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The One

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'The One' by John Marrs explores a world where a company claims to have discovered a gene that can scientifically determine soulmates through DNA testing. The book follows the stories of five couples who have been matched by this technology, revealing the shocking consequences of relying on genetic science to find true love. The plot is filled with suspenseful twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as they navigate through various characters' lives and relationships. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, compelling, and thought-provoking, with chapters dedicated to different characters' experiences linked together in a clever and surprising manner.

Characters:

The characters are varied, ranging from relatable individuals to those with complex, darker motivations, affecting the outcomes of their matches.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features short, alternating chapters ending in cliffhangers, resulting in a fast-paced and engaging reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot explores the consequences of a DNA matchmaking service that aims to find soulmates, complicating the lives of five individuals in surprising and ethical ways.

Setting:

The story is set in a contemporary world, highlighting digital dating culture with diverse locations.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and engaging, enhanced by short chapters and cliffhangers that maintain reader interest.
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Notes:

The novel explores a world where a DNA test can match people with their soulmate.
The story revolves around a service called Match Your DNA.
Five main characters each take the DNA test and are matched with their perfect partners.
Each chapter focuses on a different character's experience after receiving their match.
The narrative examines the potential consequences of relying solely on genetics for love.
One character, Christopher, is a serial killer matched with a policewoman, raising ethical questions about relationships.
The book features a mix of romance, thriller, and science fiction elements.
Characters face various crises, including discovering their match is already married or, in some cases, not what they expected at all.
The short chapters often end on cliffhangers, making it a fast-paced read.
The premise questions the concept of free will in relationships and the implications of DNA testing on human connections.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The story contains triggers related to murder, psychopathology, deception, and potentially disturbing situations surrounding relationships.

Has Romance?

Romance plays a significant role in the story, as it revolves around characters attempting to find their genetically matched partners.

From The Publisher:

Now on Netflix!

The USA Today bestseller

A Wall Street Journal Best Science Fiction Book of 2018

"Just try to put this gripping thriller down once you pick it up." - AARP

"A shock on every other page." - Wall Street Journal

How far would you go to find The One ?

A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you'll be matched with your perfect partner-the one you're genetically made for.

That's the promise made by Match Your DNA. A decade ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless relationships and upended the traditional ideas of dating, romance and love.

Now five very different people have received the notification that they've been "Matched." They're each about to meet their one true love. But "happily ever after" isn't guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others…

A word-of-mouth hit in the United Kingdom, The One is a fascinating novel that shows how even the simplest discoveries can have complicated consequences.

Ratings (62)

Incredible (12)
Loved It (26)
Liked It (10)
It Was OK (13)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (113):

Read It (60)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (40)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (7)

3 comment(s)

It Was OK
1 week

I'm in minority here with only giving this 3 stars and I'm wondering if I would have enjoyed it more if I've read it instead of listening to it. Sometimes there is a difference. I just didn't feel as engaged and thrilled as I thought I would be reading the premise. I will wait a while and see if it pops up in my library when it opens again

 
Incredible
3 months

SYNOPSIS

People can take a “Match Your DNA” test to discover their perfect partners. Scientists have discovered a gene that each person shares with only one other person, their soulmate.

Your Match can be any age, gender, race, and sexuality. They can live anywhere, so they may end up down the road or on the other side of the world. They can be married, single, divorced, engaged, etc.

We follow five people discovering their Match.

For ease, I am going to summarize characters below.

CHARACTERS

Mandy, a divorcee in her late 30s, matches with Richard. When looking him up, she discovers that he’s recently died. She befriends his mom & his sister.

Christopher, a serial killer, matches with Amy, a police officer.

Jade, who is stuck in a dead-end job & living with her parents, matches with Kevin, who lives across the world in Australia.

Nick, who is engaged to Sally & considers himself heterosexual, matches with a man named Alex.

Ellie, who is a billionaire, matches with an ordinary man named Tim.

MY THOUGHTS

Ahhhh! I loved this book. The premise was extremely unique, and it was a compelling read.

I would characterize this book as a mix of science fiction & suspense/thriller.

It is a long book (around 500 pages), but all chapters are short. I ended up finishing it quickly. I started it Monday night, and I finished it on Tuesday night.

It is told from alternating POV chapters of the 5 different people exploring whether their Match is their soulmate. At first, it was hard to keep it straight, but after a few rounds of the POVs, it was easy to follow. I also think it was a solid choice to incorporate different stories with such a unique premise.

This is my first read by John Marrs, but I keep seeing him mentioned & recommended by others. I can’t wait to read more of his books.

I’ve seen some comparisons of the book with a Black Mirror episode, and that’s so spot on.

I loved how Marrs took time to flush out some of the negative societal & large scale impacts of a system like Match Your DNA.

The execution of the plot is fantastic, and all the twists & turns are wrapped up neatly. Very satisfying ending.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️extremely unique premise. science fiction mixed with suspense/thriller. execution of plot was perfect. multiple POVs. short chapters. loved this one. highly recommend!

 
Liked It
5 months

I’ve been through a reading slump recently, so I picked up a thriller with a great premise to help me bust through it. While this book kept me reading, I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed it, more that I was compelled to find out what happened in the end. If you’re looking for a quick read to keep you engaged, this is a good pick. I loved the premise but not the writing as much.

 

About the Author:

John Marrs is a former journalist from Northamptonshire, England, who spent 25 years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines. He wrote for publications including The Guardian's Guide and Guardian Online; OK! Magazine; Total Film; Empire; Q; GT; The Independent; Star; Reveal; Company; Daily Star and News of the World's Sunday Magazine. He recently gave up his job to write novels full time. His first car at the age of seventeen was a three-door, Ford Escort with a Batman sticker in the rear windscreen. He thought the sticker was cool at the time.

 
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