3.68 AVERAGE


The premise was intriguing enough but unfortunately the outcome was way too predictable within the first 20 pages of the book. I am intrigued enough to check out the author's other works hoping I have better luck.
dark mysterious tense medium-paced

The author fully reconfirms her pathological hatred for men, and since we live in an imperfect society, she can gain from this. She probably never stops to look at herself in the mirror so as not to see the word hypocrite written on her forehead. It disgusts me and makes me sad that a person can live in this bilious way.
challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

***These are my random thoughts after finishing the book. Some of the thoughts are an overall review of the book, or any questions/feelings that nagged at me throughout. There will almost definitely be spoilers. Read at your own risk.***   ‐----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



3.5 stars down

Pretty predictable, easy to guess
Interesting dystopian, lots to think about (would you get tested?)
Tired of bad moms covering up for their bad sons
challenging emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

For me, after reading this book it made me sit and contemplate the VERY complex sibling dynamic that is involved in this storyline.

I binged over half this book in one sitting last night - just couldn't put it down! The short chapters, alternating narrators and timelines, and little twists I didn't see coming just kept me flipping the pages faster and faster!

If you love a novel that feels like present day and real life but also has a touch of futuristic / sci-fi aspects, then One of the Boys is definitely for you! It didn't feel far off that more of the human genome could be tracked to isolate a gene that is predictive of violent and aggressive behaviors. And it definitely didn't feel far-fetched to see how that might play out should that kind of gene be isolated.

A story of good versus bad, punishment before the crime, and a total disregard of nature versus nurture -- this novel is incredibly thought provoking and would be a tremendous choice for a book club. Ethical and moral questions and dilemmas abound, this book definitely had me considering my personal feelings and stance on several societal issues that are present even now.

There were many times I felt like I was reading a novel by John Marrs, so if his works are your style, this is one you cannot miss!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the copy of this awesome read!

this was literally SO good

3.5/5

This was really good! I picked it up on a whim and I'm glad I did. I would classify this as a dystopian thriller. Just the thought of testing boys for the murder gene freaks me out, lol. The book reminded me of the book, Defending Jacob, where Jacob was tested for the "M" gene. It also reminded me of when the pandemic first started and how people were judged in social situations if you got the COVID vaccine or not. The book was fast-paced and suspenseful with a nice twist at the end. I recommend this one!

Thanks so much, NetGalley and Berkley Pub, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!