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The New One
"A suspenseful, cutting-edge novel about two parents who finally get the daughter they've always wanted-it's too bad she isn't real. From the author of We Hear Voices. For Tamsyn and Ed, life is tough. They both work long hours for very little money and come home to their moody, rebellious daughter, Scarlett. After a tragic accident leaves Scarlett comatose and with little chance of recovery, Tamsyn and Ed are out of options until a lifeline emerges in the form of an unusual medical trial. In exchange for the very best treatment for Scarlett, a fully furnished apartment, and a limitless spending account, the family must agree to move to Switzerland and welcome an artificial copy of their daughter into their home. Suddenly their life is transformed. Tamsyn and Ed want for nothing, and the AI replacement, Sophie, makes it feel just like having their daughter back-except without all the bad parts. Sophie is engaged, happy, and actually wants to spend time with her parents. But things take a turn for the worse when Scarlett makes a very real recovery and the family discovers that the forces behind their new life are darker than they ever could have imagined"--
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
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March 28, 2023
The New One by Evie Green
Hard working, barely getting by, Tamsyn and Ed are living a miserable life. Home is a camper van and close quartered life with their fourteen year old foul mouthed, angry daughter is more than either of them can take. Their daughter is the only thing keeping them together now but that togetherness is a ragged thread. Then there is an accident.
Their daughter is on life support and it's going to be turned off when their insurance runs out. But then they are offered a lifeline and they take it. It's too good to be true but they have no other option than to let their daughter die and neither of them want to let go of Scarlett. So off they go to Switzerland, to live a life of luxury and getting to know their cloned daughter, Sophie. Scarlett may never come off life support so what else could they do? And Sophie is like a perfect Scarlett in every way. She's well behaved, happy, brilliant, and a pleasure to be around.
Sure, there is niggling guilt, doubt, and suspicion. Why would all this be done for them? How could they be so lucky after being so unlucky in the past? Will this last forever?
Then Scarlett comes out of her coma and things are no longer so comfortable. Jealousy between a clone and her "origin" is a real thing apparently. And why is Ed getting more distant from Tamsyn when things had been so good between them when they first came to Switzerland? That isn't the only thing that is bothering Tamsyn, things seem very off and her niggling doubts and suspicions are ramping up into raging paranoia. This eutopia is losing its luster.
I didn't want to put this book down. Tamsyn, Ed, and Scarlett were living a horrible life before the accident but once they are in Switzerland their carefree, luxurious life does have some hidden price tags. There is a different kind of lack of privacy here and there are shackles they never imagined in their old life. The tension in the family is there again, a different type of tension than before and it's growing into something that can ruin everything. This was fun in a horrible way, as it becomes clear that this life will cost so much more than the family could imagine.
Pub Mar 28, 2023
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
Hard working, barely getting by, Tamsyn and Ed are living a miserable life. Home is a camper van and close quartered life with their fourteen year old foul mouthed, angry daughter is more than either of them can take. Their daughter is the only thing keeping them together now but that togetherness is a ragged thread. Then there is an accident.
Their daughter is on life support and it's going to be turned off when their insurance runs out. But then they are offered a lifeline and they take it. It's too good to be true but they have no other option than to let their daughter die and neither of them want to let go of Scarlett. So off they go to Switzerland, to live a life of luxury and getting to know their cloned daughter, Sophie. Scarlett may never come off life support so what else could they do? And Sophie is like a perfect Scarlett in every way. She's well behaved, happy, brilliant, and a pleasure to be around.
Sure, there is niggling guilt, doubt, and suspicion. Why would all this be done for them? How could they be so lucky after being so unlucky in the past? Will this last forever?
Then Scarlett comes out of her coma and things are no longer so comfortable. Jealousy between a clone and her "origin" is a real thing apparently. And why is Ed getting more distant from Tamsyn when things had been so good between them when they first came to Switzerland? That isn't the only thing that is bothering Tamsyn, things seem very off and her niggling doubts and suspicions are ramping up into raging paranoia. This eutopia is losing its luster.
I didn't want to put this book down. Tamsyn, Ed, and Scarlett were living a horrible life before the accident but once they are in Switzerland their carefree, luxurious life does have some hidden price tags. There is a different kind of lack of privacy here and there are shackles they never imagined in their old life. The tension in the family is there again, a different type of tension than before and it's growing into something that can ruin everything. This was fun in a horrible way, as it becomes clear that this life will cost so much more than the family could imagine.
Pub Mar 28, 2023
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
March 28, 2023
GASP!!
It isn’t often that I am shocked, but THIS book managed to blindside me!
Tamsyn and Ed weren’t the most affluent couple in Cornwall. So when a tragic accident leaves their daughter, Scarlett comatose, their insurance only gives her 8 weeks to recover, or the machines get turned off.
Even though Scarlett had been moody and rebellious this last year, they still love her dearly, so when they are offered a spot in a medical trial taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, they jump at the chance.
In exchange for the latest treatments for Scarlett, they just have to welcome a reanimated (cloned) version of their daughter into their lives. “Sophie” as she is called, is all of the BEST things about their daughter, and NONE of the worst.
NEW AND IMPROVED
They will live as a family in a gorgeous, furnished apartment and they will want for nothing, while VitaNova, the company running the trial, observes.
If Scarlett recovers, they can continue life with both daughters or VitaNova will welcome Sophie back at the hospital, where she was created.
Ed and Tamsyn finally have the daughter they always wanted in Sophie-even if she isn’t real-and their relationship with each other is better because of her.
AND THEN SCARLETT WAKES UP…
What will Ed and Tamsyn decide to do?
Well, this thought provoking Sci-Fi, futuristic novel was a lot of fun to read! The 400 pages flew by!! I am not sure how I feel about the ending, but it was easy to imagine this occurring in the not so distant future….
If you are intrigued, you can pick up a copy NOW!!
Thank you to Berkley for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
It isn’t often that I am shocked, but THIS book managed to blindside me!
Tamsyn and Ed weren’t the most affluent couple in Cornwall. So when a tragic accident leaves their daughter, Scarlett comatose, their insurance only gives her 8 weeks to recover, or the machines get turned off.
Even though Scarlett had been moody and rebellious this last year, they still love her dearly, so when they are offered a spot in a medical trial taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, they jump at the chance.
In exchange for the latest treatments for Scarlett, they just have to welcome a reanimated (cloned) version of their daughter into their lives. “Sophie” as she is called, is all of the BEST things about their daughter, and NONE of the worst.
NEW AND IMPROVED
They will live as a family in a gorgeous, furnished apartment and they will want for nothing, while VitaNova, the company running the trial, observes.
If Scarlett recovers, they can continue life with both daughters or VitaNova will welcome Sophie back at the hospital, where she was created.
Ed and Tamsyn finally have the daughter they always wanted in Sophie-even if she isn’t real-and their relationship with each other is better because of her.
AND THEN SCARLETT WAKES UP…
What will Ed and Tamsyn decide to do?
Well, this thought provoking Sci-Fi, futuristic novel was a lot of fun to read! The 400 pages flew by!! I am not sure how I feel about the ending, but it was easy to imagine this occurring in the not so distant future….
If you are intrigued, you can pick up a copy NOW!!
Thank you to Berkley for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
April 30, 2024
Oh my goodness! My head is about to explode! This ultra genius book with full of unexpected twists burned my last standing and barely surviving grey cells to the ground! It kept me on my toes. It was pumping full adrenaline, leaving me breathless, sweaty, hyperventilating kind of wildest experience that I can ever imagine! It’s even better than the author’s previous debut novel!
When you think you understand everything going on, an unexpected twist comes out, pulling the rug out under from you! Just keep expect the most unexpected things because anything can happen in this novel!
Sci-fi meets action thriller may present you the one of most entertaining and shocking reading experience!
The story opens at the trailer park, introducing a dysfunctional family of three: Tamsyn: the miserable, tired and very angry mother, working on the muddy land to collect cauliflowers, working 15 different kind of jobs to support her family, husband Ed; hating his life, is ready to dash out, working at nights as a chef at the restaurant and 13 years old Scarlett: worst kind of problem child, seemed like get possessed by evil entity, cursing at her parents, hanging out with the wrongest crowd, drinking alcohol, lying, always running away from home!
Three of them have the worst kind of fight after Scarlet tries to run away at hundredth time and Ed brings her back to home! Curses were thrown at. Doors were slammed shut. More hate you, f*ck bombs were screamed! Then everybody goes back to sleep. Silence surrounds the dilapidated, dirty trailer! This is eerie kind of silence before the big storms.
After midnight, Scarlett talks with a mysterious man and tries to escape from the trailer, stealing the front door key from her mother’s hand and she dashed out as her parents pursue her. At the roadside, Scarlett keeps running to a car driving at top speed! The car doesn’t stop! And BANG!
Tamsyn opens her eyes at the hospital, sitting next to her daughter lying on a bed, covered with tubes, fighting for her life! She’s comatose, having a little chance to recovery but the family’s insurance policy cannot cover her expenses to keep her alive with machines.
Then something too good to be true happens and they get a life changing offer in the form of unusual medical trial. In exchange of best treatment for Scarlett, the family has to move to Switzerland to live in a fully furnished, luxurious apartment, limitless spending account. If you ask: what’s the catch? Big catch is in addition to move another country, they will also accept to welcome highly intelligent, well mannered artificial copy of their daughter.
Did they accept the offer? Of course they did because if they reject it, only two things they could do was returning back to their shitty lives and saying goodbye to their daughter!
When they fly to Switzerland to start to their new life, Ed and Tamsyn find themselves fall in love like the first time and when they welcome their artificial daughter Sophie, they realize their new daughter was as sweet as Scarlett a year ago before turning into very troubled child!
Sophie can do anything to protect her new family! But when Scarlett miraculously opens her eyes, recovering from the accident, the balances are about tragically changing in the family! The secrets surrounding their family may threat their lives and nothing will ever be the same.
Overall: Gear up, cancel everything in your life, bury your head into those pages of the book! It highly deserves your entire focus!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
When you think you understand everything going on, an unexpected twist comes out, pulling the rug out under from you! Just keep expect the most unexpected things because anything can happen in this novel!
Sci-fi meets action thriller may present you the one of most entertaining and shocking reading experience!
The story opens at the trailer park, introducing a dysfunctional family of three: Tamsyn: the miserable, tired and very angry mother, working on the muddy land to collect cauliflowers, working 15 different kind of jobs to support her family, husband Ed; hating his life, is ready to dash out, working at nights as a chef at the restaurant and 13 years old Scarlett: worst kind of problem child, seemed like get possessed by evil entity, cursing at her parents, hanging out with the wrongest crowd, drinking alcohol, lying, always running away from home!
Three of them have the worst kind of fight after Scarlet tries to run away at hundredth time and Ed brings her back to home! Curses were thrown at. Doors were slammed shut. More hate you, f*ck bombs were screamed! Then everybody goes back to sleep. Silence surrounds the dilapidated, dirty trailer! This is eerie kind of silence before the big storms.
After midnight, Scarlett talks with a mysterious man and tries to escape from the trailer, stealing the front door key from her mother’s hand and she dashed out as her parents pursue her. At the roadside, Scarlett keeps running to a car driving at top speed! The car doesn’t stop! And BANG!
Tamsyn opens her eyes at the hospital, sitting next to her daughter lying on a bed, covered with tubes, fighting for her life! She’s comatose, having a little chance to recovery but the family’s insurance policy cannot cover her expenses to keep her alive with machines.
Then something too good to be true happens and they get a life changing offer in the form of unusual medical trial. In exchange of best treatment for Scarlett, the family has to move to Switzerland to live in a fully furnished, luxurious apartment, limitless spending account. If you ask: what’s the catch? Big catch is in addition to move another country, they will also accept to welcome highly intelligent, well mannered artificial copy of their daughter.
Did they accept the offer? Of course they did because if they reject it, only two things they could do was returning back to their shitty lives and saying goodbye to their daughter!
When they fly to Switzerland to start to their new life, Ed and Tamsyn find themselves fall in love like the first time and when they welcome their artificial daughter Sophie, they realize their new daughter was as sweet as Scarlett a year ago before turning into very troubled child!
Sophie can do anything to protect her new family! But when Scarlett miraculously opens her eyes, recovering from the accident, the balances are about tragically changing in the family! The secrets surrounding their family may threat their lives and nothing will ever be the same.
Overall: Gear up, cancel everything in your life, bury your head into those pages of the book! It highly deserves your entire focus!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
March 28, 2023
Wowza amazing twists! 4.5 rounded up.
If you enjoy books like Amen Maxine and What January Remembers, or shows like Black Mirror; ones that contain sci-fi with a bit of mystery and thrills, then you will definitely find a satisfying read in The New One.
Set in the near future, Tamsyn and Ed live in a small caravan on the Cornish coast with their young teen daughter Scarlett. They work menial jobs just to scrape by, with barely enough money for food. Scarlett has become rebellious and rude, sneaking out and drinking. One night things come to a head and Scarlett is hit by a car and is comatose in the hospital. As the weeks drag on, Tamsyn and Ed have to make some difficult choices. Their insurance won't cover the life support much longer--and then they are offered an amazing opportunity. A company in Switzerland will make a "reanimated" (clone) version of Scarlett with an AI brain. They will move the family there and pay for Scarlett's continued care while Tamsyn and Ed enjoy their new life with their new daughter Sophie. This "New One" will be a brighter, cleverer, nicer version of Scarlett. But what happens when Scarlett recovers?
I hesitate to say too much about this book, because the surprises throughout are really fantastic. It takes a LOT to shock me and this book did it many times. The story is fast paced and I had difficulty wanting to put it down while I was reading because it was so engaging and intriguing. The unique storyline is perfect for those who like a bit of sci-fi, but don't necessarily want too much science. This book is mainly a thriller set in the realm of scientific advances.
You will definitely not be disappointed with this captivating book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
If you enjoy books like Amen Maxine and What January Remembers, or shows like Black Mirror; ones that contain sci-fi with a bit of mystery and thrills, then you will definitely find a satisfying read in The New One.
Set in the near future, Tamsyn and Ed live in a small caravan on the Cornish coast with their young teen daughter Scarlett. They work menial jobs just to scrape by, with barely enough money for food. Scarlett has become rebellious and rude, sneaking out and drinking. One night things come to a head and Scarlett is hit by a car and is comatose in the hospital. As the weeks drag on, Tamsyn and Ed have to make some difficult choices. Their insurance won't cover the life support much longer--and then they are offered an amazing opportunity. A company in Switzerland will make a "reanimated" (clone) version of Scarlett with an AI brain. They will move the family there and pay for Scarlett's continued care while Tamsyn and Ed enjoy their new life with their new daughter Sophie. This "New One" will be a brighter, cleverer, nicer version of Scarlett. But what happens when Scarlett recovers?
I hesitate to say too much about this book, because the surprises throughout are really fantastic. It takes a LOT to shock me and this book did it many times. The story is fast paced and I had difficulty wanting to put it down while I was reading because it was so engaging and intriguing. The unique storyline is perfect for those who like a bit of sci-fi, but don't necessarily want too much science. This book is mainly a thriller set in the realm of scientific advances.
You will definitely not be disappointed with this captivating book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 18, 2023
“Be your best self”
This sliding doors sci-fi thriller has been a surprise hit for reviewers and I couldn’t wait to find out if it would live up to the hype. Set in the near future, Tamsyn and Ed live in a trailer park with their difficult and disrespectful 13 year-old daughter, Scarlett. She has recently begun to rebel against them by hanging out with a secret boyfriend and breaking house rules. One night, Scarlett is the victim of a tragic hit and run accident. Left in a coma with very little chance of survival, her parents are given an opportunity to participate in a new medical trial. They must immediately move to Switzerland, where all of their wants and needs will be taken care of, but must accept a reanimated version of their daughter into their house.
In order to avoid spoilers, I will leave the plot there. It’s best to read this book without more details.
I was immediately engrossed in this plot, finishing the almost 400 pages in 3 days. Green explores themes of scientific ethics, free will, and the very current issue of AI domination. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, as it was mostly narrated by Tamsyn. However, the second half felt more like a YA novel, as the perspective switched to Sophie and Scarlett. I also guessed correctly at the several twists in the book. While they are surprising, they may be obvious to those who read or watch sci-fi regularly. Additionally, some plot points could benefit from further exploration.
Overall, The New One is an entertaining read that feels very current in today’s AI obsessed society. It does give the reader some pause about how close we actually are to this near future.
4/5 stars
This sliding doors sci-fi thriller has been a surprise hit for reviewers and I couldn’t wait to find out if it would live up to the hype. Set in the near future, Tamsyn and Ed live in a trailer park with their difficult and disrespectful 13 year-old daughter, Scarlett. She has recently begun to rebel against them by hanging out with a secret boyfriend and breaking house rules. One night, Scarlett is the victim of a tragic hit and run accident. Left in a coma with very little chance of survival, her parents are given an opportunity to participate in a new medical trial. They must immediately move to Switzerland, where all of their wants and needs will be taken care of, but must accept a reanimated version of their daughter into their house.
In order to avoid spoilers, I will leave the plot there. It’s best to read this book without more details.
I was immediately engrossed in this plot, finishing the almost 400 pages in 3 days. Green explores themes of scientific ethics, free will, and the very current issue of AI domination. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, as it was mostly narrated by Tamsyn. However, the second half felt more like a YA novel, as the perspective switched to Sophie and Scarlett. I also guessed correctly at the several twists in the book. While they are surprising, they may be obvious to those who read or watch sci-fi regularly. Additionally, some plot points could benefit from further exploration.
Overall, The New One is an entertaining read that feels very current in today’s AI obsessed society. It does give the reader some pause about how close we actually are to this near future.
4/5 stars
March 27, 2023
I can honestly say that I had no idea where this book was going when I picked it up, but I’m glad I went along for the ride! The twists and turns just kept coming, and I had to just about pick my jaw up off the floor by the end of the book. Go in blind! Don’t read any reviews if you can help it, and just enjoy the journey.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
April 7, 2023
The New One by Evie Green is a science fiction fantasy infused in a thriller novel with possibly a slight touch of horror mixed in. The story in The New One is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters and does start a little ways in the past as it catches up to the current time.
Tamsyn and Ed have certainly had better days in their marriage. Money is tight and their daughter, Scarlett, is hitting the teen defiant years hard. One night their family is torn apart when Scarlett runs out and is involved in a horrific accident.
Tamsyn and Ed are left distraught with Scarlett in a coma and without the money to continue to pay for her care. The couple are approached by a stranger with an offer that sounds way too good to be true, all the medical care their daughter will need with all other expenses take care of to join a medical trial. Is it too good to be true or the answer they were praying for?
Being the type of reader that enjoys crossing over into many genres I was immediately intrigued by The New One by Evie Green. With all the twists and turns I expect from a thriller in a science fiction nightmare of a story I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to find out where this one would end. I will admit the beginning was a tad slow but other than that this was definitely worth the read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Tamsyn and Ed have certainly had better days in their marriage. Money is tight and their daughter, Scarlett, is hitting the teen defiant years hard. One night their family is torn apart when Scarlett runs out and is involved in a horrific accident.
Tamsyn and Ed are left distraught with Scarlett in a coma and without the money to continue to pay for her care. The couple are approached by a stranger with an offer that sounds way too good to be true, all the medical care their daughter will need with all other expenses take care of to join a medical trial. Is it too good to be true or the answer they were praying for?
Being the type of reader that enjoys crossing over into many genres I was immediately intrigued by The New One by Evie Green. With all the twists and turns I expect from a thriller in a science fiction nightmare of a story I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to find out where this one would end. I will admit the beginning was a tad slow but other than that this was definitely worth the read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 8, 2023
3.0 Stars
As someone who loved both science fiction and thrillers, this one sounded right up my alley. I went in with high expectations and I will admit this wasn't quite what I expected.
First, I will acknowledge that this is predominantly marketed as a thriller. With little focus on the scientific ideas, this one is not written for a science fiction audience. However, in my opinion, this reads as more of a piece of contemporary fiction rather than a thriller. In fact, it felt like a traditional "book club" pick and this sentiment was reinforced when I found discussion questions at the back of the novel.
Essentially this is a story of relationships and family, not a twisty thriller. The character development was decent but this kind story is simply not to my personal tastes.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
As someone who loved both science fiction and thrillers, this one sounded right up my alley. I went in with high expectations and I will admit this wasn't quite what I expected.
First, I will acknowledge that this is predominantly marketed as a thriller. With little focus on the scientific ideas, this one is not written for a science fiction audience. However, in my opinion, this reads as more of a piece of contemporary fiction rather than a thriller. In fact, it felt like a traditional "book club" pick and this sentiment was reinforced when I found discussion questions at the back of the novel.
Essentially this is a story of relationships and family, not a twisty thriller. The character development was decent but this kind story is simply not to my personal tastes.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 13, 2022
When Scarlett is hit by a car she is taken to the hospital and put on life support. The doctors are not sure if she will wake up in the next several weeks before her parents, Ed and Tamsyn's insurance stop payment. They are approached by a doctor for a trial experiment in which they have a chance to clone Scarlett and move to Switzerland all expenses paid. Can they really have their daughter back as an artificial intelligence clone?
The concept of THE NEW ONE was very appealing to me, so I had to read it. I am not a huge science-fiction fan, but I thought this book was clever and well written. I think if you are a fan of this genre you will likely enjoy this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing group for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
The concept of THE NEW ONE was very appealing to me, so I had to read it. I am not a huge science-fiction fan, but I thought this book was clever and well written. I think if you are a fan of this genre you will likely enjoy this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing group for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
March 21, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for gifting me an early copy. Below is my honest review.
Evie Green's last book, We Hear Voices, ended up being a really fun sci-fi thriller, so I had high expectations going into The New One. Green did not disappoint!
This one was a fun romp into the world of AI and cloning, very reminiscent of Orphan Black - which just so happens to be one of my favorite shows.
One thing I loved about this one is that Green didn't take the obvious route - she turned some stereotypical plot twists on their heads and did something different, which was entertaining.
Definitely loved this one and recommend it to sci-fi thriller fans. After two hits for me, Green is going on my instant-read list. 4.5 stars rounded up
Evie Green's last book, We Hear Voices, ended up being a really fun sci-fi thriller, so I had high expectations going into The New One. Green did not disappoint!
This one was a fun romp into the world of AI and cloning, very reminiscent of Orphan Black - which just so happens to be one of my favorite shows.
One thing I loved about this one is that Green didn't take the obvious route - she turned some stereotypical plot twists on their heads and did something different, which was entertaining.
Definitely loved this one and recommend it to sci-fi thriller fans. After two hits for me, Green is going on my instant-read list. 4.5 stars rounded up
March 18, 2023
Tamsyn and Ed don't have the easiest life. They both work long and hard days to provide for their rebellious teenage daughter Scarlett.
But when a terrible accident leaves Scarlett in a coma, Tamsyn and Ed are approached about a medical trial. In exchange for a move to Switzerland into an upscale apartment, an unlimited spending account, and the world's best care for Scarlett, the company wants to create an AI copy of Scarlett.
Out of any other options, the couple agrees. Soon after, their life is completely changed. Scarlett’s AI replacement is named Sophie and she makes the couple feel just like they have their daughter back, except without all the bad parts. But things take a turn when the real Scarlett makes a recovery. Now Tamsyn and Ed have two daughters and the family soon discovers that the force behind their new life is much darker than they ever could have imagined.
Omg I absolutely loved this one! I immediately became fully immersed to this genre-bending story. Part thriller, part science fiction, this book had my sitting on the edge of my seat, obsessing over what would happen next. And the twists in this one, we're nothing short of mind blowing!
I loved so many things about this story but overall the creativeness stood out. I'm always looking for a unique thriller that's never been done before and The New One completely delivered an original story.
The New One by Evie Green will be available on March 28. A massive thanks to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy!
But when a terrible accident leaves Scarlett in a coma, Tamsyn and Ed are approached about a medical trial. In exchange for a move to Switzerland into an upscale apartment, an unlimited spending account, and the world's best care for Scarlett, the company wants to create an AI copy of Scarlett.
Out of any other options, the couple agrees. Soon after, their life is completely changed. Scarlett’s AI replacement is named Sophie and she makes the couple feel just like they have their daughter back, except without all the bad parts. But things take a turn when the real Scarlett makes a recovery. Now Tamsyn and Ed have two daughters and the family soon discovers that the force behind their new life is much darker than they ever could have imagined.
Omg I absolutely loved this one! I immediately became fully immersed to this genre-bending story. Part thriller, part science fiction, this book had my sitting on the edge of my seat, obsessing over what would happen next. And the twists in this one, we're nothing short of mind blowing!
I loved so many things about this story but overall the creativeness stood out. I'm always looking for a unique thriller that's never been done before and The New One completely delivered an original story.
The New One by Evie Green will be available on March 28. A massive thanks to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy!
April 16, 2023
When a tragic accident leaves Tamsyn and Ed’s daughter Scarlett in a coma with little chance of recovery, their world is shattered - until they are offered a deal of a lifetime.
Wowza the twists!! If you are someone who loves twisty thrillers, pick this one up immediately.
While Sci-Fi is not always my favorite genre, this synopsis grabbed my attention immediately. A fast and easy read, that’s also great on audio, I was completely immersed in this book throughout the vast majority of it. The psychological aspect? Perfection. The twists? Heck yeah!! I never knew what was coming around the bend and boy was that enjoyable.
The characters were quite nuanced for a thriller, and I felt as though I was in each of the characters heads for most of the book. The author’s pacing was very good and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. My only criticism of this story is that the ending felt a bit confusing to me and I’m not 100% sure I grasped it. I still really liked it, even with my confusion.
Read if you like:
•sci-fi thrillers
•quick reads
•great twists
•psychological thrillers
Thank you {partners} @berkleypublishing and @prhaudio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
Wowza the twists!! If you are someone who loves twisty thrillers, pick this one up immediately.
While Sci-Fi is not always my favorite genre, this synopsis grabbed my attention immediately. A fast and easy read, that’s also great on audio, I was completely immersed in this book throughout the vast majority of it. The psychological aspect? Perfection. The twists? Heck yeah!! I never knew what was coming around the bend and boy was that enjoyable.
The characters were quite nuanced for a thriller, and I felt as though I was in each of the characters heads for most of the book. The author’s pacing was very good and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. My only criticism of this story is that the ending felt a bit confusing to me and I’m not 100% sure I grasped it. I still really liked it, even with my confusion.
Read if you like:
•sci-fi thrillers
•quick reads
•great twists
•psychological thrillers
Thank you {partners} @berkleypublishing and @prhaudio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2023
Wow!! Provocative! Edgy! Timely! Unsettling!
In The New One, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, yet didn't want it to end! Twist, upon twist, upon twist, I was absolutely engrossed and loved it!
Unfortunately, I wrote a review… and poof! lost the whole thing, trying to rewrite my thoughts.
*****First, I highly recommend going into this one completely blind! I wouldn't even read the reviews.
Evie Green, aka Emily Barr, writes a tightly crafted page turner that blends suspense, thriller and sci fi, while also tackling a deeply intimate portrayal of a family caught in an impossible situation, of love and loss…
The New One, pushes the boundaries of what happens, when you have absolutely no options left??
Though many may find things just too implausible… with the pages flying by, I was in it for the ride!
How far will you go to save your family, and at what cost? With advances in technology growing at breakneck speed, The New One begs to question not only the boundaries of science/technology on today's society, and all the ethical issues that can ensue, but it also questions the very essence of life,and humanity, as we know it…
One hopes to never be in this situation, but how far would you go for someone you love, if offered the chance?
Loved it!
In The New One, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, yet didn't want it to end! Twist, upon twist, upon twist, I was absolutely engrossed and loved it!
Unfortunately, I wrote a review… and poof! lost the whole thing, trying to rewrite my thoughts.
*****First, I highly recommend going into this one completely blind! I wouldn't even read the reviews.
Evie Green, aka Emily Barr, writes a tightly crafted page turner that blends suspense, thriller and sci fi, while also tackling a deeply intimate portrayal of a family caught in an impossible situation, of love and loss…
The New One, pushes the boundaries of what happens, when you have absolutely no options left??
Though many may find things just too implausible… with the pages flying by, I was in it for the ride!
How far will you go to save your family, and at what cost? With advances in technology growing at breakneck speed, The New One begs to question not only the boundaries of science/technology on today's society, and all the ethical issues that can ensue, but it also questions the very essence of life,and humanity, as we know it…
One hopes to never be in this situation, but how far would you go for someone you love, if offered the chance?
Loved it!
April 13, 2023
If given the choice.. would you clone a loved one if the only other alternative was to lose them forever? The Trelawny’s did.. with unimaginable consequences.
WOW what a crazy ride!!! I was totally immersed in this creepy sci-fi tale. It’s about a fatal accident that leaves a young daughter in a coma and parents who must decide to either take her off life support or enroll her in a new medical trial.. in Geneva, Switzerland. I LOVED the BIG TWIST, SHOCKING to say the least.. and was mortified in what lay behind all the wealthy donors patronage of the AI institution. If you want to dip your toes in this genre this would be a great book for it. Entertaining + fun. 4.5 stars — 3/28/23
WOW what a crazy ride!!! I was totally immersed in this creepy sci-fi tale. It’s about a fatal accident that leaves a young daughter in a coma and parents who must decide to either take her off life support or enroll her in a new medical trial.. in Geneva, Switzerland. I LOVED the BIG TWIST, SHOCKING to say the least.. and was mortified in what lay behind all the wealthy donors patronage of the AI institution. If you want to dip your toes in this genre this would be a great book for it. Entertaining + fun. 4.5 stars — 3/28/23
July 26, 2023
The first half of this book was AMAZING!
I was so invested in the characters, the plot was moving smoothly, I was dying to know the twist, and how everything would end.
Well the twist happens (and it's great), but after that.... just nothing.
The story went flat.
I had big hopes for a dramatic cinematic ending... This wasn't the case.
3GC book club rating: 2.6
I was so invested in the characters, the plot was moving smoothly, I was dying to know the twist, and how everything would end.
Well the twist happens (and it's great), but after that.... just nothing.
The story went flat.
I had big hopes for a dramatic cinematic ending... This wasn't the case.
3GC book club rating: 2.6
August 25, 2023
My friend that works at my library put this book aside for me before she put it out on the shelf...said "it came out of the box demanding that she call me". I'm sure none of you are surprised that books often talk to me:) I was expecting the usual suspenseful, paranormal story, but what I found within these pages was something much more twisted and way, way more cleaver than I was expecting or that those poor parents were expecting. This is going to be a difficult book to talk about without spoiling the details, so I’m going to keep things a little vague and just go with the pros and cons.
Pros:
1. The entire premise! I love the mix of humans and AI being forced into the same living situation and watching how both choose to interact. AI is something that is quickly coming into our lives off the written page, and it in itself has many, many pros and cons...so AI in this story was timely.
2. The characters. Everyone felt very real to life and their reactions to different twists or reveals were right on target. The ending! It was a wild ride. I was absolutely glued to the pages at the end of this book wondering what exactly would happen.
Cons:
1. There weren't many cons but there was one that bothered me a lot, and that was the pacing of the story. Things started very slow, and it wasn’t until about the second half of the book that I felt things really started to pick up. Still, I loved the story, but it took me a while to get into everything.
I will warn you that as a parent there are parts of this story that are deeply unsettling, and you will have to keep reminding yourself that "it's only a story".
Pros:
1. The entire premise! I love the mix of humans and AI being forced into the same living situation and watching how both choose to interact. AI is something that is quickly coming into our lives off the written page, and it in itself has many, many pros and cons...so AI in this story was timely.
2. The characters. Everyone felt very real to life and their reactions to different twists or reveals were right on target. The ending! It was a wild ride. I was absolutely glued to the pages at the end of this book wondering what exactly would happen.
Cons:
1. There weren't many cons but there was one that bothered me a lot, and that was the pacing of the story. Things started very slow, and it wasn’t until about the second half of the book that I felt things really started to pick up. Still, I loved the story, but it took me a while to get into everything.
I will warn you that as a parent there are parts of this story that are deeply unsettling, and you will have to keep reminding yourself that "it's only a story".
November 29, 2022
A shocking twisty novel with a speculative edge to keep you guessing!
When Tamsyn and Ed's very out of control daughter Scarlett is in a car accident, they use every last dollar to maintain her life support.
Great news arrives when they are contacted by a private company in Switzerland that will allow Scarlett to be cloned. The family doesn't think twice before picking everything up and moving.
Now in Switzerland, Tamsyn and Ed enjoy their new pampered life and embrace their cloan daughter Sophie. But they still miss Scarlett, and there is still a chance she may awaken! There's always a catch in this kind of trade off and when the other shoe falls, Tamsyn and Ed are floored! If you like speculative fiction, twisty domestic thrillers The New One is a great book for you! #Berkely
When Tamsyn and Ed's very out of control daughter Scarlett is in a car accident, they use every last dollar to maintain her life support.
Great news arrives when they are contacted by a private company in Switzerland that will allow Scarlett to be cloned. The family doesn't think twice before picking everything up and moving.
Now in Switzerland, Tamsyn and Ed enjoy their new pampered life and embrace their cloan daughter Sophie. But they still miss Scarlett, and there is still a chance she may awaken! There's always a catch in this kind of trade off and when the other shoe falls, Tamsyn and Ed are floored! If you like speculative fiction, twisty domestic thrillers The New One is a great book for you! #Berkely
March 31, 2023
2.5 out of 5 stars. The New One was twice as long as it needed to be. The plot twist was unexpected, but I didn't care for it.
Tamsyn, Ed, and their daughter Scarlett live in a caravan trailer in poverty-like circumstances. Scarlett gives her parents a hard time. They want her to stop going out, to stop being awful, and to stop shouting at them. When Scarlett gets hit by a car and goes into what seems to be a terminal coma, a company called VitaNova offers the family an AI clone, "a reanimation" of their daughter. VitaNova asks them to travel to their clinic, where Scarlett will get top-notch care. Tamsyn and Ed will be given everything they need to start a new life. They get to relocate to a beautiful part of the world, Geneva and will be given a comfortable place to live and won't need to work, but that is up to them, and they accept.
The new daughter goes by Sophie, as their real daughter is still alive, and they are not replacing her. The family comes to love Sophie. She gets along with them, is behaved, and is the perfect daughter. When they discover their real daughter Scarlett, is waking up, they cannot face the idea of giving up Sophie and want them to adapt as twin siblings. The two daughters meeting and adjusting to one another has some conflict, and I wish the book went more into Scarlett and Sophie's perspectives (as the book is from multiple perspectives.) It does go through their interactions a bit, but not enough. Eventually, the book goes through another plot, and I wasn't for it.
Unpopular opinion, the initial story was good, but it fell flat. There were good parts, but then too many plots and some were unneeded or better without. The book felt tedious and repetitive. I would have preferred the story to focus on Scarlett and Sophie, not on their parents, Tamsyn and Ed, or Honey. It felt like two different books and as if it didn't know what story it wanted to cover.
Tamsyn, Ed, and their daughter Scarlett live in a caravan trailer in poverty-like circumstances. Scarlett gives her parents a hard time. They want her to stop going out, to stop being awful, and to stop shouting at them. When Scarlett gets hit by a car and goes into what seems to be a terminal coma, a company called VitaNova offers the family an AI clone, "a reanimation" of their daughter. VitaNova asks them to travel to their clinic, where Scarlett will get top-notch care. Tamsyn and Ed will be given everything they need to start a new life. They get to relocate to a beautiful part of the world, Geneva and will be given a comfortable place to live and won't need to work, but that is up to them, and they accept.
The new daughter goes by Sophie, as their real daughter is still alive, and they are not replacing her. The family comes to love Sophie. She gets along with them, is behaved, and is the perfect daughter. When they discover their real daughter Scarlett, is waking up, they cannot face the idea of giving up Sophie and want them to adapt as twin siblings. The two daughters meeting and adjusting to one another has some conflict, and I wish the book went more into Scarlett and Sophie's perspectives (as the book is from multiple perspectives.) It does go through their interactions a bit, but not enough. Eventually, the book goes through another plot, and I wasn't for it.
Unpopular opinion, the initial story was good, but it fell flat. There were good parts, but then too many plots and some were unneeded or better without. The book felt tedious and repetitive. I would have preferred the story to focus on Scarlett and Sophie, not on their parents, Tamsyn and Ed, or Honey. It felt like two different books and as if it didn't know what story it wanted to cover.
March 28, 2023
Tamsyn, Ed and their only daughter, Scarlett used to be a happy family. But money got tight and things became strained. Then their happy daughter turned into a brooding teen seemingly overnight, adding further stress.
One night in her latest fit of rebellion, Scarlett storms out. Tamsyn and Ed rush after her, but are unable to prevent a vehicle from striking Scarlett. Overcome with grief, the couple sit by Scarlett’s hospital bed day and night, praying to get a second chance with their only child.
Then the hospital approaches them with an unusual proposition in the form of a medical experiment. If the family agrees, they will be relocated, all expenses paid, to Switzerland where they will be put up in a posh apartment, wanting for nothing. There Scarlett will continue to receive excellent care. The catch? The family has to agree to making an artificial copy of their daughter as a replacement. In the unlikely event their real daughter ever awakens, the girls would, for all intents and purposes, be treated as twins.
While morally the proposal feels preposterous, Tamsyn and Ed can’t deny the appeal that comes with starting over. Then they meet the carbon copy, Sophie, and they are instantly smitten. But when the impossible happens and Scarlett does wake up, things take a sisterly, sinister turn.
It’s hard to put into words my thoughts on The New One. While I loved the unique premise, this story fell flat in its execution. There were so many twists and turns I felt like I had whiplash while reading. The “big twist” was supposed to be the real shocker, but since I predicted what it was, it didn’t have much of an impact. I didn’t know who or what to root for, all I knew was a story about identity ironically lost itself along the way.
One night in her latest fit of rebellion, Scarlett storms out. Tamsyn and Ed rush after her, but are unable to prevent a vehicle from striking Scarlett. Overcome with grief, the couple sit by Scarlett’s hospital bed day and night, praying to get a second chance with their only child.
Then the hospital approaches them with an unusual proposition in the form of a medical experiment. If the family agrees, they will be relocated, all expenses paid, to Switzerland where they will be put up in a posh apartment, wanting for nothing. There Scarlett will continue to receive excellent care. The catch? The family has to agree to making an artificial copy of their daughter as a replacement. In the unlikely event their real daughter ever awakens, the girls would, for all intents and purposes, be treated as twins.
While morally the proposal feels preposterous, Tamsyn and Ed can’t deny the appeal that comes with starting over. Then they meet the carbon copy, Sophie, and they are instantly smitten. But when the impossible happens and Scarlett does wake up, things take a sisterly, sinister turn.
It’s hard to put into words my thoughts on The New One. While I loved the unique premise, this story fell flat in its execution. There were so many twists and turns I felt like I had whiplash while reading. The “big twist” was supposed to be the real shocker, but since I predicted what it was, it didn’t have much of an impact. I didn’t know who or what to root for, all I knew was a story about identity ironically lost itself along the way.
March 27, 2023
I'm not a big fan of sci-fi but when you blend it with a thriller I think it's one of the best subgenres out there.
Tamsyn and Ed have a teen daughter Scarlett who is quite literally as bad as any teenager you fear your kid will turn into. She's nasty to her parents, lashes out and disobeys.
After a terrible accident, Scarlett is left in a coma and insurance is running out. Tamsyn and Ed are presented with an offer from a cutting edge company. They will pay for the medical bills to treat Scarlett and will also create a clone of her. It seems like a no brainer
They accept and are given a clone, this clone is exactly like Scarlett without the teen attitude. She is literally a dream child.
This book really makes you think about what you would do if presented with the same situation. It was a twisty thriller, and I enjoyed the sci-fi spin immensely. At about the 2/3 mark, the book takes a turn and really cranks up the intensity and intrigue.
Tamsyn and Ed have a teen daughter Scarlett who is quite literally as bad as any teenager you fear your kid will turn into. She's nasty to her parents, lashes out and disobeys.
After a terrible accident, Scarlett is left in a coma and insurance is running out. Tamsyn and Ed are presented with an offer from a cutting edge company. They will pay for the medical bills to treat Scarlett and will also create a clone of her. It seems like a no brainer
They accept and are given a clone, this clone is exactly like Scarlett without the teen attitude. She is literally a dream child.
This book really makes you think about what you would do if presented with the same situation. It was a twisty thriller, and I enjoyed the sci-fi spin immensely. At about the 2/3 mark, the book takes a turn and really cranks up the intensity and intrigue.
March 28, 2023
Today is #PubDay for some great new books, I love Tuesdays for this very reason. I am so happy to tell you about The New One by Evie Green.
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I seldom read a synopsis or much about a book before I start reading an advanced copy to review. I love not having any preconceived ideas about where the book might be going or what it’s like. I was definitely surprised by this one. Pleasantly.
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This is a Sci-Fi thriller that doesn’t get too other-worldly or bog us down in details, we just get the fun of reading the story as it plays out. This books merged human cloning with artificial intelligence and had me flipping pages quickly, wanting to know what was going to happen. I definitely had some suspicions but there were a couple of twists that totally threw me off. Love that!
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A hard working, down on their luck couple is raising their teenage daughter in Cornwall. She is more than a handful and they are all at their wits end, the daughter included, when a horrible accident leaves the daughter in a coma with a short time span given to recover. When presented with what looks like a modern miracle, they are offered a new life in Switzerland where their daughter will be a part of some exciting new medical research.
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When they move to Geneva, they are presented with a lifestyle they never even dreamed of. Their daughter will receive the best care while still in a coma, and they will welcome into their lives and home a replica who looks just like their daughter, with a few enhancements.
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This was a wild ride, made a little difficult to read because the rebellious daughter who ends up in a coma has the same name as my granddaughter, Scarlett. There were a couple of other characters in the book that had names of beloved family members as well and I almost couldn’t read it, but it hooked me so well that I had to know what happened to them all.
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I seldom read a synopsis or much about a book before I start reading an advanced copy to review. I love not having any preconceived ideas about where the book might be going or what it’s like. I was definitely surprised by this one. Pleasantly.
⠀
This is a Sci-Fi thriller that doesn’t get too other-worldly or bog us down in details, we just get the fun of reading the story as it plays out. This books merged human cloning with artificial intelligence and had me flipping pages quickly, wanting to know what was going to happen. I definitely had some suspicions but there were a couple of twists that totally threw me off. Love that!
⠀
A hard working, down on their luck couple is raising their teenage daughter in Cornwall. She is more than a handful and they are all at their wits end, the daughter included, when a horrible accident leaves the daughter in a coma with a short time span given to recover. When presented with what looks like a modern miracle, they are offered a new life in Switzerland where their daughter will be a part of some exciting new medical research.
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When they move to Geneva, they are presented with a lifestyle they never even dreamed of. Their daughter will receive the best care while still in a coma, and they will welcome into their lives and home a replica who looks just like their daughter, with a few enhancements.
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This was a wild ride, made a little difficult to read because the rebellious daughter who ends up in a coma has the same name as my granddaughter, Scarlett. There were a couple of other characters in the book that had names of beloved family members as well and I almost couldn’t read it, but it hooked me so well that I had to know what happened to them all.
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November 10, 2023
Read like a thriller. Until it didn’t and then it felt like a sci-fi which I’m not a fan of books. Love sci-fi in a movie or tv series. But not in a book. Or even if I knew what I “showed up” for when starting this book. But it just got lame for me towards the end and I no longer cared about any of the characters in the book.
March 20, 2023
I don't mind the necessary buy-in. You know what you are going into with the summary.
Beyond that? The book is slow as molasses and the reveal was just meh. ETA it isn't just meh it's stupid... like of all the places this could have went.. this was the best choice?
Beyond that? The book is slow as molasses and the reveal was just meh. ETA it isn't just meh it's stupid... like of all the places this could have went.. this was the best choice?
May 7, 2023
As soon as I read what this is about I had to have it. A couple's troubled teenaged daughter is in a horrible accident and then coma. When all hope appears lost a mysterious company makes an offer the parents can't refuse. Move to Switzerland with guaranteed, excellent care for a daughter who may never wake up again in exchange for allowing the company to create a clone. And they will have to live with this clone as part of the regular family. The clone is perfect, no behavioral problems like Scarlett. They have the best of everything. What happens though when their real daughter wakes up?
I was surprised in the beginning at some of the characters' actions. Things seem too good to be true once they get to Switzerland. It's a thriller so we know something is not right and things get very interesting when the clone shows up.
We get chapters from the mother's and the two girl's perspectives. It was interesting and creepy to be inside the mind of the clone and it was also interesting to see them interacting as a family.
There are some twists and the story could have gone many different ways. The only part that frustrated me is about what happened to Scarlett in the year leading up to the accident. It was never dealt with or addressed properly. Scarlett deserves better. But whoever reads this will have an entertaining read that is refreshingly different from many other thrillers. And I could see there being a sequel!
I was surprised in the beginning at some of the characters' actions. Things seem too good to be true once they get to Switzerland. It's a thriller so we know something is not right and things get very interesting when the clone shows up.
We get chapters from the mother's and the two girl's perspectives. It was interesting and creepy to be inside the mind of the clone and it was also interesting to see them interacting as a family.
There are some twists and the story could have gone many different ways. The only part that frustrated me is about what happened to Scarlett in the year leading up to the accident. It was never dealt with or addressed properly. Scarlett deserves better. But whoever reads this will have an entertaining read that is refreshingly different from many other thrillers. And I could see there being a sequel!
March 4, 2023
A book review or two ago, I spoke of how unusual it was to find a book in this genre with a truly different story to tell. Little did I know - nor did I dare hope - that I'd find another one. But find one I did, and by golly, it's a doozy.
The premise also is more than a little unsettling to me. Don't misunderstand - I'm a huge fan of technology, and my biggest fear of leaving this world is that I'll miss out on watching, and experiencing, all the advances that are sure to come. All the same, a few things on the developmental horizon that are often in the news frighten me a bit, such as artificial creation of human life (or purposefully altering it, as in gene manipulation) and artificial intelligence. While the prospects of both are exciting, I realize the enormous potential for misuse. So it was, then, that this book grabbed me from the git-go when Ed Trelawny's daughter, Scarlett, is rendered comatose following a hit-and-run - and Ed is offered the chance for her to participate in a research project in which a "new" daughter will be created from his daughter's body. In return, Ed, his wife and their "reanimated" daughter Sophie must exchange their drab, semi-miserable life in England for one of luxury near the research facility in Switzerland. Oh gosh, I said - what could possibly go wrong?
For openers, not long after Ed, his wife Tamsyn and Sophie are beginning to adjust to their new environment (quite happily, in fact), Scarlett - who really wasn't expected to recover - opens her eyes. And speaks. And soon, she recovers sufficiently to go home to be with her parents and, in many aspects, "twin" sister - one who's been programmed to be, well, an improvement of sorts. Oh gosh, I said once again - what could possibly go wrong?
Trust me, it's plenty - including an unexpected rivalry between the two girls that threatens to pull the family apart once again (or worse). Chapters trace what's going on both past and present from the perspectives of various family members. As the end nears, I was itching to get on with it - and then got hit with a whopper of a twist. More than that I can't say without giving away too much, but I won't hesitate to say I couldn't put this one down. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. As for those reading this review, I urge you to read it for yourselves. Wow!
The premise also is more than a little unsettling to me. Don't misunderstand - I'm a huge fan of technology, and my biggest fear of leaving this world is that I'll miss out on watching, and experiencing, all the advances that are sure to come. All the same, a few things on the developmental horizon that are often in the news frighten me a bit, such as artificial creation of human life (or purposefully altering it, as in gene manipulation) and artificial intelligence. While the prospects of both are exciting, I realize the enormous potential for misuse. So it was, then, that this book grabbed me from the git-go when Ed Trelawny's daughter, Scarlett, is rendered comatose following a hit-and-run - and Ed is offered the chance for her to participate in a research project in which a "new" daughter will be created from his daughter's body. In return, Ed, his wife and their "reanimated" daughter Sophie must exchange their drab, semi-miserable life in England for one of luxury near the research facility in Switzerland. Oh gosh, I said - what could possibly go wrong?
For openers, not long after Ed, his wife Tamsyn and Sophie are beginning to adjust to their new environment (quite happily, in fact), Scarlett - who really wasn't expected to recover - opens her eyes. And speaks. And soon, she recovers sufficiently to go home to be with her parents and, in many aspects, "twin" sister - one who's been programmed to be, well, an improvement of sorts. Oh gosh, I said once again - what could possibly go wrong?
Trust me, it's plenty - including an unexpected rivalry between the two girls that threatens to pull the family apart once again (or worse). Chapters trace what's going on both past and present from the perspectives of various family members. As the end nears, I was itching to get on with it - and then got hit with a whopper of a twist. More than that I can't say without giving away too much, but I won't hesitate to say I couldn't put this one down. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. As for those reading this review, I urge you to read it for yourselves. Wow!
January 12, 2025
Thrilling and original! This book is loaded with twists that you will not see coming. I truly had no idea how this would end.
This is a well-constructed science fiction/thriller. It is listed as a horror as well but I don't think there is anything in this book that is scary beyond the scientific concepts themselves. It is thrilling though and I had a hard time putting it down.
I especially related to this from the perspective of motherhood. I empathized with Tamsyn's struggles with her teen daughter. It is such a complex relationship made even more complex in this novel when her daughter is cloned. The book tackles the fear all mothers have of letting go of the control they have in their child's life. Kid's change so much so quickly. Within a decade they go from needing their parents for everything to developing independence. As much as all parents want their children to be happy and well adjusted, there is still this driving need to want to protect them that makes letting them go so painful.
Initially, I had some reservations about the writing style but they made more sense as the novel went on. The book does change between the first person perspectives of the two daughters and the third person perspectives of the parents. It made the audiobook hard to follow so I switched over to the Kindle edition.
I would highly recommend this to fans of science fiction and dystopian thrillers. There were parts of this that felt like a less horrifying Stepford Wives. As the novel progresses though it reminded more of something like Orphan Black or even the Divergent series. Definitely one to check out if you love a good page turner with plenty of unexpected twists!
This is a well-constructed science fiction/thriller. It is listed as a horror as well but I don't think there is anything in this book that is scary beyond the scientific concepts themselves. It is thrilling though and I had a hard time putting it down.
I especially related to this from the perspective of motherhood. I empathized with Tamsyn's struggles with her teen daughter. It is such a complex relationship made even more complex in this novel when her daughter is cloned. The book tackles the fear all mothers have of letting go of the control they have in their child's life. Kid's change so much so quickly. Within a decade they go from needing their parents for everything to developing independence. As much as all parents want their children to be happy and well adjusted, there is still this driving need to want to protect them that makes letting them go so painful.
Initially, I had some reservations about the writing style but they made more sense as the novel went on. The book does change between the first person perspectives of the two daughters and the third person perspectives of the parents. It made the audiobook hard to follow so I switched over to the Kindle edition.
I would highly recommend this to fans of science fiction and dystopian thrillers. There were parts of this that felt like a less horrifying Stepford Wives. As the novel progresses though it reminded more of something like Orphan Black or even the Divergent series. Definitely one to check out if you love a good page turner with plenty of unexpected twists!
March 30, 2023
This book has been on my radar for a long time. I saw a tiktok of someone explaining the plot and I was intrigued. It did not disappoint. What a ride.
Is there going to be a second book? I feel it both had the set up of a series and the finality of a stand-alone.
Is there going to be a second book? I feel it both had the set up of a series and the finality of a stand-alone.
December 20, 2023
An unpredictable and exciting thriller that explores the undeniable benefits of advanced tech/AI, but the inevitable dangers attached to it as well.
Rounded up to 3.5 stars. This was a fun read, with everything in the beginning happening very quickly. Ed and Tamsyn live a miserable impoverished life in a cramped caravan in Cornwall, England. This misery reaches its breaking point when their once lovely, well-mannered 13-year-old daughter turns 14, falls in with the wrong cross, and becomes an absolute nightmare to her already overworked, overwhelmed parents.
This all changes when Scarlett runs out one night to meet a mystery friend, and instead is plowed down by an oncoming vehicle. Tamsyn runs after her, but isn’t fast enough to catch her - she wakes up with her husband in Scarlett’s hospital room. She had fainted from shock.
Now that she’s come to, she’s faced with the grim reality that her daughter is not likely to come back from this. She is alive only because of machines, and Tamsyn and Ed’s insurance policy has an expiration date for her recovery - if she doesn’t wake up within a month, that’s it. The plug is pulled, and Ed and Tamsyn never see their daughter again.
Enter VitaNova. They can give Ed and Tamsyn a life in Switzerland that they could only dream of having. Oh, and fully fund Scarlett’s medical treatment while top doctors attempt to bring her out of her coma. The catch?
Of course there’s a catch. And it goes much deeper than this one catch as one would imagine (because come on, we’re talking some shady ass people here - and human cloning! - when can that ever NOT have sinister repercussions?!). But obviously I’m not going to spoil it.
The catch is that the family must agree to let VitaNova create a “reanimation” (a clone) of Scarlett. Scarlett 2.0. I mean, as creepy as that is, I don’t think any families would say no, given that it gives them a chance not only to start a new life, but a chance to get their old daughter back.
If Scarlett wakes up, they have the option of sending her reanimation (who will 100% believe she IS Scarlett; only, she will be the same daughter she was before she fell in with the wrong crowd) away - to where, they don’t say - or keeping both girls and passing them off as twins.
Obviously Scarlett does wake up (as the book jacket tells you) and only then do we start to discover the real story and everyone’s true motivations. As I said, this book was enjoyable enough with some pretty unique plot twists I hadn’t predicted. It just ran a little too long for my taste, and then ended a bit too abruptly for a story that could have been trimmed down a bit.
Overall though, a fun debut novel that I’d recommend to sci-fi/dystopian fans, lovers of Black Mirror type tales that show us what can happen when we have an over reliance on technology - as well as an over abundance of greed.
Rounded up to 3.5 stars. This was a fun read, with everything in the beginning happening very quickly. Ed and Tamsyn live a miserable impoverished life in a cramped caravan in Cornwall, England. This misery reaches its breaking point when their once lovely, well-mannered 13-year-old daughter turns 14, falls in with the wrong cross, and becomes an absolute nightmare to her already overworked, overwhelmed parents.
This all changes when Scarlett runs out one night to meet a mystery friend, and instead is plowed down by an oncoming vehicle. Tamsyn runs after her, but isn’t fast enough to catch her - she wakes up with her husband in Scarlett’s hospital room. She had fainted from shock.
Now that she’s come to, she’s faced with the grim reality that her daughter is not likely to come back from this. She is alive only because of machines, and Tamsyn and Ed’s insurance policy has an expiration date for her recovery - if she doesn’t wake up within a month, that’s it. The plug is pulled, and Ed and Tamsyn never see their daughter again.
Enter VitaNova. They can give Ed and Tamsyn a life in Switzerland that they could only dream of having. Oh, and fully fund Scarlett’s medical treatment while top doctors attempt to bring her out of her coma. The catch?
Of course there’s a catch. And it goes much deeper than this one catch as one would imagine (because come on, we’re talking some shady ass people here - and human cloning! - when can that ever NOT have sinister repercussions?!). But obviously I’m not going to spoil it.
The catch is that the family must agree to let VitaNova create a “reanimation” (a clone) of Scarlett. Scarlett 2.0. I mean, as creepy as that is, I don’t think any families would say no, given that it gives them a chance not only to start a new life, but a chance to get their old daughter back.
If Scarlett wakes up, they have the option of sending her reanimation (who will 100% believe she IS Scarlett; only, she will be the same daughter she was before she fell in with the wrong crowd) away - to where, they don’t say - or keeping both girls and passing them off as twins.
Obviously Scarlett does wake up (as the book jacket tells you) and only then do we start to discover the real story and everyone’s true motivations. As I said, this book was enjoyable enough with some pretty unique plot twists I hadn’t predicted. It just ran a little too long for my taste, and then ended a bit too abruptly for a story that could have been trimmed down a bit.
Overall though, a fun debut novel that I’d recommend to sci-fi/dystopian fans, lovers of Black Mirror type tales that show us what can happen when we have an over reliance on technology - as well as an over abundance of greed.
March 31, 2023
Siempre me quejo de los techno thrillers como el subgénero que más me sobra en la ciencia ficción y al final acabo cayendo con todo el equipo y devorando, como en este caso, 400 páginas en día y medio. No tiene una ciencia demasiado plausible, ni una prosa elaborada, se ven venir la mayoría de los giros y el final es un poco anticlimático. Lo que si tiene es lo que deben de tener estas historias, un índice de adicción tremendo que te hace no querer parar de leer hasta terminar.
La trama es interesante, una familia inglesa de clase baja y con mala suerte con una hija de 14 años totalmente rebelde y que está destrozando la unidad familiar, sufre un atropello casi mortal que la deja en coma. Entonces llega una oferta de una compañía con sede en Suiza que le ofrece a sus padres la posibilidad de los mejores cuidados médicos posibles a cambio de que acepten una copia de su hija, igual pero perfecta en todo (en teoría). Un hibrido de clon con IA que viva con ellos en Ginebra, con todo pagado y una vida bastante lujosa mientras hacen lo posible porque su verdadera hija salga del coma. A partir de ahí, espiral, giros, oscuras intenciones empresariales y todo lo típico, pero bien estructurado para que quieras saber que pasa en la siguiente página.
La trama es interesante, una familia inglesa de clase baja y con mala suerte con una hija de 14 años totalmente rebelde y que está destrozando la unidad familiar, sufre un atropello casi mortal que la deja en coma. Entonces llega una oferta de una compañía con sede en Suiza que le ofrece a sus padres la posibilidad de los mejores cuidados médicos posibles a cambio de que acepten una copia de su hija, igual pero perfecta en todo (en teoría). Un hibrido de clon con IA que viva con ellos en Ginebra, con todo pagado y una vida bastante lujosa mientras hacen lo posible porque su verdadera hija salga del coma. A partir de ahí, espiral, giros, oscuras intenciones empresariales y todo lo típico, pero bien estructurado para que quieras saber que pasa en la siguiente página.
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