jon3535's reviews
92 reviews

I have enjoyed a John Marrs as an author throughout last year, with his novel “The Good Samaritan” taking one of my tops of 2024. It was time to endeavour into an older novel of Marrs, with “The One”, which is yet another five star read! Marrs has a talent for writing fast-paced page turning thrillers, and “The One” is not any different. 

The novel follows five individuals who have submitted their samples to ‘Match Your DNA’, a revolutionary matchmaking business that is found on the premise that a true match has a match in DNA, a match that is only ever found in one other person. The five people the story follows each have their own unique experiences with the process, one of them being the founder of the company behind the scientifically guaranteed matching process (or is it?). 

The multiple and non overlapping points of view make this book fast-paced and nearly impossible to stop reading as you feel the need to know what happens next for each of the individuals. This book is full of jaw dropping moments, where I audibly gasped out loud in shock. The novel tackles love, death, murder, revenge, ethics, science, and so many more topics that form one amazing read. This is considered a must read from my perspective, pick it up - you won’t be able to put it down, and you won’t regret it. 

I began my 2025 reading journey with science fiction, a genre I neglected in 2024. I made an excellent choice by starting with Adrian Tchaikovsky’s “Children of Time,” the first book in a trilogy. This novel is truly extraordinary, literally set in a time when Earth has become extinct, and humanity is left to make a last-ditch effort to establish a new life elsewhere in space. 

However, as with any human endeavor, personal desires often overshadow the mission’s objectives, threatening the survival of the human race. The novel skillfully weaves together two distinct perspectives: a team of humans exploring uncharted space and a planet inhabited by spiders (through human implantation). These spiders are genetically engineered to grow and develop far beyond the capabilities of ordinary spiders; a genetically engineered virus intended for monkeys - but took to a unique host instead. 

Tchaikovsky’s remarkable talent lies in seamlessly navigating these two vastly different species throughout the novel, while simultaneously capturing the perspectives of each. The action sequences are thrilling and packed with suspense, while the exploration of profound themes is equally impressive. Tchaikovsky tackles topics such as the nature of god and religion, the potential of artificial intelligence, the horrors of war, the complexities of community and society, and the mysteries of space.

Personally, I found the perspectives of the spiders particularly captivating. In this species, female spiders are far more powerful than their male counterparts, a stark contrast to the human condition. This juxtaposition of power dynamics adds depth and intrigue to the novel.

Overall, “Children of Time” was an enthralling and thought-provoking read that left me questioning the outcome until the very end. I am now eagerly anticipating the second book in the trilogy. Have you read the entire series? Do you believe it lives up to the first installment? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section. 

Claire Keegan brings us a short but very powerful read that is set in 1985 in Ireland. The story follows a merchant and father, Bill Furlong, throughout the holiday season as he begins to question life’s existence beyond what they have been raised to believe within the church. Furlong’s employment as a merchant includes deliveries to all those within his Irish town, including a Convent that doubled as a Magdalen laundry where Furlong found a girl removed of her baby and forced into unliveable conditions. 

“Furlong did and did not know, he found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another?”

Keegan expertly and succinctly shares a beautiful story of a man and his attempts to question beyond what he has been taught and raised to believe. It is not until his experience at the Convent that Furlong changes from observer to taking action. This novella is short, but packed with important messages and shines a light on a dark history of Ireland and religion in general, one that is not shared too commonly. “Small Things Like These” truly packing a larger punch of importance than the title lets on. Give this one a read, it can easily be achieved within one sitting and is well worth it! 

Murray and Wearmouth present us with a Christmas-themed thriller titled “You Better Watch Out.” This novel skillfully combines elements of The Truman Show and The Hunger Games. It’s a quick and gripping read that will keep you questioning the plot and gasping for breath at the end, yearning for more.

The story is set in a peculiar town inhabited solely by individuals with criminal histories. They are forced to endure Hunger Games-style challenges in the hopes of finding and escaping this festive yet murderous town. Both authors masterfully develop the characters, making readers root for them throughout their trials - despite their criminal histories. 

Some may argue that a thriller shouldn’t be set during the Christmas season (likely the same people who claim Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie). However, I firmly believe this read is worth it, even if you’re seeking a post-holiday read. Make this one of your choices! Once you’ve finished it, reach out to me; I’m eager to hear your reactions to the ending. It left me mind-blown, and I can’t help but hope the hint in the epilogue about a potential sequel is true.

Wishing you all a joyous and less adventurous Christmas than the thriller depicted in this novel. If you were on the naughty list, well you better watch out. 

“He’s realized that being in possession of a penis means you still have to pull your weight. And that his ins’t so colossally huge that it makes it impossible for him to stand at the sink and wash up. That it’s not exhausting to drag around all dat that evenings must be spent, almost comatose, on the sofa.”

Fiona Gibson’s “Tis the Damn Season” presents a delightful holiday treat. The novel follows three best friends, each grappling with their own challenges in their relationships and the weight of being the sole responsible party for ensuring a successful Christmas. Amidst these pressures, they receive an unexpected opportunity for a last-minute getaway to a secluded cottage, intended to be a chance to destress and reconnect before the holiday rush. However, Mother Nature intervenes, extending their trip beyond Christmas.

Through Gibson’s diverse perspectives, the novel illuminates the struggles each woman faces. By taking a step back and embracing friendship, they gain a newfound sense of self-worth and leave the cottage with fresh perspectives on life. They realize that their worth is not contingent on their partners or families, and they have the freedom to choose a path that aligns with their own desires and needs.

One particularly poignant moment comes when one of the women reflects on the realization that being in a relationship doesn’t mean one automatically takes on the burden of responsibility. It’s a reminder that even with a partner, one still has the power to make choices and prioritize their own well-being.

“Tis the Damn Season” is a quick and engaging read that serves as a timely reminder that the holiday season may not be perfect for everyone. It can create unrealistic expectations and pressures, leading to stress and dissatisfaction. This holiday season, prioritize what truly brings you joy and let go of the unnecessary stress that can hinder your happiness.