The One [review + giveaway!]

The One - John Marrs

I am so excited to be part of the blog tour for The One! Read on to find out what I thought, AND I have a copy of the novel to give away to one lucky winner!

[Synopsis]

How far would you go to find THE ONE?
One simple mouth swab is all it takes.
One tiny DNA test to find your perfect partner – the one you’re genetically made for.
A decade after scientists discover everyone has a gene they share with just one person, millions have taken the test, desperate to find true love.
Now, five more people take the test. But even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking – and deadlier – than others…

[My Review]

This is definitely a different and absorbing novel. It’s the first I’ve read by author John Marrs, and has certainly made me want to read more by him – he’s a great storyteller! The entire premise of The One is based on a really interesting idea: what if everyone had a ‘soulmate’-style partner out there, who is perfect for them and who, at some point after meeting, they’re bound to fall completely in love with? And imagine if you could be DNA tested to find this match?
Though at first this situation might seem pretty great, the problems soon become apparent. And that’s kind of what this novel is all about – there are plenty of ‘sticky situations’ that occur because of this.
The story flits between 5 main storylines, each featuring a different person  who has participated in this programme. At first it can be a little confusing but it soon becomes easier to figure out which ‘narrative’ you’re reading. I am a big fan of separate storylines that are all linked in some way, so this is right up my street!
I am really impressed with the way John Marrs has created such well-rounded, convincing characters; they each have their own personalities and quirks, just like real people do, and I feel like I really got to know them.
It’s important to remember that this kind of story is bound to be, to some extent, a little unbelievable. Some parts require you to suspend your disbelief a little – but the story is so entertaining that I don’t care! I think John Marrs has done a great job of making this all seem believable, and it shows what a great storyteller he is.
Something that also makes this novel really unique was the way it doesn’t cleanly slot into any particular genre. It has elements of mystery, romance, psychological thriller and crime, all rolled into one, so it’s never too romantic, gritty or dramatic – I felt like it was just right! It has twists and turns, some of which I kind of saw coming and some I really didn’t – and (without giving too much away) there’s definitely a healthy dose of gore and violence, to retain a bit of the shock factor which I personally love!
For something a little different, and really entertaining, look no further than this novel – I have no doubt this will be a huge seller… and deservedly so!

[Rating: 4/5]

Many thanks to Ebury Publishing for providing a copy of this novel for review – and another copy for a lucky reader to WIN! 

GIVEAWAY

To win a copy of this novel, enter your details via the link below – good luck!
* The giveaway has now closed *

0 comments

  1. I love the sound of this book, it’s so original and a bit scary! I like to think science doesn’t have to do anything with love but it’s such an interesting subject to delve into. Great review!

  2. I’d love to read this and winning it would be an added bonus. I’m currently reading Peter Swanson. – Her every fear and it’s getting interesting. Thanks for the chance

  3. Some say ‘Love’ is a purely chemical reaction…so maybe one day the right formula could be spread out to the world – it is all that it needs after all 😉

  4. This sounds like such an interesting concept! Something completely different to what I’m used to reading 🙂

  5. Wouldn’t it be great to know you have found your perfect partner rather than wondering if the grass was greener!!

  6. Thank you for this lovely giveaway, I am such a book geek that I read every spare minute I have during the day! This sounds like a really great read!

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