A review by bookmadlibrarian
The Marriage Act by John Marrs

challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What if marriage was the law? Dare you disobey?

Britain. The near-future. A right-wing government believes it has the answer to society’s ills – the Sanctity of Marriage Act, which actively encourages marriage as the norm, punishing those who choose to remain single.

But four couples are about to discover just how impossible relationships can be when the government is monitoring every aspect of our personal lives, monitoring every word, every minor disagreement . . . and will use every tool in its arsenal to ensure everyone will love, honour and obey.

Prepare yourself for another twisted, original, dark story from the mind of John Marrs. I was obsessed with The One when I read it a few years ago and The Marriage Act is set approximately 25 years after science determined a person’s perfect love match. Cleverly written and fast-paced, Marrs’ story gallops ahead at a relentless speed. Told from multiple POV’s, you are instantly pulled into each of the characters’ worlds and are immersed in their predicaments.

Marrs’ presentation of a dystopian world where the government and A.I determines whether or not you stay married and are given privileges over others is truly terrifying and thrilling all at once. Packed with plenty of thrills, plot twists and suspense, you will not want to put this book down! The Marriage Act will really make you think about government control and Big Brother watching us (Orwell’s 1984 definitely comes to mind!) 

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the arc. The Marriage Act is out on January 19th.