Author: Dan Chaon
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. / Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Format: Audiobook (NetGalley ARC)

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A Story That Drifts Before It Dares

One of Us is the kind of book that doesn’t rush to tell you what it’s doing—and honestly, I liked that. The first half feels a little plotless, but not in a bad way. It’s all vibe, all strange atmosphere and unsettling tone. I found myself drifting through it, not lost, just letting the weirdness wash over me.

Where the Circus Comes Alive

I’m a sucker for any story that leans into that old-school circus energy, and this one nails it. The faded glamour, the oddball characters, the quiet menace hiding behind the tent curtains—it’s got that timeless, offbeat charm that makes you feel like you’re reading something pulled from a half-remembered dream.

Even when I wasn’t sure where it was going, I never stopped enjoying the experience. Once the threads began to pull together, it all landed with an eerie clarity that felt earned and satisfying.

The audiobook from Macmillan Audio was a perfect format for this story. The narration captured that eerie, wandering tone so well that it almost felt like being hypnotized into the story.

The Magic Is in the Mood

This isn’t a book that screams for your attention—it lures you in slowly, wrapping you in the mood until you realize you’re fully caught. If you like fiction that’s strange, immersive, and heavy on atmosphere, One of Us is absolutely worth your time.

Rating

★★★★☆ (4/5)