THE MARRIAGE ACT

I didn’t enjoy the first book I read by John Marrs but vowed that it would not but me off reading any more of his books. So when I had the opportunity of an e-arc copy of The Marriage Act I jumped at the chance.

Did I enjoy this novel ? Answer, No. I found the pace to be slow and there were so many unlikeable characters.

The Marriage Act started off well however I was not captivated for long and unfortunately gave up approximately 30% of the way in.

Maybe I didn’t give it chance ? But I really couldn’t see my feelings changing.

I thought the concept interesting, but poorly executed and bogged down with too many ideas in the story.

Thank you #NetGalley for the E-arc copy of #TheMarriageAct in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to @netgalley for allowing me an early advanced copy of this book. I didn't realise that this is a sequel to "the One" which I haven't read but this was ok to read as a stand-alone.

What a disturbing, cleverly written and extremely creepy read that really makes you think. Where the first book apparently focuses on you being matched with the perfect partner this book follows on and questions what happens if marriage was the law and being controlled by the government. It is not compulsory to upgrade to a Smart Marriage but there are a lot of benefits to it. However, the downsides are the government coming into your home and installing devices all over to record your conversations and could decide what rating your marriage is at and offer extra help with relationship responders.

It's a very fast paced and twisty read with lots of different points of view. The characters are not very likeable but shows you what they would do when they are pushed to their limits. At times I was so immersed in the story that this way of living almost seemed normal. I felt the claustrophobia in the writing and really made me think how awful would it be to live in this way.

This is not my normal read but I was intrigued and quite enjoyed the journey.

#netgalley #johnmarrs #themarriageact #bookreview #lovebooks #lovereading #bookstagram #booksforlife #lovetoread #kindleread #differentgenreforme

I absolutely loved reading The One so had to read this sequel. It could be read as a stand alone book but does make more sense if you read The One first. Love the little nods to some of his other books.

I just can’t get enough of John marrs books, they grip me from the beginning, he paints a picture of a familiar world in such an extreme and with amazing characters who unravel as the book progresses. The worst part is knowing the book is finished and he hasn’t written any other new releases for now!!! Just love!

Another dark and ominous look at the future, this author has perfected “Black Mirror” scenarios. This time we’re following on from The One and exploring the Sanctity of Marriage Act. The scariest thing is that it’s completely plausible; we’re already being offered incentives by the government to marry; and so many homes have smart devices that listen in to our everyday lives.
Terrifying!

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’a 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. 5 ⭐️⭐️

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.


I am a massive fan of John Marrs, my favourites have been The One and The Passengers and The Marriage Act is of the same ilk, I was delighted to receive an advance copy from Netgally before the mid January 2023 release for an honest review and feedback.

A dystopian type fiction book set in a future where William is King and classic movies are watched from the year 2000, this was an amazing read, I love the authors books as they are so different, so unique from the run of the mill thrillers, the story is interesting following the lives of many different characters interwoven and how the Marriage Acts affect their lives and choices and what they are up against.
The book is cleverly written and flowed very well,
I read this book over 2 days as I couldn't put it down, you don't need to have read any other John Marrs books to enjoy this one, however I would recommend John's other works if you enjoy The Marriage Act.

5 stars and would recommend this read and although I have read this book before rhe release I will definitely be purchasing a hardback to keep.

In a futuristic Britain, an act has been passed allowing couples to ‘upgrade’ their marriages to a smart marriage (see https://www.smartmarriage.co.uk). You’re not compelled to upgrade but the benefits are tempting - lower taxes, better housing, better schools in a better neighbourhood and increased access to the NHS, and also if you select this option, a painless euthanasia when if you become terminally ill. The benefit to the country is happier, healthier couples and families resulting in a healthier economy. The downside is that the government can place listening devices to randomly listen in to your conversations with your spouse and if they detect your marriage is showing signs of trouble, send in a relationship responder to live in your home and put your marriage under the microscope, and even force you to divorce.

Somehow Marrs is able to make this crazy idea sound plausible and also very, very scary as he examines the smart marriages of a number of couples and what happens when it all goes very wrong. Of course, not everyone agrees with the act but the opposing group known as Freedom for All have to meet in secret to plan ways to undermine the government. It’s a smart, well written tale with plenty of suspense and also some fun flights of fancy , that hopefully will never be realised

As a reader I have an interesting relationship with this author. I find some of his books to be out of this world brilliant and others to be, well, decent enough, although that said, he has never let me down. This book falls into the former category and I simply loved every single word I read!
I will say this to start though. Although all his books are stand alone, they all share the same world and, as such, there is a wee tad of a crossover with some books' stories popping up in others. I won't spoil things by listing the ones I spotted here but it gave me, as a big fan of this author, an additional layer of joy whilst reading.
So... marriage... Embraced by some, avoided by others. But, in the world in which this book is set, it is heavily encouraged. So much so that unmarried people over a certain age are third class (if even that high) citizens with scant access to things like health care. All laid down in the Sanctity of Marriage Act. Even once wed there are rules to keep a marriage "healthy" and additional "help" is available for those who struggle to do so...
In this book, we follow four couples on their marriage or otherwise journeys... and that's all I am saying as you really don't want to go into this book with even a hint of a spoiler. In fact, do yourself a favour and stop reading reviews, download the darned book and just get on with reading it. You can thank me later!
Outwith the story, which is safe for me to expand upon, this book excels in the three main things I need for a book to be a great read.
Characters are excellent and so well created. They are all, main and minor, easy to distinguish and also easy to connect to in some way - both positive and negative. They all play their parts with aplomb, both big and small.
The storyline is compelling and engaging and kept my attention all the way through. It was hard for me to be away from it for any length of time and I am so glad I didn't have anything un-sack-offable to do whilst I was reading it.
The writing style fits my reading style perfectly and there is absolutely no superfluous waffle or padding which means that the book gets on with itself very well.
All in all, in a nutshell, a cracking book that I have no hesitation in recommending. Now, off you go, do as your told, buy the book already!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Brilliant read! John Marrs has stepped into the void left by Ben Elton. His books are so full of political satire, but always with an engaging and entertaining plot that draws you in, and this one is probably the darkest one yet. This book is set in the very near future but maybe this future isn’t really that far away! This book definitely gets you thinking about where the future might lead us….

Set in the same world as The One and The Passengers, The Marriage Act looks at how the government are controlling marriages. Those who sign up for a 'smart marriage' are entitled to certain perks - lower taxes, access to better health care, housing and schools. They also need to be willing to have their relationship constantly monitored by worn devices, like a smart watch, and in your home through an Audite system (like a massively upgraded Alexa!).
We follow four very different couples as they navigate smart marriages and they effect they have on their lives.

This is another dystopian doozy from Marrs. Different enough to know it is fiction, but not too far-fetched to think it isn't possible. Great read.

If you loved The Whisper Man than you are in for a real treat with this one!
Starting off in the past, Kate was meant to be looking after her younger, timid, brother Chris, but on a spur of the moment decision she let him make his way home from school on his own. It is that decision that still haunts the family years later.
Set in different time frames, this story starts with a murder and introduces us to a whole cast of characters, all fleshed out, all connected in a whole host of different ways, some self explanatory, others that take you further into this dark, suspenseful thriller to find out the connections.
With both likeable and despicable characters, scenes set in high definition and a storyline that sucks you in, it might not be the fastest paced book, but it is a creeper, slowing working its way beneath your skin and working its insidious plot into your brain!
For all fans of thrillers and suspenses this is going to be a book you really aren’t going to want to miss, it could even be put forward for the winner of thriller of the year 2023! That’s how good it is!
The Half Burnt House by Alex North will be published on 30 March 2023 and is available to be preordered now!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Half-Burnt-House-Alex-North-ebook/dp/B0B4CCHMWD/ref=monarch_sidesheet
A massive thank you to the author Alex North, publishers Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for my digital advance copy of this incredible book 🙏

A solid thriller!

I really enjoyed this but I also felt quite uncomfortable because this entire concept does not seem that far-fetched.

Written in typical John style, the chapters are short following multiple characters which I enjoy. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle but quickly picked up speed towards the end.

I've read a few John Marrs books now and his concepts always blow my mind! This man has such an incredible imagination and I always love his books!
The marriage act is set in the near future, following a range of characters living in a world where AI computer systems are controlling nearly every aspect of our lives, including our relationships. The marriage act sees households have a device that listens to their conversations and decides whether you need help in your marriage. I absolutely loved this book it was so interesting and entertaining and had so many different but relatable characters. I loved following each characters story and seeing how their scenarios unfolded. Five stars from me

This was a truly compelling and fast paced read. I had high hopes for this book having read and enjoyed his previous novels with a particular interest in his speculative fiction and it did not disappoint. Set in the same world as The One, The Passengers and The Minders, this book explores a time in the near future when marriage is encouraged and rewarded whilst life is more bleak for those remaining single. With contemporary references the author successfully creates a narrative that suggests a palusible future, making for some unsettling reading. This is a dark read, but thought provoking and highly engaging and compelling and I loved it. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read in return for an honest review.

I’ve loved each of John Marrs books since listening to The One and he’s just done it again. I just don’t know how he comes up with such unique storylines but boy do they hook you in, make you want to turn those pages and really make you think. Told from several different characters perspectives that appear to have no personal connection. Love how he writes his characters as they always have a great backstory and how they have arrived at the present point. The storyline flows well but really keeps you in the dark until it’s decided you don’t need to be anymore. Even though it’s set in the future and makes you cringe you can totally buy into it. This one is definitely one that will stay with you and sets thoughts in motion. I don’t think I’ll ever look at my Alexia the same again 😳…

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan for the opportunity to read #TheMarriageAct

Thanks so much to Netgalley.co.uk for the chance to read John Marrs new Book.

I was so excited to get stuck into this one and it did not disappoint.

Johns books are always so unique and not predictable in the slightest, like so many in this genre, they are different and really hook you into the plot from the start.

My favourite of Mr. Marrs is still The One but this is a very close second.

Fans of his previous books, get buying ASAP.

Just make sure you have a a free day when you sit down to start as you wont he able to put this one down 😜

Short chapters, easy reading, fast paced and full of surprises. What more could one ask for from a thriller read.

4 Stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Partway through this book I was niggled by some thoughts.
You know when you read something and it’s like a throwback in your mind where it reminds you of something?

This niggle continued until BANG! This idea was similar to The Marriage Pact
by Michelle Richmond. Not EXACTLY but the same concept was there.
If anyones read this book The marriage act by John Marrs and The Marriage pact by Michelle Richmond, please let me know your thoughts and it’s not just me?

I give this 3*. I liked it, it was good. Well written and it held my interest good enough.

I realise it’s a futuristic dystopian kind of read and took that into account.
He’s thrown in some Government debates too!
It’s much more than Big Brother is watching you. ….hearing you, judging you oh and don’t forget, controlling you, life and marriage.

I wouldn’t say it’s a new themed idea more than a nightmare of no individuality or freedom.
It turns into decision, person freedoms, social media, and lots more avenue which can only lead to a “dead end” if allowed.

Interesting.
I think from my POV because I’d read The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond this theme was sort of explored before, like I say, not exactly, but similar.
If this was uniquely themed to me I could have been leaning toward a 4*….eventhough I found that John Marrs did take the reader as a fool for not understanding where things were leading at times and some things over the top.
(I’m thinking one particular person in this book who really was so stupidly deranged I kept raising my eyes to the ceiling saying “come on already”)

I wouldn’t persuade you not to pick up this book, I think lots will have fun with it, love it, like it, find it thoughtful, IF you’ve not read the other book I mentioned.

I’ll always pick up a John Marrs book because generally, I enjoy his writing. And I will continue to do so.

"You never forget your first love and the first person you killed."

In a near and uncomfortably familiar future, Britain is ruled by a tyrannical right-wing government that have imposed a new law to keep everyone under control - The Marriage Act.

This new act encourages people to embrace 'traditional' values that had started to feel outdated by luring them into Smart Marriages - that comes with countless benefits and perks, but also gives them the right to watch, to monitor, to interfere, to control the lives and deaths of those who don't conform.

If you don't respect the values of marriage, you'll be evaluated, monitored, tested, maybe even punished. So for the many couples we meet as they try to navigate their own issues along with this terrifying new dynamic, their vows of Death Do Us Part are starting to feel frightening possible.

"The Government believes a hedonistic society is harder to focus. What they really mean is we are harder to control."

If you've read The One yet, I'd definitely recommend it before you jump in as this is set in the same world - a world that is located somewhere in the uncanny valley, a place that feels eerily familiar but disturbing and strange. A fascist regime enforce their rigid beliefs on the people - making it seem like a choice even though it really isn't. They take away freedom, identities - how much further can they push it before someone pushes back?

Each character and their respective couples have their own lives, but are intertwined in ways they'd never imagine. Roxi is a struggling vlogger and suffocating under the pressures of being a Wife and Mother. Corrine and Mitchell are preparing to do the unthinkable and get divorced. Arthur and June have been together for 49 years, and can't bear to think of what comes next for them. Noah and Luca don't understand why Jeffery, a relationship responder, is in their house assessing them. Anthony is trying to balance his own life in the dark underbelly of government with his family life.

At first, it's almost overwhelming how many new people we meet, but they slowly become familiar, almost as though we're forming a friendship over time with every person. Each storyline is deeply engrossing, none outshining the others and creating an entire community for us to connect with. I was painfully attached to so many of them, it was impossible not to cry, to resent and to celebrate along with them.

High conceptual and speculative, this intense thriller creates a world that rich and realised - from the transcripts and advertisements scattered through the pages, to the multiple voices we get to hear. The first few pages immediately set the tone - emotional, intense, painfully uncomfortable and dark.

The Marriage Act is a searing statement about control and coercion - a terrifying look at a world that could be.

"England has currently never been more divided. We are now a country made up of them and us. Surely that can't be a smart idea?"

Like Marrs’ previous books: The One, The Passengers and The Minders, this book is set in the future when AI and it’s influence are in full control, think of Alexa knowing what you like but one a much grander scale, scary!

I love how this ‘series’ explores different ideas and concepts of technology and it’s references back to the past (now). Marrs creates these intricate stories of different peoples lives that overlap at points. Some of the people you warm to a feel for but the majority you find yourself routing against.

It takes some time to introduce everyone and get your head around what’s happening in this story, so it wasn’t until about 1/3 of the way through I felt fully involved but after that I enjoyed it and it was full of he twist and turns I’ve come to expect in Marrs’ books.

Definitely worth a read!