The One by John Marrs is a 2017 Del Rey publication.
Outstandingly original!!
I don’t know how I missed this book when it was first published, but it skated underneath my radar until recently. I went into this one blind. The synopsis really doesn’t prepare one for what is about to transpire!!
Online dating services and apps has nothing on ‘Match Your DNA’. Get tested, and if your soul mate has also been tested, you will be matched to the absolute love of your life. If only it were that simple….
Naturally, it’s much more complicated than that. This story examines five couples who have been matched and follow the path their lives take from that moment forward. There’s a plethora of unforeseen developments and circumstances that arise, proving that just because one finds their love match, it doesn't erase heartbreak or make their lives an instant bed of roses- far from it!!
I thought this novel was ingenious. A great deal of thought went into this story. To think of all the various ways a dating system like this one would affect society, the consequences of allowing science to control something that important and so unpredictable, which relies on so many variables, is a fascinating concept. However, as with anything else that involves humans, there are bound to be flaws, maybe even loopholes, no one could possibly anticipate...
So... What about my personal pet peeves? That large cast? All those twists? The book is very well constructed, which made it easy for me to keep up with everyone. The stories were not interconnected, which also helped. There were no implausible twists- they were spaced out and well-timed, inside a perfectly paced story. No surprises were added for mere shock value.
Another concern for me was with the ‘Sci-Fi’ categorization- but don’t let that intimidate you. There's nothing here about alpha quadrants, or anything else that might have gone over my head. It is simply a futuristic idea, that with the popularity of DNA kits right now, might give one pause, adding in a niggling feeling of unease.
The story has many facets, other than the Sci-Fi elements. There are a couple of sinister threads, making this a book that would also fit nicely into the mystery/thriller genre. Despite that, there are some truly tender moments, where love really does conquer all.
This story is unlike any I’ve read in a long time. I loved the cleverness and the imagination, the thrills, the chills, the twist and turns, and how thought provoking it was, considering the atmosphere. This is wild, crazy ride, riveting, wildly entertaining, and at times darkly humorous. In short- I loved it!
This one may not have been released this year, but I can tell you it will make my favorites list for 2019. Highly recommend!!
This one deserves all the stars!