Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - The One

Not really a novel, but instead five short stories based on the single premise of couples being matched through their DNA. None of the characters interact at any time with people in any other story. As such, like many short story collections (especially ones from a single author, rather than an anthology), the quality varies and I typically average it out to 2-1/5⭐️⭐️⭐️. The short, alternating chapters helped to keep me engaged, as I knew I’d only be spending a limited amount of time with protagonists and plots I detested (Nick, Christopher) before returning to ones I enjoyed more.

Content Warnings

paulaks's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I really wanted to like this book but I don´t know... The writing was mediocre but the pace was pretty fast because of POV switches and short chapters. But holy crap the plot was CRAZY- Everything felt like a fever dream! The topics were interesting and definitely gave different nuances but it was just too much I guess. This is a me-problem and I truly understand the hype it had. I was fascinated by some moments and ideas but it was way too much for me. Check TW!

Content Warnings

brandilovesbooks's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

If a simple DNA swab could find your soul mate, would you do it? What if your soul mate could be the same sex as you? Or a generation older or younger than you? Or be mentally handicapped? Or have severe psychological problems? Would you do it if you were single so you could eliminate all the Mr/Ms Wrongs before you found Mr/Ms Right? What if you were in a relationship that you knew was "the one"? Would you get tested to verify it?

The One takes place 10 years after this groundbreaking test became public. Millions across the world have been tested. The One follows 5 people who get their match. A woman whose match is across the world, a CEO who always puts her business first, a man who is pressured by his fiance to take the test to prove they are soul mates, a woman who attends her match's memorial after getting matched, and a psychopath who is in the middle of a murder spree.

There is so much more I could say, but I don't want to give anything away.

I enjoyed not only the "what if's" raised by the premise but the way each story unfolded. They were all completely different and each had parts that were completely unexpected.

Definitely recommended.

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laurennom's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious sad 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

3.0

Content Warnings

stephanieluxton's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book.

It's basically 5 books in one as it rotates through five unrelated main characters and their experience with "the one".
There's a lot of little twists and turns and I found myself genuinely not knowing what was going to happen, which is rare and exciting.

The concept felt original, the pace was excellent, the characters all unique and colourful. The concept was well explored and it gives you something to think about. This would make a fantastic book club book.

It's both dark and wholesome.

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