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Whole #1
Whole
Imagine stumbling upon a parallel universe in which every person on Earth has a second self – another part of themselves preventing them from truly being whole – everyone, that is, except you.
For 22-year-old Mara Martin, discovering there is a world where her deceased father is still alive and the love of her life wants nothing to do with her is a lot to take in. Her own life was finally falling into place, and now she must wrap her head around the alternate lives of everyone she knows. Throw in the fact that she is part of an elite group of people who are designated to save the Earth from eventual destruction, and she just might start losing her mind – but not without learning a thing or two about love along the way.
For 22-year-old Mara Martin, discovering there is a world where her deceased father is still alive and the love of her life wants nothing to do with her is a lot to take in. Her own life was finally falling into place, and now she must wrap her head around the alternate lives of everyone she knows. Throw in the fact that she is part of an elite group of people who are designated to save the Earth from eventual destruction, and she just might start losing her mind – but not without learning a thing or two about love along the way.
Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2021
About the author
E.A. Rohler
4 books32 followersE.A. Rohler is an American novelist and author of the Whole series. She spends her days as a product design engineer and her nights writing light sci-fi with a rom com twist. Born outside of Detroit, she now lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.
Feel free to ask her anything about books, pizza, or toddlers (her areas of expertise).
Feel free to ask her anything about books, pizza, or toddlers (her areas of expertise).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 14, 2021
Three stars for the premise, none for the execution. The first-person narration was entirely too girly: clothes and cakes and her hawt boyfriend. Then, at the end of the sample *bam* everything changes.
I've been down that path too many times to want to do it again...disbelief, anger, whining "I wanna go home" ad nauseam. Plus I don't care about clothes and only slightly more about cakes if we're not going to be seeing a lot of them. As in, if cakes are the point then I'll go with it.
What I won't do is spend 99¢ on a whiny girl.
I've been down that path too many times to want to do it again...disbelief, anger, whining "I wanna go home" ad nauseam. Plus I don't care about clothes and only slightly more about cakes if we're not going to be seeing a lot of them. As in, if cakes are the point then I'll go with it.
What I won't do is spend 99¢ on a whiny girl.
February 3, 2021
This book was really cute. The author gifted it to me after I reached out, and she was beyond sweet to do so. I loved Mara & Jake’s story, the ending left me with such a smile on my face. I cannot recommend it enough!
I will definitely read the next one!
I will definitely read the next one!
Read
November 24, 2020I like the idea of a multiverse, and I’ve been lucky enough to read some really good books in that genre (eg, Dark Matter). So when I saw this pop up as a Goodreads giveaway, with a character who shares my name, I entered - and was excited to win! Unfortunately, it went downhill from there, as too many parts of the plot simply didn’t make sense.
There’s a parallel world, called… Pearth? Why wouldn’t that world have its own name, rather than just a contraction for “parallel earth?” (I figured that out while writing this review.)
If you die on Earth, your double on Pearth becomes whole, but not the other way around… why? With Pearth’s advanced technology (laser cauterization instead of stitches! elevators that read your mind!) you’d think scientists could figure out how to make your Pearth self become whole on Earth. That would have been a far more lucrative opportunity than vacation tourism.
And the rules for how time passes (chapter 8) are mind-boggling; I must have read this part a dozen times to try to understand, before shrugging and moving on:
The idea of designates being the ones responsible for saving the world (chapter 7) was also a bit wonky:
… and don’t get me started on the whole “save the world from climate change” theme.
The author’s writing style flowed well, and was pretty typical for YA novels, but I thought the non-Pearth parts of the plot could have been pulled together better too. How did Mara have the finances to open her own bakery straight out of college, when we hear about her family’s financial struggles throughout her childhood? Why would she waste her time being friends with someone fake and mean like Kaitlyn? And why did Mara keep borrowing Ellie’s dresses if they were far too short??
Overall, this book had some interesting ideas about parallel universes, but I don’t think the ideas came together in a coherent way. I wish I liked the book, as I believe it was the author’s first novel, but I just didn’t...and I feel badly about that. I hope others enjoy it more than I did.
As noted above, I won this from the publisher in a Goodreads giveaway. Opinions are my own.
There’s a parallel world, called… Pearth? Why wouldn’t that world have its own name, rather than just a contraction for “parallel earth?” (I figured that out while writing this review.)
If you die on Earth, your double on Pearth becomes whole, but not the other way around… why? With Pearth’s advanced technology (laser cauterization instead of stitches! elevators that read your mind!) you’d think scientists could figure out how to make your Pearth self become whole on Earth. That would have been a far more lucrative opportunity than vacation tourism.
And the rules for how time passes (chapter 8) are mind-boggling; I must have read this part a dozen times to try to understand, before shrugging and moving on:
“Hey, what time is it?” I ask, squinting up into the sun. “We must have been gone for hours. Why isn’t it dark yet?”
“It’s the same time as when we left,” he says. “Time stops on Earth when you travel to Pearth, for the most part at least. It resets at midnight though, so if you stay the night on Pearth it will be tomorrow on Earth when you go back.” He stops to make sure I understand, but I’m completely lost.
The idea of designates being the ones responsible for saving the world (chapter 7) was also a bit wonky:
“‘...somehow being born on [November 11] means we’re obligated to keep our planets safe. We all share the same birthday and we all only exist on Earth. Everyone else has two selves—one on Pearth and one on Earth—but not us.”
… and don’t get me started on the whole “save the world from climate change” theme.
The author’s writing style flowed well, and was pretty typical for YA novels, but I thought the non-Pearth parts of the plot could have been pulled together better too. How did Mara have the finances to open her own bakery straight out of college, when we hear about her family’s financial struggles throughout her childhood? Why would she waste her time being friends with someone fake and mean like Kaitlyn? And why did Mara keep borrowing Ellie’s dresses if they were far too short??
Overall, this book had some interesting ideas about parallel universes, but I don’t think the ideas came together in a coherent way. I wish I liked the book, as I believe it was the author’s first novel, but I just didn’t...and I feel badly about that. I hope others enjoy it more than I did.
As noted above, I won this from the publisher in a Goodreads giveaway. Opinions are my own.
January 5, 2021
Today's non-pod review features Whole, by E. A. Rohler. This debut novel follows Mara as she learns that she is a designate to save the world. You'd think that having special powers, traveling to parallel universes, and seeing your deceased father would be pretty cool - and it is! But Mara's life is already pretty great: she runs a successful bakery, has a great friend group, and is happily paired up with Jake, so having to drop everything the second the parallel universe needs her is pretty rough going. Until, that is, she discovers that Jake isn't really one of a kind...
This was a quick, enjoyable read. Similar to other New Adult novels, it focuses more on the relationship between Mara and Jake (squared) than on the worldbuilding. By the end of the book we were still a bit hazy on what exactly being a designate meant. We wouldn't have minded a little more exploration of Mara's powers or what the exact limits on them were. That said, we are looking forward to seeing what happens next for Mara and Jake.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
This was a quick, enjoyable read. Similar to other New Adult novels, it focuses more on the relationship between Mara and Jake (squared) than on the worldbuilding. By the end of the book we were still a bit hazy on what exactly being a designate meant. We wouldn't have minded a little more exploration of Mara's powers or what the exact limits on them were. That said, we are looking forward to seeing what happens next for Mara and Jake.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
April 23, 2021
Multiverse books seem to do it for me. This book had the excitement, the tension and a solid conclusion. I’m a huge fan of science fiction, but I understand how some may find sci-fi books confusing. I think this book is a perfect middle ground. While it is science fiction, it’s easy to grasp and has a great action filled plot with sprinkles of romance.
Being under 300 pages didn’t leave much room for world exploration, however this book didn’t need it as the parallel universe was a mirror image of their own. The concept while familiar still had its own unique factors, keeping me engaged and excited. I’m going to be honest, what really captivated me in this book was the relationship between Mara and Jake. The tension and tenderness is exactly what I needed.
I’m looking forward to reading the sequel. By the title, it will definitely be exciting considering how Jake feels about that particular topic.
Being under 300 pages didn’t leave much room for world exploration, however this book didn’t need it as the parallel universe was a mirror image of their own. The concept while familiar still had its own unique factors, keeping me engaged and excited. I’m going to be honest, what really captivated me in this book was the relationship between Mara and Jake. The tension and tenderness is exactly what I needed.
I’m looking forward to reading the sequel. By the title, it will definitely be exciting considering how Jake feels about that particular topic.
August 20, 2021
4.5 Stars.
Overall the book was good. It was a fast and cute read. An awesome set up for a world building and relationship to follow. Mara and Jake are easy to relate to and I could follow their thought process well. I feel like there is still a lot to learn, not just from Mara and Jake but from the two worlds/universe around them. I am really curious to see what all will be different with the "whole" Jake and just get to know him a little more.
There are some questions that I have in the back of my mind while reading this.
Like how did Mara get a thriving bakery almost right away?
How and why is she friends with Kaitlyn? They just don't seem to like the types to mush well together, ya know?
And why, on Earth (or even Pearth) would you give a CHILD such a dangerous job? WILLINGLY! I mean, there had to be something else they could have done.
But because I have all these questions. Mostly, what will happen next?? It makes me even more excited to pick up the next book!
Overall the book was good. It was a fast and cute read. An awesome set up for a world building and relationship to follow. Mara and Jake are easy to relate to and I could follow their thought process well. I feel like there is still a lot to learn, not just from Mara and Jake but from the two worlds/universe around them. I am really curious to see what all will be different with the "whole" Jake and just get to know him a little more.
There are some questions that I have in the back of my mind while reading this.
Like how did Mara get a thriving bakery almost right away?
How and why is she friends with Kaitlyn? They just don't seem to like the types to mush well together, ya know?
And why, on Earth (or even Pearth) would you give a CHILD such a dangerous job? WILLINGLY! I mean, there had to be something else they could have done.
But because I have all these questions. Mostly, what will happen next?? It makes me even more excited to pick up the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
Easy and fun to read, twas a creative and easy enough to follow the 'science'. Also really enjoyed how each character was written.
*upcoming slight spoiler*
Really liked the story but the ending really seems like a cop out especially when the whole time the "rule" was if u died on Pearth before your Earth self u never become whole and yet.... I dunno maybe the next books in the series explain this but that does put a blemish on Whole for me. Like yea I'm happy for Mara and Jake of course but that was way too easy of a romantic ending like the author just wanted to avoid the what should have been inevitable difficult convo about Mara disappearing and lying. I will end up continuing the series though to find out!
*upcoming slight spoiler*
Really liked the story but the ending really seems like a cop out especially when the whole time the "rule" was if u died on Pearth before your Earth self u never become whole and yet.... I dunno maybe the next books in the series explain this but that does put a blemish on Whole for me. Like yea I'm happy for Mara and Jake of course but that was way too easy of a romantic ending like the author just wanted to avoid the what should have been inevitable difficult convo about Mara disappearing and lying. I will end up continuing the series though to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2021
I found this book enjoyable and pretty adorable. The love story was great, and the sci-if details held up strong. I wish I could have gotten to know the characters and their inner thoughts a little more though. But this was a quick read, and the humor and situations were on the lighter side save some serious moments. I don’t read many YA novels, but regardless I thought this was a good one!
October 22, 2021
Big thank you to the New Adult BookClub and the author for providing this free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Had to DNF this book at 51%. Interesting story idea, but the execution is very boring. I might come back sometime later, though. Depends on my mood (I'm a mood reader, if you haven't realized by now).
Had to DNF this book at 51%. Interesting story idea, but the execution is very boring. I might come back sometime later, though. Depends on my mood (I'm a mood reader, if you haven't realized by now).
January 5, 2021
Great story about parallel earths. What if you were just half a person until you were reunited with your other half on another world? These are some questions that the main character has to answer.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
September 2, 2022
I guess you could call this book sci-fi light meant for the YA reader. It's a fast, easy read with an interesting premise and with an attractive romance involved in the story. (It kind of liked the rat too.)
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
January 28, 2021
I enjoyed the book bd looking forward to her next book in the series.
June 28, 2021
Held my attention throughout
July 13, 2021
A fun and unique read, I enjoyed it very much.
August 14, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I don't know if this will be everyone's cup of tea, but it was mine. Science fiction, parallel living, aware rats. It was an interesting and fun read!
September 25, 2024
For the sake of trying something new and exploring more genres, I decided to give sci-fi a chance. Still not my cup of tea.
April 29, 2021
I LOVED this book so much!! It was fun, adventurous, and filled with love and a great plot that keeps you guessing. It was beautiful written, and I’m so excited to read the next book in the series! This was really unique for a story line and I wasn’t sure how well the alternate universe bit would play out but the author made it flow so seamlessly! What magic ✨ I just wish it was longer!!
July 15, 2022
I received this as a Goodreads Giveaway.
Whole tells the story of a young 20-something named Mara who runs her own cake business and lives with her boyfriend Jake. One day on a run with Jake, she trips off of a city curb and finds herself in a desert, Jake yelling at her to keep running and men in tuxedos trying to capture her. A portal opens up and brings her back to Chicago, but she is intrigued, running the same route the next day to see if she can figure out what happened. As it turns out, she has a connection to Pearth, an alternate universe where she reconnects to her dead father and a more serious version of her boyfriend (thanks to the other reviewer who pointed out that "Pearth" is likely a portmanteau of Parallel Earth). She learns she is one of several individuals who can save Earth by destroying the rings that allow them to travel between universes.
I feel like that is an unclear and incomplete synopsis of the story because I honestly got very confused. I thought I was following along, but as it went on, I felt more lost. I don't know if there were inconsistencies in the story, or it is simply my lack of understanding that led to my confusion. For instance, I thought when Mara initially arrived on Pearth, she was told when she was there, time on Earth just kind of didn't change, which made sense to me to explain how she disappeared for a hot second on her long run with Jake and then reappeared without him questioning what happened. Yet when she is sent on a mission, she is told to be prepared for a month away from home. Also, I thought when she portalled to Pearth, she would always in her home and when she portalled to Earth, she would always arrive at some base location (for some reason hers was an alley with rats who gathered and bowed at her at the end of the book, I kid you not). Yet she was able to leave Earth in France, arrive to her traveling companion's house, and then return back to Earth. Then she had to take a plane back to Chicago... could she not just have portalled to Pearth and then back to Earth to arrive to her rat-infested alley? I don't know. This was either poorly explain inter-universe travel or it is just beyond my understanding.
Whole tells the story of a young 20-something named Mara who runs her own cake business and lives with her boyfriend Jake. One day on a run with Jake, she trips off of a city curb and finds herself in a desert, Jake yelling at her to keep running and men in tuxedos trying to capture her. A portal opens up and brings her back to Chicago, but she is intrigued, running the same route the next day to see if she can figure out what happened. As it turns out, she has a connection to Pearth, an alternate universe where she reconnects to her dead father and a more serious version of her boyfriend (thanks to the other reviewer who pointed out that "Pearth" is likely a portmanteau of Parallel Earth). She learns she is one of several individuals who can save Earth by destroying the rings that allow them to travel between universes.
I feel like that is an unclear and incomplete synopsis of the story because I honestly got very confused. I thought I was following along, but as it went on, I felt more lost. I don't know if there were inconsistencies in the story, or it is simply my lack of understanding that led to my confusion. For instance, I thought when Mara initially arrived on Pearth, she was told when she was there, time on Earth just kind of didn't change, which made sense to me to explain how she disappeared for a hot second on her long run with Jake and then reappeared without him questioning what happened. Yet when she is sent on a mission, she is told to be prepared for a month away from home. Also, I thought when she portalled to Pearth, she would always in her home and when she portalled to Earth, she would always arrive at some base location (for some reason hers was an alley with rats who gathered and bowed at her at the end of the book, I kid you not). Yet she was able to leave Earth in France, arrive to her traveling companion's house, and then return back to Earth. Then she had to take a plane back to Chicago... could she not just have portalled to Pearth and then back to Earth to arrive to her rat-infested alley? I don't know. This was either poorly explain inter-universe travel or it is just beyond my understanding.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews