Nobody writes sick and twisted speculative fiction quite like John Marrs.

I’ve absolutely ADORED his other spec fics. The One, The Passengers, The Minders and The Marriage Act are all written in a similar format as The Family Experiment. They all start with seemingly normal people experiencing new technology in the near future and devolve into chaos and mayhem. Literal masterpieces.

In The Family Experiment, 5 couples and 1 single father are assigned a virtual child in the metaverse. Over 9 months, the child will have developmental jumps until they’re 18 when the audience will vote for the winner. In true John Marrs fashion, all hell breaks loose.

If you put the Black Mirror episodes Arkangel, Nosedive and Striking Vipers in a bag and shame them up, you’ll get something close to The Family Experiment. The twists and turns this book will take you on while leaving you with your jaw on the floor at the end of each chapter. I truly hope he never stops writing these books.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC!

AMAZING AND CAPTIVATING. Each family had their own story and backround that was more shocking than the next. This book kept me on the edge of my seat.

Thank you to John Marrs, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for allowing me the pleasure of reading on arc of this just absolutely fantastic book.
If you’re familiar with John Marrs, then you know any time he releases a new book, you’re in for a treat. From start to finish, this book was captivating and you will have no choice but to become fully immersed in the MetaVerse and all the avatars and the RealWorld people behind some of the avatars.
The premise is simple. A reality TV show called The Family Experiment will follow ten couples as they raise a Virtual Child from birth to the age of eighteen but in a condensed nine-month time period. The prize: the right to keep their virtual child, or risk it all for the chance of a real baby… For those who cannot afford to start their own family in the RealWorld, this may be their only opportunity. But what happens when each of the families vying for the prize may have ulterior motives or secrets of their own that they don’t want shared with the home viewers?
Told in multiple perspectives, complete with chat room dialogue, news coverage and even a few commercials, this book will keep you reading. John Marrs does it again!

**Review of "The Family Experiment" by John Marrs**

"The Family Experiment" by John Marrs is a captivating novel that delivers a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic engineering. Marrs skillfully crafts a narrative that is both compelling and morally complex, inviting readers to ponder the consequences of scientific advancement on humanity.

Set in a not-so-distant future where genetic manipulation is the norm, "The Family Experiment" follows the intertwined lives of several characters grappling with the implications of altering their genetic makeup. Marrs expertly navigates the moral gray areas inherent in this subject matter, presenting readers with a riveting and thought-provoking narrative.

The strength of the novel lies in Marrs' ability to create fully realized characters who feel both relatable and authentic. Each character faces their own moral quandaries, and Marrs skillfully delves into their motivations and struggles, allowing readers to empathize with their choices and dilemmas.

Furthermore, Marrs' prose is engaging and propulsive, ensuring that the story moves at a brisk pace while still allowing for moments of introspection and contemplation. The result is a novel that is not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating, prompting readers to consider the ethical implications of scientific progress.

In conclusion, "The Family Experiment" earns a resounding five stars for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. It is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and anyone interested in exploring the moral complexities of genetic engineering.

John Marrs continues to WoW and amaze with his latest thriller. It Hooks from page one and is terrifying with accuracy of where our society is headed in regards to AI. Death is a tragedy, but would the same level of sadness hold true if the death was an AI character? We follow these couples who could win it all to have a family and the layers of deception and fear are magnified by the intense feelings that are battling for sense and the gray areas of right and wrong. This is not to be missed and not to be ignored. Bravo John!

Fantastic!!! John Marrs has done it again. Imagine a world where you raise a virtual child that ages quickly. Going through all the phases of growth in 9 months, instead of 18 years. Every decision you make in that child’s life will be judged by an audience who votes on who stays and who goes. If you win you will get to keep that child or get a the chance to try for a real child.

This book kept me hooked from the beginning. With many twists and turns you won’t want to put it down. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I was obsessed with this book! I did not want to put it down.

The story takes place in a dystopian future (that really doesn't feel too far off from where we are headed as a people). The economy has taken such a turn that a lot of families are unable to afford to have biological children so a company has rolled out a program for AI MetaChildren that are advertised to feel close to identical to having your own children.

To introduce this new program, the company creates a reality TV show that streams 24/7 where a handful of couples are chosen to raise their MetaChild for the world to watch.

This story had twists and turns and everything came together so perfectly in the end.

I loved the use of different mediums throughout such as some chapters would be news clippings and some chapters would be online chatroom conversations, etc.

This story was so unique and so fascinating and I'm sad I've finished it already.

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and especially John Marrs for allowing me to experience The Family Experiment ARC :)

I am quickly becoming a John Marrs fan! This is the 2nd book of his that I've read and I recommended the first "The One" frequently. The Family Experiment is an equally relevant and important read. Marrs skillfully wraps up ethical and moral issues that we are soon to be facing as a society in a fast paced and gripping read. With the onslaught of AI that we are facing alongside a ridiculous amount of "reality" TV this novel is a must read to stimulate conversation and critical thinking as we move forward. Yes - this book is fiction but just as many authors before him, Marrs is also calling us to pay attention and think critically about the changes we are seeing and participating in - some willingly and some not so much. And of course - Marrs does this in an entertaining and creative manner. While this read is a thrilling one and one that you will finish quickly - it will also stick with you and generate numerous conversations when you recommend it to others. Congratulations John Marr on this fabulous read! I'm looking forward to your next offering already. 4.5 stars!

Woooow! What a terrifying masterpiece this book turned out to be! What could go wrong when you enter a world of virtual parenthood…wait, make it a competition too?! 🤔😬

This book has a lot of characters but John Marrs crafted them all masterfully and I had no trouble keeping everyone straight. While this story is futuristic it all felt very real and possible, which is what makes it so darn frightening. Twists and turns around every corner in this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I feel like I’m going to be in the minority with this review. I have been a fan of the John Matt’s’ books I have read. The plot for The Family Experiment was just so out there that I couldn’t connect. There were some parts of the book I really enjoyed and found myself reading to find out what happened. The ending, however, dragged for me. Super clever story, it just wasn’t my favorite of his.

First of all, many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In a world where it is no longer economically viable to start a family on your own and maintain it, artificial intelligence has taken a huge step by allowing humans to experience parenthood through "virtual children." Before releasing this initiative to the whole world, its pilot test is a reality show where 5 couples and a single father will be able to have the experience of raising a virtual child from birth to 18 years old (for 9 months) while everyone observes 24/7 and judges their parenting. The parents who receive the most votes and support from the audience will be the winners and will be able to choose between keeping their virtual child or claiming a reward to start their family biologically.

This synopsis is extremely captivating, when I came across this book I had the need to read it. In each chapter they show us how each participant faces parenthood and the pros and cons of having a virtual child, how with each stage of growth new challenges emerge and it is not easy to cope with the changes in a short time.
The first part of the book was perfect for me, from the middle, although it has several surprising twists, it did not convince me, I feel that it could have saved several twists and concentrated on the main characters to have a good closure. In the end the message is accurate and leaves us thinking to what extent human beings are capable of reaching and when artificial intelligence will come to rule over humanity.

All I can say is wow, John Marrs has done it again. This book left me constantly guessing and wanting more. This was very well written and has a lot going on, but it was easy to keep each of the stories straight. Overall, fantastic read!

The Family Experiment is another unique story from the very creative mind of John Marrs. The world building was spectacular and I could easily picture the dystopian setting. The chapters end on a cliffhanger which keep the reader wanting more. I love a good twist and The Family Experiment has a major earth shattering ending that I loved.

My only issue is that I struggled to keep up with all of the characters. There are 6 couples/12 contestants and I kept getting them all confused. But I still really enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

The Family Experiment is set in the future world of Marrs prior novels The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act. You don’t have to read those three to enjoy this one but I do think having knowledge of this prior works will give the reader a better understanding.

The Family Experiment by John Marrs will be available on July 9. Many thanks to HTP and NetGalley for the gifted copy!

Cleverly plotted and clearly obtruse Britain in a not so distant future where want-to-parents signup for an internationally broadcast reality show where they are given a/i generated children to raise and the world judges their parenting skills, likability, and whether they deserve to win enough money to conceive and raise a child in the real world. What could go wrong? Fascinated, while dread-filled, we follow along, immersed in their real and on-line worlds. Multilayered and complex choices are made, lives ruined and worlds collide.

oh my GOSH John Marrs does it again. He has quickly become my favorite author.

Sims on steroids and even that is an understatement of the complexity of this crazy but not so far-fetched, concept. and it is CRAZY but so good!!!

The Family Experiment is set in the same universe as the The One, The Marriage Act and The Passengers and I really appreciated the nod to the other events and characters in the other books, it flowed seamlessly. However, you can read this as a standalone and follow along just fine.

The concept is terrrifying, brilliant, and begs the question, what would you do?

Some people argue that there are too many characters but I found that it was easy to keep track of them after just a few chapters. They each had interesting backstories and motives for wanting to participate in the family experiment and watching it all unfold was a real thriller treat.

5 Stars

You seriously won't want to miss out this crazy ride. The Family Experiment is set to release in the U.S. on July 9th, 2024.

Thank you SO much NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this author and have read so many of his books. This book, however was not one of my favorites. I had a hard time getting into the story and maybe it was because I wasn’t into the metaverse and fake children. If you are wanting to read something a little out there, then give this book a try.

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and John Marrs for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! If you would have asked me to read an AI-related, sci-fi/slightly dystopian thriller I may not have agreed. But I have a little faith in John Marrs so I read this without any background. I AM SO GLAD I DID!!
It has some psychological/domestic thriller vibes all while explaining a future world where you can exist in a Metaverse and have a Meta-family because it is also slightly dystopian in that the majority of people seem unable to have children because it is so expensive and the rampant poverty pushes families into selling or giving their children away to human smugglers. I won't get into the story line of the book so as not to ruin anything but there is the overall story and then individual stories within that are all interesting as well.
Very good job John Marrs!!!

In a futuristic setting, it’s getting harder and more expensive to start a family. With AI on the rise, a new reality show is started, “The Family Experiment”. Contestants are chosen for a challenge to be the last one standing after raising a child to the age of 18, condensed into 9 months. The winners, can choose to keep their AI child in a metaverse and live as a family or terminate the meta child and keep prize money to start their own family in the real world. Within the reality show comes lots of secrets and truths!

After reading "the one" i became a John Marrs fan. He does sci fi/dystopian so well. This book centers around virtual reality and raising a child in the metaverse. We met several sets of parents and are introduced to their back story. I enjoyed the inclusion of social media, it all felt very black mirror. This was tense, thought provoking and interesting. I wish it was a tad bit shorter.

John Marrs does it again! What a wild ride, I haven't read all of the author's books in this category but references to another book had me purchasing immediately. The character development is perfect and unlike other books with chapters that jump from character to character, I had no issue keeping them straight. I never saw the ending coming, I literally gasped and released the breath I didn't know I was holding. (IYKYK) Well done John Marrs!!