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Your One and Only
A human boy lives in a world full of clones and the girl who falls in love with him in this dystopian YA novel debut.
Jack is a walking fossil. The only human among a sea of clones. It's been hundreds of years since humanity died off in the slow plague, leaving the clones behind to carry on human existence. Over time they've perfected their genes, moving further away from the imperfections of humanity. But if they really are perfect, why did they create Jack?
While Jack longs for acceptance, Althea-310 struggles with the feeling that she's different from her sisters. Her fascination with Jack doesn't help. As Althea and Jack's connection grows stronger, so does the threat to their lives. What will happen if they do the unthinkable and fall in love?
"Like the works of Ursula K. LeGuin, inside this lyrically written, suspenseful tale is a deeply humane thematic core."--Kirkus Reviews, starred Review
"We fell for Jack and Althea's romance, which is made to order for fans of The Giver, Delirium and Warm Bodies, because woven into this fast-paced and romantic sci-fi is a thoughtful look at what it really means to be human."--Justine Magazine
"A thought-provoking tale that explores conformity, individuality, and what it means to be human...With imaginative, vivid world building, this should appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver's Replica."--Booklist
"Readers will feel fully immersed in this new reality. A great choice for lovers of postapocalyptic story lines."--School Library Journal
Jack is a walking fossil. The only human among a sea of clones. It's been hundreds of years since humanity died off in the slow plague, leaving the clones behind to carry on human existence. Over time they've perfected their genes, moving further away from the imperfections of humanity. But if they really are perfect, why did they create Jack?
While Jack longs for acceptance, Althea-310 struggles with the feeling that she's different from her sisters. Her fascination with Jack doesn't help. As Althea and Jack's connection grows stronger, so does the threat to their lives. What will happen if they do the unthinkable and fall in love?
"Like the works of Ursula K. LeGuin, inside this lyrically written, suspenseful tale is a deeply humane thematic core."--Kirkus Reviews, starred Review
"We fell for Jack and Althea's romance, which is made to order for fans of The Giver, Delirium and Warm Bodies, because woven into this fast-paced and romantic sci-fi is a thoughtful look at what it really means to be human."--Justine Magazine
"A thought-provoking tale that explores conformity, individuality, and what it means to be human...With imaginative, vivid world building, this should appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver's Replica."--Booklist
"Readers will feel fully immersed in this new reality. A great choice for lovers of postapocalyptic story lines."--School Library Journal
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2018
22 people are currently reading
3551 people want to read
About the author
Adrianne Finlay
2 books122 followersOriginally from Ithaca, New York, Adrianne Finlay now lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa with her husband, the poet J. D. Schraffenberger, and their two young daughters. She received her PhD in literature and creative writing from Binghamton University, and is an associate professor of English at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa.
She is also an avid soap maker, and sells handmade soap locally to raise money for type 1 diabetes research.
https://semisweetsoaps.com/
She is also an avid soap maker, and sells handmade soap locally to raise money for type 1 diabetes research.
https://semisweetsoaps.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
March 1, 2018
Got this through Bookish First. Let's see if it's any good!
Well that was short and sweet and not what I was hoping =(
I thought the summary of the book sounded great! You have one human and all of these clones, but I guess I'm in the unpopular opinion catagory as it didn't work for me.
I liked Jack and Althea-310 to a certain extent. I liked the ending of the story and I liked when they read all of the stuff in the journal that told stories about the clones.
I didn't like anything else =( But it seems most people did and I'm happy for them =)
There was too much of Jack and another clone fighting all of the time. (Jack is the human)
I didn't like the pairing ritual of the clones. It was weird with them being kids and paired up to have sex with each other.
I loved the idea of the story but it fell flat for me and that's all there is to it.
I hope more people love it though!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
AMAZON: REVIEW
Well that was short and sweet and not what I was hoping =(
I thought the summary of the book sounded great! You have one human and all of these clones, but I guess I'm in the unpopular opinion catagory as it didn't work for me.
I liked Jack and Althea-310 to a certain extent. I liked the ending of the story and I liked when they read all of the stuff in the journal that told stories about the clones.
I didn't like anything else =( But it seems most people did and I'm happy for them =)
There was too much of Jack and another clone fighting all of the time. (Jack is the human)
I didn't like the pairing ritual of the clones. It was weird with them being kids and paired up to have sex with each other.
I loved the idea of the story but it fell flat for me and that's all there is to it.
I hope more people love it though!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
AMAZON: REVIEW
January 25, 2018
Your One & Only by Adrianne Finlay is a young adult science fiction fantasy read that has a side of romance to it. The story is told by alternating the point of view between the two main characters in the book Althea-310, a clone, and Jack, a human created by the clones.
The story is set in a city known as Vispera that has been the home to a group of clones for 300 years since the end of human life due to a plague. Before the humans died out they perfected the ability to produce clones in hopes that some small part of them would live on.
The clones have existed for the past 300 years by creating a new generation of themselves every ten years. Each generation consists of 9 different types of clones with ten of each type. Their names come from those that created them with a number denoting their generation and number of that model, for example Althea-310 comes from the 31st generation and is 0 out of her 10 sisters.
Jack was created by the clones in an attempt to bring back human life but he doesn’t fit into the world that they inhabit. A set of clones have raised him to be as human as possible but this makes him an outsider to the clones of his age but unlike the other clones Althea-310 finds herself curious about the human boy.
Your One & Only was a story that started off with a slow build as the author set the tone of the world in which the story takes place. The further I read into the book though the more I fell in love with her world building and creativity with this book. This one certainly seemed like an unique idea to have this world of clones existing for so long and how a human would fit in with their customs and traditions.
The further you get in this story the deeper it takes you becoming one that is full of action as the plot progresses. I was a tad concerned in the beginning that it might be a little confusing with the characters sharing such similar names but it was easy to understand as you get to know the few main clones that are featured in the story it was no different memorizing the number after the name than remembering completely different names for characters.
By the time I was finished with this one I actually kind of hoped that the author might consider continuing the story on as a series to see what happens next in this futuristic society. When finished I’d rate this book at 4.5 stars but I would also warn future readers that this one should be for the older teens as there are sexual situations incorporated into the story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
The story is set in a city known as Vispera that has been the home to a group of clones for 300 years since the end of human life due to a plague. Before the humans died out they perfected the ability to produce clones in hopes that some small part of them would live on.
The clones have existed for the past 300 years by creating a new generation of themselves every ten years. Each generation consists of 9 different types of clones with ten of each type. Their names come from those that created them with a number denoting their generation and number of that model, for example Althea-310 comes from the 31st generation and is 0 out of her 10 sisters.
Jack was created by the clones in an attempt to bring back human life but he doesn’t fit into the world that they inhabit. A set of clones have raised him to be as human as possible but this makes him an outsider to the clones of his age but unlike the other clones Althea-310 finds herself curious about the human boy.
Your One & Only was a story that started off with a slow build as the author set the tone of the world in which the story takes place. The further I read into the book though the more I fell in love with her world building and creativity with this book. This one certainly seemed like an unique idea to have this world of clones existing for so long and how a human would fit in with their customs and traditions.
The further you get in this story the deeper it takes you becoming one that is full of action as the plot progresses. I was a tad concerned in the beginning that it might be a little confusing with the characters sharing such similar names but it was easy to understand as you get to know the few main clones that are featured in the story it was no different memorizing the number after the name than remembering completely different names for characters.
By the time I was finished with this one I actually kind of hoped that the author might consider continuing the story on as a series to see what happens next in this futuristic society. When finished I’d rate this book at 4.5 stars but I would also warn future readers that this one should be for the older teens as there are sexual situations incorporated into the story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 31, 2017
How foolish we were, to act as gods.
You know the book is good when you don’t know how to write a review for it and when despite your reading slump and the feeling of constant, impending doom you still made time to read it.
Althea-310 is one of ten Altheas of her generation (and one of the hundred Alteas from ten different generations, all simultaneously living at the time the book takes place). Her species calls themselves Homo Factus as opposed to Homo Sapiens, which went extinct three hundred years ago. Homo Factus started as a last hope for humans to continue their species when it was clear that the Slow Plague would wipe out every single one of them. A group of scientists modified human genes to be immune to this disease and started making clones out of the “better” DNA. When all the humans died, these clones took over and kept improving their species and created a society in which everything is strictly regulated in order to maintain a peaceful status quo.
However, things are changing during Althea-310’s late teen years, and a sign of it is the presence of Jack, a human boy (as in, a cloned Homo Sapiens, with no DNA modification). He’s literally a walking fossil and the differences between him and the “better” clones are many. He’s been brought up as closely as possible to how a human boy from three hundred years before might have been brought up, save for the fact that he's had a very closely guarded childhood. However, in his teens he’s introduced to Althea-310’s generation and all sorts of problems start, mainly due to how different he is from everyone else in this society of perfected clones.
What might seem at first like a very good premise for a typical romance-heavy YA novel turns out to be a character and worldbuilding driven story. The romance is definitely atypical for your usual YA and it's definitely not the main point of the story, and that only further improves my overall opinion of the book.
The story is, as I was saying, definitely character driven. The two point of views (Althea’s and Jack’s) work extremely well here since they’re technically two separate species (I’m not 100% sure of the scientific accuracy of my statement, but the clones do call themselves a different species than Homo Sapiens) with very different mindsets. That allows for an interesting study of what makes humans human, but it’s also not done in a cheesy way. It’s not a pretext for the idealization and idolization of humans and human society. The goods and bads of both sides are acknowledged and the ending brings enough answers for this to still be a standalone (which I believe it is, at least at the time I’m reviewing this) but with enough of a sort-of-open ending to allow for the reader’s curiosity to wander to these characters and world long after the book is over (and I have to say that if this ever turns out to have a sequel I will be happy).
This book is now one of my favorite dystopians ever and I’m so excited for more people to start reading it.
I was sent this book as an advance copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
August 20, 2017
*I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
3.5/4
“Whatever son really meant, to [him] it was painful, dazzling, and the only thing that mattered.”
A simple though rich concept executed with skill and intelligence. Absolutely recommended.
RTC
3.5/4
“Whatever son really meant, to [him] it was painful, dazzling, and the only thing that mattered.”
A simple though rich concept executed with skill and intelligence. Absolutely recommended.
RTC
did-not-finish
February 28, 2018DNFed at 60%.
This had several elements I wanted to like but unfortunately I found it uninteresting. From the title, I was expecting more of a romance, but it was just a bunch of bros constantly fighting each other, a few kisses without any feels, and an instance of rape that was completely brushed over. The first half was very rinse, wash, repeat, and I just don't care how this ends because I am not invested at all.
One of the main characters has asthma and uses an inhaler if that's something you're looking for, though.
This felt like a mashup of Replica, Matched, and Divergent. If you love those books you may be more interested in this one than I was.
Still searching for the clone book of my dreams.
This had several elements I wanted to like but unfortunately I found it uninteresting. From the title, I was expecting more of a romance, but it was just a bunch of bros constantly fighting each other, a few kisses without any feels, and an instance of rape that was completely brushed over. The first half was very rinse, wash, repeat, and I just don't care how this ends because I am not invested at all.
One of the main characters has asthma and uses an inhaler if that's something you're looking for, though.
This felt like a mashup of Replica, Matched, and Divergent. If you love those books you may be more interested in this one than I was.
Still searching for the clone book of my dreams.
July 6, 2017
Your One & Only is a beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of acceptance and of love in a world that has lost its touch with what it means to be human. The book presents a welcoming new take on clones in a science fiction world that seems living and breathing due to Adrianne Finlay’s writing which enwraps the whole story in a prose that is thrilling and full of emotion.
Far away in the future humanity has died killed by a plague, and now the world is populated by clones. Nine types of clones built to resemble the nine humans who took in their hands the project of building modified copies of themselves that will be immune to the disease that is without cure. Homo factus, the self-made man. With humans dead, the clones live in a sort of Eden. A walled community built to protect them from what lies in the jungle.
As far as appearance goes, the clones resemble humans but in a perfected way. They are immune to all diseases, birth defects hardly ever occur to them and anything that would make them in any way apart from one another needs to be fixed. If their appearance is still somewhat human, their way of thinking is something else entirely. They communicate through a sort of hive mind and they are extremely rational and logical. They lack the human touch that makes us appreciate life, art and that makes us feel and fall in love.
In an experiment whose purpose is unknown, the clones decide to create a human from old DNA material, and that human is Jack. Jack is an alien in a world he can’t understand, not after the clones raised him to think as a human, giving him access to books, music and other materials from the 21st century.
The story is told from the point of view of Jack and Althea-310. Althea is a clone who since her birth has been different as she was born with a birth defect. From birth she has tried to conceal her distinctiveness so that she could blend in with her sisters and not draw unnecessary attention. All of that fails the moment that Jack is presented for the first time to the clones and she is the only one that smiles to him, while the other clones are repulsed by his presence.
The book presents Jack’s and Althea’s struggles of being accepted for who they are, in a society in which individualism is not only forbidden, but can also get you killed. As Jack explores the new world, so does the reader. It is easy to connect with him as as he provides the only contact with humanity as we know it, the other clones are just as alien to the reader as they are to Jack. The society the clones live in is fascinating but hard to understand, with rituals that seem barbaric and uncaring to a human.
From their first interaction with Jack, the clones treat him with disdain, mocking his passion for music and reading, activities that have been hardwired out of their brains. Just as the clone world seems alien to Jack, so does he seem irregular to them. Throughout the book Jack seeks acceptance but what he gets instead is more contempt. It is Althea who tries to connect with him, and the prospect of love between a human and a clone will forever change the world they live in as the mystery of how the clones were created will slowly unravel.
Your One & Only is a book to watch out for. From the addicting story that had me turn page after page, to the well-thought world building, the compelling characters and the writing that was infused with intensity and emotion, this is a book that will have readers engulfed in its pages.
I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group, HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Far away in the future humanity has died killed by a plague, and now the world is populated by clones. Nine types of clones built to resemble the nine humans who took in their hands the project of building modified copies of themselves that will be immune to the disease that is without cure. Homo factus, the self-made man. With humans dead, the clones live in a sort of Eden. A walled community built to protect them from what lies in the jungle.
As far as appearance goes, the clones resemble humans but in a perfected way. They are immune to all diseases, birth defects hardly ever occur to them and anything that would make them in any way apart from one another needs to be fixed. If their appearance is still somewhat human, their way of thinking is something else entirely. They communicate through a sort of hive mind and they are extremely rational and logical. They lack the human touch that makes us appreciate life, art and that makes us feel and fall in love.
In an experiment whose purpose is unknown, the clones decide to create a human from old DNA material, and that human is Jack. Jack is an alien in a world he can’t understand, not after the clones raised him to think as a human, giving him access to books, music and other materials from the 21st century.
The story is told from the point of view of Jack and Althea-310. Althea is a clone who since her birth has been different as she was born with a birth defect. From birth she has tried to conceal her distinctiveness so that she could blend in with her sisters and not draw unnecessary attention. All of that fails the moment that Jack is presented for the first time to the clones and she is the only one that smiles to him, while the other clones are repulsed by his presence.
The book presents Jack’s and Althea’s struggles of being accepted for who they are, in a society in which individualism is not only forbidden, but can also get you killed. As Jack explores the new world, so does the reader. It is easy to connect with him as as he provides the only contact with humanity as we know it, the other clones are just as alien to the reader as they are to Jack. The society the clones live in is fascinating but hard to understand, with rituals that seem barbaric and uncaring to a human.
From their first interaction with Jack, the clones treat him with disdain, mocking his passion for music and reading, activities that have been hardwired out of their brains. Just as the clone world seems alien to Jack, so does he seem irregular to them. Throughout the book Jack seeks acceptance but what he gets instead is more contempt. It is Althea who tries to connect with him, and the prospect of love between a human and a clone will forever change the world they live in as the mystery of how the clones were created will slowly unravel.
Your One & Only is a book to watch out for. From the addicting story that had me turn page after page, to the well-thought world building, the compelling characters and the writing that was infused with intensity and emotion, this is a book that will have readers engulfed in its pages.
I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group, HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2018
[I don't really like the cover. I like the heart and the DNA thingy, but the color scheme is so Christmassy, and this book is not related to Christmas at all. (There's actually another version of the cover but it's not on Goodreads?) But luckily, when I saw this book on The Fantastic Flying Book Club website, I didn't judge it by its cover at all! I found the synopsis so interesting so I signed up for the tour immediately.]
Hahahahaha. This book. Wow. #mindblown
Try to imagine being surrounded by other people who look EXACTLY like you. Creepy, huh? That's not the creepiest part. Guess what - you'll be able to communicate with your look-alikes with just a touch of the hand.
That is exactly what happens in this story - it's such a unique setting, and the author did a great job explaining things. Somehow I understood everything when I started reading the first chapter. I was hooked from the beginning.
I remember reading The House of the Scorpion last year - it's such an unforgettable tale. In the story, a clone is discriminated by humans, and referred to as an animal. This book reminded me of it. However, in this story, the HUMAN is discriminated. And the terrible things the clones does to him *smh* so cruel and inhumane.
This is such a meaningful story about love, friendship and what it means to be human. Some of the clones are really mean to Jack at the beginning because he is human, and different from them. At first, I thought of the clones as cold-blooded and heartless. However, at the end, some of them made huge sacrifices for him, and it really warmed my heart to see how hard they try to accept Jack.
+ The cliffhanger ending omg I NEED A SEQUEL. ADRIANNE, IF YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL.
Overall Rating
★★★★
Unique setting + cloning! technology! + character relationships = AMAZING. GO READ THE BOOK NOW.
Hahahahaha. This book. Wow. #mindblown
Try to imagine being surrounded by other people who look EXACTLY like you. Creepy, huh? That's not the creepiest part. Guess what - you'll be able to communicate with your look-alikes with just a touch of the hand.
That is exactly what happens in this story - it's such a unique setting, and the author did a great job explaining things. Somehow I understood everything when I started reading the first chapter. I was hooked from the beginning.
I remember reading The House of the Scorpion last year - it's such an unforgettable tale. In the story, a clone is discriminated by humans, and referred to as an animal. This book reminded me of it. However, in this story, the HUMAN is discriminated. And the terrible things the clones does to him *smh* so cruel and inhumane.
This is such a meaningful story about love, friendship and what it means to be human. Some of the clones are really mean to Jack at the beginning because he is human, and different from them. At first, I thought of the clones as cold-blooded and heartless. However, at the end, some of them made huge sacrifices for him, and it really warmed my heart to see how hard they try to accept Jack.
+ The cliffhanger ending omg I NEED A SEQUEL. ADRIANNE, IF YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL.
Overall Rating
★★★★
Unique setting + cloning! technology! + character relationships = AMAZING. GO READ THE BOOK NOW.
April 7, 2017
Such a great read! It is very refreshing take on clones, and nothing like I have ever read. It was just one of those books that I couldn't put down, and when I was finished with it I wanted to read it again and again. I can't wait for this book to come out so I can read it over and over again. It is a real page turner, and I can't wait to share it with my friends. A must read for any science fiction/ fantasy fan.
February 18, 2018
"How foolish we were, to act as gods."
Humans have been extinct for over 300 years after being eradicated by the slow plague. Having foresaw their extinction, a group of scientists figured out a way to successfully create clones using human DNA from ten different strands (out of their many samples). Although those ten clones were meant to repopulate the earth and save humanity, they had their own vision of the future. Once the last of the humans were gone, the clones worked hard at eliminating every 'human weakness' within their genes and even destroyed an entire line of their own for being too 'human-like'.
There are nine types of clones (now) and there are ten of each type for every batch made; only ten generations of each can exist in the world at one time, to keep things even and fair. The world is full of only 9 different faces (separated into three colonies): Althea's, Samuel's, Inga's, Carson's, Nyla's, Mei's, Hassan's, Kate's and Victor's - the original 9 scientists whose DNA was strong enough to clone.
The clones are beginning to realize, though, that with each generation their genetic makeup is deteriorating. They need a tenth clone - they need fresh human DNA to add to their gene pool. Luckily, the humans collected hundreds of DNA samples before they died out, and surely they can't all be failures. That's where Jack comes in.
The other clones see Jack as some sort of potentially lethal disease that shouldn't exist, and either ignore him or try to make his life in Vispera (what used to be known as Costa Rica) much more miserable than it already is. Well, most of them, anyway. Althea-310 has always felt a little different from her sisters, and while she may try to fight it, she realizes that she and Jack aren't as different as she once believed. Jack also manages to bring out the humanity within a few of the other clones, but that causes them to fracture and fractured clones must be terminated.
Will Jack just be another failed experiment or can he complete his ancestors' goal of saving humanity? What happened to all the other attempted 'tenth' clones before him?
Your One & Only by Adrianne Finlay is a YA sci-fi dystopian tale of what it's like to be human in a world that completely lacks humanity. This is also a romance (slow burn), but that isn't really the main focus, and this book explores different types of love too.
At first I thought I was going to get lost in all the science that this story is built on, but I found it was actually really easy to keep up with. The world building and scientific explanations were written very well and are easy to follow. The characters had depth to them (despite the majority of them being copies of generations of copies) and the MC's show a lot of growth.
I really love how unique this story is; to be the only human living in a world full of hundreds of the same nine faces - creepy. What's more creepy is that they are all so out of touch with humanity that they never see the wrong in what they're doing - they can't be better because they don't know better - they have no human morals, they only follow scientific facts. Getting rid of a failed experiment or a fractured clone isn't seen as murder, but necessary to better their world and keep the balance. They aren't exactly villains which makes you sympathize for them in a way.
I had such a hard time putting this book down. The writing style hooked me in and the plot twists and action scenes kept me wanting more. I should warn you - this book does sort of end on a cliffhanger. While I feel this could be kept as a standalone, as it only leaves you off with a couple of minor unanswered mysteries, a bigger part of me wants answers, haha.
Overall, this is a great debut novel and I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a fresh YA sci-fi and dystopian read. I'm definitely looking foward to seeing what Adrianne Finlay will write next.
**** I received an eBook copy of this title via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion. ****
Humans have been extinct for over 300 years after being eradicated by the slow plague. Having foresaw their extinction, a group of scientists figured out a way to successfully create clones using human DNA from ten different strands (out of their many samples). Although those ten clones were meant to repopulate the earth and save humanity, they had their own vision of the future. Once the last of the humans were gone, the clones worked hard at eliminating every 'human weakness' within their genes and even destroyed an entire line of their own for being too 'human-like'.
There are nine types of clones (now) and there are ten of each type for every batch made; only ten generations of each can exist in the world at one time, to keep things even and fair. The world is full of only 9 different faces (separated into three colonies): Althea's, Samuel's, Inga's, Carson's, Nyla's, Mei's, Hassan's, Kate's and Victor's - the original 9 scientists whose DNA was strong enough to clone.
The clones are beginning to realize, though, that with each generation their genetic makeup is deteriorating. They need a tenth clone - they need fresh human DNA to add to their gene pool. Luckily, the humans collected hundreds of DNA samples before they died out, and surely they can't all be failures. That's where Jack comes in.
The other clones see Jack as some sort of potentially lethal disease that shouldn't exist, and either ignore him or try to make his life in Vispera (what used to be known as Costa Rica) much more miserable than it already is. Well, most of them, anyway. Althea-310 has always felt a little different from her sisters, and while she may try to fight it, she realizes that she and Jack aren't as different as she once believed. Jack also manages to bring out the humanity within a few of the other clones, but that causes them to fracture and fractured clones must be terminated.
Will Jack just be another failed experiment or can he complete his ancestors' goal of saving humanity? What happened to all the other attempted 'tenth' clones before him?
Your One & Only by Adrianne Finlay is a YA sci-fi dystopian tale of what it's like to be human in a world that completely lacks humanity. This is also a romance (slow burn), but that isn't really the main focus, and this book explores different types of love too.
At first I thought I was going to get lost in all the science that this story is built on, but I found it was actually really easy to keep up with. The world building and scientific explanations were written very well and are easy to follow. The characters had depth to them (despite the majority of them being copies of generations of copies) and the MC's show a lot of growth.
I really love how unique this story is; to be the only human living in a world full of hundreds of the same nine faces - creepy. What's more creepy is that they are all so out of touch with humanity that they never see the wrong in what they're doing - they can't be better because they don't know better - they have no human morals, they only follow scientific facts. Getting rid of a failed experiment or a fractured clone isn't seen as murder, but necessary to better their world and keep the balance. They aren't exactly villains which makes you sympathize for them in a way.
I had such a hard time putting this book down. The writing style hooked me in and the plot twists and action scenes kept me wanting more. I should warn you - this book does sort of end on a cliffhanger. While I feel this could be kept as a standalone, as it only leaves you off with a couple of minor unanswered mysteries, a bigger part of me wants answers, haha.
Overall, this is a great debut novel and I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a fresh YA sci-fi and dystopian read. I'm definitely looking foward to seeing what Adrianne Finlay will write next.
**** I received an eBook copy of this title via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion. ****
November 9, 2017
This was eye opening for me. I started slow, unsure about the Sci-Fi elements, thinking it wouldn't appeal to me, it's certainly not my usual taste. It didn't take long though (just one subway ride of uninterrupted reading) and then I was hooked! The world building, the characters... I can't wait for a friend to read it so we can talk about it! So much to think about.
*Disclosure: I work for HMH, but I do not review HMH titles unless I feel extremely strongly about them as a reader. They have to be something special if I'm going to review them. This is one of those very special ones.
*Disclosure: I work for HMH, but I do not review HMH titles unless I feel extremely strongly about them as a reader. They have to be something special if I'm going to review them. This is one of those very special ones.
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September 22, 2017From the author:
Hello Goodreads!
I'm so excited to share YOUR ONE & ONLY with the world! If you like science fiction, or clones, or stories set in the future with a bit of romance, you might like this book.
Look for it on release day, February 6, 2018, and keep an eye out here for swag, giveaways, news, and notes.
Thanks for checking it out, and happy reading!
Hello Goodreads!
I'm so excited to share YOUR ONE & ONLY with the world! If you like science fiction, or clones, or stories set in the future with a bit of romance, you might like this book.
Look for it on release day, February 6, 2018, and keep an eye out here for swag, giveaways, news, and notes.
Thanks for checking it out, and happy reading!
August 1, 2017
What does it mean to be different? To be the only one of your kind?
What does it mean to be the same? What if you were the same but you felt different?
What is acceptance?
Jack is the only human living among clones. Clones who see themselves as being the normal ones and Jack as being an anomaly. He is erratic. He has his own thoughts and does not resemble anyone else. He experiences emotions and acts on them. The majority of the clones treat him with animosity; while there is one clone, Althea-310, who is very curious about him. She has many sisters who look exactly like her yet she feels different. She not only feels different on the inside, she was also born with a birth defect - she has a scar which also makes her physically different from the other clones. She is fascinated with him. Could they have something in common?
Humans once lived and thrived but they slowly died off due to a plague. A group of scientists decided to make 9 sets of clones designed to resemble (and be named after) each scientist tasked with creating them. The clones live for quite some time and then decide to "create" a human out of DNA. Perhaps another book will explore their reasons for doing so but I imagine that they were curious about the long lost humans and what they were like. Jack is the human they have created. Jack is raised as a "human" with books and music. He is permitted to call the clone who raised him "Mother" and to some degree she cares for him.
Jack is the ultimate outsider. He is observing the clones as they are observing them. He lives in a world where the clones resemble each other. They do not have their own names but are known by a name and a number to identify which one they are. Jack is an individual. He is one of a kind and this is both threatening and intriguing.
The clones have their own way of life which is both interesting and odd to Jack. They have customs and rituals "pairing" which seem uncaring and cold to Jack. But there is one clone, Althea-310, who has been nice to him. He is drawn to her. Perhaps they feel a sense of commonality to each other. What happens when you step outside of the box? When you challenge the status quo? When you act as an individual and not as a group member?
This book is about identity, acceptance, and what it means to be human (and also what it mean to not be human). There is a strong science fiction feel to this book. At times I thought the clones were acting like the Borg. The clones could communicate, sense and learn from each other without speaking. As I mentioned earlier, they are happy to exist as a group and do as expected. To act as an individual would be dangerous and could lead to the end of their life.
What happens when a clone and a human fall in love? This was a very unique and interesting book. I like how Jack and Althea-310 show growth. They both take chances for the other. They both learn to accept their differences while forming a relationship.
As I mentioned, I found this book to be interesting and intriguing. It is always refreshing to read a book that is unique and does not feel like a carbon copy of other works. The ending left it so that there could be other books to follow. If there are more books, I will definitely be reading them.
I received a copy of this book form Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
What does it mean to be the same? What if you were the same but you felt different?
What is acceptance?
Jack is the only human living among clones. Clones who see themselves as being the normal ones and Jack as being an anomaly. He is erratic. He has his own thoughts and does not resemble anyone else. He experiences emotions and acts on them. The majority of the clones treat him with animosity; while there is one clone, Althea-310, who is very curious about him. She has many sisters who look exactly like her yet she feels different. She not only feels different on the inside, she was also born with a birth defect - she has a scar which also makes her physically different from the other clones. She is fascinated with him. Could they have something in common?
Humans once lived and thrived but they slowly died off due to a plague. A group of scientists decided to make 9 sets of clones designed to resemble (and be named after) each scientist tasked with creating them. The clones live for quite some time and then decide to "create" a human out of DNA. Perhaps another book will explore their reasons for doing so but I imagine that they were curious about the long lost humans and what they were like. Jack is the human they have created. Jack is raised as a "human" with books and music. He is permitted to call the clone who raised him "Mother" and to some degree she cares for him.
Jack is the ultimate outsider. He is observing the clones as they are observing them. He lives in a world where the clones resemble each other. They do not have their own names but are known by a name and a number to identify which one they are. Jack is an individual. He is one of a kind and this is both threatening and intriguing.
The clones have their own way of life which is both interesting and odd to Jack. They have customs and rituals "pairing" which seem uncaring and cold to Jack. But there is one clone, Althea-310, who has been nice to him. He is drawn to her. Perhaps they feel a sense of commonality to each other. What happens when you step outside of the box? When you challenge the status quo? When you act as an individual and not as a group member?
This book is about identity, acceptance, and what it means to be human (and also what it mean to not be human). There is a strong science fiction feel to this book. At times I thought the clones were acting like the Borg. The clones could communicate, sense and learn from each other without speaking. As I mentioned earlier, they are happy to exist as a group and do as expected. To act as an individual would be dangerous and could lead to the end of their life.
What happens when a clone and a human fall in love? This was a very unique and interesting book. I like how Jack and Althea-310 show growth. They both take chances for the other. They both learn to accept their differences while forming a relationship.
As I mentioned, I found this book to be interesting and intriguing. It is always refreshing to read a book that is unique and does not feel like a carbon copy of other works. The ending left it so that there could be other books to follow. If there are more books, I will definitely be reading them.
I received a copy of this book form Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
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May 11, 2020This book was so quick to read! I sped through it really quickly and almost wish there was more for me to dig into.
Although it may seem like romance-centric, I found that this wasn't really the focus of the plot--there was so much more happening in the story.
The characters were all very interesting to me--Jack and Althea were very different, but the same underlying theme of "outsider" ran true between them.
Jack obviously strongly feels that all-permeating loneliness of being the only human on Earth, and his isolation from the other clones really helps shape his personality. Although I couldn't really connect much with him (or any of the characters because of this sci-fi world), I really liked reading about him. He's got a lot of layers in his character that make him so distinct.
Althea-310 (not to be mixed up with the other Altheas) was also enjoyable to read about. I did, however, find it a little odd that for a clone, she had so much independent thought, even at the beginning. I kind of wished there was a little more internal struggle on her part from going from full-blown clone-iness to more independent. She was still an interesting character as she does deal with the isolation from her sisters and the curiosity that causes her to make possibly unwise decisions.
For Jack and Althea together--I wasn't the hugest fan. But it's true that I say that for almost every romance in a YA book I read. The romance worked well as a plot device--spurring action and change--but I didn't really feel the chemistry between them.
But all the subplots and plot and layers in the story really made up for this. Finlay did such a great job in building the world up--at first it seemed like it'd be a good ol' dystopian romance, but then things just kept adding up.
I can't spoil all of them, you'll have to read them for yourself when Your One and Only comes out on February 6th, but there are a lot of important subplots that build as the story goes on (such as things involving the death of humanity, things involving what's happening to the clones, things involving that mysterious outside force). There are so many of these little mysteries in the story and it just contributed to making the plot really, really good.
This book was paced super well, and like I said before, I totally sped through it. The ending in the last 50 pages got so intense, but it wasn't unwarranted as if all the action was happening then. It felt more like a buildup and things just got more and more until it was climax time and things were burning and people were running and there was so much action.
I did hope for a little more discussion on humanity in general and what it means to truly be human, which was something I felt could have been expanded more. Honestly, I felt a lot of this book could have been expanded more, but I think Finlay made a good decision in keeping it to be a standalone because it'd end up being awkward with secondary books that weren't exactly relevant to the first. There could have been more content to make this a little longer, but there wasn't enough for a second book, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel! I would recommend for anyone who enjoys romance in unique settings, or for someone who wants to read an interesting dystopian with a lot of layered mystery elements!
Although it may seem like romance-centric, I found that this wasn't really the focus of the plot--there was so much more happening in the story.
The characters were all very interesting to me--Jack and Althea were very different, but the same underlying theme of "outsider" ran true between them.
Jack obviously strongly feels that all-permeating loneliness of being the only human on Earth, and his isolation from the other clones really helps shape his personality. Although I couldn't really connect much with him (or any of the characters because of this sci-fi world), I really liked reading about him. He's got a lot of layers in his character that make him so distinct.
Althea-310 (not to be mixed up with the other Altheas) was also enjoyable to read about. I did, however, find it a little odd that for a clone, she had so much independent thought, even at the beginning. I kind of wished there was a little more internal struggle on her part from going from full-blown clone-iness to more independent. She was still an interesting character as she does deal with the isolation from her sisters and the curiosity that causes her to make possibly unwise decisions.
For Jack and Althea together--I wasn't the hugest fan. But it's true that I say that for almost every romance in a YA book I read. The romance worked well as a plot device--spurring action and change--but I didn't really feel the chemistry between them.
But all the subplots and plot and layers in the story really made up for this. Finlay did such a great job in building the world up--at first it seemed like it'd be a good ol' dystopian romance, but then things just kept adding up.
I can't spoil all of them, you'll have to read them for yourself when Your One and Only comes out on February 6th, but there are a lot of important subplots that build as the story goes on (such as things involving the death of humanity, things involving what's happening to the clones, things involving that mysterious outside force). There are so many of these little mysteries in the story and it just contributed to making the plot really, really good.
This book was paced super well, and like I said before, I totally sped through it. The ending in the last 50 pages got so intense, but it wasn't unwarranted as if all the action was happening then. It felt more like a buildup and things just got more and more until it was climax time and things were burning and people were running and there was so much action.
I did hope for a little more discussion on humanity in general and what it means to truly be human, which was something I felt could have been expanded more. Honestly, I felt a lot of this book could have been expanded more, but I think Finlay made a good decision in keeping it to be a standalone because it'd end up being awkward with secondary books that weren't exactly relevant to the first. There could have been more content to make this a little longer, but there wasn't enough for a second book, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel! I would recommend for anyone who enjoys romance in unique settings, or for someone who wants to read an interesting dystopian with a lot of layered mystery elements!
February 11, 2018
I bought it yesterday, started it this morning, and finished it this afternoon. Every world distraction was an annoyance from which I’d have to drag myself from the book.
The dog needs out? Grrr.
I am thirsty? Grrr.
It’s beyond lunchtime? Grrr.
What did you say? I was reading! Grrr.
Now, everyone around me can rest easy after I closed the book with a satisfied sigh.
Thanks for a much welcome book hangover, A. Finlay!
The dog needs out? Grrr.
I am thirsty? Grrr.
It’s beyond lunchtime? Grrr.
What did you say? I was reading! Grrr.
Now, everyone around me can rest easy after I closed the book with a satisfied sigh.
Thanks for a much welcome book hangover, A. Finlay!
May 15, 2017
5 stars! Surprising, fascinating, touching. I loved this book! A love story wrapped in a futuristic tale of a world where humans have brought about their own destruction, and in their attempt to save themselves they've created something new and supposedly "better." But, the story asks, what has been lost along the way, and what will it take to get that lost humanity back? This is the kind of book that makes you stay up too late because you have to read "just one more page." Great characters, great story, a lot of fun.
May 22, 2018
This story was a very unique take on clones, a utopia world set in a postapocalyptic future, and one human boy created by the clones. And I could barely put it down! It was just so different from other sci-fi books and had an element of all of my favorite genres.
It had a little bit of The Giver feel to me in that the world is "perfect". But really, it's actually far from perfect!
The reveals all came at the perfect times. And the ending was very satisfying. I'd like to see a sequel to see what happens next.
The only thing that I question is what happened to one of the side characters? I also have to question that cover. I almost didn't pick this up thinking it was a romance rather than a sci-fi. Yes, it had a little romance, but was really all sci-fi!
All in all, this was a great debut novel for Adrianne Finlay and I can't wait to read more from her!! Well done, Adrianne!
It had a little bit of The Giver feel to me in that the world is "perfect". But really, it's actually far from perfect!
The reveals all came at the perfect times. And the ending was very satisfying. I'd like to see a sequel to see what happens next.
The only thing that I question is what happened to one of the side characters? I also have to question that cover. I almost didn't pick this up thinking it was a romance rather than a sci-fi. Yes, it had a little romance, but was really all sci-fi!
All in all, this was a great debut novel for Adrianne Finlay and I can't wait to read more from her!! Well done, Adrianne!
May 25, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this from Netgalley for an honest review
This one started out slow for me and I wasn't too sure about the sci-fi elements but it ended up pulling me in. The world building and the characters were so believable and it was just so well written. I just felt like I was living the in the world of the book. I'll be buying this one and recommending it to everyone!
This one started out slow for me and I wasn't too sure about the sci-fi elements but it ended up pulling me in. The world building and the characters were so believable and it was just so well written. I just felt like I was living the in the world of the book. I'll be buying this one and recommending it to everyone!
March 14, 2018
This is a great YA look at cloning and it's effects. It's set in the future in a post-human world. At first I thought Jack was a human who was the only one left after something killed everyone but the clones. But the story takes a completely different tack and backs it up with some reasonable-to-believe science.
My only problem with this story is all the loose ends. The ending is a good idea but didn't play out well and there are characters that just drop out of sight. It wasn't much of a satisfying conclusion.
That said, it was a fast, enjoyable read and I will definitely read whatever else this author writes.
My only problem with this story is all the loose ends. The ending is a good idea but didn't play out well and there are characters that just drop out of sight. It wasn't much of a satisfying conclusion.
That said, it was a fast, enjoyable read and I will definitely read whatever else this author writes.
January 13, 2018
For 300 years, the Homo factus species have survived in a post apocalyptic world dominated by the Snow Plague. There is a new generation of Homo factus every 10 years, using 9 different sets of DNA to make 10 copies of each sibling. Althea-310 is different than her 9 sisters, by carrying a small scar on her hand. No one wants to be different, especially when your other sisters are perfect, but when she meets Jack, the only human in the compound brought back to life through genetics, to fix their slowly eradicating DNA, Althea can't help but sympathize and want to be friends with Jack. But when Jack is exiled from the community due to his imperfections, and all the town's crimes are blamed on him, Althea goes against her sisters and her community to try to prove his innocence, but is trusting a human really worth it?
Your One & Only was definitely an interesting read. The world that Adrianne Finlay created was so creative, but also a possible reality to humans one day, which was really relatable.
The main characters in this story are Althea-310 and Jack, as the book is read in both of their points of view. Although I really liked both characters, there wasn't anything about them that really made me love them. I couldn't really relate to them, and while they were interesting in their own way, I grew a tad bored of reading in their points of view.
The world-building in this story was phenomenal. Not only did I love the world that Adrienne created, but I also loved how she explained it. We got the area of the location (Costa Rica), which is fantastic on its own, but then the way that Adrienne explained the climate and the scenery, you could picture it so clearly. It honestly made me want to take a trip to Costa Rica myself. The other wonderful thing was that we got a lot of the history and background knowledge on how this city came to be, who built the buildings and why the town functions in the way they do. It was really well explained!
The plot of the story was a little bit slow at first, there were lots of introductions to different characters and how the town and the people in it function on a day to day basis. I want to say that around 35-40% is when the book finally picks up, and theres enough action to keep you entertained and not put the book down.
Overall, I loved the idea of this story and how it turned out. If I liked the characters in this book I could have definitely enjoyed it a lot more. I still highly recommend this book to all fans of post-apocalyptic books as well as dystopian novels, and any YA reader with a scientific background that wants an easy and light read.
Happy Reading,
Aneta
Your One & Only was definitely an interesting read. The world that Adrianne Finlay created was so creative, but also a possible reality to humans one day, which was really relatable.
The main characters in this story are Althea-310 and Jack, as the book is read in both of their points of view. Although I really liked both characters, there wasn't anything about them that really made me love them. I couldn't really relate to them, and while they were interesting in their own way, I grew a tad bored of reading in their points of view.
The world-building in this story was phenomenal. Not only did I love the world that Adrienne created, but I also loved how she explained it. We got the area of the location (Costa Rica), which is fantastic on its own, but then the way that Adrienne explained the climate and the scenery, you could picture it so clearly. It honestly made me want to take a trip to Costa Rica myself. The other wonderful thing was that we got a lot of the history and background knowledge on how this city came to be, who built the buildings and why the town functions in the way they do. It was really well explained!
The plot of the story was a little bit slow at first, there were lots of introductions to different characters and how the town and the people in it function on a day to day basis. I want to say that around 35-40% is when the book finally picks up, and theres enough action to keep you entertained and not put the book down.
Overall, I loved the idea of this story and how it turned out. If I liked the characters in this book I could have definitely enjoyed it a lot more. I still highly recommend this book to all fans of post-apocalyptic books as well as dystopian novels, and any YA reader with a scientific background that wants an easy and light read.
Happy Reading,
Aneta
March 3, 2018
Humanity has become extinct because of the slow plague. A few groups of clones that can't get ill have survived. There are nine of them, which means nine different faces, and they keep reproducing, so plenty of versions of the same person are walking around and they each get a number. They are connected and they feel each other's emotions. Every clone has an area of expertise and they all work in groups leading a peaceful existence. However, things aren't as perfect as they seem. The clones have created a human. Jack is the only one among a large group of clones and he disrupts their balance. Why have they done this?
Jack isn't well liked among the clones. Some of them are even openly hostile towards him. Very few show him an emotion that resembles love, but are the clones capable of such emotions? Althea-310, a version of one of the nine faces, doesn't feel like her sisters. They are a unit, but Althea-310 isn't an exact copy of the others, she isn't just a part of a whole, she has her own emotions and opinions, which is difficult in a world where others are strongly against that. Althea-310 wants to know more about Jack and enjoys spending time with him, she's the only Althea who wants to be near him and can't seem to stay away. What consequences does this have? When others find out about their bond they will no longer be safe, what risks are they running by spending time together?
Your One & Only is a fantastic original story. I was impressed by the world building and the clear and detailed descriptions of the main characters. Jack is human and that means his genes haven't been perfected. He's also unique in a place where there are only nine faces. Everyone looks the same, their age is different, but the clones are all versions of the nine originals. Blemishes have vanished, traits have been optimalized and certain forms of intelligence have progressed. The clones have also lost part of their humanity, there are certain things they can't do that humans can, which makes them incredibly fascinating. Althea-310 isn't entirely like her sisters, who are all interchangeable, she has some distinct characteristics that make her stand out and it was interesting to witness her journey towards independence. I was intrigued by her story straight away and read Your One & Only in one sitting.
Adrianne Finlay has a fabulous captivating writing style. She divides suspense in a great way, so each chapter is equally compelling. Her setting is creative and thoroughly described, which makes it come to life in a beautiful way. There's plenty of action in her story and there are many emotional layers that she peels off one by one. Love is such a universal feeling, but most clones seem to have lost this aspect entirely. Finding out what would happen when one would rediscover it, kept me on the edge of my seat. Your One & Only is a terrific story.
Jack isn't well liked among the clones. Some of them are even openly hostile towards him. Very few show him an emotion that resembles love, but are the clones capable of such emotions? Althea-310, a version of one of the nine faces, doesn't feel like her sisters. They are a unit, but Althea-310 isn't an exact copy of the others, she isn't just a part of a whole, she has her own emotions and opinions, which is difficult in a world where others are strongly against that. Althea-310 wants to know more about Jack and enjoys spending time with him, she's the only Althea who wants to be near him and can't seem to stay away. What consequences does this have? When others find out about their bond they will no longer be safe, what risks are they running by spending time together?
Your One & Only is a fantastic original story. I was impressed by the world building and the clear and detailed descriptions of the main characters. Jack is human and that means his genes haven't been perfected. He's also unique in a place where there are only nine faces. Everyone looks the same, their age is different, but the clones are all versions of the nine originals. Blemishes have vanished, traits have been optimalized and certain forms of intelligence have progressed. The clones have also lost part of their humanity, there are certain things they can't do that humans can, which makes them incredibly fascinating. Althea-310 isn't entirely like her sisters, who are all interchangeable, she has some distinct characteristics that make her stand out and it was interesting to witness her journey towards independence. I was intrigued by her story straight away and read Your One & Only in one sitting.
Adrianne Finlay has a fabulous captivating writing style. She divides suspense in a great way, so each chapter is equally compelling. Her setting is creative and thoroughly described, which makes it come to life in a beautiful way. There's plenty of action in her story and there are many emotional layers that she peels off one by one. Love is such a universal feeling, but most clones seem to have lost this aspect entirely. Finding out what would happen when one would rediscover it, kept me on the edge of my seat. Your One & Only is a terrific story.
February 27, 2018
This is an awesome addition to the dystopian genre. The idea of cloning has so much possibility, and Adrianne Finlay really does an amazing job of bringing out that potential. This story will draw you in and make you think about what makes us who we are!
February 21, 2018
4.5 stars.
This book surprised me in so many ways! I had a bit of an idea about the atmosphere and story that I would experience in Your One & Only, and while it did meet those expectations, it also did so much more! From the first page, I realize that this book would be well-written and unique. The manner in which the clones were depicted was also quite interesting, and I’m always intrigued by the whole discussion about what makes humans, well, human.
The writing in Your One & Only was very enjoyable for me. I think that Finlay is very skilled at both writing, and storytelling, and her imagination also really intrigues me! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for what she will be writing next. I am hoping for a sequel to Your One & Only, but it’s looking like this will be a standalone novel. And that’s fine too! I’m curious to see what Finlay will write after this, and it’s more than likely that I’ll read it, whatever it is.
The story was also quite good, and I ended up reading the book in three sittings, despite many many distractions. I thought that it was neat that the story takes place in Costa Rica, first of all. Even though it’s many years into the future, the fact that the clone community was surrounded by jungle (and a kind of setting that I’ve never read about before) really added to the story. I thought that all ideas for a story about life after an apocalypse/war had been used up, but I was wrong. Your One & Only felt fresh and exciting. I thought about this book a lot while reading it, and have been thinking about it a lot even after finishing it. I was hooked just one chapter in, and became quite obsessed after that point.
I really liked the characters, especially Jack, and I became quite invested in his well-being from the moment he was introduced (even though the book started out with, and about, Althea 310). I really liked Althea as well, and would love if I could learn more about her in a sequel. Some of the other characters stood out for me as well, and I will not be forgetting them for some time. Also, as I mentioned, I thought that the clones were portrayed in an interesting and unique way. I would have been happy even if this book had even been 1000 pages long, because there was so much more that could have been discussed and explored based on the story and subjects in this book.
I definitely recommend Your One & Only to young adult, and adult readers (especially those who like to read about dystopian cultures and/or clones). There is also some romance in Your One & Only, so there’s something for those who like love plots in their books as well. Overall, this was a very entertaining, and exciting read, and like I said, I will be keeping my eye on this author!
This book surprised me in so many ways! I had a bit of an idea about the atmosphere and story that I would experience in Your One & Only, and while it did meet those expectations, it also did so much more! From the first page, I realize that this book would be well-written and unique. The manner in which the clones were depicted was also quite interesting, and I’m always intrigued by the whole discussion about what makes humans, well, human.
The writing in Your One & Only was very enjoyable for me. I think that Finlay is very skilled at both writing, and storytelling, and her imagination also really intrigues me! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for what she will be writing next. I am hoping for a sequel to Your One & Only, but it’s looking like this will be a standalone novel. And that’s fine too! I’m curious to see what Finlay will write after this, and it’s more than likely that I’ll read it, whatever it is.
The story was also quite good, and I ended up reading the book in three sittings, despite many many distractions. I thought that it was neat that the story takes place in Costa Rica, first of all. Even though it’s many years into the future, the fact that the clone community was surrounded by jungle (and a kind of setting that I’ve never read about before) really added to the story. I thought that all ideas for a story about life after an apocalypse/war had been used up, but I was wrong. Your One & Only felt fresh and exciting. I thought about this book a lot while reading it, and have been thinking about it a lot even after finishing it. I was hooked just one chapter in, and became quite obsessed after that point.
I really liked the characters, especially Jack, and I became quite invested in his well-being from the moment he was introduced (even though the book started out with, and about, Althea 310). I really liked Althea as well, and would love if I could learn more about her in a sequel. Some of the other characters stood out for me as well, and I will not be forgetting them for some time. Also, as I mentioned, I thought that the clones were portrayed in an interesting and unique way. I would have been happy even if this book had even been 1000 pages long, because there was so much more that could have been discussed and explored based on the story and subjects in this book.
I definitely recommend Your One & Only to young adult, and adult readers (especially those who like to read about dystopian cultures and/or clones). There is also some romance in Your One & Only, so there’s something for those who like love plots in their books as well. Overall, this was a very entertaining, and exciting read, and like I said, I will be keeping my eye on this author!
January 25, 2018
From Page One I was drawn into the world of Vispera. I loved the dichotomy and shifting relationships between the human, Jack, and the other clones. Finlay does a superb job of building this world and how complicated it has become. The tense plotting kept me guessing until the end. A highly recommended read!
June 5, 2017
I had been looking forward to receiving an ARC for this book and it did not disappoint! Finlay constructs a fast-paced, futuristic tale that combines the social commentary of The Giver with the clinical rawness of Brave New World into its own unique vision of our future.
In a world where "different" has absolutely no place, Althea-310 struggles to suppress her uniqueness. When she meets Jack, a human and one-of-a-kind in a world of clones, she is propelled forward on a path that will take her further and further away from her community.
This book was impossible to put down; the writing was superb and the story was unpredictable and captivating. My 14 year old daughter is now reading it and I can't wait to discuss it with her. And the best part of the entire book? There could DEFINITELY be a sequel!
In a world where "different" has absolutely no place, Althea-310 struggles to suppress her uniqueness. When she meets Jack, a human and one-of-a-kind in a world of clones, she is propelled forward on a path that will take her further and further away from her community.
This book was impossible to put down; the writing was superb and the story was unpredictable and captivating. My 14 year old daughter is now reading it and I can't wait to discuss it with her. And the best part of the entire book? There could DEFINITELY be a sequel!
January 26, 2018
Your One & Only had me intrigued from the moment I read the back of the book. It deals with a future where humanity has become extinct and in our place, clones live. Everything about it is so intricate and plausible. It took a few chapters to really draw me in though, but once it got going boy did it hook me! It has all the vibes of The Giver and even a little Divergent. What I loved about this book was the concept, the alternating points of view, and the world it built. I was a little let down in the ending however only because I had hoped for more in those last few chapters after such a slow build. Overall, a fun read. If you’re looking for your next sci-fi/dystopian read consider this one! The writing is great, but the world is so much better!!
August 3, 2017
Beautifully written and at times heart-wrenching, this novel explores the dark side of a seemingly utopian community of clones.
I was hooked within the first chapter, and as the novel progressed I found myself equally enjoying the alternating perspectives of Jack, a human boy being raised in the community, and Althea, a clone girl who is starting to become an individual.
The world building was excellent, giving rich insight into this society of clones that exists centuries after an epidemic devastates the earth, and I was found it utterly engrossing and believable.
I was very pleased to have the chance to read an ARC of this title!
I was hooked within the first chapter, and as the novel progressed I found myself equally enjoying the alternating perspectives of Jack, a human boy being raised in the community, and Althea, a clone girl who is starting to become an individual.
The world building was excellent, giving rich insight into this society of clones that exists centuries after an epidemic devastates the earth, and I was found it utterly engrossing and believable.
I was very pleased to have the chance to read an ARC of this title!
November 30, 2017
Loved this book. The writing, the story, the characters. Science fiction meets romance? Yes, please. Finlay's honest look at what it means to be human when almost no one else is (hm, sounds familiar) is captivating and beautiful.
February 26, 2018
Adrianne Finlay is a debut young adult novelist originally from Ithaca, New York. A college professor of creative writing, composition, and literature courses, she has a plethora of writing experiences to offer her readers. She currently resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
YOUR ONE & ONLY is an innovative dystopian and science fiction novel set in 2407, a time where humans, having died off from a plague, have been cloned through three centuries and have struggled with retaining aspects of humanity. This model city called Vispera is home to nine model clones each having a new generation every ten years. Althea-310 does not quite feel like her sisters. When her generation is introduced to the only human on Earth, Jack, recently brought to life by the clones as an experiment, Althea-310 must grapple with her changing feelings and whether or not what she has always known is indeed the best for the future of her people.
Finley’s debut is full of surprises, socially relevant ideas, and captivating insights into our own society. I was worried that this novel would possess the predictable and recycled dystopian tropes that have become overused in young adult literature, but I was pleased by its unique take on human existence. The plot never took a break and always seemed to be at some high point. The world of this story is a terrifying one, but it does not seem incredibly far-fetched from the technology that we already see today. The writing style is one that shocks the reader into gradually grasping the nuances of this odd world. Told in alternating points of view, this narrative is relayed in the voice of a lonely human and a confused clone. In this book, this juxtaposition truly is an award-winning combination.
Jack was achingly complex and strikingly human. He is able to retain so much of humankind’s past that the clones have lost along the way. His early life was heartbreaking, and he offered a bit of a refresh to Vispera and the way things seem to have always been done. Althea was a riveting rebel in her own right, desperately trying to connect with her people but also discover what is missing from their lives. Althea and Jack together made a messy and most human pair possible. Samuel and Nyla were critical in offering hope for the humanity of the clones and were excellent additions to the story as side characters. Through their striking inherent differences, they were able to bring out the best traits in each other. The most outlasting part of the reading experience of this book is how insightful it turns out to be regarding our present day societal trajectory.
I would recommend this novel to readers who love frighteningly futuristic and unpredictable plots. While fans of sci-fi are sure to enjoy YOUR ONE & ONLY, readers who are looking for something refreshing in their to-be-read pile may want to pick this book up. Overall, reading this book was a nail-biting and whirlwind journey that I will not soon forget.
YOUR ONE & ONLY is an innovative dystopian and science fiction novel set in 2407, a time where humans, having died off from a plague, have been cloned through three centuries and have struggled with retaining aspects of humanity. This model city called Vispera is home to nine model clones each having a new generation every ten years. Althea-310 does not quite feel like her sisters. When her generation is introduced to the only human on Earth, Jack, recently brought to life by the clones as an experiment, Althea-310 must grapple with her changing feelings and whether or not what she has always known is indeed the best for the future of her people.
Finley’s debut is full of surprises, socially relevant ideas, and captivating insights into our own society. I was worried that this novel would possess the predictable and recycled dystopian tropes that have become overused in young adult literature, but I was pleased by its unique take on human existence. The plot never took a break and always seemed to be at some high point. The world of this story is a terrifying one, but it does not seem incredibly far-fetched from the technology that we already see today. The writing style is one that shocks the reader into gradually grasping the nuances of this odd world. Told in alternating points of view, this narrative is relayed in the voice of a lonely human and a confused clone. In this book, this juxtaposition truly is an award-winning combination.
Jack was achingly complex and strikingly human. He is able to retain so much of humankind’s past that the clones have lost along the way. His early life was heartbreaking, and he offered a bit of a refresh to Vispera and the way things seem to have always been done. Althea was a riveting rebel in her own right, desperately trying to connect with her people but also discover what is missing from their lives. Althea and Jack together made a messy and most human pair possible. Samuel and Nyla were critical in offering hope for the humanity of the clones and were excellent additions to the story as side characters. Through their striking inherent differences, they were able to bring out the best traits in each other. The most outlasting part of the reading experience of this book is how insightful it turns out to be regarding our present day societal trajectory.
I would recommend this novel to readers who love frighteningly futuristic and unpredictable plots. While fans of sci-fi are sure to enjoy YOUR ONE & ONLY, readers who are looking for something refreshing in their to-be-read pile may want to pick this book up. Overall, reading this book was a nail-biting and whirlwind journey that I will not soon forget.
September 21, 2018
I really enjoy dystopian novels with a heavy science focus, so I had high hopes for Your One & Only. Unfortunately, while it had great potential it never reached it
For starters, I feel that the title was a poor choice. It really suggests romance in my opinion and that wasn’t the focus. The main topic was really a question of ethics and humanity. The clones that live in this dystopian community are efficient but have lost a lot of what makes humans human. They lack things like deep emotions, familial bonds and appreciation for music. When Jack, a “real” human, is introduced to the community the hope is that he can teach the others the value of filling in those gaps.
The story that unfolds feels much like the clones; shallow, underdeveloped and efficient. It didn’t have the depth I needed to really become invested in the outcome, I only kept reading in the hope it would improve. Sadly, that was not the case. Along the way, there is a lot of violence and abuse directed at Jack that I found unpleasant to read and a few “romance” scenes that were downright unsettling. (I almost want to add a trigger warning here because one character deceives the other into having sex – it isn’t exactly consensual so be warned)
Ultimately I would say I was very underwhelmed by the plot and writing style, which was even more disappointing because I felt the ideas had great potential. I can’t say that I would recommend this to anyone because I don’t think you’re missing anything if you don’t read it. If you are really fascinated by dystopian scenarios, genetics, and humanity this one might be a hit for you.
This ARC was provided by Raincoast Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
For starters, I feel that the title was a poor choice. It really suggests romance in my opinion and that wasn’t the focus. The main topic was really a question of ethics and humanity. The clones that live in this dystopian community are efficient but have lost a lot of what makes humans human. They lack things like deep emotions, familial bonds and appreciation for music. When Jack, a “real” human, is introduced to the community the hope is that he can teach the others the value of filling in those gaps.
The story that unfolds feels much like the clones; shallow, underdeveloped and efficient. It didn’t have the depth I needed to really become invested in the outcome, I only kept reading in the hope it would improve. Sadly, that was not the case. Along the way, there is a lot of violence and abuse directed at Jack that I found unpleasant to read and a few “romance” scenes that were downright unsettling. (I almost want to add a trigger warning here because one character deceives the other into having sex – it isn’t exactly consensual so be warned)
Ultimately I would say I was very underwhelmed by the plot and writing style, which was even more disappointing because I felt the ideas had great potential. I can’t say that I would recommend this to anyone because I don’t think you’re missing anything if you don’t read it. If you are really fascinated by dystopian scenarios, genetics, and humanity this one might be a hit for you.
This ARC was provided by Raincoast Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 5, 2019
Повествование ведется от третьего лица, с точки зрения Джека и Алтеи-310.
Книга средних размеров, язык у автора простой, но читать было очень сложно из-за множества персонажей с одинаковыми именами. Я в 9 клонах-то путалась, а их еще по паре десятков человек каждого вида. И всех зовут одинаково. Я вообще не особо хорошо запоминаю имена, особенно второстепенных персонажей (обычно я скорее «форму» имени запоминаю, первую букву и примерный размер, т. к. зрительная память у меня лучше развита), а тут у меня просто шансов никаких не было, надо было еще и номера запоминать.
Идея интересная — показать единственного человека и множество клонов. Какие они разные. Я вообще люблю антиутопии, научную фантастику, будущее и т. д. В целом, персонажи у автора, как и мир, получились достаточно нестандартными.
Вообще книга неплохая, все, как я люблю. Но да, мне было трудно ориентироваться в именах персонажей, да и сюжет меня сильно запутал. Коротковатая история для такого «нового мира». И вообще немного странное содержание у книги.
И ритуалы спаривания в подростковой книге... Мода что ли какая-то на странный секс в YA?
Книга средних размеров, язык у автора простой, но читать было очень сложно из-за множества персонажей с одинаковыми именами. Я в 9 клонах-то путалась, а их еще по паре десятков человек каждого вида. И всех зовут одинаково. Я вообще не особо хорошо запоминаю имена, особенно второстепенных персонажей (обычно я скорее «форму» имени запоминаю, первую букву и примерный размер, т. к. зрительная память у меня лучше развита), а тут у меня просто шансов никаких не было, надо было еще и номера запоминать.
Идея интересная — показать единственного человека и множество клонов. Какие они разные. Я вообще люблю антиутопии, научную фантастику, будущее и т. д. В целом, персонажи у автора, как и мир, получились достаточно нестандартными.
Вообще книга неплохая, все, как я люблю. Но да, мне было трудно ориентироваться в именах персонажей, да и сюжет меня сильно запутал. Коротковатая история для такого «нового мира». И вообще немного странное содержание у книги.
И ритуалы спаривания в подростковой книге... Мода что ли какая-то на странный секс в YA?
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