This gorgeous Young Adult Sci-Fi novel comes out on June 11th, 2013. I was lucky enough to be included in the street team, which meant I got a lovely ARC two months before the release. I don’t review many books on my blog (yet), but this one was completely outside of my genre and warranted a full blown post. Enjoy!
I was excited for this book. I pre-ordered two copies as soon as the release date was announced. I near bounced out of my skin when ARCs were given to the members of Team ONE. But all of this was pretty new for me because…
I don’t go crazy over Young Adult. In fact, I hardly read any Young Adult (I know, I’m so boring). I don’t know if this is because I just exited my angsty teen years and I’m not that excited to revisit them, or what. Maybe it will change soon. If it does, it will be because of books like this one! *big, huge, gigantic smile*
So you can take this from a total Young Adult cynic: ONE passed my expectations. Over and above. Totally in love. Boom.
The story starts out with a fabulous hook — Merrin has only half of a super power. She doesn’t fit in with the mutant kids called Supers, and she doesn’t fit in with the Normal kids, either. She’s known as a One, a.k.a. a freak. Yeah, okay, typical teen feels, I don’t fit in, nobody understands me, etc. But not only did the futuristic world grab me, Merrin’s attitude was excellent. She’s not whiny, she doesn’t sit around being a pout. She does her best to use what she does have: an incredible brain. Yes. Main character we can get behind. Like, like, like.
Enter tall and gawky totally awkward and smiley love interest character. He’s just the right amount of push, enough to get into Merrin’s world — and just the right amount of no pressure, I like you, let’s be friends. He really reminded me of my little brother. A total sweetheart at the core. Someone you can be happy about every time he shows up. Love, love, love!
And just about the mid point, when I felt a little bogged down with “I love you, you’re so perfect for me” moments, the story starts spiralling out of control with about 80 pages of sheer action. The ending was perfection. Happy, but with danger lurking. Sequel, please!
Overall? Five out of five stars. No matter who you are or what genre you usually read, pick up ONE this June (and be ready for the sequel, TWO, coming in October!). You won’t regret it. If it isn’t your favorite, mail it to me so I can have extra copies to give to friends, because this is one of those I will be handing out everywhere.
–Rachel
Rachel O'Laughlin 
What a great review for a great book! I feel lucky to be a part of the street team too. After seeing the cover, I just might have to order a physical copy. It is so gorgeous!
WOW this cover is gorgeous and it sounds like a book I definitely want to read! Great review!!! I’m so glad I saw it so I can check out the book!
I was sold on the cover and then I read your review and the deal was clinched. I’ve felt too grown up for YA for a long time, but there are some stunning offerings out there – so I’m always open to something with a great premise that delivers. Thanks for the heads up.