The One Apart: A Novel by Justine Avery is a very creative, interesting and dynamic story of a man named Tres. He is born again and again without knowing what the actual purpose of his life is. He is an adult man who has to be trapped in the body of a baby, an infant and so on, before he can actually live his life. He has to start again and again without even knowing what he should do, and if he can stop at all. In this life, he is born to a teenager who knows right from the beginning that Tres is unlike any other baby.

However, no matter how much she loves him and takes care of him, she cannot help him. The only person who can help Tres is himself. He is the only one who has the power to question his existence, his rebirths and his nature. But when he comes close to finding all the answers, he discovers that the truth is more complex and dangerous than he could ever have imagined. There is something that is after him from the time he was born, and there is nothing that he can do to stop it. Or can he?

This novel had my heart racing. I literally became one with Tres; I felt what he felt and understood what he wanted. The element of mystery is very strong and very well handled by the author. Tres’s growth is exponential, in fact, everything is well timed and according to a set pattern that only the author knows. The reader keeps on guessing and being surprised at what the author comes up with. I was on the edge of my seat and enjoying every single moment! Gorgeous cover and amazingly well written.

The One Apart: A Novel by Justine Avery blends together elements of urban fantasy with the supernatural in an exciting story. Tres is coming back to life again, an ageless man trapped in the body of a frail little baby, born to a teenage girl. Together, mother and child must face many challenges to protect him from the nefarious power that has been stalking him since birth, and that poses a great threat to the world as it is. Follow this mysterious character as he embarks on a journey to uncover his identity and to save the world from peril.

There is much to enjoy in The One Apart and the concept behind the story is original and intriguing. An ageless adult, who barely understands his origins, reborn into a world that isn’t as welcoming as should be for any normal human being, Tres is an enigmatic character that readers will love to follow. Justine Avery’s treatment of themes is masterful, exploring the concepts of mortality and eternity, developing a powerful psychological conflict that draws the reader irresistibly into the world of the protagonist. The story is told in excellent prose and a gripping narrative voice. It is one thing to have a great idea for a story, but executing that idea is a whole different game. However, the author of The One Apart demonstrates great mastery, creating worlds that readers will love to explore. Good pacing, a complex plot, and sophisticated characters are things you’ll find in this enjoyable tale.

I am not sure what I expected this story to develop into but it was all about the journey because I never would have been able to guess. This creative look at life, death and the connection to us all had me thinking about the possibilities long after the words on the pages ended. Well written you feel like you walked into the intimate life of one you’ve know forever. If you are looking for a book you won’t be able to put down check this out!

Recommend this book to anyone who can read ... You can’t miss this.

This has been my favorite book I have read in awhile. I loved the author's style of writing and the way the story comes together. Great, interesting characters with a great story, told really well.

Highly original with several unexpected twists ... An engaging story that will have readers cheering for [Tres] and his family.

This is a novel that both opens your imagination and mind. I felt that not only was I entering into another world — that of the character and his consciousness — but that I was being led into an exploration of my own awareness of self. Not many creative works can blend fiction with spirituality and philsophy, but The One Apart has done so. A haunting compelling work.

Beautifully Written, Amazing, Powerful, Thought Provoking, Unique

I chose this rating because I loved this book. It was so well written and made me think. I love the way the author brought the characters to life. I enjoyed the character descriptions and getting to know them so well. It was such a joy to fall in love with the characters. I could really relate to them and appreciated the struggle of understanding a world beyond ourselves. The spiritual world mentioned in the story made me think of my spiritual beliefs. I cheered for the main character who was a hero truly caring for and loving all. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after you read it. I recommend this book for anyone who wants an incredible impressive and special reading experience. It will inspire you and make you feel good.

I was immediately drawn into the novel and felt a connection with the well-developed and relatable characters ... Compels the reader to open his mind to understand the full depth of the story and the world beyond our reality here on Earth. The themes of love, acceptance, true friendship, and kindness emanate throughout as Avery masterfully tells this unique journey.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The author weaves a gripping story, letting you connect with a world that seems inately familiar and offers a reminder that the best part of life is ourself and our connection to each other. She calls to the human side of us, offering new discoveries and developments as each page turns to draw us in and help us FEEL.
New to this author, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first began reading. I had a very hard time putting it down. Not only does this go on my re-read list, I will be checking out her other works as well.

The story itself is fascinating... I was caught from page one, and the pace never slowed ... A unique perspective on the subject of what it is to be human, to grow up, and what comes after.

Fascinating Plot

What an interesting book! I was captivated by Tres's persona immediately and the theme really tugs at the heartstrings. Avery definitely thought of a very creative plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I appreciated the book because it toyed with the idea of reincarnation in a sci-fi sort of way. Will definitely re-read next summer. :)

What a story!

Justine Avery has created a unique story, and I loved it. An unwanted teenage pregnancy produces the first entity that is "fully aware" of all his past lives. As an infant, he is frustrated with the constraints of a new uncoordinated body. He walks at 3 mos. old, he talks (perfectly) at less than a year old. His mother and grandmother quickly realize that he's no ordinary child. They both nurture, care for and love him as much as they can as he struggles with "knowing." You must read this book - it will change your perspective on life itself.

Beautiful, emotional, and intense ... The novel twists perceptions of the real world and other, unknown dimensions ... The story dives deep.

A Great Read That Has Alot Of Truth !

Talking about multiple lives is a very touchy subject for the sleeping masses, this book has summed it all up in a great way that opens your mind in this world .I would definitely recommend this book to the higher vibe person or imaginative person.

The devil is in the details

The story has a very interesting premise that captured my interest within the first few pages. The author does an amazing job at painting a complete picture by delivering both physical and emotional details which made it easy to continue reading. A very nice read and a very innovative story!

An extraordinary concept ... A fascinating plot with a convincing portrayal of characters ... This is the book you should be reading.

Wow

Nothing like a great book from the beginning to the middle and end. The author I can tell is very spiritual and I love the journey it took me own it was very descriptive and made me feel as if I was there. Great read I must say!!

A fascinatingly intricate narrative that will captivate readers from beginning to end ... Avery draws the reader in to learn and discover more ... Readers of any age, from teenagers to those more seasoned, will appreciate the masterful narrative that Justine Avery has superbly developed ... The One Apart easily garners a five-star rating and will divulge more insight and perception each time readers explore its pages.

So amazing!!

For the first time I like a science fiction book. So great the style is so wonderful. The author so creative. I live it. I totally love it. The book talked about love in family and that's what I usually miss. Someone growing with a grandma and mum, so great. I have to recommend this to my reading group...

WOW!

Totally different than what I have always read, but am I glad I did! Believing that those peripheral sitings just might be something more... excellent read!

Thought Provoking

I enjoyed this read very much and was surprised by the insight and depth the author demonstrated in her description of the Ethereal Realm. I found this book both interesting and disturbing. If you are looking for a linear novel with a typical happy ending, this book is not for you. If you are looking for a work of art that will expand your horizons, then you will enjoy this novel very much.

A perfect blend of realism, fantasy and deep spirituality ... Fascinating and compelling ... Illustrates the power of compassion and empathy ... A poignant and satisfying conclusion ... This book will stay with you long after you finish it, a hallmark of excellent literature.

A Story about a Soul

Wonderful imaginative writing technique and style give the reader a good sense of what the author is trying to convey about an existential, Zen-like beyond. The tale begins as a consciousness is reformed in womb and goes on to learn, grow, experience and develop in both this world and beyond.

Justine Avery uses a writing style and vocabulary to impart a sense of ethereal existence when the main character is in his spiritual state. The "aself" exists in the "Apart" while the "obServer" watches over the "obServed". This style works very well to help the reader prepare for the great struggle the main character must face.

While he is in the present world the prose are fitting for daily experiences and when he transcends the new style works very well.

This is an enjoyable read that will make the reader ponder what is it really all about.

Engrossing

I can't say that I truly understood the entire body of this story. I can say that the premise enticed my imagination. The experience of following Tres through the final of infinite lifetimes into his ultimate reason for being kept me up all night while wondering what exactly might be my ultimate purpose. Thought provoking. A definite must read for those who enjoy what might or might not be the supernatural.

A Tale of What Existence Can Mean

I'll start by saying that the whole concept was extremely interesting. I LOVE books that make you think. Books that require or inspire deeper thoughts are always something I look for. Books or movies that take you on an emotional journey are also something I generally like.

As a matter of fact, this novel reminds me of the movie K-pax in a way, but it goes well beyond that and takes you on a longer and often heart-wrenching journey of Tres and his “life”. As such, the book had me really reflecting on life, the whats, hows and whys of it, and also how one life can connect with others. In that aspect, it gets top marks.

I'll also say that this book surprised me with its use of words. That is to say, some moments like for example, Tres's first moment seeing his mother is described in only a sentence: “He blinked with the love of a timeless soul in greeting to his mother”. I think that sentence transcends its short description and says SO much. I really admire the succinct immaculate style that conveys the essence of what's happening beautifully.

That said, this book is heartbreaking at times. That's not meant as a criticism, I think it was done well and with purpose, it's just that I personally prefer happier tales, not ones that make me break out in tears. Every now and again it's fine, but maybe it was a few times too many in this one.

Overall I found the idea/plot of this book to be extraordinary, on that account alone I'd give this book a five, but because of it's often sad turns and because of the ending that is in my opinion a hard one to swallow not rationally but emotionally. But I'll clarify I think fits the story well even if perhaps it's tragic. As I've said, I'm not fond of unhappy stories or endings, and since this book has some of both overall I have to give it a four. Very good plot but very sad moments.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes metaphysical, transcendent type stories. If you like to think about the hows and whys of life this is the book for you. If you'd rather a straightforward heartwarming story, then this might not be a good fit.

Something Different

As a reader that is super interested by freaky sometimes even creepy books, this one caught my interest. It’s an interesting take on life..who we once were and who we become. It certainly provokes deep thought and takes a bit of concentration to follow. As an avid reader I appreciated the challenge. My heart felt heavy more than once throughout the novel. I think it’s not a story for the faint of heart, readers will experience heart break and confusion. None the less, it’s a neat take on life, coming to an understanding about ones purpose, and growth both physically and internally.

Our reality is only the tip of the iceberg ... The One Apart is a story heavy with emotion ... A unique tale that rewards readers who take the journey.

An Emotional Journey

Despite this book being 624 pages, this fantasy saga drew me in from page one and didn't disappoint. Aaron finds a new family in Sancha and Maria as he is brought into this world, yet again, bringing with him the memories of every previous life. We follow him from infancy through adulthood as he searches for who he is and why he is there. We watch as he struggles to be true to himself, knowing he is wise beyond his years, but also knowing he must act as expected for a 3-month old, 12-month old etc. for fear of alerting anyone to his uniqueness, but despite his infinite wisdom, he still yearns for answers which is something we can all relate to. This book is very philosophical and thought-provoking and the ending is pretty much spot on. It is a great tale that can be heartbreaking at times, and reassuring at others, and is a great read for any metaphysical fan.

Freedom of Your Inner Most Self

It's all about connection. A connection to the natural state of things. The thoughts that exist in our mind infused with the thought of one's own existence. The purpose? To be free, to be in control. Finding acceptance of one's self so that others may accept you as well. When you let someone in, you let them into the inner most part of you. The part that makes you....you. Justine Avery does a nice job of webbing this feeling throughout this novel. You cheer for "Aaron/Tres" as he comes to truly know himself.

Beautiful and at times Heartbreaking

Beautifully written and at times heartbreaking, Avery brings her story telling prowess to novel format. It is infused with a modern mysticism that will grab the readers attention and hold it there. Longer than most of her other work, which are short stories, the author brings us in to the world of Tres and his mother Sancha, by switching perspectives throughout the piece. Avery is well on her way to developing a strong understanding of human relationships. The reader will fall in love with the characters, experiencing their pain as their own. It is a lovely, thoughtful book, those who have read Avery’s other work will not be disappointed.

An outstanding, well-detailed story that is hard to put down, evocative, thought-provoking, and filled with surprises and hope... The One Apart is very highly recommended ... Expect far more insight from this read than most, tempered with a purposeful saga to keep readers thoroughly engrossed to the end.