Book Review: The One by John Marrs
My friend Alice has been telling me to read The One by John Marrs for well over a year.
She upped her promotion of this book recently telling me I had to read it before the Netflix series started. All along she’s been adamant I’d enjoy this book; I think the fact I hadn’t read it was making her a little exasperated…
ALICE: “Why haven’t you read it yet? Is it because you don’t like people telling you what to do?”.
ME INTERNALLY: “Well, I feel seen”.
ME EXTERNALLY: “I promise I’ll read it next”.
I stuck to my promise, I read it next…..
Alice, you were right, I did enjoy this book, a lot. Your recommendation success rate (one of her many reasons as to why I should read it) remains intact.
I loved this book, I’d go as far as to say I became addicted to it, I’m going to endeavour to keep this review spoiler free.
From the back….
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…
Meet Mandy, Christopher, Jade, Nick and Ellie – each of them have taken the DNA test and been matched with their genetic soulmate, each story has different consequences, nothing is as it seems.
Mandy is divorced, her husband left her for his match. She’s now been matched with a younger man.
Christopher is a psychopath, he doesn’t really feel emotions, he’s also on a killing spree and for some reason – out of curiosity – he’s decided to find if he’s matched with anyone.
Jade’s been speaking to her match in Australia for the best part of year – they haven’t met and don’t use video calls.
Nick is about to get married only, his fiancé insisted they take the test only to find they haven’t been matched with each other.
Ellie is a high-flying business owner without much of a life, she’s no time for love, family or friends…..until she too takes the test.
Firstly, I loved the concept, the idea of people being DNA matched with 99.9% accuracy and the questions that throws up for the characters in this book
What if you were married and not to your soul mate?
What if you took the test and didn’t get matched because your soul mate hasn’t yet registered? Do you wait until you get that notification? What if they never sign up?
What if you believe you are heterosexual and get matched with someone of the same sex?
What if you’re matched with someone evil?
Would you actually take the test or leave love to chance?
Secondly, I loved how hard it was to define this book. It’s part thriller, part romance, part sci-fi, part mystery – it had everything.
Each chapter focuses on one of the main characters and their story, usually ending on a cliff hanger. I was gripped by each story, I had to keep tearing through the next four chapters to find out what happened next to each character, it was pretty relentless.
It’s a book filled with twists, I liked trying to figure out what was going on and having a go at predicting what was coming next. There were some points where I was close to the mark with, others completely blindsided me. I was completely hooked.
So, I’m going to join Alice in recommending this book, definitely read it before diving into the series, it is very different. I couldn’t put it down, I don’t think you’ll be able to either. It’s interesting, fast paced and very addictive.
A final word to Alice, thank you for telling me to read this book (repeatedly) you were right, I’m sorry I put it off for so long.
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radiosarahc View All
Journalist, writer, traveller, music lover, collector of hats, news addict, bookworm
Sarah Collins Bookworm 
I really do want to read this. I need to find some time soon so I can also watch the show, though that’ll probably take me awhile too. I’m not a great binge watcher. hah I’m glad you loved this though!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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Ha, ha – I can get Alice to nag you 😂
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I’ve just started the Netflix series of this and I’m hooked already. It’s such a great concept! I really need to get my hands on the book as well, I’m sure it’s just as good – if not probably better! x
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