This was such a refreshing, quick, easy and riveting read, I read it in one sitting. It is really well written with well developed characters that you cant help taking to your heart. I really enjoyed it

This took a little while for me to get in to, then when I did, I could not put it down.
Ursula and Rafael are 2 unusual and vivid characters and their journey is interesting. A unique concept that challenges the reader and the characters in it.

Fun, an easy read (in a good way), great escapism.

The ARC is a hilarious love story filled to the brim with satire. A truly satisfying and uncommon match of concepts that truly works. A little bit of sci-fi, a touch of dystopia, a slightly (but not quite) futuristic romance, focused on the architecture of modern relationships.

We follow the story of Ursula and Rafael, two individuals ready for a long term commitment, but who have struggled with relationships in the past. Both discover a cult-like service called The Arc, which promises, through the use of state of the art technology and an array of secretive proprietary services, to find them their 100% ideal partner. It's not about finding the perfect match, but someone that will be perfect for the long term - on the entire arc of their lives.

They are a bit sceptical at first, however, after their initial meeting the energy between them is out of this world. They immediately dive into a relationship, both feel they have never encountered someone so amazing, so incredible, so exactly who they were trying to find the entire time. That is until The Arc comes back to them saying they've made a terrible mistake.

Although I enjoyed reading this book, comparisons with Black Mirror's Hang the Dj will be inevitable, and, if you have watched that episode it will be easy enough to draw a conclusion and understand what is happening with Ursula and Rafael's relationship. I still found the narrative interesting enough, and the book truly shines while painting a caricature of modern-day New York City in a not so distant future. The journey, the quirky writing, and the overall style of The Arc are where the uniqueness of the book comes in - not its plot.

I do think the end was a bit underdeveloped. At the same time that it feels like it gave too many explanations about what happened (it was easy enough to guess and perhaps it would have been better to leave an air of doubt), it took away the gratification of having a more meaningful reconnection for the beloved couple.

As a debut novel, I was very intrigued by this book and will definitely keep a close eye on Tory Henwood Hoen and whatever else she writes in the future.

It's well-written, with lots of rich detail and robust characterisation. Unfortunately I just couldn't get into it, but I'll try again in the future when I'm in a different headspace. The Arc: it's not you, it's me.

A hilarious and thoughtful exploration of love in a culture obsessed with optimization, This was a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish with a great storyline, interesting cast of characters and all capped off by skilful writing. It's well worth your time if you appreciate great storytellers.