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The One Apart
Only one obstacle stands in his way of enjoying a normal life. He remembers—every life he's lived before.
Tres is about to be born... with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again—as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body.
He and his teenage mother face life filled with extraordinary challenges as they strive to protect, nurture, and hide how truly different he is. But Tres alone must solve the greatest mystery of all: who is he? The answer is linked to the one question he's too afraid to ask: why am I?
In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine—and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat stalking him since his birth.
Life as he knows it—as all know it—is in peril. And Tres is the only one aware.
Tres is about to be born... with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again—as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body.
He and his teenage mother face life filled with extraordinary challenges as they strive to protect, nurture, and hide how truly different he is. But Tres alone must solve the greatest mystery of all: who is he? The answer is linked to the one question he's too afraid to ask: why am I?
In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine—and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat stalking him since his birth.
Life as he knows it—as all know it—is in peril. And Tres is the only one aware.
624 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2018
494 people are currently reading
5147 people want to read
About the author
Justine Avery
75 books1,457 followersJustine Avery is the #1 international bestselling and award-winning author of stories large and small, for all. Born in the American Midwest and raised all over the world, she is inherently an explorer, duly fascinated by everything around her and excitedly noting the stories that abound all around. As an avid reader of all genres, she weaves her own stories among them all. She has a predilection for writing speculative fiction and story twists and surprises she can’t even predict herself.
Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-some times before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final "job"—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.
Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says "eh"—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives on either side of "the pond" with her husband, acclaimed British film director and author Devon Avery, and other creatures. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.
Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.
JustineAvery.com
Amazon.com/author/justineavery
Twitter.com/Justine_Avery
BookBub.com/authors/justine-avery
LibraryThing.com/author/averyjustine
Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-some times before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final "job"—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.
Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says "eh"—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives on either side of "the pond" with her husband, acclaimed British film director and author Devon Avery, and other creatures. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.
Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.
JustineAvery.com
Amazon.com/author/justineavery
Twitter.com/Justine_Avery
BookBub.com/authors/justine-avery
LibraryThing.com/author/averyjustine
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
January 6, 2018
I received this via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for my honest review. All my opinions are my own.
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Started off really good, I was intrigued by what was happening with Tres/Aaron and why he was the way he was. I loved the bond between him and Maria and Sancha, you could really feel the love in that family.
The part with the "Other World" was interesting at first but after awhile, I lost interest in it. It was a nice concept but *shrugs* I guess I expecting... more?
I'm fascinated by the concept of reincarnation... do we choose what happens to us and the people we surround ourselves with? Do we keep going from life to life right away?
Maybe I was expecting something different but this was just "okay" for me. The writing is very good and drew me in... and it had me thinking a couple times when I had to close the book to come to back to the real world.
Just not sure how to articulate my thoughts here... think I'm in the minority but if it interests you, check it out :) You may like it better.
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Started off really good, I was intrigued by what was happening with Tres/Aaron and why he was the way he was. I loved the bond between him and Maria and Sancha, you could really feel the love in that family.
The part with the "Other World" was interesting at first but after awhile, I lost interest in it. It was a nice concept but *shrugs* I guess I expecting... more?
I'm fascinated by the concept of reincarnation... do we choose what happens to us and the people we surround ourselves with? Do we keep going from life to life right away?
Maybe I was expecting something different but this was just "okay" for me. The writing is very good and drew me in... and it had me thinking a couple times when I had to close the book to come to back to the real world.
Just not sure how to articulate my thoughts here... think I'm in the minority but if it interests you, check it out :) You may like it better.
November 1, 2017
The initial premise of the book is an interesting one, but it has been done many times before - I just recently read The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August.
Nevertheless, Justine Avery has taken this premise and expanded it into the examination and philosophising of existentialism, spiritualism and reincarnation. Blending these disparate conceptual doctrines into a unique world that is The One Apart.
The extremely short chapters and the frenetic jumping between scenes within the chapters themselves jars and disrupts the narrative flow of the book.
The repeated philosophising, particularly in the middle of the novel, further slows the pace and becomes a chore as the same concepts are incessantly reiterated. The word "corporeal" and derivatives thereof are repeated in excess of 200 times in the novel.
The final chapters of the novel shine bright. Justine Avery pulls the entire narrative together and beautifully concludes her story in a deeply emotional and satisfying way - there is indeed a strong payoff to persevere through the middle and come out the other side.
Nevertheless, Justine Avery has taken this premise and expanded it into the examination and philosophising of existentialism, spiritualism and reincarnation. Blending these disparate conceptual doctrines into a unique world that is The One Apart.
The extremely short chapters and the frenetic jumping between scenes within the chapters themselves jars and disrupts the narrative flow of the book.
The repeated philosophising, particularly in the middle of the novel, further slows the pace and becomes a chore as the same concepts are incessantly reiterated. The word "corporeal" and derivatives thereof are repeated in excess of 200 times in the novel.
The final chapters of the novel shine bright. Justine Avery pulls the entire narrative together and beautifully concludes her story in a deeply emotional and satisfying way - there is indeed a strong payoff to persevere through the middle and come out the other side.
April 14, 2019
This is a very unusual story that will draw you in immediately.
What is it like to be aware that you are about to be born - yet again. Tres faces that when he realizes he is about to emerge again as a helpless infant, starting over and having to go through it all one more time. To say he's not happy about that prospect is putting it mildly. Tres remembers every previous life he's ever lived.
Born to an unwed teenage girl who decides she will not keep him, nor does she want to even see "it" when "it's" born, Tres is thrust into an uneasy existence. However, his mother is convinced by her mother to hold her baby before she makes the final decision to adopt him out, and that makes all the difference in the world. Once she peers into his eyes, she knows, without a seed of doubt, that this baby is hers, was meant to be hers, and that he is more special than anyone could ever imagine. Her own mother senses the same thing. There is something unusual about Tres.
When it comes time to name the infant, mom says he already has a name but she can't figure out what it is, and he cannot (of course) communicate it to her, and so he becomes Aaron.
Aaron can understand everything being said around him, but he is trapped in a helpless infantile body, which frustrates him to the max.
At 3 months, he forces himself to sit up when he thinks no one is watching. Soon he is up on his legs and walking at an unbelievably young age. When grandmother witnesses this, he is taken to the doctor, where Aaron turns into a "normal" infant as he knows that no one else outside of his mother and grandmother can see him as he truly is. The doctor decides he is a bit advanced but still in the normal range.
Aaron begins reading scientific journals and encyclopedias well before his first birthday. He toilet trains himself when he is simply tired of the diapers. His mother puts him in a day care so that he can be with other toddlers, but that's a disaster waiting to happen and he only lasts a day or so.
When he is still very young, his grandmother falls ill and the doctors predict she will die. Tres figures out the correct diagnosis and an easy cure is found. The nurses and doctors look at him with astonishment. He is about 6 years old at the time.
As if all that isn't enough, Tres "Aaron" knows there is a darkness lurking in the home, and only he can see the shadow in the corners. He feels the shadow over his shoulder when he is in school.
What is his purpose in this lifetime? Why were these two women chosen to bring him to life? What is the darkness and why is it after him?
What is it like to be aware that you are about to be born - yet again. Tres faces that when he realizes he is about to emerge again as a helpless infant, starting over and having to go through it all one more time. To say he's not happy about that prospect is putting it mildly. Tres remembers every previous life he's ever lived.
Born to an unwed teenage girl who decides she will not keep him, nor does she want to even see "it" when "it's" born, Tres is thrust into an uneasy existence. However, his mother is convinced by her mother to hold her baby before she makes the final decision to adopt him out, and that makes all the difference in the world. Once she peers into his eyes, she knows, without a seed of doubt, that this baby is hers, was meant to be hers, and that he is more special than anyone could ever imagine. Her own mother senses the same thing. There is something unusual about Tres.
When it comes time to name the infant, mom says he already has a name but she can't figure out what it is, and he cannot (of course) communicate it to her, and so he becomes Aaron.
Aaron can understand everything being said around him, but he is trapped in a helpless infantile body, which frustrates him to the max.
At 3 months, he forces himself to sit up when he thinks no one is watching. Soon he is up on his legs and walking at an unbelievably young age. When grandmother witnesses this, he is taken to the doctor, where Aaron turns into a "normal" infant as he knows that no one else outside of his mother and grandmother can see him as he truly is. The doctor decides he is a bit advanced but still in the normal range.
Aaron begins reading scientific journals and encyclopedias well before his first birthday. He toilet trains himself when he is simply tired of the diapers. His mother puts him in a day care so that he can be with other toddlers, but that's a disaster waiting to happen and he only lasts a day or so.
When he is still very young, his grandmother falls ill and the doctors predict she will die. Tres figures out the correct diagnosis and an easy cure is found. The nurses and doctors look at him with astonishment. He is about 6 years old at the time.
As if all that isn't enough, Tres "Aaron" knows there is a darkness lurking in the home, and only he can see the shadow in the corners. He feels the shadow over his shoulder when he is in school.
What is his purpose in this lifetime? Why were these two women chosen to bring him to life? What is the darkness and why is it after him?
April 24, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
"I like your voice," she said. "Your real one."
There's something about Justine Avery's The One Apart that sort of throws you off kilter. I don't even think I can fully describe it. The feeling is sort of in the middle, as though you could go one way or the other with it and you've no idea which really fits. Avery tells the tale of a soul called Tres who is suddenly born to a teenage mother, living a new life while still remembering each of his previous ones. The book chronicles his life and the danger of the one "apart" as the world is threatened. It's a beautiful imagining of just what is beyond our realm of understanding and ultimately left me feeling rather intrigued.
The One Apart is not the novel you'd expect. At every turn I was left with more questions, and admittedly a bit of confusion at times. The novel starts out strong with incredibly real characters and the most fascinating conundrum of an infant who defies logic as he recalls the lives he'd lived before. I blew through the first half of the book, unable to put it down and determined to learn more about Tres--or Aaron as he is called in his new life--and the strange things he faces that hold a sort of ominous feel to them.
Unfortunately, the eager manner in which I had devoured page after page ebbed immensely as I reached the middle of the novel. I'll give Avery credit for originality since the story takes us on a journey that I've personally never experienced before with a book, but I found that even originality wasn't enough to keep me engaged. I found myself almost mirroring Tres in the amount of interest I took in his life, realizing that the life he was disengaging from was the one I wanted to read about. Each chapter began to feel repetitive as Tres himself required the repetition in his lessons.
It just got dull.
Fortunately, the story and plot picked up quite a bit as I neared the end, and I enjoyed the climax well enough. While I never did fully return to the degree of interest I felt at the beginning, perhaps due to the fact that I no longer had questions I felt I needed answered, the tale ended satisfactorily. I don't think anything really disappointed me and there were a few moments I felt extrordinarily impressed by various plot points.
At the end of the day Avery is a masterful writer even if the story wasn't entirely for me. I would definitely recommend giving this book a shot if you're interested.
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"I like your voice," she said. "Your real one."
There's something about Justine Avery's The One Apart that sort of throws you off kilter. I don't even think I can fully describe it. The feeling is sort of in the middle, as though you could go one way or the other with it and you've no idea which really fits. Avery tells the tale of a soul called Tres who is suddenly born to a teenage mother, living a new life while still remembering each of his previous ones. The book chronicles his life and the danger of the one "apart" as the world is threatened. It's a beautiful imagining of just what is beyond our realm of understanding and ultimately left me feeling rather intrigued.
The One Apart is not the novel you'd expect. At every turn I was left with more questions, and admittedly a bit of confusion at times. The novel starts out strong with incredibly real characters and the most fascinating conundrum of an infant who defies logic as he recalls the lives he'd lived before. I blew through the first half of the book, unable to put it down and determined to learn more about Tres--or Aaron as he is called in his new life--and the strange things he faces that hold a sort of ominous feel to them.
Unfortunately, the eager manner in which I had devoured page after page ebbed immensely as I reached the middle of the novel. I'll give Avery credit for originality since the story takes us on a journey that I've personally never experienced before with a book, but I found that even originality wasn't enough to keep me engaged. I found myself almost mirroring Tres in the amount of interest I took in his life, realizing that the life he was disengaging from was the one I wanted to read about. Each chapter began to feel repetitive as Tres himself required the repetition in his lessons.
It just got dull.
Fortunately, the story and plot picked up quite a bit as I neared the end, and I enjoyed the climax well enough. While I never did fully return to the degree of interest I felt at the beginning, perhaps due to the fact that I no longer had questions I felt I needed answered, the tale ended satisfactorily. I don't think anything really disappointed me and there were a few moments I felt extrordinarily impressed by various plot points.
At the end of the day Avery is a masterful writer even if the story wasn't entirely for me. I would definitely recommend giving this book a shot if you're interested.
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December 13, 2017
This powerful and riveting story introduces us to Tres, who is about to be born with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again — as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body. As Tres learns to navigate through this newest life with a teenage mother and adoring grandmother, he struggles with coming to terms with his past lives while seeking his true purpose — not only in this life, but in all.
In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine — and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat that has been stalking him since his birth, and that ultimately forces him to understand how important he is in the grand scheme of life as we know it.
The One Apart offers a compelling and unique view of reality and of how everyone — and everything — fits together in a beautifully unified way. Both philosophical and immensely powerful, this book captivated me from page one and held me completely entranced until the end. Bravo to Justine Avery for masterfully crafting an extraordinary and epic journey that will surely become a classic.
In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine — and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat that has been stalking him since his birth, and that ultimately forces him to understand how important he is in the grand scheme of life as we know it.
The One Apart offers a compelling and unique view of reality and of how everyone — and everything — fits together in a beautifully unified way. Both philosophical and immensely powerful, this book captivated me from page one and held me completely entranced until the end. Bravo to Justine Avery for masterfully crafting an extraordinary and epic journey that will surely become a classic.
October 25, 2017
This book is A-MA-ZING!! In my WWW Wednesday post earlier, I mentioned that this book is for fans of The Age of Adaline and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and I stand by that. If you loved any of the movies or books, you can’t miss this. Even if you haven’t watched or read any, you should still read this book.
The beginning chapter draws the reader in with an ending line,
“Tres remembered everything“
And then, as you read on, you’re introduced to the two women that play a very vital role in Tres’life. That name however is the name he knows himself as (if that makes sense.) The name they give him when he’s born is Aaron.
Aaron proves to be a very very special child. He doesn’t cry (at all) and he and his mum have a very special bond. She’s the first person who in her own way helps him realise his true name.
“Tres… tumbled through the thoughts of the one given many names.
I am Tres, every cell in his body verified
Tres… of the ages. Tres… of countless lives. Tres… the afflicted”
Sancha is a quite spoilt girl shunned by her friends for the “disgusting” thing that happened to her. However, with the support of her mother, she grows into a wonderful parent who is very adult-like.
“So young and unknowing, she was the mother burdened with the oldest child ever to exist.”
And then…there’s Maria, the intelligent, hard-working mother and grandmother who sometimes allows her conscious mind override her subconscious. I loved her so so much.
She was the first one (probably because she had been a mother before) to truly see “Aaron” as the different child he is. When he smiles at her for the first time at I think two weeks, this happens
“When he smiled at his grandmother in an act of both defiance and amnesty, it was not received well
‘It’s too soon.’
Aaron’s aged awareness detected words of warning—perhaps, even friendly recommendation.”
She begins quizzing him and watching him and he shows himself to be a very intelligent boy who is far developed before his time. A one year old Tres says,
“He who is not satisfied with himself, will grow. He who is not sure of his own correctness, will learn many things.”
Like…😲😲😲
The middle of the book is quite boring (I wanted to remove half a star because of that) as Tres begins to learn who he is and what he can do. The grammar here confused me a lot and this section of the book was quite boring. However, it shows how much thought the author put into creating a special world. The quotes below should show just how confusing the world was.
“A notion, charged with desire, propelled by conviction, and formed by awareness alone, pulsed with energy, amping in electricity, magnetizing. It drew together inclinations, like-notions, and appeals. Particulate matter formed and faded, joining, swelling, growing in capacity and strength, gaining momentum.”
“He felt a distinctly foreign presence looming—close and consistent, radiating. It resonated; it urged. It made itself known with delicately increasing temperature and subtle electric energy.”
This is quite smart but to dumb people like me, paragraphs like these aren’t welcome.
The end on the other hand made me grab my pillow tight, pull my phone closer while grinning like a maniac. Very interesting. Can’t say more without spoilers.
I recommend this book to anyone who can read. It will make you laugh and smile. The nearly 500 pages are so worth it.
Read more of my reviews at www.stuffedshelvesite.wordpress.com
The beginning chapter draws the reader in with an ending line,
“Tres remembered everything“
And then, as you read on, you’re introduced to the two women that play a very vital role in Tres’life. That name however is the name he knows himself as (if that makes sense.) The name they give him when he’s born is Aaron.
Aaron proves to be a very very special child. He doesn’t cry (at all) and he and his mum have a very special bond. She’s the first person who in her own way helps him realise his true name.
“Tres… tumbled through the thoughts of the one given many names.
I am Tres, every cell in his body verified
Tres… of the ages. Tres… of countless lives. Tres… the afflicted”
Sancha is a quite spoilt girl shunned by her friends for the “disgusting” thing that happened to her. However, with the support of her mother, she grows into a wonderful parent who is very adult-like.
“So young and unknowing, she was the mother burdened with the oldest child ever to exist.”
And then…there’s Maria, the intelligent, hard-working mother and grandmother who sometimes allows her conscious mind override her subconscious. I loved her so so much.
She was the first one (probably because she had been a mother before) to truly see “Aaron” as the different child he is. When he smiles at her for the first time at I think two weeks, this happens
“When he smiled at his grandmother in an act of both defiance and amnesty, it was not received well
‘It’s too soon.’
Aaron’s aged awareness detected words of warning—perhaps, even friendly recommendation.”
She begins quizzing him and watching him and he shows himself to be a very intelligent boy who is far developed before his time. A one year old Tres says,
“He who is not satisfied with himself, will grow. He who is not sure of his own correctness, will learn many things.”
Like…😲😲😲
The middle of the book is quite boring (I wanted to remove half a star because of that) as Tres begins to learn who he is and what he can do. The grammar here confused me a lot and this section of the book was quite boring. However, it shows how much thought the author put into creating a special world. The quotes below should show just how confusing the world was.
“A notion, charged with desire, propelled by conviction, and formed by awareness alone, pulsed with energy, amping in electricity, magnetizing. It drew together inclinations, like-notions, and appeals. Particulate matter formed and faded, joining, swelling, growing in capacity and strength, gaining momentum.”
“He felt a distinctly foreign presence looming—close and consistent, radiating. It resonated; it urged. It made itself known with delicately increasing temperature and subtle electric energy.”
This is quite smart but to dumb people like me, paragraphs like these aren’t welcome.
The end on the other hand made me grab my pillow tight, pull my phone closer while grinning like a maniac. Very interesting. Can’t say more without spoilers.
I recommend this book to anyone who can read. It will make you laugh and smile. The nearly 500 pages are so worth it.
Read more of my reviews at www.stuffedshelvesite.wordpress.com
March 4, 2018
This is, with the exception of some textbooks, the only book I have consciously skimmed sections in order to finish. Normally if a book loses my interest, it's done. But this one had such a dichotomy between the good writing and the bad.... The majority (just) of the book is about a 'special' kid named Aaron--whenever the author is here it is good writing and good storytelling. The other section is a realm of otherworldly-um-'ness' that is cool and ultimately interesting but good lord in the middle there it is SO repetitive and nonsensical that I really nearly gave up. To the point where I came to Goodreads to write my "I give up" review. But I read a few other reviewers who said the ending was amazing and it was worth it to keep reading. So I did but hard skimming the otherworldly sections. Until they stopped spouting gibberish and got back to the plot.
Ultimately I regret the time I spent on this book. The author has a gift for storytelling but this one was easily 100 too many pages of nonsense (out of a 600 page book). I'm giving it 3 stars because I think with a ruthless editor Ms Avery could be a very good writer.
Ultimately I regret the time I spent on this book. The author has a gift for storytelling but this one was easily 100 too many pages of nonsense (out of a 600 page book). I'm giving it 3 stars because I think with a ruthless editor Ms Avery could be a very good writer.
May 27, 2018
My initial impressions of this book were really positive and I thoroughly enjoyed the first third of it, wondering where it was going to go and fully signed up to the journey. An older being, with many previous lives, born again into a human baby but remembering everything from their past - what's not to love about that concept! This idea worked really well whilst the protagonist was very young and I enjoyed his journey, inner dialogue and relationship with his 'mum' and 'grandmother'.
However once the protagonist was at a human age where he could legitimately communicate with others it seemed to turn into a different type of story. I was still engaged and invested when he was at age 7 but a concern kicked in when he was visited by an ObServer and the narrative seemed to be overtrying, disjointed and unclear. The pages of dialogue between characters suddenly became more apparent and I felt I may as well have been reading a script.
When we jumped forwards to 9 years later my attention was really challenged, as I found myself restless with pages of teenage/high school dialogue. By 60% through I was feeling bored and skimming. Then began flipping pages and had a peak at 80% to check where it was going. I read the same style and very disillusioned, threw in the towel.
I'm dissapointed as I found the first third of the book pretty compelling and an exciting approach. However the story began to unravel for me and the bulk of it simply became a YA high school drama. I could see it playing out in my mind as a YA Netflix series. Aided very much by the pages of dialogue.
I had two attempts at this, as I wanted to make sure I'd given it my all but it just wasn't for me unfortunately. For the first 1/3 of the book I give this 4 stars and the downward spiral thereafter would be reflected as a 1 star. Overall therefore a 2.
I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
However once the protagonist was at a human age where he could legitimately communicate with others it seemed to turn into a different type of story. I was still engaged and invested when he was at age 7 but a concern kicked in when he was visited by an ObServer and the narrative seemed to be overtrying, disjointed and unclear. The pages of dialogue between characters suddenly became more apparent and I felt I may as well have been reading a script.
When we jumped forwards to 9 years later my attention was really challenged, as I found myself restless with pages of teenage/high school dialogue. By 60% through I was feeling bored and skimming. Then began flipping pages and had a peak at 80% to check where it was going. I read the same style and very disillusioned, threw in the towel.
I'm dissapointed as I found the first third of the book pretty compelling and an exciting approach. However the story began to unravel for me and the bulk of it simply became a YA high school drama. I could see it playing out in my mind as a YA Netflix series. Aided very much by the pages of dialogue.
I had two attempts at this, as I wanted to make sure I'd given it my all but it just wasn't for me unfortunately. For the first 1/3 of the book I give this 4 stars and the downward spiral thereafter would be reflected as a 1 star. Overall therefore a 2.
I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
January 17, 2018
Whoa! This was one strange book! I always say I like books that are different and quirky, but this... Hmm well lets just say I certainly have not read another story like it.
I started out really liking it, then went to just kind of linking it, then it started to turn me off. But only because it was just too weird. It stopped making sense to me (as if it made sense in the first place LOL). It got to be too much, even for me and that's saying a lot.
There was very good character development. I loved the mom and the grandmother (Sancha and Maria), I loved the way they worked together to raise Aaron. I liked their relationship. And - I even liked Aaron at first, when he was a baby and child, up until he went to collage - then he kind of lost me as a fan.
A few reviewers said it was confusing in the beginning - just the opposite for me - I loved the beginning and it grew more and more confusing at it went on.
I think this was just not my cup of tea (I prefer coffee). I think you'd have to like this kind of science fiction to really enjoy or appreciate this book. Not a "bad" book - just too "far out" for me.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from RABT book tours and promotions - Thank You!!
I started out really liking it, then went to just kind of linking it, then it started to turn me off. But only because it was just too weird. It stopped making sense to me (as if it made sense in the first place LOL). It got to be too much, even for me and that's saying a lot.
There was very good character development. I loved the mom and the grandmother (Sancha and Maria), I loved the way they worked together to raise Aaron. I liked their relationship. And - I even liked Aaron at first, when he was a baby and child, up until he went to collage - then he kind of lost me as a fan.
A few reviewers said it was confusing in the beginning - just the opposite for me - I loved the beginning and it grew more and more confusing at it went on.
I think this was just not my cup of tea (I prefer coffee). I think you'd have to like this kind of science fiction to really enjoy or appreciate this book. Not a "bad" book - just too "far out" for me.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from RABT book tours and promotions - Thank You!!
March 4, 2018
This is the finest book l have read in years. Justin is an author who reached into my soul, leaving it forever changed. I spend hours in my room starring at the ceiling asking myself "Who am I, Why am I here?" Justin in this excellent story of Tres finding himself is a challenge to all seekers of truth and self introspection to perhaps find another path for our never-ending search!. Thank You Justin. I hope all who see this review will choose to give this excellent author a place in their library. Justin I look forward to reading more of your fantastic writing!
February 22, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The first half of the book was AMAZING! I loved every minute I was reading the book. Then the "other world" business began and I put thrown off course. It was confusing and weird and I didn't like it at all, but I continued reading because I was invested in the main characters and wanted to stick with them until the end of the book. I am glad I did because I fully appreciate that "other world" aspect now. I am not giving it 5 stars because, although I appreciate what the author was trying to do, I just didn't care for the "other world" parts of the book. I also wasn't surprised by the ending at all as I expected it.
December 11, 2017
The intriguing premise drew me in but I felt that much of the middle could have been tightened up—it was slow and dragging without much happening. Also, I found a lot of the “aselves” scenes too tedious. Still, it was a thought-provoking read with interesting characters.
February 1, 2018
A tale of what existence can mean
I'll start by saying that the whole concept was extremely interesting. I LOVE books that make you think. Books that require or inspire deeper thoughts are always something I look for. Books or movies that take you on an emotional journey are also something I generally like.
As a matter of fact, this novel reminds me of the movie K-pax in a way, but it goes well beyond that and takes you on a longer and often heart-wrenching journey of Tres and his “life”. As such, the book had me really reflecting on life, the whats, hows and whys of it, and also how one life can connect with others. In that aspect, it gets top marks.
I'll also say that this book surprised me with its use of words. That is to say, some moments like for example, Tres's first moment seeing his mother is described in only a sentence: “He blinked with the love of a timeless soul in greeting to his mother”. I think that sentence transcends its short description and says SO much. I really admire the succinct immaculate style that conveys the essence of what's happening beautifully.
That said, this book is heartbreaking at times. That's not meant as a criticism, I think it was done well and with purpose, it's just that I personally prefer happier tales, not ones that make me break out in tears. Every now and again it's fine, but maybe it was a few times too many in this one.
Overall I found the idea/plot of this book to be extraordinary, on that account alone I'd give this book a five, but because of it's often sad turns and because of the ending that is in my opinion a hard one to swallow not rationally but emotionally. But I'll clarify I think fits the story well even if perhaps it's tragic. As I've said, I'm not fond of unhappy stories or endings, and since this book has some of both overall I have to give it a four. Very good plot but very sad moments.
I would recommend this book to someone who likes metaphysical, transcendent type stories. If you like to think about the hows and whys of life this is the book for you. If you'd rather a straightforward heartwarming story, then this might not be a good fit.
I'll start by saying that the whole concept was extremely interesting. I LOVE books that make you think. Books that require or inspire deeper thoughts are always something I look for. Books or movies that take you on an emotional journey are also something I generally like.
As a matter of fact, this novel reminds me of the movie K-pax in a way, but it goes well beyond that and takes you on a longer and often heart-wrenching journey of Tres and his “life”. As such, the book had me really reflecting on life, the whats, hows and whys of it, and also how one life can connect with others. In that aspect, it gets top marks.
I'll also say that this book surprised me with its use of words. That is to say, some moments like for example, Tres's first moment seeing his mother is described in only a sentence: “He blinked with the love of a timeless soul in greeting to his mother”. I think that sentence transcends its short description and says SO much. I really admire the succinct immaculate style that conveys the essence of what's happening beautifully.
That said, this book is heartbreaking at times. That's not meant as a criticism, I think it was done well and with purpose, it's just that I personally prefer happier tales, not ones that make me break out in tears. Every now and again it's fine, but maybe it was a few times too many in this one.
Overall I found the idea/plot of this book to be extraordinary, on that account alone I'd give this book a five, but because of it's often sad turns and because of the ending that is in my opinion a hard one to swallow not rationally but emotionally. But I'll clarify I think fits the story well even if perhaps it's tragic. As I've said, I'm not fond of unhappy stories or endings, and since this book has some of both overall I have to give it a four. Very good plot but very sad moments.
I would recommend this book to someone who likes metaphysical, transcendent type stories. If you like to think about the hows and whys of life this is the book for you. If you'd rather a straightforward heartwarming story, then this might not be a good fit.
November 27, 2017
I am a fan of Justine Avery so I was looking forward to reading this. I very much enjoyed the story and seeing the evolution of Tres/Aaron through not only his learning in the Apart, but with his terrestrial family and friends. I am a sucker for friendship stories, so I especially loved reading about Aaron's friendship with Bennett and the evolution of his relationship with Finlay. Definitely recommend, whether one has read Justine Avery already or not.
(I received an ARC in exchange for honest review - all thoughts are mine)
(I received an ARC in exchange for honest review - all thoughts are mine)
December 30, 2017
3.5/5
A profoundly complex novel, it tells the story of Tres, a character who is reborn as a boy named Aaron, and his ability to remember lives lived before. It is unlike any book you'll ever read as it delves into contemplation of shared human consciousness and questions of the afterlife. Unfortunately, it suffers from being overlong and at times too dense in its own mythology. However, its strong beginning and strong end are worth discovering. Overall, it is an intriguing and thought-provoking read.
A profoundly complex novel, it tells the story of Tres, a character who is reborn as a boy named Aaron, and his ability to remember lives lived before. It is unlike any book you'll ever read as it delves into contemplation of shared human consciousness and questions of the afterlife. Unfortunately, it suffers from being overlong and at times too dense in its own mythology. However, its strong beginning and strong end are worth discovering. Overall, it is an intriguing and thought-provoking read.
January 4, 2018
This book took a long time for me. It was confusing to me at the beginning on who everyone was but when I understood the dynamic between Maria, Sancha, and Tres/Aaron, I really enjoyed reading the different take between the 3. Although, I wasn’t on the edge of my seat to finish this book. It took me over a month. I felt like it was long and drug out. Not a great finish.
I received an arc but this did not impact my review.
I received an arc but this did not impact my review.
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October 21, 2022The One Apart is definitely a weird one, and I mean this in a good way.
The first thing I noticed is that this book's back-cover description gave me the wrong idea. It makes it seem as if the book will focus on the main boy's previous lives, but you'll come to realize it doesn't actually go into detail about any life except his current one. This disappointed me a little, but I got used to it (over the very long time it took me to finish).
Something else is that the second half of The One Apart is almost nothing like the first. None of the book is bad, but the drastic changes in the story as it progresses almost makes it seem as if you read two books, with a sudden transition between them. So it takes a bit of adjustment as you read.
There's only two other things I didn't like about The One Apart. First, some characters were a little uninteresting. Most of them I actually loved, but there were a few sprinkled in that I just couldn't connect with.
The last complaint I have is the ending. It wasn't a bad ending, but I thought it was almost a little... stereotypical. It's difficult for me to describe. I'm not saying it's predictable; this book definitely isn't predictable. And I'm not saying it was bad. It was just... cheesy in some way. I can't say much without spoiling it.
It may seem that there's a lot I dislike any this book, but I actually loved it. My complaints are little things, and there's no aspect of The One Apart that I can say is bad in its entirety.
The characters (for the most part) were amazing. The ones that mattered most were all incredibly lovable. You feel happiness, stress, and anger with them.
The story was very interesting, and yes, even weird. It does change a lot throughout the book's many parts. But I've never read a book with such a unique atmosphere as this one. The story will stick with me for a very long time.
To me, the highlight of The One Apart is how much emotion you feel. I noticed this especially in the beginning. I felt so much stress with the characters that I nearly couldn't read the book. If you want to read this, be warned you may cry, and you may cry more than once.
I'd recommend The One Apart to anyone who finds the premise intriguing. It's a strange ride, but one that you'll remember. It can be confusing, heartbreaking, hopeful... and you'll have fun with it. Unless it's too weird for you.
The first thing I noticed is that this book's back-cover description gave me the wrong idea. It makes it seem as if the book will focus on the main boy's previous lives, but you'll come to realize it doesn't actually go into detail about any life except his current one. This disappointed me a little, but I got used to it (over the very long time it took me to finish).
Something else is that the second half of The One Apart is almost nothing like the first. None of the book is bad, but the drastic changes in the story as it progresses almost makes it seem as if you read two books, with a sudden transition between them. So it takes a bit of adjustment as you read.
There's only two other things I didn't like about The One Apart. First, some characters were a little uninteresting. Most of them I actually loved, but there were a few sprinkled in that I just couldn't connect with.
The last complaint I have is the ending. It wasn't a bad ending, but I thought it was almost a little... stereotypical. It's difficult for me to describe. I'm not saying it's predictable; this book definitely isn't predictable. And I'm not saying it was bad. It was just... cheesy in some way. I can't say much without spoiling it.
It may seem that there's a lot I dislike any this book, but I actually loved it. My complaints are little things, and there's no aspect of The One Apart that I can say is bad in its entirety.
The characters (for the most part) were amazing. The ones that mattered most were all incredibly lovable. You feel happiness, stress, and anger with them.
The story was very interesting, and yes, even weird. It does change a lot throughout the book's many parts. But I've never read a book with such a unique atmosphere as this one. The story will stick with me for a very long time.
To me, the highlight of The One Apart is how much emotion you feel. I noticed this especially in the beginning. I felt so much stress with the characters that I nearly couldn't read the book. If you want to read this, be warned you may cry, and you may cry more than once.
I'd recommend The One Apart to anyone who finds the premise intriguing. It's a strange ride, but one that you'll remember. It can be confusing, heartbreaking, hopeful... and you'll have fun with it. Unless it's too weird for you.
dnf
April 1, 2021reminded me of Atkinson's "Life after Life" but nowhere near as well-written.
July 18, 2020
A little too much fantasy for my reading tastes.
September 8, 2018
“The One Apart” by Justine Avery is a well written piece of science fantasy.
Sancha is a pregnant teenage girl who, apparently, is in no mood for motherhood. She had planned to give her baby up for adoption; however, later develops a strong bond and changes her mind.
Aaron/Tres is her new baby. The novel begins with Aaron/Tres, as an ageless adult who is in a newborn body, who remembers his past.
Aaron finds a new family in Sancha and Maria as he is brought into this world, yet again, bringing with him the memories of all of his previous lives.
Most of the novel involves Aaron learning, with the direction of his OnLooker, how to completely experience awareness, to know that each moment is this moment, in spite of previous lives. At a turning point in the book, Aaron is offered a choice, one which will affect his existence, yet also that of all other beings. Justine Avery merges Aaron's existence in the world and his relationship with the world of the Apart in a conclusion to the book that is very satisfying to the reader.
Although, it was a bit confusing at the beginning on who everyone was, when I finally understood the dynamic between Sancha, Maria, and Tres/Aaron, I liked reading the different relationships of the three.
All in all, I gave this book 4 stars because it just didn’t hold my attention and seemed to lag in many places. However, it was a well written book and the characters were well rounded and the dialogue was believable and intriguing.
March 13, 2018
A Story about a Soul
Wonderful imaginative writing technique and style give the reader a good sense of what the author is trying to convey about an existential, Zen-like beyond. The tale begins as a consciousness is reformed in womb and goes on to learn, grow, experience and develop in both this world and beyond.
Justine Avery uses a writing style and vocabulary to impart a sense of ethereal existence when the main character is in his spiritual state. The "aself" exists in the "Apart" while the "obServer" watches over the "obServed". This style works very well to help the reader prepare for the great struggle the main character must face.
While he is in the present world the prose are fitting for daily experiences and when he transcends the new style works very well.
This is an enjoyable read that will make the reader ponder what is it really all about.
Wonderful imaginative writing technique and style give the reader a good sense of what the author is trying to convey about an existential, Zen-like beyond. The tale begins as a consciousness is reformed in womb and goes on to learn, grow, experience and develop in both this world and beyond.
Justine Avery uses a writing style and vocabulary to impart a sense of ethereal existence when the main character is in his spiritual state. The "aself" exists in the "Apart" while the "obServer" watches over the "obServed". This style works very well to help the reader prepare for the great struggle the main character must face.
While he is in the present world the prose are fitting for daily experiences and when he transcends the new style works very well.
This is an enjoyable read that will make the reader ponder what is it really all about.
December 7, 2017
**** 3.5 Cranky Stars ****
Innocence. That is something everyone ever born in this world share. Or everyone except Tres.
I’m not entirely sure how to review this one. First off, it’s very loooong. 570 pages according to amazon. This story is about somebody who retained all his knowledge and wisdom from previous lives every time he was born again, and again, and again.
You’ll follow Tres from infancy to adulthood and share his unique experience every step of the way asking yourself if he’s a good guy or a bad guy? Who was he really? Where did he come from? What was his purpose in this world?
I have watched a few children’s film like this and it had always entertained me. Justine Avery’s version was interesting indeed albeit it took a long time to be told. There were sections where it dragged and honestly confusing. The “Apart” or ether was intriguing but the dialogue made me a bit dizzy. I had to speed read through some of them. It’s good to learn in the end that this is a complete book and didn’t end in a cliffhanger. It is thought provoking and explored a new concept of existence.
I gave it 3.5 stars because the strange dialogue didn’t work with me. Yes, I realise it is a way to show a higher level of intelligence or awareness in contrast with the “corporeality” and some readers would probably disagree with me and say “hey slow coach, get a move on!” but that’s just me.
I would love you tell you more in detail but at the risk of giving out spoilers, I’m going to stop here. Do pick up this book and see if you are one of the enlightened ones and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this.
December 15, 2017
Creative and Unique
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it a unique read. I’ve read a few of Justine Avery’s short stories before and this was by far my favorite. I felt that the characters were well developed and enjoyed following their progression through the story. I particularly enjoyed the character development of the main character of Aaron/Tres. While I obviously could not relate to what his character was going through, I could sympathize with the struggles he faced. I found them to be relatable in the sense that most of us struggle with our true identity.
The story line was refreshingly unique to read and not one I’ve seen before in other novels. It was a nice change from the books I normally read. My only complaint was that there were times where it seemed the story dragged. Some of the sections where Aaron is conferring with Fei and Saig are a little long-winded and hard to follow/process.
This author is also known for introducing unique twists at the end of her books so I was expecting to be surprised by the end. However, I was slightly disappointed since I felt like the whole book had been leading up to how the ending played out. While sad, the ending did seem like a full completion of the main character.
Overall, I gave this book five stars and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something new and different to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it a unique read. I’ve read a few of Justine Avery’s short stories before and this was by far my favorite. I felt that the characters were well developed and enjoyed following their progression through the story. I particularly enjoyed the character development of the main character of Aaron/Tres. While I obviously could not relate to what his character was going through, I could sympathize with the struggles he faced. I found them to be relatable in the sense that most of us struggle with our true identity.
The story line was refreshingly unique to read and not one I’ve seen before in other novels. It was a nice change from the books I normally read. My only complaint was that there were times where it seemed the story dragged. Some of the sections where Aaron is conferring with Fei and Saig are a little long-winded and hard to follow/process.
This author is also known for introducing unique twists at the end of her books so I was expecting to be surprised by the end. However, I was slightly disappointed since I felt like the whole book had been leading up to how the ending played out. While sad, the ending did seem like a full completion of the main character.
Overall, I gave this book five stars and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something new and different to read.
January 10, 2018
I've read several of Avery's shorter pieces, and so I've come to expect "the twist" at the end. There's always some intrigue, but she likes to genre hop a bit (this is a good thing), so I was very curious as to whether this would be in her suspense spectrum or lean more towards her "chick flick" side (I prefer the suspense).
I was NOT expecting this. Not in the least. Deeply introspective at times, with a few legitimate plot twists that occasionally surprised me (I can usually see one coming a mile away), this is a very unique novel.
If you read it with an open mind, the book will have you exploring your own belief systems, family dynamics, and in my case... I was smacked in the back of the head with a self analysis of feeling like I'm trapped in the wrong body for ME. It made the characters likeable as well as relatable, and this is hit or miss with me for some of her other pieces.
There were a few aspects of the book where I had to reeeeally remind myself to suspend disbelief and just GO with it (the super baby parts), but sometimes it was just a bit too much so I gave it a 4.
All in all, it was a pleasant surprise, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a book that you can snuggle up and read under a blanket with a cup of tea. Doubly fun if a friend reads it as well!
I was NOT expecting this. Not in the least. Deeply introspective at times, with a few legitimate plot twists that occasionally surprised me (I can usually see one coming a mile away), this is a very unique novel.
If you read it with an open mind, the book will have you exploring your own belief systems, family dynamics, and in my case... I was smacked in the back of the head with a self analysis of feeling like I'm trapped in the wrong body for ME. It made the characters likeable as well as relatable, and this is hit or miss with me for some of her other pieces.
There were a few aspects of the book where I had to reeeeally remind myself to suspend disbelief and just GO with it (the super baby parts), but sometimes it was just a bit too much so I gave it a 4.
All in all, it was a pleasant surprise, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a book that you can snuggle up and read under a blanket with a cup of tea. Doubly fun if a friend reads it as well!
December 31, 2017
Excitement Satisfied
A lot of the stories I have read by Avery have been short works. I've grown extremely fond of each piece and the affinity I realise is similar to that I have for Ray Bradbury. More famous for his larger novels, but I always loved his short stories as well.
When I came across The One Apart and realized that it wasn't just a short story or even a series of short stories, but a full novel I was elated!
Knowing her style I was fully expecting to be whirled up and away into the plot and was not wrong. Avery once again delivers with masterful technique and style, digging deep into a psychological field trip.
The One Apart follows an ageless being, born again and again while retaining knowledge but no apparent history. He knows he is supposed to be doing something and it is urgent, but figuring out what exactly that is becomes the plot for this book. Born to a teenager recognizing something special in this babe, Tre the ageless child with the aid and protection of his newest mother is against the clock with a nefarious entity with ill intent to not only Tres but the world as known to us.
Definitely recommend The One Apart and any piece by Justine Avery, I have yet to be disappointed!
A lot of the stories I have read by Avery have been short works. I've grown extremely fond of each piece and the affinity I realise is similar to that I have for Ray Bradbury. More famous for his larger novels, but I always loved his short stories as well.
When I came across The One Apart and realized that it wasn't just a short story or even a series of short stories, but a full novel I was elated!
Knowing her style I was fully expecting to be whirled up and away into the plot and was not wrong. Avery once again delivers with masterful technique and style, digging deep into a psychological field trip.
The One Apart follows an ageless being, born again and again while retaining knowledge but no apparent history. He knows he is supposed to be doing something and it is urgent, but figuring out what exactly that is becomes the plot for this book. Born to a teenager recognizing something special in this babe, Tre the ageless child with the aid and protection of his newest mother is against the clock with a nefarious entity with ill intent to not only Tres but the world as known to us.
Definitely recommend The One Apart and any piece by Justine Avery, I have yet to be disappointed!
November 15, 2017
I enjoyed the first part. A LOT. I loved every single scene with Aaron and Sancha or Aaron and Maria. It was so well written and I felt the love inside their house. I was so sad, at a certain time. Then, there were these strange things about overseeing and I struggled with words and concepts. I couldn't understand a lot of things and I'm sorry about that. They didn't interest me, I think. But I love the last 15% of the book. I was happy about Aaron and Emily and I was happy reading about their shared thoughts.
I understood every single thought of Aaron, about life, human existence and knowledge. People who love being alone are strange in other person's eyes. This is a sad story, but there are people who use their deep understanding to help other human being. So, I loved every single part about the "life of Aaron", but I found the part about the "other word" boring. It wasn't for me. I'm sorry about that, because at the beginning it was so interesting. At the end, I wasn't satisfied at all. However, there are a lot of interesting quotes, thoughts and meditation's starts.
•I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review •
I understood every single thought of Aaron, about life, human existence and knowledge. People who love being alone are strange in other person's eyes. This is a sad story, but there are people who use their deep understanding to help other human being. So, I loved every single part about the "life of Aaron", but I found the part about the "other word" boring. It wasn't for me. I'm sorry about that, because at the beginning it was so interesting. At the end, I wasn't satisfied at all. However, there are a lot of interesting quotes, thoughts and meditation's starts.
•I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review •
November 15, 2017
I don't know about this one... There were some exceedingly strong elements - I really LOVED the main story about Sancha, Maria, and of course Tres/Aaron. I flew through those portions of the book. The concept was intriguing, the characters were great - the whole thing worked beautifully. Then there were the portions in the Apart, with Saig and Fei - those did not work so well for me... They felt very repetitive and I skimmed large swathes of that text. It just felt like they kept telling Aaron/Tres the same thing over and over, with even very little variation in how they said it. I understand the importance of the concepts they were relaying, and even understand how in reality one might have to hear such things numerous times before they actually sunk in and were understood. But in a novel, they rather severely slowed the pace of what was otherwise a really strong and interesting plot...
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
December 13, 2017
I have read several of Justine Avery’s short novellas. For the most part, I have enjoyed her writing style, plots and twists. Needless to say, I was excited to read Avery’s latest piece and happy to hear it would be a bit longer than her novellas.
The One Apart is an interesting tale that intertwines philosophy, the human condition, and the bittersweet moments that make life both beautiful and sad. I loved Avery’s portrayal of her characters in this and enjoyed her more enriched buildup of each one. Avery masterfully defines each person and the levels of thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams each holds so dear to their hearts.
As with all of her stories, the twist at the end of the book was well done, although beautiful in it’s sadness. I found I could not wait to read each page as I flipped through this book and would even bring my Kindle to work to read between meetings just so I could keep reading. The One Apart did not disappoint me in my Avery expectations.
The One Apart is an interesting tale that intertwines philosophy, the human condition, and the bittersweet moments that make life both beautiful and sad. I loved Avery’s portrayal of her characters in this and enjoyed her more enriched buildup of each one. Avery masterfully defines each person and the levels of thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams each holds so dear to their hearts.
As with all of her stories, the twist at the end of the book was well done, although beautiful in it’s sadness. I found I could not wait to read each page as I flipped through this book and would even bring my Kindle to work to read between meetings just so I could keep reading. The One Apart did not disappoint me in my Avery expectations.
December 17, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In The One Apart, Tres is about to be born again.He’s an adult trapped in an infant body, and remembers every life he’s lived before. Think kind of like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The premise is different but also somewhat similar as in the protagonist is unique and has an unique perspective on time and life itself.
In this new life, Tres – now named Aaron – has a very special bond with his mother, Sancha, who tries to protect him in every way she knows how. Their relationship is unique but relatable, and Tres’ mother went through several hardships herself that make her strong-willed and determined.
Slowly, Tres learns who he truly is and what he can do, and the most important question of all: why he exists. The story is sometimes sad, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hopeful, but ultimately, very unique.
In The One Apart, Tres is about to be born again.He’s an adult trapped in an infant body, and remembers every life he’s lived before. Think kind of like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The premise is different but also somewhat similar as in the protagonist is unique and has an unique perspective on time and life itself.
In this new life, Tres – now named Aaron – has a very special bond with his mother, Sancha, who tries to protect him in every way she knows how. Their relationship is unique but relatable, and Tres’ mother went through several hardships herself that make her strong-willed and determined.
Slowly, Tres learns who he truly is and what he can do, and the most important question of all: why he exists. The story is sometimes sad, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hopeful, but ultimately, very unique.
January 16, 2018
Another Hit!
I am a fan of all of JA’s work. For some reason, this book was a lot more my speed than some of her other work. I am so happy to see her progress as she becomes an exceptional writer. I will be the first to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect seeing as how I’ve only read all of her short stories as a opposed to a novel a bit longer than most of her work.
Now the book does seem to drag the story line a bit but not too much where you feel as though it was a waste of a book. In my opinion, you seem to get a deeper understanding of where Avery’s mind was as she crafted the story. I like the imagination needed to create a story of this magnitude.
IF you read this with an open mind then it wasn’t too hard to understand although it would require creativity to grasp the entire concept really.
I am a fan of all of JA’s work. For some reason, this book was a lot more my speed than some of her other work. I am so happy to see her progress as she becomes an exceptional writer. I will be the first to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect seeing as how I’ve only read all of her short stories as a opposed to a novel a bit longer than most of her work.
Now the book does seem to drag the story line a bit but not too much where you feel as though it was a waste of a book. In my opinion, you seem to get a deeper understanding of where Avery’s mind was as she crafted the story. I like the imagination needed to create a story of this magnitude.
IF you read this with an open mind then it wasn’t too hard to understand although it would require creativity to grasp the entire concept really.
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