The Ones by Daniel Sweren-Becker

The Ones #1

by Daniel Sweren-Becker

Cody has always been proud of being a One. She and her boyfriend James were two of the lucky babies from the 1% of the U.S. population that were randomly selected to benefit from genetic engineering. Now, she and the rest of The Ones are excelling. They are healthy, beautiful, and talented. They aren't otherworldly, just perfect. And to some, that's not fair. The Equality Movement, capitalizing on the growing fear and jealousy, gains political traction and actually outlaws their existence. Society shows its darker side as The Ones are marginalized. The line between right and wrong blurs in the face of injustice and Cody becomes closer to a group of radical Ones intent on fighting back. James begins to fear just how far she is willing to go for the cause.

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Teen

Hardcover

First published September 6, 2016

Reviews

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: water torture

Well this was a good entry level YA scifi-dystopia.

By entry level I mean perfect for a young adult who is a less experienced reader and in particular of dystopian novels. It was predictable, there was a lot of explaining of the world and the science, and the characters and tropes were stereotypical for this genre. The story was engaging with some good twists and turns. It reminded me a bit of the exceptional Hugo and Nebula Winning Novella Beggars in Spain, with it's exploration and discussion of genetically engineering babies to create perfect humans. I will definitely be ordering a copy for the library.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it so farfetched to believe that selective genetic engineering is coming? We all want to be perfect or have perfect progeny and or those who have the money, it is entirely possible. Cody and her boyfriend James are part of the top one percent of the beautiful people, they are The Ones. Daniel Sweren-Becker invites us into the dark pits of a world that has lost its moral compass as a rebel movement created out of jealousy and fear is determined to put the Ones in their place.

Lines are re-drawn and the Ones must either fall or join an underground radical Ones group in an effort to survive. In a dog eat dog world, only the strong will survive and Cody is determined to be among them while James wonders if her interest is in the fiery leader Kai and how far she will go to for the cause.

Is this where our world is going? Has Daniel Sweren-Becker used a crystal ball to see into the future? So many questions, many unsettling to even think about, but with each page turned, you will find yourself falling deeper and deeper into the bleak world he has created. You’ll find yourself questioning how fanciful this tale actually is and how any sense of equality could ever be re-gained. Strong characters, brutal action, and a high intensity story that seems to scream, one way or another humanity needs to change course or be doomed.

I received an ARC edition from Imprint in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher: Imprint (September 6, 2016)
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
ISBN-10: 1250083141
ISBN-13: 978-1250083142
Genre: YA suspense
Print Length: 304 pages
Available from: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody has always been proud of the fact that she is a One, one of the 1% of the population that was genetically altered before birth. She and her boyfriend James were both part of the lucky babies picked to be a part of the program. The Ones are beautiful, athletic and excel at everything they do due to their genetic make up.

Unfortunately now after twenty some years of the lottery altering 1% of the babies people are beginning to believe the advantages are just not fair. The Equality Movement is pushing for the Ones to outlaw the existence of the Ones and the lines between right and wrong blur. Cody finds herself becoming caught up in a radical group fighting for the rights of the Ones.

The Ones was a fast paced entertaining read from start to finish. However, I don't think there was anything spectacular or new brought to the table with this one. A science fiction/futuristic read where these young adults find themselves fighting back against the rest of society. It does seem to be something that you can see happening in the near future though with the way science is progressing these days.

I did like the characters and quick pace of this story though. You start the read with a prologue that flashes forward to the main character going through a rather torturous interrogation before taking the reader back to the beginning to learn what is going on which grabbed my attention rather quickly with this one.

Overall, fast paced with quite a bit of action. A bit of a cliffhanger ending to lead into the next book too.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Ones” is a book that I am in the minority in regard to my views, so keep in mind that your mileage may vary when it comes to this review.

The premise was good, but the execution was lacking. I think much of that is owed to the cardboard characters. They were YA dystopian stereotypes, which is not always a bad thing as long as there are unique motives and strong character development. There was none of that present. Even the backstory provided read like it was forced. Some secondary characters sparked my interest, but they were never developed.

I wish I could recommend “The Ones”, but I just can’t. Maybe the next in the series will live up to the potential.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Lulai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une lecture sympathique bien que classique pour de la dystopique. J'ai aimé qu'on soit au coeur du changement, que la jalousie et la haine prenne vie sous nos yeux, cela donne une belle dynamique. Par contre ce qui est dommage c'est qu'on ait très peut d'historique, qu'est ce qui a motivé le gouvernement à choisir de modifier 1% des nouvelles naissances?

Pas novateur mais efficace

[Valerie Brett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't normally post reviews, but I felt compelled to warn people not to read this book.

It hits you over the head in its obviousness; it's lazy. It's like the writer tried to ride the wave of YA dystopia enthusiasm and it doesn't work. The characters are completely one-dimensional. I also agree with other reviewers who thought the use of water-boarding to interrogate a teenager (before any other methods were used, too) was absurd; that's when I stopped reading (and I was about 2/3 through. It just wasn't worth finishing). It all just was melodramatic but for no reason, and without first convincing me as a reader that these characters are worth caring about. In terms of the plot, trying to convince us that a genetically-superior 1% is the underdog just doesn't work. Plus, they're not even that cool so you can't get behind them for that reason; the only things better about them seem to be their looks and that the main character an run really well on her regular jogs (ok...cool). Lastly, as someone who loves cover art, even that was a disappointing aspect of this book. It takes place in a very small town and the cover looks like a metropolitan setting... this incongruence was just another disappointment on a long list.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC of this from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinions towards the book.

This one was very quick and enjoyable and the first book that I've read in a while thanks (but not really) to my reading slump. The story was totally intriguing and something I wanted to learn more about. The first 50 pages or so, I was so hooked. It continued to be an intriguing and action packed story but it was just a bit too simple and predictable for my tastes. There were lots of different twists and turns but most of them could have been seen from miles (or shall I say chapters?) ahead. The writing style was very simple which I sometimes like but for some reason, I don't think it worked particularly well with this story. Another thing I really enjoyed was the fact that it felt like a contemporary but it also had some dystopian aspects. It made it easier and less confusing to keep along with and understand. Overall, an enjoyable and quick read but a bit too predictable and simplistic for my tastes. I would recommend to give this one a shot in September when it hits shelves!

[NyxShadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.nyx-shadow.com/2016/11/the...

Glaçant !
Une plongée bien trop réaliste dans l'enfer de l'intolérance et de la peur.
L'humanité a peur de l'inconnu et réagit mal à ce qui lui semble être une menace même si cette menace est un enfant innocent. La leçon de ce premier tome ? L'Homme n'apprend pas de ses erreurs et aime torturer son prochain...

English Review :

It was a very disturbing reading. With just a little bit of dystopia, it was a realistic book.
It was about genetic manipulations and, more important, about public opinion. How do you react if your neighbor was a better person than you? He doesn't choose, but is it really matter?
Cody and James were Ones: they are perfect, almost. They were happy till the Day, with a D. When people decide to list the Ones, to isolate them and, slowly, maybe, to eradicate them.
It was very disturbing to realize how it was easy to accuse and torture people. How adult and administrations stop to protect the youngs.
Cody and James had two different reactions and it was interesting to observe this way. And you, which way do you choose?
A great book!

[Taylor N · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERSONAL RESPONSE:
The Ones by Daniel Sweren-Becker was a very interesting book. I really liked how the author made the book in third person because then I could tell what was going on with all of the characters. The emotions were so strong, I was able to feel what the characters were feeling. This book may be science fantasy, but it is also about equality that also is a thing in the real world. The book has many good points about equality in their world, that are similar to the our world.

PLOT:
The main events in The Ones were about Cody trying to fight the equality movement against the Ones. Ones are perfect people and are amazing at everything. Cody and her boyfriend James were among the Ones. One day on the news word came out that the Supreme Court were figured out a movement and a law that would make everyone equal, the equality act, which started chaos. At Cody's school the next day, they thought they could have treated the Ones differently. A group made up of Ones that were against the movement, New Weathermans, were watching her defend herself and the others. She ended up in that group, but when the list of all the Ones came out, and she was not on it, she got in big trouble but later proved herself by staging a protest in the school. The protest got her thrown in a terrorist prison. The prison had tortured her because they wanted information about New Weathermans. While Cody was away, James found something and he used that to get Cody out of the prison. Everything broke loose after that, all the Ones were being taken away and someone very important had died. Cody and the leader of the group, Kai tried to runaway, but were not successful until James had helped them. Two people escaped the town, but one did not.

RECOMMENDATION:
I would recommend The Ones to fifteen year old boys and girls. I recommend this book to fifteen year olds and older because it does contain scenes that are violent and are intense. This book would be great for boys and girls because the book does relate to both genders and it does have a third person point of view, so we can see in the boy's mind and the girls mind.

CHARACTERIZATION:
The main character in the book Cody started off confident in happy. When the equality act occurred, she became outraged and brave. She kept doing things that benefited other people and herself, she put others first. Then the list came out of all the Ones and she was not on it, she was questioning herself, but when the real Ones were in danger and being targeted, she put that aside and helped them through the battle and put them first because that is what she believed.

[Lucie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ma note: 2,5/5
Chronique également disponible sur mon blog: https://callmeeluh.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/the-ones-tome-1-de-daniel-sweren-becker/

Cela faisait quelques mois que ce livre traînait dans ma bibliothèque, et malgré les quelques avis mitigés que j’ai pu lire dessus, j’ai décidé de lui laisser sa chance.
Avec un résumé aussi accrocheur et des sujets qui sont plus d’actualité que jamais, The Ones avait énormément de potentiel, mais malheureusement ça ne suffit pas toujours.

Ma lecture a plutôt bien commencé. L’histoire s’est rapidement mise en place pendant les premiers chapitres. Le monde imaginé par l’auteur n’est pas très différent du notre, la seule différence étant l’expérience scientifique qui a été réalisée sur 1% de la population, les rendant parfaits physiquement et intellectuellement. Ils sont donc supérieurs, mais le fait qu’ils soient une minorité les rend également vulnérables et la cible de jalousie et peur déguisés en révolte. C’est donc ainsi qu’est né le mouvement Equality.
Le livre débute sur la première grande victoire de ce mouvement: une loi vient d’être passée obligeant le gouvernement à traiter tout le monde équitablement, Ones ou non. En tout cas officiellement. On se doute bien qu’en réalité ça ne va pas se passer comme ça. Tous les Ones vont se retrouver en second plan, perdre leur place durement gagnée, et même être humiliés publiquement !
Face à ce mouvement de haine, un groupe de radicaux va se former et se battre pour faire valoir les droits des Ones: les Néo-Weathermen. Et c’est là que ça a commencé à se gâter pour moi. Bien que le principe en lui même soit vraiment intéressant, je n’ai vraiment pas du tout accroché avec ce groupe, beaucoup trop engagé et violent pour moi.

« C’était un fanatique, et même si James partageait son opinion dans les grandes lignes, Kai était devenu un dingue délirant et violent »

Tout comme James, j’étais d’accord avec la plupart des idées que défendaient les Néo-Weathermen, mais j’ai eu un blocage avec leur manière de répondre aux violences qui leur sont faites. Je pense qu’il y a d’autres moyens de répliquer qui n’implique pas une attaque terroriste, c’est juste mon opinion.

Aussi, je n’ai pas réussi à m’attacher aux personnages, que j’ai trouvé étrangement fades et vides. Ils font exactement ce qu’on s’attend qu’ils fassent, que ce soit Cody ou James, et ça m’a assez énervé. Les personnages sont très peu développés, et j’ai eu plus l’impression qu’ils étaient là uniquement pour suivre l’intrigue, qu’à côté de cette révolte ils n’étaient rien. Certes on les voit au lycée pendant une partie du livre, mais pour moi ce n’était pas assez. On aurait pu avoir des marionettes, ça n’aurait fait aucune différence d’après moi.
De plus, pendant la quasi totalité du livre James ne sait pas quel camp choisir, allant jusqu’à changer de bord plusieurs fois. Son point de vue quant au mouvement des radicaux se rapproche énormément du mien, ce qui fait que je me suis sentie un peu plus proche de lui que les autres personnages, mais pas encore assez pour vraiment m’attacher à lui.
Il arrive pas mal de choses aux personnages, ils sont blessés, et certains même détruits psychologiquement, mais même à ces moments-là je n’ai rien ressenti pour eux, c’est pour dire…

« Tu es toujours assez forte pour tenir un jour de plus. »

L’intrigue en elle-même était pas mal. L’auteur défend de bonnes idées comme l’égalité et la manière dont nous voyons les minorités de nos jours, et imagine également un monde où l’on serait capable de modifier génétiquement les gens de façon à les rendre parfaits, sujet qui a déjà été vu et revu, mais ce n’est pas le plus important ici, plutôt les conséquences suite à une telle expérience.
Il y a eu quelques retournements de situations qui m’ont surpris, notamment un concernant Cody, mais la plupart du temps je voyais venir les événements qui, à l’image des personnages, étaient prévisibles.

Je n’ai pas non plus été convaincue par la plume de l’auteur. Certes très fluide et simple, il m’a manqué quelque chose pour vraiment rentrer dans ma lecture. Les descriptions étaient très incomplètes, si bien que j’ai eu beaucoup de mal à me représenter la ville dans laquelle vivent nos personnages, ainsi que les personnages eux-mêmes. Je ne suis pas contre un auteur qui nous laisse une certaine liberté dans notre imagination, mais là c’était comme si on nous lâchait complètement la bride..

Enfin mon dernier gros problème avec ce livre était la traduction…
C’est la première fois que je lis un livre publié chez Hugo Roman, et pour être honnête j’ai très peur de recommencer l’expérience. J’ai trouvé beaucoup de phrases très mal traduites un peu partout dans le livre, certaines étaient au mauvais temps, d’autres ne voulaient absolument rien dire:
« Si quelqu’un aurait eu besoin d’un petit coup de pouce génétique, c’était bien ce dégénéré. »
→ On ne vous a jamais appris que les ‘si’ n’aiment pas les ‘-rait’ ?
« Cody resta assise silencieusement, à contempler par la vitre, perdue dans ses pensées. »
→ Contempler quoi, je ne sais pas..
« À présent, James contemplait un cercueil vide. […] Il l’écrasa autant que si un cadavre s’était trouvé à l’intérieur. »
→ Mauvais temps..
Et bien d’autres ! Ce que je trouve vraiment dommage, surtout qu’une fois la première erreur aperçue j’ai fait une fixette dessus, et j’ai relevé tout ce qui n’allait pas. Je pense que mes cours de traduction me montent à la tête, mais quand même à ce point…

Au final je suis vraiment très mitigée. Bien qu’ayant de bonnes idées et une bonne base pour l’intrigue, et bien que je l’ai lu assez rapidement, je n’ai juste pas été convaincue, et c’est pas faute d’avoir essayé.. Je ne lirai probablement pas le prochain tome (ou alors en VO).

[Christina Rothfusz · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy the dystopian thrillers by John Marrs, you will enjoy this.

A short hop in the future and designing the ideal baby is real. But, as a sort of test, 1% of babies, selected through a lottery, is genetically engineered to benefit from this selection. Quickly named "The Ones" they are now an isolated minority - the first of their kind.

But the equality movement feels The Ones have benefited far to much and seek equal opportunities for all, as the current population cannot be elevated, the genetically advanced once must be lowered - level the playing field a little.

A very interesting and enjoyable read, perfectly set up for a sequal.

[Skyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

GIVE ME THE SECOND BOOK NOW! 4,5⭐️

[Shannon Miz · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Look, this book had me from "dystopia". You know I love it. Can't get enough of it. So obviously I needed to read it! It's actually set not that far in the future, and is crazy plausible. "Designer babies" are already a thing that happens, so this isn't really that hard to imagine. Nor is it hard to imagine that anyone feeling threatened by the new crop of genetically modified folks would be up in arms, especially as they reached adulthood and started competing in colleges, the job market, etc.

The story follows Cody and her boyfriend James, who have been quite successful (though also hardworking) in academics and athletics. When the backlash against The Ones begins, they have very different strategies on how to deal with it. James wants to keep his head down and just keep doing his thing while trying to ignore those who want to oppress him. Cody, meanwhile, will take none of this lying down. She's a fighter, it's clear. James is mostly just worried about Cody doing something that will hurt her, and his escalating problems with his family.

I really felt for them both- on one hand, as much I would want to say I'd be like Cody, fighting for what is right... how many of us really do? The quietly oppressed like James would likely be the majority. They were both great characters, and I felt for their plights equally.

This story was incredibly readable, quick, and full of action. I breezed through it, eager to know what was happening, and why it was happening. There are a few things that I felt were a bit unbelievable, even in a technologically advanced society. Some of the science seemed a little too convenient for the plot, but that was really the only issue I had with the book.

The main thing I took away from this is that it is quite easy to compare it to so many different groups' struggles in our own society. With all the current turmoil in our present-day country, this book is timelier than you can imagine. The parallels to things happening right now are uncanny, and I loved how it is all mirrored in the issues facing Cody, James, the other Ones, and society at large who has to decide: What will their legacy be? What will they stand for?

Bottom Line: The Ones is a past faced, thought-provoking debut that has an eerie basis in our current societal landscape. Add to it some relatable characters, and great twists, and it makes a book I didn't want to put down!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The story was amazing. It was suspenseful and some parts horrifying. Then the end happened. It left you on such a cliff hanger! The end ruined the entire book for me. There better be a sequel to this book coming out soon!

[Britni · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOO, I've got chills. Definitely did NOT want to put this book down, I need to find the second one like, NOW... I see what others were saying about it poorly executed, but it was more of a "young writer" book. I loved it! Especially with all that's going on right now....

[Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this was a good book and I hope that the author continues with this series.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen-year-old Cody and her boyfriend, James are products of good genes, of course, but their genes have been altered so that they are intelligent, attractive, and talented. Their future should be bright; after all, they are part of a group of privileged Ones, the one percent of the population whose genes were altered before birth, to their benefit. But in a plot that could have been stolen from the not-so-distant future, unrest grows against these privileged individuals. Hate crimes, restrictions, and legal actions cause the Ones to go on the defensive, and many of them even try to go underground since they can predict what's coming. Frustrated with the treatment, Cody is drawn to a radical group, headed by Kai, who plan to stand up for their rights, by any means necessary. When Cody's plans for a peaceful takeover of her high school go awry, she is arrested, detained, and forced to endure all sorts of mistreatment, including waterboarding, as government official seek answers about the Weathermen and the Ark, answers she can't give them. There are all sorts of twists and turns and surprises in this book even while savvy readers will be reminded in some respects of the Japanese internment camps during WWII or recent Presidential actions against various groups in this country. The book raises many questions about protests, fighting back, equity and equality, and serves up several frightening passages in which the world seems to have gone mad. Readers will surely ponder their own responses if such events as are described in the book happened to them or their loved ones. What would they do? What would you do? What would I do? I strongly suspect that everything that happens in this book certainly could happen in real life. The only negative here is that the author cruelly leaves his readers hanging, having to wait for a sequel to see what happens next.

[Hailey (abookafterbook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇫🇷 Une dystopie assez sympa, avec des personnages très attachants. J’ai été tenue en haleine du début à la fin, et j’ai vraiment était bluffée par l’écriture de l’auteur. Ce livre se lit très rapidement et même si c’est une dystopie, on comprend tout très facilement, sans prise de tête. L’histoire est très intéressante, et la fin nous donne envie de sauter sur la suite. J’ai beaucoup aimé!

🇬🇧 A pretty nice dystopia, with very endearing characters. I was kept in suspens from the start to the end, and I was really impressed by the author's writing. This book is very quick to read and even if it is a dystopia, we understand everything very easily, without hassle. The story is very interesting, and the end makes us want to read the next volume. I loved it !

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[Sarah Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a horrible person... I haven't picked up a book in almost a year. I am glad I decided to purchase this novel. I finished it in 4 hours (that's not unusual for me), but from the first pages, I was engrossed in the world Mr Sweren-Becker created. Genetic manipulation is something we've heard talked about in the media, so to have a novel focused on what future ramifications could be was eye opening. I really don't want to give too much away, but I will say the story line was refreshing and brought to light many real world problems happening today in society (not genetic engineering related). I'm extremely anxious to read the sequel coming in September!

[Hannah McLaws · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells a story of Cody and her boyfriend James. They have both been raised knowing that they are Ones. The Ones are children who have been genetically altered to be perfect. They are intelligent, good looking, athletic etc. Normally seen as a privilege the average citizen does not feel the same way. The Equality Movement, or the normal people have been pushing to make laws to basically get rid of the Ones. In this story we see the battle of fighting for basic human rights and at the same time keeping up with a love interest.
I loved this book! I thought it had a lot of hidden themes that are applicable to our day. Especially the idea that we are all different but we shouldn't be punished because of that. It deals with a lot of political hidden agenda topics which if you read too much into the book you might not like. I thought it did a great job at showing the importance of staying true to what you believe. It does have some violence if you don't like that.

[Lisa Dess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book but there is a major cliffhanger

[lost in a book · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting concept. It kept me want to keep reading to see what happened next.

[Alex]

This is a great story of social justice. It makes you think about history, the Civil Rights Movement - and others, and how it might repeat itself. It's a thought provoking book. My alliances kept switching, as characters would act and their motives would change.

[Julie (Bookish.Intoxication) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this book for what seemed like forever. And although to start with it felt like I had already read it, this book was a good read.

Fast paced and action packed. It did end abruptly and what felt like too soon.. But it left a great entry into book two.. Which I will be starting soon!

[eno']

DNF

[Naileah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ones By Daniel Sweren-Becker is a great dystopian read for young adult readers. The story The Ones is about two lucky people, a couple. Cody and her boyfriend James were randomly selected before birth to receive genetic engineering. This a population known as the ones, the ones who are a population who are healthy, beautiful, and talented. However, there is not a huge population of the ones, in fact they only make up one percent of the united states population. Due to the ones making up such a small portion of the united states population, this angers the other ninety nine percent. The ninety nine percent grows jealous within time and want to rebel against genetic engineering. The story follows the journey of the societies fight against genetic engineering and Cody becoming close to a radical fight group and James following along her side but fearing how far Cody will go. I think this is a great dystopian book for young adult readers to read. It is relatable in the sense of young adult romance and it is definitely an eye opener about genetic engineering. Now a days we are getting very close, and our technology is progressively improving in current society. It is important for students and even adults to get informed about how fast technology is moving and how will we make sure that it doesn’t corrupt our world. I find dystopian books to be very interesting, however, I know a lot of people become uncomfortable about them and become anxious about the what ifs. This book to me, seemed like it wasn’t the type to scare young adult readers from dystopian novels, rather to encourage them to read more!

[Clara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't good.
This wasn't bad
It was okay, honestly. Just 'okay'.

It's a 2.5 stars. I didn't really like it.

[Taryn Ernst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earned an extra star because there was a character named Taryn

[Noorsukainah Jumat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sad ending!!! I live for such endings!!!

[Marie-Eve Barbeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 étoiles

Enfin une nouvelle chronique à vous mettre sous la dent. Je dois vous avouer que ce mois de décembre n'a pas été très productif côté lecture pour moi. Je dois même vous dire que je me suis découragée moi-même. The Ones est le deuxième roman que je réussis à lire, mais c'est aussi le roman qui m'a permis de retrouver la petite étincelle afin de recommencer à lire un peu plus. Ce roman n'étant toujours pas sorti au Québec, vous devez sûrement vous demander comment j'ai fait pour pouvoir le lire. En fait, j'ai participé à un concours sur la page Facebook des éditions Hugo New Way où j'ai gagné le roman. Vous ne pouvez même pas vous imaginez à quelle point j'étais heureuse parce que j'avais lu beaucoup d'avis positif de la part de nos voisins français sur ce roman. J'ai donc décidé de le glisser dans ma PAL de décembre et même si ce roman n'a pas été un coup de coeur, j'ai su l'apprécier à sa juste valeur et je remercie vraiment l'auteur de m'avoir redonné goût à la lecture.

Quand j'ai reçu le roman par la poste, la petite pastille sur la quatrième de couverture qui indiquait : « Attention, ce livre est une bombe. Nous déclinons toute responsabilité une fois la lecture commencée… » m'a beaucoup intriguée et je me suis dès lors demander si ce livre était effectivement une bombe - livresque - on s'entend là-dessus. J'ai lu ce livre en une semaine environ, mais sachez qu'avez les fêtes de fin d'année, j'ai passé plusieurs jours sans toucher le livre. Je dois vous avouer que je n'ai vraiment pu lire qu'hier et aujourd'hui et ce, quelques heures seulement.

Comme vous pouvez vous en doutez, ce roman est une dystopie, sujet qui a été beaucoup traité dans les dernières années avec l'arrivée des « Hunger Games », « Divergence » et compagnie. Il devient alors de plus en plus dur pour les auteurs de sortir leur aiguille du lot. Daniel Sweren-Becker a réussi ce tour de force en parlant de modification génétique, de terrorisme et surtout des droits des êtres humains. Tous ces sujets pourraient bien entendus nous toucher dans un futur pas si lointain. L'auteur a su amener le lecteur à réfléchir et à se poser beaucoup de questions sur tout ça.

Si je vous parle un peu plus des personnages, les principaux sont Cody et James, deux Ones. Être un Ones signifie que tu fais partie du 1% de la population qui a vu ses gênes modifiés « In Vitro » afin de rendre les humains parfaits et comme vous vous en doutez, à la minute où l'humanité parle de rendre la race parfaite, les problèmes ne font que commencer. Ayant la « vie facile » puisque tout ce qu'ils entreprennent, ils le réussissent, les Ones finissent par être détestés par les 99% restant de la population. Le gouvernement finit par passer des lois qui rendent leur existence illégale et là, les problèmes embarquent et ne les lâcheront plus. Personnellement, j'ai eu beaucoup de difficultés à m'attacher à Cody qui était trop extrémiste et tête brûlée pour moi. Je n'arrivais pas à la comprendre en profondeur parce que nos points de vue différaient trop alors quand on passait au côté de James, j'étais aux anges parce que je l'adorais. J'arrivais beaucoup plus à m'identifier à lui. Tout au long du roman, il est fidèle à ces croyances et continue malgré tout de croire en la bonté humaine contrairement à Cody qui elle pense que l'être humain est fondamentalement mauvais. J'ai beaucoup aimé aussi quand James a pris plus sa place au lieu d'être seulement un mouton.

Pour ce qui est de l'intrigue, elle était vraiment bonne. Je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seule seconde en lisant se livre. Par contre, je n'avais aucun problème à le laisser de côté pour faire autre chose, du moins pour la première partie du roman. La seconde partie, quant à elle, m'a tenu en haleine et là, j'ai eu de la difficulté à lâcher ma lecture. Les rebondissements pour certains me laissaient bouche-bée et le cliffhanger de la fin est une vraie torture surtout lorsque j'ai appris que la suite viendrait, mais qu'elle n'était toujours pas écrite en v.o. L'attente sera longue avant de pouvoir mettre les mains sur cette suite que j'attendrai impatiemment.

En conclusion, je vous conseille de vous procurer ce roman dès sa sortie en librairie. Vous ne serez pas déçus. Et quand ce sera fait, n'hésitez pas à venir en parler avec moi, je veux savoir ce que vous en penserez.