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Adam
‘If only we had known.
If we had just been aware of the child,
delivered to safety, his only fragile protection the dark keep him secret, or he will die.
If we had recognised the flaw in humanity’s
balancing act, competing with Artificial Intelligences by merging man with technology.
If we had understood that when we finally
conquered the light-speed barrier, our momentous
achievement would be noticed.
If only we had known, that something was
out there, watching, and waiting…’
The Lament of Michael Foxton, 2221 AD
If we had just been aware of the child,
delivered to safety, his only fragile protection the dark keep him secret, or he will die.
If we had recognised the flaw in humanity’s
balancing act, competing with Artificial Intelligences by merging man with technology.
If we had understood that when we finally
conquered the light-speed barrier, our momentous
achievement would be noticed.
If only we had known, that something was
out there, watching, and waiting…’
The Lament of Michael Foxton, 2221 AD
- GenresScience Fiction
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2012
58 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Stone
3 books16 followersAK Stone is a British author, musician, and general dreamer. 'Adam,' a science fiction, is his first novel. The book was put on sale, but an inferior unedited version went viral on pirate sites, luckily translating into success on Amazon UK. It also won a little award (Indie book of the day award), as well as blog/critical acclaim (from "Ethereal Pages" and Reading Other People"), and has over 130 average 4*+ reviews on Amazon UK, and 310 average 4*+ ratings on Goodreads.
On the back of that, the sequel, Adam II: Icon, is out now.
Feel free to follow me to get updates of new books.
https://www.amazon.com/A-K-Stone/e/B0...
https://www.facebook.com/A-K-Stone-13...
On the back of that, the sequel, Adam II: Icon, is out now.
Feel free to follow me to get updates of new books.
https://www.amazon.com/A-K-Stone/e/B0...
https://www.facebook.com/A-K-Stone-13...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 22, 2017
*Thank you to the author for a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Actual Rating: 4.5
The year is 2201 A.D., and humans have progressed even further in the technological field. We are now able to compete with artificial intelligence by merging man with technology - but things aren't so simple. Resources are scarce, and although although the light-speed barrier has already been broken, something else is out there, waiting for the right time to strike. But in times like these, you never know who to trust.
Admittedly, at first I was very skeptical of this genre; some "high science-fiction" books I've read in the past have been difficult to get through because of the overload of technical terms. However, I thought that this book set up the scene very nicely and although I was still a bit confused at times, it was very interesting to immerse myself into this world. Everything is definitely very thought-out and it feels authentic. I especially liked how the themes in this book could be linked to real life; artificial intelligence is something that has been debated for years, and author was really able to create their own version of what it meant and tie into the world that they imagined.
I thought the main character was very likable. Although there seems an age difference between us, the main character was wise and insightful beyond his years, and I could definitely connect. Throughout the book, there was such clear emotional development as he learned who he was and how he would deal with every obstacle that came his way. Even the secondary characters had their own stories, and I really enjoyed reading about the relationship dynamic they each had with the main character.
Despite how unrealistic the world may physically seem, there were many parallels that I could draw between our world and this fictional one. With some underlying social commentary, the writing style was engaging (and oftentimes, beautiful), which really helped bring the story to life.
The plot was definitely one of the strongest part of the book; it was unique and different, and with blend of realism and futuristic, the setting was not only interesting to read about, but also made me think about how far society has already come. Overall, Adam was a very thought-provoking book and it delved into the relationship between humans and between humans and technology. It truly brings about the question of what you define as "human". This was a great read, definitely one of the best sci-fi novels I've read!
Actual Rating: 4.5
The year is 2201 A.D., and humans have progressed even further in the technological field. We are now able to compete with artificial intelligence by merging man with technology - but things aren't so simple. Resources are scarce, and although although the light-speed barrier has already been broken, something else is out there, waiting for the right time to strike. But in times like these, you never know who to trust.
Admittedly, at first I was very skeptical of this genre; some "high science-fiction" books I've read in the past have been difficult to get through because of the overload of technical terms. However, I thought that this book set up the scene very nicely and although I was still a bit confused at times, it was very interesting to immerse myself into this world. Everything is definitely very thought-out and it feels authentic. I especially liked how the themes in this book could be linked to real life; artificial intelligence is something that has been debated for years, and author was really able to create their own version of what it meant and tie into the world that they imagined.
I thought the main character was very likable. Although there seems an age difference between us, the main character was wise and insightful beyond his years, and I could definitely connect. Throughout the book, there was such clear emotional development as he learned who he was and how he would deal with every obstacle that came his way. Even the secondary characters had their own stories, and I really enjoyed reading about the relationship dynamic they each had with the main character.
Despite how unrealistic the world may physically seem, there were many parallels that I could draw between our world and this fictional one. With some underlying social commentary, the writing style was engaging (and oftentimes, beautiful), which really helped bring the story to life.
The plot was definitely one of the strongest part of the book; it was unique and different, and with blend of realism and futuristic, the setting was not only interesting to read about, but also made me think about how far society has already come. Overall, Adam was a very thought-provoking book and it delved into the relationship between humans and between humans and technology. It truly brings about the question of what you define as "human". This was a great read, definitely one of the best sci-fi novels I've read!
July 15, 2015
Before I opted to remove Sci-Fi from my review policy, I committed to reading A.K. Stone’s opus “Adam” - and I’m quite glad I did. Written for the adult reader but still appropriate for a younger audience, “Adam” is a sci-fi tome that attempts to modernize the genre, if that’s even possible. Can you modernize the future? If A.K. Stone’s writing is any indicator, it’s certainly a possibility.
With obvious inspirations from the Kubrick/Spielberg criminally underrated “A.I.” and Kubricks masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey”, Stone spins a tale that possess just enough genre conventions to satiate the needs of the seasoned sci-fi reader but also evokes humor to keep it just a tad lighthearted. In my experience reviewing sci-fi works, authors tend to overly describe otherworldly locales and hybrid species that litter galaxies far, far away. While “Adam” has the requisite forward thinking mentality and coldness that the future apparently has, there’s still some heart lurking below the monochromatic surface.
Kudos also to Stone for not using dialogue that comes across as pretentious or unbelievable. Ditto for his talent at depicting anther world with a prosaic quality that gives the book a level of literary panache. You can’t hide the fact that Stone is clearly an educated individual as his intelligence emanates from every carefully selected word.
Stone’s propensity to create a tale that is a literal a mash up of genres works on many levels. It’s a fine balance in story telling, and a clear glimpse of a master at work.
With obvious inspirations from the Kubrick/Spielberg criminally underrated “A.I.” and Kubricks masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey”, Stone spins a tale that possess just enough genre conventions to satiate the needs of the seasoned sci-fi reader but also evokes humor to keep it just a tad lighthearted. In my experience reviewing sci-fi works, authors tend to overly describe otherworldly locales and hybrid species that litter galaxies far, far away. While “Adam” has the requisite forward thinking mentality and coldness that the future apparently has, there’s still some heart lurking below the monochromatic surface.
Kudos also to Stone for not using dialogue that comes across as pretentious or unbelievable. Ditto for his talent at depicting anther world with a prosaic quality that gives the book a level of literary panache. You can’t hide the fact that Stone is clearly an educated individual as his intelligence emanates from every carefully selected word.
Stone’s propensity to create a tale that is a literal a mash up of genres works on many levels. It’s a fine balance in story telling, and a clear glimpse of a master at work.
February 20, 2022
Adam by A.K. Stone
I am not quite sure who A.K. Stone is. The profile on Amazon describes him as “a British author, musician, and general dreamer. ‘Adam’ is his first novel, and has won the "Indie Book of the day Award" for the 6th of July 2015 from indiebookoftheday.com.” It appears to be a self-published book, which made me wary of it to begin with. I only stumbled upon Adam because I had just finished the unrelated Adam-2 by Alastair Chisholm, and it appeared in a list of similar titles on Amazon. I am now not sure what made me purchase it and give it a try, but I am glad that I did.
It is the beginning of the 23rd Century, and humans have progressed in technology to the point where they are able to merge artificial intelligence with biology. as well as to create sentient machines and 'robots' which are seen as individuals in their own right. With the assistance of neural implants, humans are able to acquire abilities such as telekinesis. However, ninety-nine young orphans whose origins remain unaccounted for are able to exert such powers without any aid from technology. When a one hundredth member of this group is discovered, seemingly with powers far superior to the others, the mystery deepens. Is this the next natural step in human evolution, or has this group of 'kinetics' been deliberately engineered, and if so, with what end in view?
The light-speed barrier for space travel has recently been broken, but this attracts attention from other beings inhabiting the Orion Spur, many of whom have surprisingly extreme attitudes to the existence of the AI technology which humans have come to reply on. How will the conflict between human and alien ideals be resolved, and do the apparently human ‘kinetics’ mean to help the people of Earth or betray them?
What I liked about Adam:
1. The quality of the writing is excellent (although the Kindle copy still has a few typos which could be weeded out).
2. The book is tightly plotted and does not meander. Several strands of the story are successfully maintained simultaneously, and each one is equally engaging.
3. The story does not get bogged down with technological mumbo jumbo, but instead keeps the human element to the fore.
I enjoyed the first half of the story most due to its more introspective nature and concentration on the person and experiences of Adam. The second half continues the plot development admirably, but to me felt a little more like a standard space opera. There is also a twist in the plot near the end when it is revealed that salvation for humanity has come from a completely unexpected source.
I was generally very impressed by Adam. It reads like high quality old-school science fiction, but with a very modern theme. In addition, there is no gratuitous profanity, sexual content or graphic violence, so the story is suitable for all readers of all ages to enjoy. Some of the chapters evoke the sense of wonder that is the hallmark of the best science fiction.
I am not quite sure who A.K. Stone is. The profile on Amazon describes him as “a British author, musician, and general dreamer. ‘Adam’ is his first novel, and has won the "Indie Book of the day Award" for the 6th of July 2015 from indiebookoftheday.com.” It appears to be a self-published book, which made me wary of it to begin with. I only stumbled upon Adam because I had just finished the unrelated Adam-2 by Alastair Chisholm, and it appeared in a list of similar titles on Amazon. I am now not sure what made me purchase it and give it a try, but I am glad that I did.
It is the beginning of the 23rd Century, and humans have progressed in technology to the point where they are able to merge artificial intelligence with biology. as well as to create sentient machines and 'robots' which are seen as individuals in their own right. With the assistance of neural implants, humans are able to acquire abilities such as telekinesis. However, ninety-nine young orphans whose origins remain unaccounted for are able to exert such powers without any aid from technology. When a one hundredth member of this group is discovered, seemingly with powers far superior to the others, the mystery deepens. Is this the next natural step in human evolution, or has this group of 'kinetics' been deliberately engineered, and if so, with what end in view?
The light-speed barrier for space travel has recently been broken, but this attracts attention from other beings inhabiting the Orion Spur, many of whom have surprisingly extreme attitudes to the existence of the AI technology which humans have come to reply on. How will the conflict between human and alien ideals be resolved, and do the apparently human ‘kinetics’ mean to help the people of Earth or betray them?
What I liked about Adam:
1. The quality of the writing is excellent (although the Kindle copy still has a few typos which could be weeded out).
2. The book is tightly plotted and does not meander. Several strands of the story are successfully maintained simultaneously, and each one is equally engaging.
3. The story does not get bogged down with technological mumbo jumbo, but instead keeps the human element to the fore.
I enjoyed the first half of the story most due to its more introspective nature and concentration on the person and experiences of Adam. The second half continues the plot development admirably, but to me felt a little more like a standard space opera. There is also a twist in the plot near the end when it is revealed that salvation for humanity has come from a completely unexpected source.
I was generally very impressed by Adam. It reads like high quality old-school science fiction, but with a very modern theme. In addition, there is no gratuitous profanity, sexual content or graphic violence, so the story is suitable for all readers of all ages to enjoy. Some of the chapters evoke the sense of wonder that is the hallmark of the best science fiction.
January 30, 2017
Wow! What a super book
February 16, 2018
Incredibly well planned plot.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, detailed plot, thoroughly immersive imagery and characterization that any marvel/DC/star wars geek would love. I've recommended this to my 11&10 yo it's already seemingly popular. My only tiny criticism is that the language occasionally seems unrefined, as if an editor was not paying attention. Otherwise a thoroughly promising read. I'm eagerly waiting for the next one.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, detailed plot, thoroughly immersive imagery and characterization that any marvel/DC/star wars geek would love. I've recommended this to my 11&10 yo it's already seemingly popular. My only tiny criticism is that the language occasionally seems unrefined, as if an editor was not paying attention. Otherwise a thoroughly promising read. I'm eagerly waiting for the next one.
June 3, 2019
Artificial intelligence has been the focal point of many books for many years, some of them great and other not so much. I started off this book without any real expectations and was happy enough as the story built up. By the half way point I was absolutely hooked. I especially appreciated how the narrative first pulls you to take one position on the perceived dangers of AI, and then takes you the other way. I'm trying not to write anything specific here that would spoil the book for someone else.
Anyway, I absolutely loved the book.
Anyway, I absolutely loved the book.
June 4, 2019
The best science fiction makes us think about the big questions of our time. This book does exactly that by addressing our fears and hopes about the future of AI, the Internet and space exploration.
It is well written, gripping and intelligent. Highly recommended.
It is well written, gripping and intelligent. Highly recommended.
March 14, 2017
Adam, by A.K. Stone, takes place in a not-too distant world full of androids, FTL travel, and teenage bullies. Adam is unlike the other boys and the story is one of self-discovery as he travels beyond the orphanage he’s grown up within only to discover that there is a power within that is not common to mankind.
I did feel like Adam was pretty mopey at times. But I suppose I would be too if I grew up in an orphanage and accidentally killed people more often than I wanted (even if they maybe have it coming.) The artificially intelligent androids were perhaps the best part, in my opinion. They were decidedly less asmovian and perhaps a more humanized version of ST:TNG’s Lt. Data (not necessarily in appearance, but in the way they think and “feel”… it was nuanced well.)
Some of the existing reviews indicate it is an adult fiction book but it has a distinctly YA feel to the voicing and it felt one part A.I. and one part Ender’s Game.
I did feel like Adam was pretty mopey at times. But I suppose I would be too if I grew up in an orphanage and accidentally killed people more often than I wanted (even if they maybe have it coming.) The artificially intelligent androids were perhaps the best part, in my opinion. They were decidedly less asmovian and perhaps a more humanized version of ST:TNG’s Lt. Data (not necessarily in appearance, but in the way they think and “feel”… it was nuanced well.)
Some of the existing reviews indicate it is an adult fiction book but it has a distinctly YA feel to the voicing and it felt one part A.I. and one part Ender’s Game.
August 16, 2017
Adam started very well and I very much enjoyed the first part of the book. The quality of writing in the book is very varied - some scenes are written very well with great dialog but some of it was below par and needed more work.
What I liked - the AI characters such as Number 1 and Number 2, and I loved the dream sequence. But the human characters were a bit cliched.
Stone has some great ideas, but needs to work a bit on more consistent writing.
What I liked - the AI characters such as Number 1 and Number 2, and I loved the dream sequence. But the human characters were a bit cliched.
Stone has some great ideas, but needs to work a bit on more consistent writing.
August 21, 2019
I've now read this 3 times. It's just one of those books that I rate as so enjoyable that it's worth a reread now and again. That's a small list of books because I love reading new titles, but I count The Martian in there as well if that helps provide a frame of reference.
This is such a clever book, in the way that it makes the complicated, simple. There's a lot going on that the first few chapters only hint at, but for me the story draws you through a fairly exhilarating ride that gains depth and pace as you progress. I love books that pull you into the wee small hours; you know should stop reading and get some sleep, but you're just hungry to find out where the story is taking you. They're rare enough and when I find one, I like going back to it.
This is an original story of an individual's absorbing path in a future where Artificial Intellience assists progress in faster than light travel and how that unfolds. We follow an introverted Adam through an awakening and watch him bond with his future. It's a considered novel that contains engaging philosophical questions; there are many layers to enjoy behind the actual story.
I think my biggest disappointment if you could call it that, was that it took so long for a new book from AK Stone to come out. I kept checking Amazon every few months. So I'm delighted now that Icon has been released. And guess what ... I'm on my second reading of it too!
This is such a clever book, in the way that it makes the complicated, simple. There's a lot going on that the first few chapters only hint at, but for me the story draws you through a fairly exhilarating ride that gains depth and pace as you progress. I love books that pull you into the wee small hours; you know should stop reading and get some sleep, but you're just hungry to find out where the story is taking you. They're rare enough and when I find one, I like going back to it.
This is an original story of an individual's absorbing path in a future where Artificial Intellience assists progress in faster than light travel and how that unfolds. We follow an introverted Adam through an awakening and watch him bond with his future. It's a considered novel that contains engaging philosophical questions; there are many layers to enjoy behind the actual story.
I think my biggest disappointment if you could call it that, was that it took so long for a new book from AK Stone to come out. I kept checking Amazon every few months. So I'm delighted now that Icon has been released. And guess what ... I'm on my second reading of it too!
April 12, 2018
Superb. I read it twice.
I admit, someone passed on a pirate version to me ( with guilt, I never get pirate stuff myself, I don't agree with it, especially for indie authors), a few years back, and I read that first. It was very good, deserving of at least a 4 star so I bought the real Amazon one recently. It's better edited and with a few things cleared up, so the pirate version is clearly an earlier, less well edited version.
Anyway, it has great ideas, a superb plot, is accessible to older and teen readers (I would say not for young kids though, too complex), and there's warmth and humor too as well as beautiful language, which you don't expect from a Sci-fi novel. I would say that I think there's a lot of build up in the beginning, a little slow, so maybe a 4.5 star, but it's engaging throughout, and the climaxes of the book are too good to forget. Looking forward to a sequel. I hope!
I admit, someone passed on a pirate version to me ( with guilt, I never get pirate stuff myself, I don't agree with it, especially for indie authors), a few years back, and I read that first. It was very good, deserving of at least a 4 star so I bought the real Amazon one recently. It's better edited and with a few things cleared up, so the pirate version is clearly an earlier, less well edited version.
Anyway, it has great ideas, a superb plot, is accessible to older and teen readers (I would say not for young kids though, too complex), and there's warmth and humor too as well as beautiful language, which you don't expect from a Sci-fi novel. I would say that I think there's a lot of build up in the beginning, a little slow, so maybe a 4.5 star, but it's engaging throughout, and the climaxes of the book are too good to forget. Looking forward to a sequel. I hope!
July 16, 2017
Great story line and a compelling page turner. Was sorry when it came to an end.
Great story line and characters both human and none human. Gives you pause for thought about the future an advanced in technology and is impact on the human race. Real page turner and was sorry it has to come to an end.
Great story line and characters both human and none human. Gives you pause for thought about the future an advanced in technology and is impact on the human race. Real page turner and was sorry it has to come to an end.
September 18, 2017
A good read
Really enjoyed this. Was reluctant at first as I'd read a few boring books and was getting frustrated but this pleasantly kept me interested and up late to finish chapters! Try it!! Am now off to find more by A K Stone!
Really enjoyed this. Was reluctant at first as I'd read a few boring books and was getting frustrated but this pleasantly kept me interested and up late to finish chapters! Try it!! Am now off to find more by A K Stone!
June 9, 2018
Really enjoyed it, feels like a great starting point for a series. Feel fairly convinced by the universe building, with lots of potential for adding detail and adventures. Hopeful that there will be more...
May 30, 2018
Good fun easy read
Perhaps a little too teenage for me but it was fun and easy to read. Would recommend to anyone who wants a bit of easy going sci-fi escapism.
Perhaps a little too teenage for me but it was fun and easy to read. Would recommend to anyone who wants a bit of easy going sci-fi escapism.
June 19, 2018
Quite a wonderful gallop
Well , I can say I really loved this book , it went places I was glad it went and surprised me in many places . I hope there’s a second book .
Well , I can say I really loved this book , it went places I was glad it went and surprised me in many places . I hope there’s a second book .
May 28, 2019
Great Great read
I loved this book. I've discovered I'm a really fussy sci-fi reader and this ticked all the boxes. Just found out 2nd book has been released!!!!!!!
I loved this book. I've discovered I'm a really fussy sci-fi reader and this ticked all the boxes. Just found out 2nd book has been released!!!!!!!
September 8, 2018
Good story after a bit of a slow start. A few passages where explanations are a bit long. These are my only criticisms of a well plotted science fiction story.
September 11, 2018
a solid sci fi
humans versus aliens versus AI
action packed emotional and a great plot
and what exactly is adam?
really liked this book
humans versus aliens versus AI
action packed emotional and a great plot
and what exactly is adam?
really liked this book
January 7, 2018
Excellent Science Fiction story about a boy who was given to an orphanage by a droid, the boy grew up and had fantastic powers , also aliens, robots are included in this story, very gripping from start to finish.
February 17, 2018
I could finish it. The story didn't capture me and I gave up at 40%
The book is only and seems to be building to some mystery or another my was incredibly slow. So much so I finally gave up.
The book is only and seems to be building to some mystery or another my was incredibly slow. So much so I finally gave up.
December 12, 2017
DNF at 20%
June 3, 2017
Enjoyable story. The writing feels underdeveloped but I can't wait to AK produces next.
September 4, 2019
The premise of the book is good, and the idea of the AI's is really interesting, but the book is not very well written. Some chapters are excellent and obviously written for adult readers, other chapters are clunky, with bad grammar, contradictory statements and poorly written characters.
May 24, 2019
Enjoyable read, looking forward to reading the next one!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews