Tom Hazard may look like a typical 40-year-old, but he's actually over 400 years old, due to a rare condition. As a member of a society of similar people, he knows he must follow the rules of keeping to a quiet life, moving every 8 years, and never falling in love. But when he meets Camille, he begins to question the life he's been leading.
This book was so much more than just a love story. In fact, for me, the love story was just a small part. It's more a character study of this man who has lived an incredible life (he's sailed with Captain Cook, had a drink with F. Scott Fitzgerald, and worked alongside Shakespeare) but who still feels incredibly lonely. At one time he had a wife and daughter, but to keep them safe, he left. His daughter, however, has the same condition as him, and he has never stopped hoping he will find her again.
The story is very light on action and plot, and even becomes very predictable in the end, yet I was still taken in by an imaginative look at someone who has experienced so much of history and how it has affected him. 3.5 stars
Imagine if you could find your soulmate just by taking a DNA test - when Match Your DNA finds your perfect genetic match, you'll live happily ever after. Right? In The One, five people send their DNA swab to Match Your DNA, hoping the database will find their soulmate.
This book captured me from the start. I was totally intrigued by the premise. The author has come up with such a unique approach to finding love, but could it really be foolproof? Each storyline explores the "what ifs" - what if you were already in a relationship? Would you take the test and risk finding out your partner isn't your perfect match? What if your match is terminally ill, deceased, or even the same gender as you (and you've always considered yourself heterosexual)? Or, what if your match is a psychopath? Every storyline is distinctive and interesting
This book was darker than I was expecting, but in the best ways. It's a thriller, but it also has a lot of heart, and even though I guessed some of the outcomes, I was still surprised many times. Short, snappy chapters that ended with a bit of a tease kept me reading. It was such a fun ride and proved that nothing in life or love is a guarantee. 4.5 stars
I like the sounds of both of these! The One sounds right up my alley too. Great reviews.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenea!
DeleteHow To Stop Time sounds so interesting, I love the concept and it sounds like it would really be interesting to read about someone who has lived through so much. The One looks great! I'm all for the darker side of things, so I'l definitely have to look that one up as well. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jordan! They were both such unique reads!
DeleteI too like the sound of both of these. I've read other reviews of THE ONE, so I've already got it on my list. However, I'll add the other one now. Thanks for telling about these!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Hope you enjoy them, Kay!
DeleteThe premise of The One intrigues me. I feel like getting a DNA based match can go so many ways like you said, and I'd be interested to see them explored. Plus I love thrillers in general so I feel like it'd be the book for me. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lauren! I don't know that I was expecting a thriller when I started The One, but it was so good!
Deleteboth of these are on my radar, I think The One sounds so different and exciting
ReplyDeleteIt was so unique and fast-paced!
DeleteThe One sounds like a really cool concept! I wouldn't have expected it to be a dark read either, but it makes sense. I will have to check it out. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI was wondering about How to Stop Time. The synopsis made me tear up and your thoughts solidified that this one will make me cry.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely very touching in parts; I couldn't help but feel bad for the MC.
DeleteThe One sounds amazing! I still need to read How to Stop Time. Bummer that it was a bit predictable but it still sounds like a worthwhile read. I'm probably most looking forward to reading about all of the incredible experiences he has throughout his life, especially working alongside Shakespeare and having drinks with Fitzgerald. Wow!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! For a history fan like myself, those parts were fun to read.
DeleteThe One was SO good! I couldn't put it down!
ReplyDeleteI've had The One on my Kindle for ages, but had totally forgotten about it until I saw this post! It sounds so good! I may read that next :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome, hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThe One looks amazing, I must keep an eye-out for it. It sounds so unique and thought-provoking.
ReplyDeleteLovely reviews :)
Thanks, Amy! It was so good, I think you would like it!
DeleteI though The One was such a wonderful thoughtful read, but I haven't yet had the energy for HOw to Stop Time. It just sounds so huge and all encompassing, it feels exhausting to read.
ReplyDeleteIt actually was a pretty quick read!
DeleteOoooh! The One sounds super interesting!!
ReplyDeleteI think that one would be right up your alley!
DeleteHow To Stop Time sounds like a fun read! I love the cover and I can definitely enjoy books that are mostly about the characters :)
ReplyDeleteTom was an interesting character!
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