Publisher: Imprint

Date of publication: September 6, 2016

Series: The Ones

The Ones—Book 1

The Equals—Book 2

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | AbeBooks | Alibris | Powells | Indigo

Goodreads Synopsis:

Cody has always been proud of being a One. She and her boyfriend James were two of the lucky babies from the 1% of the U.S. population that were randomly selected to benefit from genetic engineering. Now, she and the rest of The Ones are excelling. They are healthy, beautiful, and talented. They aren’t otherworldly, just perfect. And to some, that’s not fair. The Equality Movement, capitalizing on the growing fear and jealousy, gains political traction and actually outlaws their existence. Society shows its darker side as The Ones are marginalized. The line between right and wrong blurs in the face of injustice and Cody becomes closer to a group of radical Ones intent on fighting back. James begins to fear just how far she is willing to go for the cause.

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3 Things I Liked About The Ones

Cody and James’s romance.
I loved how sweet and innocent their relationship was. The author took the time to let it unfold naturally, and amid a world that’s completely falling apart, their connection felt normal. That contrast made it even more special.

How realistic the plot felt—for the most part.
If you take out the genetically modified kids and drop in current events instead, the story becomes even more unsettling. That realism made the book feel a little too close to home at times.

The family relationships.
The difference between James’s relationship with his family and Cody’s relationship with her mother is stark—and sad. Honestly, I’d rather have a parent who isn’t physically present than one who’s there but emotionally absent.

The Equality Movement.
They genuinely reminded me of Nazis. Their solution to what they believe is a problem is deeply disturbing—and you’ll need to read the book to understand just how far they go. Everything they stand for feels wrong, and what makes it even scarier is how much power they gain.

Kai’s group of friends.
Kai and Taryn rubbed me the wrong way from the moment they appeared. The way they operate didn’t sit right with me at all, and I didn’t believe Kai for a second about specific events. Watching Cody get pulled deeper into their mess just turned into a complete cluster.

The Ones is for readers who enjoy dystopian stories grounded in realism, slow-burn young love, complicated family dynamics, and themes that feel uncomfortably close to our current world.