The One

Surprising, thought-provoking, cliff-hanger-ey are the three best descriptions here. I loved the way the author took an interesting idea like the DNA matching and played it out in our current society. I don't think he got too far off from how a lot of it would actually go, and I think he did an excellent job or really playing out some unique outcomes. This also resulted in additional thought provoking moments (Would I take the test? How would this affect people in my life? Would society really do this?). I enjoyed that part of it. It also was fairly surprising throughout (and in a fun satisfying way)- with twist turns and creative plots. I think one review writes "A shock on every other page" and I can't disagree. Every time I thought I had predicted a story line, it veered - sometimes dramatically, sometimes just a little. As the end neared, my prediction vacillated between happily every after for the couples or tragic (as a sort of commentary to the negative impact of something like this). Ultimately, I think I was again (maybe pleasantly) surprised with how each storyline ended. It was maybe (??) too many character stories? Or maybe not, if he had done a better job of building clear and well developed characters (like Christopher) it would have been easier to keep things straight early on (like Mandy and Jade were a little murky and blended with each other). Lastly, this is one of those cliff-hanger-at-the-end-of-every-chapter type of books. This is good and bad. Good because it can be really effective in captivating, engaging, and addicting you to a book. Bad because it feels a little cheap and annoying to do so. Fortunately the cliff hangers were always well resolved (major pet peeve when authors just use them to bait you and then never give you the actual value of the impending shock). Overall I enjoyed this book and the whole concept, but didn't feel like it was a perfect masterpiece.

Twists and turns with every chapter! Loved it!

This is a book where you will have to suspend your belief. Just go with it and you won't be sorry as you read about what sounds like a great idea - what if there was a way to discover who your soulmate was thru dna? A bunch of singles signed up. But so did married people who wanted to see if their chosen partner was scientifically their perfect match. What if it matches you with a criminal?! And you can see where a good idea can go bad. Right quick. This is an ensemble story about six people and how "The One" worked out for them. A quick and gripping read. It's the perfect beach read that will prompt lots of conversation. Very entertaining. (Side note: the TV Series has little to do with the book it's based on)

Fascinating premise! I couldn't put it dowm

This was my first John Marrs book and it did not disappoint!! He’s an amazing author and writer.