The One: A Sci-Fi Thriller

by Edward Miller, J.B. Manas

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU FOLLOWAfter the loss of his wife and daughter to a madman's violent act, Navy Chaplain Luke Remington encounters a crisis of faith, reinventing himself as an elite sniper in the Navy SEALs. When his team's first mission—a top-secret assignment to thwart a rumored attack at a major UN summit—is disrupted by an all-powerful figure claiming to be Jesus, it seems Luke got more than he bargained for. Especially after people start disappearing. But it isn't until a peculiar nine-year-old girl steps forward to defy the false messiah and motions to Luke to come find her, that he begins a mind-blowing and dangerous adventure that will challenge his sense of trust and determine the fate of the planet.-----------------------

212 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2023

About the author

Edward Miller is the author of many nonfiction children's titles. A prolific graphic designer and longtime art director in children's publishing, Miller lives in New York City.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Lisa Venerussi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book. Particularly, for me, because I am a Christian, as well as a SF/F fan. I initially chose it because I wanted to see how a ‘false second coming’ would be handled by two authors I was unfamiliar with. I have to say: I was very impressed. Although this is certainly not a ‘Christian book’, nothing in it offended me spiritually. As a SF/F fan, it was an extremely well-written story, action packed, believable, and hard to put down, with characters who were complex and engaging. I recommend it to anyone, Christian or not, who enjoys a good, stand-alone story. Well-done to the authors!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sam Veltre]

A sci-fi thriller with unexpected depth, "The One" by Edward Miller and J.B. Manas captivated me, both as a Christian and a dedicated SF/F reader. Drawn in by the intriguing premise of a "false second coming," I was impressed by the authors' sensitive handling of the subject matter – it wasn't preachy, yet it resonated deeply, exploring themes of faith lost and found. Beyond the spiritual intrigue, the book is a masterclass in thrilling storytelling: action-packed, believable, and populated with complex, engaging characters. Forget genre labels, this is a standalone masterpiece I recommend to anyone seeking a gripping, thought-provoking escape. Well done!

[Michael Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting and enjoyable read. The characters are strong and likeable. As the storyline progresses the suspense grows to an enthralling finish. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One is a SiFi Thriller by Edward Miller and J B Manas. I felt that The One was such a good story. Yes, the story is SiFi with Aliens and treason, but I felt that it was also faith lost and found. The characters are well written and interesting and the pace is quick but not rushed. The One is an excellent escape into a thrilling unexpected read. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

As The One opens, Pastor Luke Remington is on a flight returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan as a Navy chaplain. On his journey home to see his wife and daughter, he’s recognized by a wounded soldier whose life he saved in an act of immense bravery.

But at the airport in Philadelphia, he has an ominous encounter with a suddenly deranged man he knows from his home church. Wearing a demonic smile, the man warns Luke that he had better leave the church while he still can. The next Sunday, the same man enters Luke’s church wearing a suicide vest and brandishing an AK-47. Luke’s heroics save the congregation, but alas, his wife and daughter are killed.

After the funeral, Luke volunteers for a sniper training program and eventually earns a place in an elite Navy strike force. Three years later, as Luke’s team assembles on the rooftop of the low-rise UN General Assembly building to prevent a potential terror attack, he spots a figure in his scope that Luke can only describe as “no ordinary man.” Seconds later, Luke witnesses what seems to be a Biblical moment as a Christ figure repels the terrorist attack and makes the offenders disappear before promising “’joyful ascension to some and the eternal rest of darkness upon others.”

Almost instantaneously, gathered masses begin worshiping what appears to be a modern-day messiah. All except one little girl named Ariella, who dares to say, ‘You’re not him.’ Even through his binoculars, Luke recognizes her from the day his family was killed. It’s no coincidence.

Authors Edward Miller and J.B. Manas have created a winning setup guaranteed to hook readers from the very first page. While the book is largely an action-packed battle for the future of humanity, it manages to avoid the tropes of typical religious thrillers. While questions of faith are inherent in the story, and the book is suitable for readers of all ages, the story’s true magic lies in the developing relationship between Luke, Ariella, and her attractive mother, Cassandra.

Luke has plenty on his mind – including being added to a certain government watchlist while ‘Jesus’ performs suspicious public miracles – but the mere act of Luke being around a single woman and her daughter creates plenty of authentic emotional tension. The challenges of parenting a clairvoyant child naturally create plenty of comic bits as well (“Ariella, you know what’s not polite? Commenting on people’s personal thoughts“).

Overall, The One is a sophisticated thriller that deftly explores the nature of belief, loss, and redemption within a highly entertaining package.

[Alissa DeLaFuente · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. I will try hard to avoid sharing any spoilers. The One is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller. I think the description of the book is accurate.

I found the progression of the plot interesting, though the minor romantic relationship subplot felt a bit forced. I think this was due to the pace of the plot. The quick pace didn't really have much room for any interpersonal relationships to develop.

Without giving away any spoilers, a specific outcome near the end felt like the hand of the author, though was implied to be an act of God. This felt out of sync to me and goes completely unexplained. Given that the other fantastical elements of the book are explained (or it is suggested that they could be explained scientifically), that part left me wanting more. If this is a book that will be part of a series, then I suppose the door is left open for further exploration of this element. From the tone of the end, it reads more like a standalone book though.

For me, the not-quite-developed romantic subplot and hand of God moves knock it down to 3/5 stars. They are small, but relevant elements. Overall, I'd say this is a fun one. I took it on a trip and read it while on the plane and it kept me engaged.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it started off…. Well, it started and I thought I was reading a Military Fiction book, which i also enjoy. It then got interesting again. It was already interesting.

The main character is/was a minister in a church founded by his great grandfather, I thing. His grandfather and father were also preachers. There were religious tones including "living right" (my words) without being preachy.

The more I read, the more I enjoyed. The authors blended well and I couldn't tell when authorship changed or how they broke up the work. I didn't look for any details like that. I just enjoyed a good read and I guess the stars at the top show how much. I look forward to reading these authors again.

Even though I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Even though I received an advance review copy for free, I have reviewed quite a few free books and have left some not very pleasant reviews.

[Noura Navali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the kind of book I go for, but it's a good one.

It kept me reading till the end. But I am not a big fan of a know-it-all character. It makes everything sound so easy, and somehow, you know that the know-it-all will win. I kinda expected that Ariella and Valdok would engage in a game of wits. I know they did, but I feel like I need much more than this to call it a true game of wits. Maybe something like deceiving everyone for the sake of greater good…
"I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."

[Lisa Philipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke is a minister in the military. He serves in Afghanistan and saves lives. At the end of his enlistment he heads home only to face more tragedy. After three years of training he becomes a Navy SEAL. His first assignment ends in an event in which he meets a young girl and her mother. The girl tells him that he will help her fight a new enemy and it ends up changing his life.
This was a great story with great characters and a plot that moves quickly. I highly recommend it.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was very interesting and generally well told. However, the writing itself was very stiff and didn't flow. Also, in some passages unneeded descriptions were added with no real value (the men sat in a long brown couch across from him), and sentences were dropped into paragraphs seemingly out of place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay, just feels like I’ve read too many of this type of thing lately. There’s nothing wrong with this book it’s entertaining enough and I’d recommend it if you’re interested has been piqued.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast read that kept my attention but did not stay with me. I found nothing offensive in here religion wise. I wish there would have been a bit more character development. I enjoyed the world building. I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.