all come to learn, nothing in life is without flaws and consequences. Naturally, the reality of identifying a connection based on genetics brings forth objections. Is the palpable intensity inhabiting the space around the matches authentic or more of a combination of blind faith and almost a placebo effect? Whatever the answer may be, rest assured, it’s an incredibly compelling journey.
The author ends on somewhat of a surprising note which I appreciated, even in the face of my desperation for more of a firm confirmation on some aspects.
*A BIG thanks to
@scaresuspensebookclub who selected this title as their February read, subsequently piquing my curiosity and landing this noteworthy read in my hands. -
Reading vlog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4T6C... -
A wild and entertaining psychological thriller about making the ultimate love match and living “happily ever after.”
The plot: Characters take DNA tests in the hopes of being matched with their soul mate. 6 couples are matched, and while some find love, others find themselves living a nightmare.
The narrative: The narrative is comprised of 6 POV’s. Two males and four females share their journey on being matched with “the one.” This structure was a little frustrating in the beginning, as I could barely remember who was who, but after a couple rounds of reading I was able to keep track of the different couples.
The characters: This is where the book failed for me. The characters were one-dimensional shells of people. I couldn’t connect with them and felt nothing for them. I just finished reading this about 20 minutes ago and I can barely remember their names.
The tone: I loved the tone. There’s a lot of humor mixed into the mess of the matches, and I had some good snarky laughs!
Overall, The One has a 5-star premise, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this but had it more depth and nuance, it could have easily been a 5 star read. -
Pleased to announce that The One by John Marrs is the #ScaredSuspenseBookClub February read! If you'd like to join in with our updates and discussions on Instagram, come follow our page @scaredsuspensebookclub. <3
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Thrilling....Gasp!....Thrilling
You've heard of Match.com to find a date. Well, what if you could find your true soul mate? 100%
guaranteed and scientifically proven! New technology has been discovered and all you need to do is
1.Sign up
2.Swab your mouth
3.Wait for the database to find your match and contact you with details.
The book follows 5 people who meet their perfect one and only. This book has it all! I gasp so many times I lost count. Plenty of twists and turns as you follow the five couples on their blissful journey.
Your DNA match may be located anywhere in the world, may be older or younger, may even be a serial killer....gasp!
I'm not going to give anything away. No spoilers! This is a must read if you like omg moments and cliff hangers at every turn. Fantastic! Never read anything like it! -
The One by John Marrs (Author) Narrated by: Clare Corbett, Vicky Hall, Simon Bubb, Jot Davies, Sophie Aldred
Scientists have discovered a gene that each person shares with just one other person and by taking a simple DNA test you will be matched with your one and only perfect partner. I love reading stories like this. Folks doing something I would never do...watching the trainwreck that I can imagine happening from taking this huge leap of faith, with everyone being told that the results are NEVER wrong no matter how many people realize things are not right. Marriages, relationships, lives being ruined by the DNA company and when things go wrong the company line is that it's not their fault (of course).
We follow five couples through the course of their taking action on the letter that shows them their match. You know things aren't going to be all rosy, especially when you find out more about each of the ten people the story follows. And what does it say about YOU when you are matched with a horrible, immoral person? How does it feel to know that the person you've been matched with does not give you the zing you are supposed to feel within 48 hours of meeting them? Will you always wonder and regret not dumping your spouse for your perfect match? Will you have second thoughts about having dumped your spouse for your perfect match?
John Marrs does a great job of showing us worlds that I would not touch for all the money in the world. But it's a lot of fun watching the story happen from the comfort of my own home. It's especially nice that we get to see how this all works (or doesn't work) from the perspective of the biggest insider of the company. Add that to the other people we follow and it's hard to decide who is the biggest villain here (there are several). Beware of letting powerful companies tell you what you think, what you need, what you should be doing because giving up your autonomy can ruin your life, as this story shows us.
Published March 1st 2018 -
THIS IS BEING MADE INTO A NETFLIX SERIES AND SDSFKLHSABGVBFBJNLLKEFS I CAN'T WAIT
Reviews can be found at:
www.booknerdtan.wordpress.com
WOOOOOOOOOW.
There isnt enough stars.
Holy fuck, that book was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
With a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter, all 103 of them, and each of them littered with ethical and emotional dilemmas, this book was incredibly hard to put down; Marrs immediately draws you into each storyline and you have to know what happens next and quickly.
The book switches from 5 different characters stories and the individual journeys they embark upon when they discover who they are gentically destined to be with - their so called perfect 'one'. What could possibly go wrong...? Well, turns out an absolute butt load.
This book was so incredibly engaging and clever, I'm almost worried that the next book I read won't come anywhere near this.
John Marrs is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. -
The One by John Marrs is a 2017 Del Rey publication.
Outstandingly original!!
I don’t know how I missed this book when it was first published, but it skated underneath my radar until recently. I went into this one blind. The synopsis really doesn’t prepare one for what is about to transpire!!
Online dating services and apps has nothing on ‘Match Your DNA’. Get tested, and if your soul mate has also been tested, you will be matched to the absolute love of your life. If only it were that simple….
Naturally, it’s much more complicated than that. This story examines five couples who have been matched and follow the path their lives take from that moment forward. There’s a plethora of unforeseen developments and circumstances that arise, proving that just because one finds their love match, it doesn't erase heartbreak or make their lives an instant bed of roses- far from it!!
I thought this novel was ingenious. A great deal of thought went into this story. To think of all the various ways a dating system like this one would affect society, the consequences of allowing science to control something that important and so unpredictable, which relies on so many variables, is a fascinating concept. However, as with anything else that involves humans, there are bound to be flaws, maybe even loopholes, no one could possibly anticipate...
So... What about my personal pet peeves? That large cast? All those twists? The book is very well constructed, which made it easy for me to keep up with everyone. The stories were not interconnected, which also helped. There were no implausible twists- they were spaced out and well-timed, inside a perfectly paced story. No surprises were added for mere shock value.
Another concern for me was with the ‘Sci-Fi’ categorization- but don’t let that intimidate you. There's nothing here about alpha quadrants, or anything else that might have gone over my head. It is simply a futuristic idea, that with the popularity of DNA kits right now, might give one pause, adding in a niggling feeling of unease.
The story has many facets, other than the Sci-Fi elements. There are a couple of sinister threads, making this a book that would also fit nicely into the mystery/thriller genre. Despite that, there are some truly tender moments, where love really does conquer all.
This story is unlike any I’ve read in a long time. I loved the cleverness and the imagination, the thrills, the chills, the twist and turns, and how thought provoking it was, considering the atmosphere. This is wild, crazy ride, riveting, wildly entertaining, and at times darkly humorous. In short- I loved it!
This one may not have been released this year, but I can tell you it will make my favorites list for 2019. Highly recommend!!
This one deserves all the stars! -
**I've just seen that this starts on Netflix on March 12th!! Please be good! 🤞**
Omfg that was crazy!!! I need to lie down in a darkened room for a while now 😂
Ok I've finally recovered from this book, so thought I would write a short spoiler free review!
Imagine if you could take a DNA test to find your one true love! In
The One scientists had previously discovered a gene which you only share with one other person, your DNA match. Millions of people took the test and found their match, and now ten years later, we follow five people as they find their match. And boy what a crazy ride it is!
I'm not going to say more than that, I'm just going to use some gifs to represent what I was like as I read this book. And can I just say that I was like this from about page 5 I think?! 😂
So yeah if you want to suspend belief and just read one hell of a sci-fi/thriller I would really recommend this! 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
ALSO I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE THIS ON NETFLIX OMG IT'S GOING TO BE SO GOOOOOD!
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I feel like I should have read this before
The Passengers as there were many references to it. Nevertheless, I'm reading it now! -
5 stars
This book has exceeded the limited approved amount of shocking gasp-worthy moments that should exist in a book!!
How just HOW this book hasn’t been tuned into a black mirror episode yet?! Hell, why hadn’t it tuned to its own show! I’m demanding that this book get the book to TV show adaptation it deserves!! No matter what genre you prefer to read, you’d still end up loving this book!
The premise of this book is the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen. This book follows five different people who had taken the match your DNA test which introduces them to their perfect match or “The One”. If this isn’t the coolest thing ever I don’t know what is! Every character’s story was remarkable, unique, and freakin interesting! There was a point where I stopped trying to guess what’s going to happen next, it was pointless anyway, and just enjoyed the ride. John Marrs is B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T. I don’t know how he comes up with such interesting messed up stories. He’s just so freakin brilliant! And he definitely became one of my favorite authors!
The thing is even tho the book is written from five POVs I was never bored or lost. The chapters are really short, captivating, and Every. Single. Chapter. Ends. With. A. Shocking. Twist! I don’t even know how is that possible! This book gave me anxiety to the point of crying and It gave me a permanent case of high blood pressure. When I tried to check on myself and measured my heartbeats, it was over hundred! That’s a fact! After finishing each chapter I could barely hold myself from jumping to the rest of that character’s story! I was so invested in the characters and the story that I finished the whole book in one day.
If a book makes you forget your healthy nonexistent habits and stay till 4:30 am to finish it, then you know it’s The One. -
*Coming to netflix on March 12, 2021*
You need to read this book! -
4.5 stars
This book is EPIC. After loving The Passengers, I wanted to check out more books from this author and everyone kept recommending this book to me, and wow I'm so glad I read this. Like The Passengers, this book also feels very Black Mirror to me. The concept for this book is one of my favorites ever: it takes place in a world where you can take a DNA test and find "the one" you are supposed to be with. This company has discovered something in our DNA that matches us with one other person on this planet - our "soul mate" and if you take a simple DNA test you can find who you are supposed to be with. This person can be decades older or younger than you, they can live on the other side of the world - they can be anybody.
We follow five different people who live completely different and unique stories. I think it's best to jump into this story without really knowing much - I was surprised on every single page in this story. The chapters are super short so I flew through this 430 page book in 2 days, I couldn't put it down. Every chapter ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and I loved the way it was written - I loved constantly changing every chapter between the five characters, the pace of this book was just so quick because I couldn't wait to get back to certain character chapters.
My personal favorite character story lines in this book are Nick's and Chritopher's, theirs are the most interesting to me and the stories I got the most invested in. I wasn't a huge fan of Mandy's story or Jade's, and Ellie's took some time to get interesting - but by the end I was obsessed and every story line got soooo interesting and I loved the hell out of the ending.
I love the thought provoking questions this book forces you to think about, like if this test actually existed would you take it? Or would you be happy being with the person you are currently with and not want to risk losing them? I feel like for me personally I would be too curious and I would need to know either way. This story was just so incredible - there were so many twists that I didn't see coming and some that I did, but I just had so much fun reading this and I wanted to read everything this author has written now. -
Be sure to visit
Bantering Books to read all my latest reviews.
Have you ever had a book not sit right with you? Or just feel off?
This describes my experience with The One, the uber-popular, best-selling novel by John Marrs. Because while I read it, a knot of discontent formed and grew ever larger in my stomach as I slowly became sickened by the unfolding story.
The source of the stomach knot? The female characterization. Which is hugely problematic, seeing as the novel stars a female-centric cast.
Stereotypical and shallow is how I would describe it. And so very one-sided. Nearly all the women are framed as unstable and immoral, yet we are somehow led to feel pity for the two male leads, both of whom commit equally grievous and/or far worse acts. The double standard is laughable.
Whore is even flung about on one occasion. I truly despise that word.
I can see why the novel is a favorite of so many, though. The premise is fun – five people meet their perfect, DNA-matched life partners by swabbing their cheeks – and the story is undeniably wild. Marrs for sure knows how to thrill and shock, which makes for some entertaining and fast-paced reading.
But sadly, The One did nothing more than leave a bad taste in my mouth – and the bitterness of it still lingers.
Bantering Books
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“Maybe when you took it back to basics, that’s what love really was: just being there for someone when the sun rises and sets.”
― John Marrs, The One
Reread.
I thought I'd hate this.
I really did. It has been on my TBR list for AGES.
I read it in one sitting and I loved it. I mean.....now I wonder why I didn't read this six months ago.
The concept is riveting. Imagine, if you will, that it is found that we all have a "soulmate". Someone whose genes match ours perfectly. Someone whom we were BORN TO BE WITH.
And your match could be anyone...male or female. Any age, any culture, living anywhere in the WORLD. Only one thing is for sure. The two of you are MADE to be together. And the Company that founded the meet your match program is only a phone call away....
AND....studies have shown that well over 90 PERCENT of these matches..when first setting eyes on each other....fall madly in live, often within seconds....but always within days.
Would you want to meet 'THE ONE"?
This is such a great concept. But I'd read the book was very futuristic and rather gory so I'd written it off. I am not a huge fan of SYFY or gore.
Turns out neither is entirely accurate. The book has gory moments...because one of the people seeking his match is a serial killer...but it is not anywhere near as bad as I'd thought. Also it feels more dystopian then Science fiction. I liked this book SO MUCH.
So.....nothing is ever simple right? There is way more to this than what I said. For example....what if you've married someone who ISN'T your match? But knew your match was out there? Hmmm...
This book asks some really good questions. I admit if I was in this situation I'd most likely not be able to resist knowing. And really...in the age of casual internet dating....which I LOATH..how much easier would be to find that person and not have to play games, not have to obsess endlessly about how they feel about you, not have to do any of those pesky dating rituals because your BOUND to each other? You can stop with the mating rituals because you both ALREADY KNOW....your a match!
But what about the dark side?
What if your match is someone 50 years older than you? Or 30 years younger than you? Or someone in prison? Or someone who is not well? Or someone of the wrong sex? Or someone who beats up women? What then? Are you doomed to a life of lovelessness?
This book could inspire days..no..weeks..of conversation and that is why I liked it. I found and do find, this whole premise, fascinating.
The One features half a dozen different story lines about people seeking their match. The characters are, for the most part, colorful and fun. I particularly enjoyed the story of Nick who is engaged to Sally. Sally wants to see if their matched but it turns out they're not. And Nick's match is...um....not quite what he expected!
I do not want to go into depth about the characters for anyone reading this. Much more fun to find out on your own. I will say I did not give this a five for two reasons. One is I felt it was a bit overly long and got a bit to much like a soap opera at the end. To many twists and lots of unrealistic things happen. Also, a certain character is so repelling and..I cannot say more without spoilers...was let down at the lack of justice. It may not be who you think.
OK....I give up....spoilers:
Elle is whom I speak about. Oh wow did I dislike her. I also felt we should have known how a few of the stories turn out, particularly Mandy and Richard who I had a deep investment in. I was not to fond of the "kidnapped baby" thing and rolled my eyes a bit. Also Sally turning into a vengeful crazy woman and then dying didn't ring true either. I will say though that Nick's story line was my favorite and am glad he and his match found happiness at the end.
Well written book and highly recommended. -
Just watched the trailer of The One- the original Netflix series adaptation ( screenwriter is Misfits’ Howard Overman which means we’re in very good hands) I’m sooooo excited! It will be released on March 12th ! Cannot wait!!!!🥳🍾
No more words needed. Looking forward to binge the Netflix series based on this amazing novel!
And yes, I give anything John Marrs has written five gazillion stars including his post it notes.😆📚🤗 -
5☆ Strangely Compelling and Highly addictive
I really enjoyed reading The One. It's actually scary that this could quite possibly happen.
Times have moved on in the wonderful world of dating.
There are now so many ways to find your perfect match... but to what cost?.... can you really ever be completely sure who your meeting.
Through the likes of Tinder, speed dating, etc...
What if there was a way you could be sure of finding your perfect match..... would you be interested??
Would you be willing to risk It??
Well "The One" does.... It explores the dating world if DNA and science was your sure fix way of finding your perfect match.
The story follows 5 people on their quest to find love using just a DNA match.
No one said the quest to true love is ever easy.
The match can uncover a whole can of worms.
The matches can be any age, race, sexuality, any country, married/divorced/single.
Those who put there faith in the science have to be open to what may/will be revealed as a perfect match! Good or bad!
It's a very compelling read, really explores the ups and downs and dangers. Each story is cleverly written and John Marrs seamlessly switches between the stories making it so easy to follow.
Normally I find stories that have so many character stories really hard to digest, but with this book i was so enthralled everything just fitted into place.
The One is extremely addictive.... you have been warned!
The nature of the book is enthralling and believable this could so easily be real.
The Characters were so well written by the end of the book I felt I had lived their journey alongside.
Would I recommend this book.... 100% Yes!!
Perfect book for readers who like books that test the boundaries, offer something fresh and new. Readers who love Thrillers and Physiological reads.
I Urge you to read this book it really is highly addictive, edge of your seat, hanging on to Marrs every word!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley. -
Phenomenal book!! Since I'm reading his newer one, thought I would put a review up for this one that I read last year. This was a "start to finish can't put down read" for me. I was hooked immediately by the concept. That there is genetically a person made to fit with you for life, a scientific soul mate. And of course, this discovery has been marketed as a DNA style matching/dating website. Imagine the ramifications.. all sorts of ideas you had about dating and love are turned on their head. Successful couples are matching up all around you.. What could possibly go wrong?? Would you take the test if you were already married, just to test whether who you have is "the One"?
There are 5 alternating character POVs so we can follow along as they set out to test the success of their One True Match. I wont give you any more details, but suffice to say, nobody's perfect 🤷🏼♀️😈... Ethical dilemmas abound.
This is at times a thriller but for me was much more, at times tugging at my heart and at times very funny. I was never bored reading this and really enjoyed all of the characters. I have recommended this one over and over this past year and am looking forward to it becoming a Netflix production!
I +++ recommend you find out if this book is the one for you!🩸🎯 -
this book is the reason i now believe in second chances. john marrs’ ‘the good samaritan’ was one of the worst books i read this year (if ever), so i thought myself crazy to pick up another one of his novels. but this sounded SO interesting, i just couldnt stay away. and guess what? ive never been happier!
this is very ‘black mirror’-esque, which i love! but its not as sci-fi heavy as you would think. this focuses on the people, their relationships, and how they interact with each other in regards to this new scientific advancement (matching soul mates via DNA). and what impressed me most was marrs’ creativity to come up with five different and unique scenarios as to how the technology could affect individuals and couples. everything is so highly thought out, with fantastic twists and turns!
looking back, i think i would have preferred this to be a collection of consecutive short stories, rather than have alternating POVs. mainly because none of the main characters interact with each other, nor are their stories related. i get why its formatted that way - each chapter ends on a mini-cliff hanger, so it keeps the reader wanting to continue. but i think reading each story/perspective in its entirety would have been more enjoyable for me. however, that is a very minor and insignificant grievance to a book that i thoroughly enjoyed!
↠ 4.5 stars -
Goodness this was addicting.
I honestly might change this to 5 stars....need some time to think on it -
3.5 Stars
This story is about five persons who took Match Your DNA test to find their soulmates. I liked that idea but just for the story because I don’t need my DNA tell me who’s my husband! This story is about when they found out about their Matches, how they’re dealing with them. The first half was a little slow but the second half was better because of consequences that show themselves. I really don’t like all the characters, I liked just Nick. The story wasn’t that mysterious I expected. And I must add it wasn’t Psychological Thriller, at all!
The story is told in multiple POV, 3 rd person and it’s a standalone story. All in all, it wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t that good either. But at some point you can enjoy the story. -
This was a book that stayed glued to my hands, I really was so enthralled with not only the superb writing but the plot.
What an original high quality top marks concept of a wonderfully woven story.
It's unlike any story that I've read before, so, this is so going to be remembered by me in the future as it stands out because of it.
Falling in love.
Seems straight forward.
Attraction, like, emotions, appeal.
Not in this book!
What if there was really a Mr Right or Mrs Right for you somewhere in this big wide world, doesn't take in race, creed, religion, looks, where in the world you lived, age or even sexual orientation?
That there is a genetic match......just for you.
Would you get tested even if you already had a partner? Just to see if they were genetically matched with you?
Oh heck, what if they weren't.
Each chapter took on several chapters individually and as couples.
The chapters would read overlap to the next making it such a fantastic experience as a reader keeping abreast with individuals.
This really has a thumbs up from me. I loved it.
Thank you to Random House Ebury for my advanced copy to enjoy. -
The One is a futuristic novel with enough interesting characters to keep you turning the pages, or in my case listening to every chapter.
A discovery has been made. A gene has been found that can tell you who is your soulmate. When you meet the One, you know they are itfor you. With Match Your DNA, now anyone can find that special someone who will make your life the happiest.
Yet, not everyone is happy. Match Your DNA has broken marriages and relationships left and right. Then, of course, there are so many questions.
What if your match has decided not to run the test?
What if the person you matched is not morally bound like you are?
What if the test ruins your life?
The One will follow five characters' "love stories" after finding their match.
How could anything go wrong?
John Mars does a wonderful job at making us think about the implications of something like this happening in our time. There is a scene in the book where two characters are debating the pros and cons of Match Your DNA. I thought it brought solid points to the table for both sides.
If you asked me to pick a favorite "match" couple, I will have to go with Nick's match undoubtedly.
I read the next two books in this world and I'm glad I went back to listen to this one. I was happy to follow the characters through each of their personal ordeals and knowing what the future held was a plus.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It |
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An immensely seductive story, clever and unpredictable, modern and just the sort of book to get completely lost in.
" A decade after scientists discover everyone has a gene they share with just one other person Millions have taken the test, desperate to find true love. Now five more people meet their match but even soul mates have secrets and some are more shocking and deadlier than others"
I just recently had my DNA test completed with Ancestry for family research and when I picked this book up in a book store recently I just had to give it try and what a great surprise it turned out to be as it was dark and disturbing with five very interesting characters and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed.
Short alternating chapters (which I loved)dedicated to each character make this one easy to follow and exciting.
Fast pacced and extremely well plotted, this turned out to be a great psychological thriller that kept me up way past by bedtime. -
”To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.’ Victor Hugo, Les Misérables”
Another Netflix series...YES! Very few science fiction books appeal to me, but John Marrs has the perfect recipe for mixing sci-fi and thriller!
The concept of using DNA to match you to “The One” sounded so enticing. WOW...what a fantastic way to speed up the process of finding your soulmate. Skip all those disastrous and boring dates. If you’re like me, you’ve had more than your share!
Before reading the book, the idea of taking the test to confirm compatibility to your current spouse sounded so futuristic and intriguing, also. Don’t get me wrong, I’m perfectly happy with my husband, but reconfirming he is “The One” could be comforting and fun. After reading the book, I’ve decided it’s better to leave well-enough alone!
Can’t wait to watch this on Netflix...AND read “The Passengers” 💕!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: March 1st 2018 by Hanover Square Press
Pages: 416
Recommend: Definitely... even if you’re not a huge science fiction fan!
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Totally Addictive. Like. I. Can’t. Even.
MatchYourDna.Com? This immediately got my back up. I mean I am a HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS person by nature. I had my doubts about this early on. I mean.. a DNA test that will determine who you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with? My first thought? AS IF!
Something was in fact up, and I was in fact right to be suspicious and the people I was suspicious of? Yep! I had them pegged from the beginning, but I didn’t guess right.
Way to bring it yet again John Marrs!
“The One” is a brilliantly plotted character driven mystery suspense that will grab you by the horns and won’t let go. All characters' stories are utterly compelling, with my favorite being Nick and his match, Alexander (swoon!), with a close second to Christopher and his match Amy. Can you say woah?!
If only all books were this good!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook. Kudos to Clare Corbett, Vicky Hall, Simon Bubb, Jot Davies and Sophie Aldred for their stellar narration.
Published on Goodreads on 9.13.20. -
Welcome to another season of Black Mirror
That's what I thought after reading the first few chapters. Quick sideline, it quite saddens me that we won't be having any new Black Mirror season this year. Now back to this book.
Ellie, Mandy, Jade, Nick, and Christopher were very fleshed out from one another. Silly me thought I'm going to have trouble keeping them all aligned in my mind. Because of John Marrs' writing, being invested in their own plots was easy. So close to giving this a 3 because, personally the most part of this book, even though interesting, was barely thrilling. All the juicy and spicy things were at the end. I just hoped that the thrills were somehow equally distributed all through out the whole book. The last twists, the ending, and the overall atmosphere made this one a winner. -
Is one truly the loneliest number...or simply the most dangerous?
Marrs has done it again! His creativity knows no bounds with this one, a fascinating concept born out of a blend of sci-fi, romance, technology, with a dash of suspense. There are several stories wrapped up under one umbrella in this one (much like
The Passengers), but unlike that book, the stories don't really coincide, but rather play in tandem. MatchYourDNA.com is a site that can find your soulmate, the one true love of your life, based on nothing more than your DNA---gender and perceived preferences aside. Though the site has exploded in popularity, there are of course detractors, adding another layer of mystery in the background as the book progresses. This is the story of 5 such couples who receive a notification: we've found your match!
While I would absolutely love to give a taste of the story arcs here, I think this book is best enjoyed with as little information as possible going in for maximum impact! What I love about John Marrs is how real his concepts feel and the angles he explores in these sort of 'what if' futuristic scenarios that really aren't that far from reality in this day and age. What do we value? Who do we want to be? And is technology really an aid, or does it remove too much control from the human experience? I'm not sure how his books manage to give you the depth of a philosophy course combined with the twists and turns you'd expect from the best thrillers out there, but he manages to walk this line with ease. There was one twist in particular in this book that left me stunned for a good 5 minutes and truly undermines everything you thought you knew. Much like the two books I've read previously, this one moves at an almost breakneck pace, and the 5 very different stories are incredibly balanced. Not a page is wasted with filler, and this is yet another book I probably could've finished in a day if I'd only had the time!
I have wanted to read this book for AGES and with the recent release of the Minders, as well as the even more recent release of the Netflix series based on this book, I finally got to indulge in this absorbing, shocking, and surprising book that left me with SO much to think about...and thinking I should probably trust my instincts and stay FAR, FAR away from DNA testing (since I have already sworn off self driving cars, thanks to Marrs! ❌)
4 ⭐, rounded up to 4.5 ⭐ for page-turnability! -
The One is a story about a DNA matching service that allows people to find their one, true match. This story follows the lives of 5 different people who all recently received notification of their match. Each character faces challenging situations and must deal with their own secrets.
It’s an interesting story and while some of the characters’ storylines were more intriguing than others, I felt curious about each of them and eager to see how their situations would pan out. There were more twists than I initially anticipated, which made it fun to read. While fictional, the story doesn’t seem too implausible given the plethora of dating services, mobile apps and technology available in today’s world.
“But I also wanted to demonstrate how greedy we are as human beings. How willing we are to give up everything and anyone we hold dear on the suggestion there might be something better around the corner.”
The One was a dark and thought-provoking read, a story that kept me curious and invested through the end! -
... Ostentatiously unostentatious ...
Anyway, how do you go about telling an app to go code itself whenever it tells you have to get warm and cozy with a serial killer?
Ughhh. Imagine you let some DNA test pick your one and only soulmate? Or is it a DNA-mate? I've no idea.
Now think about serial killers. Do they get soulmates?
Imagine getting paired with a (cardboard) sociopath. How does that app idea sound now?
Q:
‘What if it turns out our DNA doesn’t Match?’
‘Then we’ll be mindful that maybe we’ll need to put more effort into our relationship. Like John Lennon said, “All You Need Is Love”.’
‘Yes, but he also said, “I Am The Walrus”, so let’s not hold too much credence to his pearls of wisdom.’ (c)
Q:
‘Don’t worry, the only skeletons in my closet belong to the mice.’ (c)
