John Marrs does it again! I absolutely love his speculative thrillers and this one didn’t disappoint.

Marrs tends to include a lot of characters, but makes it easy to keep up with who’s who by telling you their different secrets 👀 the secrets in this one were so interesting, and the relationships shown in each chapter were all different.

His speculative thrillers are so intriguing because of the topics that they’re about. I’ve only read The one, which was about love, relationships, and if ‘the one’ exists. This book focuses on the topic of children, in a not far distant future where people in the UK can’t afford to have children anymore. This leads to a company trying to make an AI world where you can have an AI child, which also leads to some debates in the book as to how AI children and people should be treated, and if laws should extend to them.

Overall, this was an amazing concept with great twists and secrets. The only critique I had was that the final chapter seemed a bit pointless, but other than that all of the story was gripping.

John Marrs delivers another tale in his near-future world. It has all the usual ingredients. There are short chapters each dealing with a specific character or couple that often end with a cliffhanger. There are twists and turns that you don't see coming and the end is (I suppose) satisfying, However, this story didn't grab me like the previous ones and left me thinking it was just the wrong side of plausible. Regardless, I look forward to the next book by John Marrs.

I tend to enjoy John Marrs' writing, but there is no doubt that especially his speculative/dystopian thrillers stand out for me. While they are all technically stand-alones, they are set in the same near future dystopian world and I've enjoyed every single one so far... So it's easy to understand why I've been looking forward to tackle The Family Experiment. The blurb of this newest addition is absolutely fascinating, and I loved the sound of the reality TV show mixed with the AI angle... And while it's not my absolute favorite of the bunch, I still very much enjoyed my time reading it!

Like I said before, The Family Experiment is technically a stand-alone, but it is set in that same dystopian near future world as his previous speculative thrillers. There are also some clear references made to the majority of the books (The One, The Passengers, The Marriage Act), so I would personally still recommend reading them in order. That said, it's mostly background information that you will be missing out on, and it won't hinder you from understanding the plot itself. The Family Experiment focuses on a whole new concept, and it's a fascinating one at that.

I always have a weak spot for a reality TV angle in my stories, and The Family Experiment show was such a clever way to introduce the whole MetaBaby concept. It also made it easier to introduce all the different characters in play, and it's also easy to understand why so many people would want to watch it... I mean, it's basically a trainwreck in the making, and people just can't seem to resist tuning in to see just how bad things are going to go, or am I wrong? Anyhow, while I would personally never watch such a show, I somehow really enjoyed reading about it.

The Family Experiment uses a multiple POV structure, and there are a LOT of different characters in play. It took me a little while to properly keep them apart, although the fact that they mostly come in pairs does help a lot. There are also flashbacks to the past with another character, and I found those to be particularly fascinating (and heartbreaking). It was so interesting to see everything slowly come together, and I never guessed the full truth behind it all! The building up of suspense, plot twists and secrets is without doubt very well handled.

I do have to say that basically most of the characters are not likeable at all, and it made it harder to care about what happened to them. Some were worse than others, but it was still very hard or almost impossible to find a team to properly root for. I get that they all have secrets and that it's part of the plot and twists, but still... I would have liked to have at least a character or two without a huge secret or unlikeable character trait.

Despite a few minor niggles and a slightly slower pace than expected, I can't deny that I was still very much hooked by The Family Experiment and everything that happened along the way. It's yet another successful speculative/dystopian thriller and I wouldn't mind returning to the same world again in the future!

Another brilliant concept book by John Marrs. Cleverly it relates to his previous novels set in the future though all are stand alone reads.
I thought the use of 'posts' was an good way of conveying public reactions whilst interspersing between chapters added an interesting break.
There was several twists,which were quite inspired. Whilst not foreseen,they were quite believable and cleverly conceived.
The only criticism I have was with the summary. It seemed laborious, dealt in a monologue which was in long paragraphs.After what had been a race along read,it was rather a heavy handed approach.

This is the first book of John Marrs I've read. I had very high expectation going into it. And glad to say I was not disappointed. Much deserved five-star. I absolutely adore his writing style and the thrill was just amazing. Love it. Definitely gonna read his other works.

Absolutely loved this book, I loved the forward thinking of the subject matter and what the future could look like with AI. The story was not only interesting but I felt like I was taking in a journey in the future and the consequences of modern technology. There was also a mystery to it and with the duel timeline I was completely hook from start to finish.

Wow what an amazing book , not the type of book I normally read but so glad I did . I think I’m going to have to take a look at other books by this author . The family experiment in a reality show really got me thinking . Not being able to have children myself it really makes you think . I loved reading about how things could possibly be in the future and I’m glad I probably won’t be here to experience it . I cannot rate this book enough , going to be the book of the year I think . Great story, well written, complex characters and a twist at the end what more could you want . I will definitely recommend this book . 5 stars from me

Another John Marrs brilliant read.

I love the books written by John Marrs as they are on the edge of reality. He writes about things that happen in the future, but given the advances in our technology, could actually become a reality.

The Family Experiment does not disappoint, it's a reality show where people compete by bringing up a digital child with the hope of winning the show to either keep the digital version of the child in the Metaverse or win cash to put towards having a real child. We are introduced to a number of contestants each very different and just like reality TV the reader (and audience) tend to make decisions on whether you support them or not.

The story unfolds, secrets are revealed and readers are taken on a journey.

A great book, with Black Mirror vibes. I loved the nods to previous John Marrs books, The One, The Marriage Act and The Passengers - which don't need to be read before this. But I would recommend you read them if you haven't!

Already looking forward to the next John Marrs book!

Thanks to #NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book.

Obviously this was yet another brilliant read from John Marrs. I say obviously because I've yet to read a book of his that hasn't blown my mind.

Set in the same, near-future as The One, The Passengers and The Marriage Act, it's part dystopia, part thriller. It explores the concept for AI, our increasing immersion in the digital world and just how attached we could be to digital humans.

As is his usual format, the book follows several different sets of characters in almost equal measure - there is no protagonist, so to speak - as well as a unique, mixed media format, such as social media forums, ads and TV transcripts, to progress the story. All characters are flawed in some way - there is no heroic tropes here. And this makes it feel more realistic.

Chapters are kept short and snappy and every one ends on a mini cliff-hanger that leaves you reading 'just one more chapter'.

I have a keen interest in technology and its impact on society, so I love the fact that this book explores another hypothetical scenario - a reality TV show in which several contestants raise their own child over 9 months (from baby to 18) in the metaverse and the winning contestants get to either keep their metachild or win a huge prize pot to start a real life family.

There are so many different social concepts explored in this book. I'd say this is his deepest yet in terms of social/political themes explored and it makes the universe he's created feel a lot richer. I also love the little Easter eggs to his other novels, although you don't have to have read them to read this.

A page-turning, thought-provoking novel that would make a great tv show. Thanks so much for the advanced copy - you continue to be my favourite author and I am excited to see where this book leads you!

SPOILER FREE review!
I received an early copy of The Family Experiment by John Marrs in exchange for an honest review. These days I feel I’m terrible at writing reviews, I can’t find good words or clever things to say so I will keep it short and simple.
I really enjoyed this book! It wasn’t my first John Marrs book and it won’t be my last. I don’t know how authors come up with their stories but these I find so clever, in a scary not so distant future… I like the way the books can be read alone but do link in with others. This one is based around the idea of the possibility of having AI children in the Metaverse. Pros, cons, how it might work… telling the story of several main characters competing in a live streamed television show, for the chance to win “The Perfect child”.
I just find these books so interesting, easy to read, clever and slightly scary because of real possibilities! I’d definitely recommend picking this one up when it’s out, and if you haven’t yet perhaps try reading The Passengers, also by John Marrs, while you wait.

READ THIS BOOK!

OMG 😱 THIS BOOK THOUGH!

I have been living under a rock and am VERY late to the John Marrs party. But also, that means I have SO MUCH back catalogue to enjoy. Yay. This is only my second of his books, I LOVED The One last month.

This is another of John Marrs' thrillers set in the same speculative world as the others. Although you don't have to read these in order, I'm glad I'd read The One, so understood the concept of a DNA match. A friend had actually suggested I read it first as there are cross overs so it helps specific things make sense, although it's spoiler free.

What I love about Marrs' books is that because of how we see technology going IRL, it makes the concepts in these books seem not too far from the realms of possibility. And it's terrifying!

The Family Experiment is set in a universe where the metaverse is a normal part of everyday life and a new reality TV show is coming which will see people having a metababy in the metaverse. The babies will fast track to 18 year olds over the space of 9 months and during that time, the viewing public can see every moment of that child's upbringing. At the end of the 9 months, the public get to vote for their favourite family. The prize? The parents get to choose whether they keep their metababy, or whether they 'kill' the metababy and get £250k to start a real life family. Seems like an obvious choice but over 9 months, the parents are really bonding with their children...in most cases 😱

Of course, none of it as straight forward as you'd expect. There's SO much darkness behind each couple. There are sinister motives behind why these people have applied to be a part of The Family Experiment.

Buckle in for this one. It's a wild ride and you won't want to come up for air!

The easiest 5* I've given this year. Bring on that backlist!

Welcome to The Family Experiment, a Reality Show to promote new solution to reduce population issues. Take place at near future world with overcrowded cities and economic crisis, the cost to start and raising family is become very high. That's why the Metaverse offer this show as trial their new tamagotchi product Virtual Children.

I am unfortunately because dive into this book without trial the previous novel at sama universe The One and The Marriage Act. But The Family Experiment is my third book from the author and I trust him to guide me into this new world. And I completely capable to follow the story without confusion.

The new world and all the details blend perfectly into the story. He makes all details become part of daily life the characters without over describes it into the readers. The massive number of characters POV it self little bit difficult to remember. Basicly we have four couples, one single dad with all five of their babies. We will follow their daily footages also dive into background story each couples. Every participants keep secrets and different motivation why they join this show.

This book feel fresh, sharp and smart. I enjoy each layering facts, twisted secrets and feel like 5 plots of book joining to create one massive dark thriller about familiar AI technologies we know so near at future.

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan Publisher for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 9 May 2024

Love, love, love it! It was amazing.

It does cover some heavy topics in relation to fertility, loss of a child ect so I would read up in trigger warnings.

But if your like me and not bothered by anything then dive right in. I could not put this down, I read it in one sitting.

I always look forward to any John marrs book and this one certainly did not disappoint.

Brilliant. The book sounded a bit different and I wasn't sure I was going to like it but, when I started reading I couldn't put it down. There is so much more to each of the couples competing to win a virtual child or the money to have a real child by IVF. The author thankfully gives a full explanation of each contestant after the competition ends. The book is far more than a social view of the future as it explores social media, virtual reality,slavery, parenthood and much more. I will definitely reed more of John Marrs in the future.

Brilliant. As always
Awesome concept
Good links to this other world for those that have read his books and for those that haven’t this will read as a stand alone and tempt u to read all his others
Good charcaters not likable and the children’s story line u felt such despair for them and attachment and as always cdnt wait to see how it would turn out
Great authour consistently good so four stars

This isn’t usually a genre I would pick up however I love John Marrs.

This book was fantastic. I loved the plot and how it incorporated AI, which is what the world is heading towards. It was like having an insight into what the world will be like in the near future.

I loved that each family had a separate storyline and it wasn’t all happy families.

Fantastic book and would definitely recommend.

Wow what a book! I was sucked in from the first page and couldn't read it quick enough. The plot of raising a Virtual Child in a competition to win the chance to keep the child or take the money and have their own biological child was just brilliant. I loved getting to know the characters along the way and their secrets. I liked that the idea of raising a virtual child seems plausible in this day and age and maybe not that far away either. Lots of twists and turns and things happening all of a sudden that caught me out. It was a joy to read such a good book, I've given other books 4 stars in the past but am stingy with my 5 stars, but this book certainly deserves them!

👨‍👩‍👧 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 👨‍👨‍👧

Yet another fantastic read from @johnmarrs.author. As soon as I finished the first chapter I knew it was going to be a great read.

The Family Experiment is a speculative dystopian novel focussed in a UK where AI has taken over jobs, more people are below the poverty line as a result and can no longer afford to start a family. The Family Experiment offers contestants the opportunity to compete by raising an AI child over the course of nine months, while the rest of the world watches. At the end, the winner can choose to keep their AI child or take the money (to start their own family).

If you have read John Marrs before then you know his writing style is fantastic. The story is told through multiple POV, each chapter provides a twist and you become so enthralled in the story that you cannot put the book down.
These books do send a chill down my spine because although improbable, they tell a tale that is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

This books also highlights the insecurity of parents and how they compare themselves to others and they worry about how others view them, as well as the incessant need for complete strangers to judge others online. I was also reminded of Big Brother when they started offering line stream viewing 🤦‍♀️

Overall a great (and chilling) read.

Thanks to @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the opportunity to read this ARC. This book will be published 9th May 🤗

The concept for this book had me completely gripped. It felt alien yet credible at the same time, I knew I needed to read it, and I’m so pleased I did.

I loved that there was the overlying story of the reality show, with the thread running beneath of the children who lived in Ararat (an interesting parallel in destination following the children’s seaworthy ordeal and the biblical mountain of Noah’s Ark).

I did find myself getting a little confused regarding Hudson towards the end, I could not see how he just wasn’t recognised, plus the coincidences seemed to be added to make the story work. For example, Hudson observing another contestant’s home and the trip to the recycling.

The author gave each character a proper ending, something that is often brushed over by other writers. I loved this, it felt as though he knows what peeves him and his readers and makes sure no-one is left dissatisfied.

I would certainly recommend this book, and I’m certain it will be made into a film or TV series.

I have loved every book I've read by John Marrs and, once again, he has written the most amazing story that had me totally intrigued throughout. The reality tv/social experiment that forms the basis of the book is scary in that it made me think just how much of these futuristic ideas might be considered and, indeed, employed in the future. A terrifying thought! There were surprises, shocks and twists throughout that kept me enthralled. This author has the most incredible mind to come up with the stories that he does but long may he continue to do so. Brilliant, just brilliant! My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC which I am delighted to review and recommend.