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Adam, Mine.
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Expected 8 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 06:17:55
50 copies available
U.S. only
From acclaimed author K. Ancrum, on the National Book Award longlist for The Corruption of Hollis Brown, and Lambda Literary Award winner for Icarus, comes a queer romantic horror thriller that is a love letter to Frankenstein about the consequences of our decisions, the legacy of family, and the depths we’ll go to be forgiven.
Victor Frankenstein, a 17-year-old brilliant prodigy, wants his fellow university peers to finally take him seriously. After suffering a public humiliation over his wild academic theories, Victor makes a bet with the most popular student: he swears he will find the secret to human reanimation before graduation. Desperate and unwilling to be humiliated again, Victor does the unspeakable: he kidnaps a young man from a small, neighboring village and destroys his body using untried Alchemy instead of science…
Elias Hilfiker awakens, horrified—his voice is gone, his skin is stitched and scarred, and his community has exiled him. Worse, Victor’s clumsy alchemy has unintentionally created a bond between Elias and his tormentor, forcing them to constantly feel each other’s emotions.
Enraged by the desecration of his life, Elias swears before God and Man that he will seek vengeance on Victor at any cost. Meanwhile, Victor embarks on a journey to reverse the horror he’s unleashed. As they cross the European landscape—hunter and hunted—Victor bows before the weight of his sins while Elias uncovers the secrets of his own power in a world where he was once powerless.
Victor Frankenstein, a 17-year-old brilliant prodigy, wants his fellow university peers to finally take him seriously. After suffering a public humiliation over his wild academic theories, Victor makes a bet with the most popular student: he swears he will find the secret to human reanimation before graduation. Desperate and unwilling to be humiliated again, Victor does the unspeakable: he kidnaps a young man from a small, neighboring village and destroys his body using untried Alchemy instead of science…
Elias Hilfiker awakens, horrified—his voice is gone, his skin is stitched and scarred, and his community has exiled him. Worse, Victor’s clumsy alchemy has unintentionally created a bond between Elias and his tormentor, forcing them to constantly feel each other’s emotions.
Enraged by the desecration of his life, Elias swears before God and Man that he will seek vengeance on Victor at any cost. Meanwhile, Victor embarks on a journey to reverse the horror he’s unleashed. As they cross the European landscape—hunter and hunted—Victor bows before the weight of his sins while Elias uncovers the secrets of his own power in a world where he was once powerless.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
K. Ancrum
15 books2,136 followersK. Ancrum, is an author of award winning speculative contemporary YA notably THE WICKER KING, DARLING and most recently the critically acclaimed ICARUS. K. is a Chicago native passionate about diversity and representation in young adult fiction. She currently writes most of her work in the lush gardens of the Chicago Art Institute.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 7, 2026
“why does tragedy exist? because you are full of rage.
why are you full of rage? because you are full of grief.”
why are you full of rage? because you are full of grief.”
Want to Read
August 29, 2023i will read anything by k. ancrum <3
Want to Read
August 30, 2023K. ANCRUM IS WRITING A FRANKENSTEIN RETELLING?! TAKE ALL OF MY MONEY.
Currently Reading
May 21, 2026a twisted love letter to horror and curiosity, and unfraid to pay tribute to what i love so dearly about the source material (victor frankenstein being a little bitch)
saving my official review and ranking for when the book is complete and in my hands, but i wanted everyone to know that this book is still so unflinchingly Ancrum in a way that i’ll adore forever
saving my official review and ranking for when the book is complete and in my hands, but i wanted everyone to know that this book is still so unflinchingly Ancrum in a way that i’ll adore forever
April 22, 2026
Lowkey speechless.
K. Ancrum never ceases to amaze me. Her writing style is so choppy yet effective. You feel sort of thrown into Elias and Victor's world but in the end everything starts to all make sense and come together. After finishing I had to reread the first couple chapters immediately.
The structuring of this story was so interesting in a dual POV as Elias and Victor race against each other to meet all these different alchemists following Victor’s crazy procedures on Elias. They each went on their own journeys through growth being connected by emotions and forced to understand each other on another level.
I love Elias so much, he is now a part of my hall of fame of favorite characters of all time. I feel so emotional just thinking about him and I did in fact shed some tears in his honor. He deserves the world and then some.
I’m keeping this at a four star rating for now but I definitely think that on a reread it could become a five.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins for providing me with this eARC.
K. Ancrum never ceases to amaze me. Her writing style is so choppy yet effective. You feel sort of thrown into Elias and Victor's world but in the end everything starts to all make sense and come together. After finishing I had to reread the first couple chapters immediately.
The structuring of this story was so interesting in a dual POV as Elias and Victor race against each other to meet all these different alchemists following Victor’s crazy procedures on Elias. They each went on their own journeys through growth being connected by emotions and forced to understand each other on another level.
I love Elias so much, he is now a part of my hall of fame of favorite characters of all time. I feel so emotional just thinking about him and I did in fact shed some tears in his honor. He deserves the world and then some.
I’m keeping this at a four star rating for now but I definitely think that on a reread it could become a five.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins for providing me with this eARC.
Read
January 28, 2024Had the immense privilege of beta reading this. No rating/review because it was an early draft. You should all be adding this to your want to read tho!!
Want to Read
February 22, 2026i’m seated. the bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because it "doesn't even have a cover yet" but i’m simply too seated.
Want to Read
February 27, 2026an author who astounds and Makes Me Feel Things consistently is doing a frankenstein retelling oh i am so normal about this sooo so normal so okay
May 20, 2026
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read an early copy of this book! I loved K. Ancrum’s The Corruption of Hollis Brown and was very excited to dive deeper into the author’s other works.
I really loved the depth and complexity that the author brought into the story of Frankenstein and his creation. It’s a very different rendition than the ones we’re often familiar with, but also the same in its pull to have the reader understand what it means to be human and the cruelty that often follows human ambition. Although Victor continues to be an absolutely abhorrent character, it is interesting to dive into what makes him tick. The desire to be understood and the fixation on proving himself, ultimately leading to an unforgivable act of ultimate selfishness.
I think more often than not, in depictions of Frankenstein, there’s an innate desire of the watcher to make Victor understand or make him pay. And if you’re a person who has ever felt that way, this book does an incredible job of showing the atrocities committed by Victor through Elias’s eyes. He’s forced to reckon with the feelings of his creation, of Elias’s undoing. The confusion of being chosen and the rage of isolation.
The reason why I’m marking it three stars is because, for most of the book, I found it massively confusing. The timeline is not linear, so the reader is moved from Victor’s POV to Elias’s POV, both occurring at seemingly random points in the story. It felt somewhat disruptive to the development of the characters, in my opinion. On the journey through visiting many alchemists, the reader is also shown dialogue in many different languages, which also felt disruptive to the flow of the story because I was constantly checking footnotes to figure out what the characters were saying and sometimes there were no footnotes at all.
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind the jumping around in time, I definitely think this is a book you can enjoy, though, as the main characters are very well written and Elias’s story is tragic and moving.
I really loved the depth and complexity that the author brought into the story of Frankenstein and his creation. It’s a very different rendition than the ones we’re often familiar with, but also the same in its pull to have the reader understand what it means to be human and the cruelty that often follows human ambition. Although Victor continues to be an absolutely abhorrent character, it is interesting to dive into what makes him tick. The desire to be understood and the fixation on proving himself, ultimately leading to an unforgivable act of ultimate selfishness.
I think more often than not, in depictions of Frankenstein, there’s an innate desire of the watcher to make Victor understand or make him pay. And if you’re a person who has ever felt that way, this book does an incredible job of showing the atrocities committed by Victor through Elias’s eyes. He’s forced to reckon with the feelings of his creation, of Elias’s undoing. The confusion of being chosen and the rage of isolation.
The reason why I’m marking it three stars is because, for most of the book, I found it massively confusing. The timeline is not linear, so the reader is moved from Victor’s POV to Elias’s POV, both occurring at seemingly random points in the story. It felt somewhat disruptive to the development of the characters, in my opinion. On the journey through visiting many alchemists, the reader is also shown dialogue in many different languages, which also felt disruptive to the flow of the story because I was constantly checking footnotes to figure out what the characters were saying and sometimes there were no footnotes at all.
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind the jumping around in time, I definitely think this is a book you can enjoy, though, as the main characters are very well written and Elias’s story is tragic and moving.
Want to Read
April 9, 2024uhh I have no idea what this is (except it's related to Frankenstein) but the "people also liked" section lists both Iron Widow and Beowulf so 👀👀👀
update I have now read Icarus so now I really 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀
update I have now read Icarus so now I really 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀
Read
January 27, 2024I finished this last night and I've thought about it a lot since — which really is rare for me. This is already a special book, and I look forward to reading the final version.
May 12, 2026
”Would you be afraid if you met yourself?”
I’ve never given or taken confession, but I think reading Adam, Mine. might mirror both experiences. Ancrum shows her readers the worst of these characters and brings us along as they stumble towards resolution. By asking if Frankenstein and his monster can forgive each other or themselves, Ancrum encourages her readers to do the same, whatever form our beasts might take.
Endless thanks to K. Ancrum for the ARC.
I’ve never given or taken confession, but I think reading Adam, Mine. might mirror both experiences. Ancrum shows her readers the worst of these characters and brings us along as they stumble towards resolution. By asking if Frankenstein and his monster can forgive each other or themselves, Ancrum encourages her readers to do the same, whatever form our beasts might take.
Endless thanks to K. Ancrum for the ARC.
Read
April 7, 2026E-Arc provided by Netgalley
This was beautifully written like all of K. Ancrum's books, but I found myself getting confused in here sometimes and I wasn't as connected to the characters as I hoped I would be. I enjoyed parts of this but there were some parts that definitely fell flat for me.
This was beautifully written like all of K. Ancrum's books, but I found myself getting confused in here sometimes and I wasn't as connected to the characters as I hoped I would be. I enjoyed parts of this but there were some parts that definitely fell flat for me.
awaiting-release
February 26, 2026IT SOUNDS SO GOOD IM SO EXCITED!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
OH MY GOD I AM UNWELL. Easy 5 stars. New favourite.
This broke me and put me together again (metaphor not intentional). It was such a thorough exploration of grief, forgiveness, retribution, shared humanity, and the different forms of love. Such a beautiful retelling. I love Victor (pathetic) and Elias (little meow meow) so much.
Very important thing to note: Adam, Mine is different from Ancrum's other recent works! Do not go in expecting a romance like Hollis Brown. It is not a parable like The Wicker King, Icarus, The Weight of the Stars, Hollis Brown, etc. I checked her website for more information about Adam, Mine while reading my ARC and I'm glad I did! (About 50% of the way through I kept thinking to myself 'there is NO way this is going to play out like Hollis'.) The relationship dynamics in this book have the same DNA as Ancrum's other works so if you like your toxic dynamics, you're in luck, but what we have here is very much A Secret Third Thing.
Keeping this vague because I don't want to spoil anything, but I recommend reading the differences between her parable works and other works here so you know what to expect: https://kancrum.com/books/
But onto the review: oh my god oh my god oh my god, I loved this.
This book has some of the best instances of 'show don't tell' I have ever read. The way Ancrum chose to withhold explicit explanations and avoid neatly putting characters into boxes was so well done. It's something that YA fiction misses out on a lot of the time and it makes me grateful books like this exist.
Also!! Just gotta say! From someone who mainly reads queer historical fiction and early queer literature: I *loved* the way in how homoeroticism and homosexuality was explored. Chefs kiss. (Reading Victor's first thoughts about Elias are so layered! Actually, that applies to reading any of Victor's thoughts about Elias lol.)
Endlessly grateful to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. I need a physical copy in my hands ASAP.
This broke me and put me together again (metaphor not intentional). It was such a thorough exploration of grief, forgiveness, retribution, shared humanity, and the different forms of love. Such a beautiful retelling. I love Victor (pathetic) and Elias (little meow meow) so much.
Very important thing to note: Adam, Mine is different from Ancrum's other recent works! Do not go in expecting a romance like Hollis Brown. It is not a parable like The Wicker King, Icarus, The Weight of the Stars, Hollis Brown, etc. I checked her website for more information about Adam, Mine while reading my ARC and I'm glad I did! (About 50% of the way through I kept thinking to myself 'there is NO way this is going to play out like Hollis'.) The relationship dynamics in this book have the same DNA as Ancrum's other works so if you like your toxic dynamics, you're in luck, but what we have here is very much A Secret Third Thing.
Keeping this vague because I don't want to spoil anything, but I recommend reading the differences between her parable works and other works here so you know what to expect: https://kancrum.com/books/
But onto the review: oh my god oh my god oh my god, I loved this.
This book has some of the best instances of 'show don't tell' I have ever read. The way Ancrum chose to withhold explicit explanations and avoid neatly putting characters into boxes was so well done. It's something that YA fiction misses out on a lot of the time and it makes me grateful books like this exist.
Also!! Just gotta say! From someone who mainly reads queer historical fiction and early queer literature: I *loved* the way in how homoeroticism and homosexuality was explored. Chefs kiss. (Reading Victor's first thoughts about Elias are so layered! Actually, that applies to reading any of Victor's thoughts about Elias lol.)
Endlessly grateful to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. I need a physical copy in my hands ASAP.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this title! This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way :)
I think retellings of other stories, especially retellings of classical literature, are fighting an uphill battle to win over audiences who cherish the original source material. Adam, Mine wins that battle every single time if you have every interpreted Victor Frankenstein to be a little bit gay or if you have ever attempted to stifle your own identity out of internalized homophobia.
The dual perspectives of Victor and his "creation" Elias allow the reader to get a better picture of each location visited, but allows us to see how differently the world treats all of us depending on what we bring to those around us. It creates unexpected compassion for characters during world-building that I became incredibly fond of while reading. Additionally, we meet characters for the "first-time" with both Victor and Elias. The differences within these meetings challenged the impressions I got from the characters initially and therefore served to better round out the world and further cement the idea of individuals being fully realized whether you know anything about them or not.
The historical context of the novel does not get lost from the edition of fantasical elements such as alchemy which honestly surprised me. The citations of scientific discoveries, societal beliefs, and other contextualizing information actually served to further realize the setting and make those elements feel right at home.
Overall, I enjoyed this retelling far more than I thought I would! I didn't expect to feel genuine remorse towards its end nor did I expect to become so invested in the futures of these characters, but I will be sitting here for the rest of the week thinking so very hard about these two.
I think retellings of other stories, especially retellings of classical literature, are fighting an uphill battle to win over audiences who cherish the original source material. Adam, Mine wins that battle every single time if you have every interpreted Victor Frankenstein to be a little bit gay or if you have ever attempted to stifle your own identity out of internalized homophobia.
The dual perspectives of Victor and his "creation" Elias allow the reader to get a better picture of each location visited, but allows us to see how differently the world treats all of us depending on what we bring to those around us. It creates unexpected compassion for characters during world-building that I became incredibly fond of while reading. Additionally, we meet characters for the "first-time" with both Victor and Elias. The differences within these meetings challenged the impressions I got from the characters initially and therefore served to better round out the world and further cement the idea of individuals being fully realized whether you know anything about them or not.
The historical context of the novel does not get lost from the edition of fantasical elements such as alchemy which honestly surprised me. The citations of scientific discoveries, societal beliefs, and other contextualizing information actually served to further realize the setting and make those elements feel right at home.
Overall, I enjoyed this retelling far more than I thought I would! I didn't expect to feel genuine remorse towards its end nor did I expect to become so invested in the futures of these characters, but I will be sitting here for the rest of the week thinking so very hard about these two.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was able to receive an ARC from NetGalley, and thank you for that!!!!
When I got the email that I was to get a copy of this, I think my soul left my body a little. Every one of K. Ancrum's books are incredible and my god was this no exception
When I finished the last page, I had the urge to cry a bit. This book takes you on such an overwhelming emotional journey of longing, grief, and incredible character development that by the time you are done, you just feel overwhelmed.
Like many other reviewers have mentioned, this book utilizes 'show dont tell' in what was one of the best ways I have ever seen. Every single bit of information that was given - or not given - was entirely deliberate so that once all of the pieces do fit together, you're just a puddle on the ground. The writing I found was also incredibly dense; you really need to pay attention. I got through this much slower than other books the same length because it felt like every word was so meaningful that there were twice the number of words than there actually were. It is also quite non chronological, as it jumps back and forth in time constantly between each POV. This book definitely deserves a reread or two to really absorb every last detail and emotion
I loved the relationship between Elias and Victor. It was a perfect example of "a secret third thing" with the perfect amount of homoeroticism (this is not a romance) that you see present in historical literature. As a matter of fact, a lot of this book felt like historical literature while keeping Ancrum's signature style which is incredibly impressive
Also, the ending was perfect. I thought it incredibly fitting for the journey they both went through.
Anyway, give this a read!!!
When I got the email that I was to get a copy of this, I think my soul left my body a little. Every one of K. Ancrum's books are incredible and my god was this no exception
When I finished the last page, I had the urge to cry a bit. This book takes you on such an overwhelming emotional journey of longing, grief, and incredible character development that by the time you are done, you just feel overwhelmed.
Like many other reviewers have mentioned, this book utilizes 'show dont tell' in what was one of the best ways I have ever seen. Every single bit of information that was given - or not given - was entirely deliberate so that once all of the pieces do fit together, you're just a puddle on the ground. The writing I found was also incredibly dense; you really need to pay attention. I got through this much slower than other books the same length because it felt like every word was so meaningful that there were twice the number of words than there actually were. It is also quite non chronological, as it jumps back and forth in time constantly between each POV. This book definitely deserves a reread or two to really absorb every last detail and emotion
I loved the relationship between Elias and Victor. It was a perfect example of "a secret third thing" with the perfect amount of homoeroticism (this is not a romance) that you see present in historical literature. As a matter of fact, a lot of this book felt like historical literature while keeping Ancrum's signature style which is incredibly impressive
Also, the ending was perfect. I thought it incredibly fitting for the journey they both went through.
Anyway, give this a read!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If Frankenstein has always felt a little bit like yearning wrapped in horror, Adam Mine by K. Ancrum leans all the way in.
This is Victor Frankenstein, obsession that feels almost romantic, and a bit religious. Alchemy instead of clean science. Hunger instead of curiosity. There is also this distinctly queer ache running through all of it.
Where Victor is sharp edges and ego, Elias is quiet, devastating depth. He wakes up remade and somehow he’s the one carrying the emotional weight of the story. His empathy is what hits hardest. Not because it’s soft, but because it survives. Even after everything and that’s what breaks my heart.
Their connection it’s this tether of shared pain and feeling that turns the story into something almost unbearable in the best way. It’s not just cat-and-mouse. It’s mutual haunting.
The travel piece gives it this sweeping, almost epic feel of the original with Victor chasing answers across dark corners of the world, digging into alchemy and consequence. All the while Elias’s journey feels quieter but violent but no less massive. Rooted in what it means to still be a person when the world refuses to see you as one.
It’s asks who gets to be human and who is worthy of compassion.
It’s romantic, but not soft. Horrific, but not empty. There’s love here, but it’s tangled up in guilt, creation and ownership.
If you’re expecting a straight retelling, this isn’t that.
This is queerer and bit more feral.
A story where the supposed monster understands humanity better than his maker ever could and where forgiveness feels almost impossible. It’s a pretty fair retelling.
This is Victor Frankenstein, obsession that feels almost romantic, and a bit religious. Alchemy instead of clean science. Hunger instead of curiosity. There is also this distinctly queer ache running through all of it.
Where Victor is sharp edges and ego, Elias is quiet, devastating depth. He wakes up remade and somehow he’s the one carrying the emotional weight of the story. His empathy is what hits hardest. Not because it’s soft, but because it survives. Even after everything and that’s what breaks my heart.
Their connection it’s this tether of shared pain and feeling that turns the story into something almost unbearable in the best way. It’s not just cat-and-mouse. It’s mutual haunting.
The travel piece gives it this sweeping, almost epic feel of the original with Victor chasing answers across dark corners of the world, digging into alchemy and consequence. All the while Elias’s journey feels quieter but violent but no less massive. Rooted in what it means to still be a person when the world refuses to see you as one.
It’s asks who gets to be human and who is worthy of compassion.
It’s romantic, but not soft. Horrific, but not empty. There’s love here, but it’s tangled up in guilt, creation and ownership.
If you’re expecting a straight retelling, this isn’t that.
This is queerer and bit more feral.
A story where the supposed monster understands humanity better than his maker ever could and where forgiveness feels almost impossible. It’s a pretty fair retelling.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
An interesting take on Frankenstein!! I previously read K. Ancrum's "The Wicker King" and really liked it. I don't think this one is as strong but I still very much enjoyed it. A highlight (as others have mentioned) is the prose, which seems to be a strength of Ancrum's across the board. I also really liked this particular take on Victor Frankenstein.
I didn't think the characterization was super strong, especially for Elias; I would've liked to know more about him before the big transformation. I didn't think either of their development was particularly well communicated to the reader, and often the two of them made choices or the narrator would indicate changes that weren't exactly believable, or the groundwork wasn't laid for it. Perhaps this was a result of the distant third-person narration as opposed to the intimate first-person of the original novel.
I've got a lot of Complex Feelings about Elias as Frankenstein's monster in relation to the themes of the original novel and how the whole "monster" thing manifested here. I don't think Ancrum fully succeeded in what she was intending to do and I think, much like many modern adaptations, there's less ambiguity in the creature's actions and we swing a little too far into the "total victim of circumstance" camp. But I don't want to elaborate too much on that since I'm curious about what other readers will say.
Overall: 4 stars! Yay Frankenstein!
I didn't think the characterization was super strong, especially for Elias; I would've liked to know more about him before the big transformation. I didn't think either of their development was particularly well communicated to the reader, and often the two of them made choices or the narrator would indicate changes that weren't exactly believable, or the groundwork wasn't laid for it. Perhaps this was a result of the distant third-person narration as opposed to the intimate first-person of the original novel.
I've got a lot of Complex Feelings about Elias as Frankenstein's monster in relation to the themes of the original novel and how the whole "monster" thing manifested here. I don't think Ancrum fully succeeded in what she was intending to do and I think, much like many modern adaptations, there's less ambiguity in the creature's actions and we swing a little too far into the "total victim of circumstance" camp. But I don't want to elaborate too much on that since I'm curious about what other readers will say.
Overall: 4 stars! Yay Frankenstein!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this ARC via Netgalley.
In this retelling of Frankenstein, Victor attends medical college but is more intrigued by aspects of alchemy. He makes a bet with fellow students that he can revive the dead and uses a stolen book of alchemical spells and an unsuspecting young man with whom he played up a flirtation to earn his trust. Elias awakens horrified by what he has become and while Victor runs away, afraid of his creation, Elias vows revenge - but the two are inextricably linked and can feel each other's emotions.
I've loved K. Ancrum's work since The Wicker King, and this had lovely lyrical prose and a premise I thought I would really enjoy. Yet the middle of this book dragged as Victor and Elias seek out five or so different alchemists across Europe to learn more about this curse. I struggled to connect the timelines of the two separate journeys and what each alchemist was doing - it all felt very vague and mystical, whereas the beginning of the story felt more concrete, with higher stakes. By the end I had completely forgotten the beginning and was thoroughly confused until I went back and re-read the prologue. It was a unique idea for the chase of monster after creator to be connected in this way, I just wish I had felt more connected to their journey.
In this retelling of Frankenstein, Victor attends medical college but is more intrigued by aspects of alchemy. He makes a bet with fellow students that he can revive the dead and uses a stolen book of alchemical spells and an unsuspecting young man with whom he played up a flirtation to earn his trust. Elias awakens horrified by what he has become and while Victor runs away, afraid of his creation, Elias vows revenge - but the two are inextricably linked and can feel each other's emotions.
I've loved K. Ancrum's work since The Wicker King, and this had lovely lyrical prose and a premise I thought I would really enjoy. Yet the middle of this book dragged as Victor and Elias seek out five or so different alchemists across Europe to learn more about this curse. I struggled to connect the timelines of the two separate journeys and what each alchemist was doing - it all felt very vague and mystical, whereas the beginning of the story felt more concrete, with higher stakes. By the end I had completely forgotten the beginning and was thoroughly confused until I went back and re-read the prologue. It was a unique idea for the chase of monster after creator to be connected in this way, I just wish I had felt more connected to their journey.
April 27, 2026
thank you to netgalley for the eARC of this wonderfully written novel.
4.25/5 stars
this is a beautifully composed, thoughtfully written story that tugs at your heart and is entirely new and inventive. i’d recommend it to anyone who didn’t love having to read frankenstein for school, but enjoys sad, atmospheric, fantastical books.
however, i feel like i would have enjoyed this book more if it WEREN’T a retelling, because it strays so far from the source material. it felt like a lot of victor’s initial characterization relied on assumptions from Frankenstein, but the plot is entirely separate from the classic.
the chapters are extremely short and allow the story to jump around easily (and therefore it reads quickly) but some chapters feel redundant or mis-placed in the narrative.
that being said, the added characters feel well-rounded and whole, and the fantasy elements were entertaining and thought-provoking—i’d definitely love to read more about this world of alchemists. overall this was an effective novel but i think it would be stronger if removed from the source material of the original classic.
4.25/5 stars
this is a beautifully composed, thoughtfully written story that tugs at your heart and is entirely new and inventive. i’d recommend it to anyone who didn’t love having to read frankenstein for school, but enjoys sad, atmospheric, fantastical books.
however, i feel like i would have enjoyed this book more if it WEREN’T a retelling, because it strays so far from the source material. it felt like a lot of victor’s initial characterization relied on assumptions from Frankenstein, but the plot is entirely separate from the classic.
the chapters are extremely short and allow the story to jump around easily (and therefore it reads quickly) but some chapters feel redundant or mis-placed in the narrative.
that being said, the added characters feel well-rounded and whole, and the fantasy elements were entertaining and thought-provoking—i’d definitely love to read more about this world of alchemists. overall this was an effective novel but i think it would be stronger if removed from the source material of the original classic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A kind thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this ARC!
I enjoy when a story makes me feel swept up in its current and Adam, Mine did just that with its understated, moving writing.
As the pace picks up with each chapter, it felt like paying witness to a chase as a mad dash across Europe ensues after a horrible wrong is done to Elias by Victor. Magnetized and repelled by each other at the same time, intrigue and anxiety warred whether they were drawing nearer or gaining distance on the other. The haunting atmosphere was a constant companion, especially in moments where grief and understanding could be both violent and gentle.
This story was an engaging whirlwind that traverses many different countries through Victor and Elias's unique perspectives, meeting an interesting cast of characters along the way. Whilst not around for long, they all left distinct and colorful impressions, quite like the one Adam, Mine has now left on me with Victor and Elias's stories. I wished for more of Elias at the end, especially.
I enjoy when a story makes me feel swept up in its current and Adam, Mine did just that with its understated, moving writing.
As the pace picks up with each chapter, it felt like paying witness to a chase as a mad dash across Europe ensues after a horrible wrong is done to Elias by Victor. Magnetized and repelled by each other at the same time, intrigue and anxiety warred whether they were drawing nearer or gaining distance on the other. The haunting atmosphere was a constant companion, especially in moments where grief and understanding could be both violent and gentle.
This story was an engaging whirlwind that traverses many different countries through Victor and Elias's unique perspectives, meeting an interesting cast of characters along the way. Whilst not around for long, they all left distinct and colorful impressions, quite like the one Adam, Mine has now left on me with Victor and Elias's stories. I wished for more of Elias at the end, especially.
May 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Adam, Mine. For an honest review!!
When I saw that K. Ancrum wrote a Frankenstein retelling, I was all in!
I really enjoyed the other books and was ecstatic to read this one when it was published.
When I see it on NetGalley, I couldn't resist applying because, I will read anything written by K. Ancrum.
This book was dark, haunting, obsessive and beautifully written.
At first, I had a hard time connecting with the writing style in "Adam, Mine" But as I continued to read, I couldn't stop.
I love that the chapters are extremely short and jumpy from Victors POV into Elias's POV for me it was pretty easy to follow along. I didn't get lost at all.
I felt so bad for Elias, he was exiled from his home, and many things throughout and with a bond that was unintentionally formed between Elias and Victor which forced them to constantly feel each other’s emotions. I loved that. The way Elias was able to feel Victors emotions and same with Victor and the way it was described was so unique. That's what I love about K. Antrum's writing, it's unfamiliar, unique yet you know what is going on.
Overall, this was such an amazing read! I love the characters and the character development.
When I saw that K. Ancrum wrote a Frankenstein retelling, I was all in!
I really enjoyed the other books and was ecstatic to read this one when it was published.
When I see it on NetGalley, I couldn't resist applying because, I will read anything written by K. Ancrum.
This book was dark, haunting, obsessive and beautifully written.
At first, I had a hard time connecting with the writing style in "Adam, Mine" But as I continued to read, I couldn't stop.
I love that the chapters are extremely short and jumpy from Victors POV into Elias's POV for me it was pretty easy to follow along. I didn't get lost at all.
I felt so bad for Elias, he was exiled from his home, and many things throughout and with a bond that was unintentionally formed between Elias and Victor which forced them to constantly feel each other’s emotions. I loved that. The way Elias was able to feel Victors emotions and same with Victor and the way it was described was so unique. That's what I love about K. Antrum's writing, it's unfamiliar, unique yet you know what is going on.
Overall, this was such an amazing read! I love the characters and the character development.
Read
April 7, 2026aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
am so excit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
am so excit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You had me at K. Ancrum. You had me again at Frankenstein retelling!
Ancrum has such a beautiful way of writing! The growth that both Victor and Elias made over their travels is so profound. All of the alchemists they meet have such distinct ways of seeing the world, and they all impart such different gifts or wisdom upon these two young men that help them come to terms with their situation.
There were times when their visits with these alchemists were told out of order (ie Victor visits first but we see his POV second), but after realizing what what happening, it was easier to understand without having to go back and reread an earlier chapter.
Ancrum has such a beautiful way of writing! The growth that both Victor and Elias made over their travels is so profound. All of the alchemists they meet have such distinct ways of seeing the world, and they all impart such different gifts or wisdom upon these two young men that help them come to terms with their situation.
There were times when their visits with these alchemists were told out of order (ie Victor visits first but we see his POV second), but after realizing what what happening, it was easier to understand without having to go back and reread an earlier chapter.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Adam, Mine was a beautiful read. The prose was just lovely and atmospheric. The pacing is slow but just stay with it -- once the ball gets going, everything becomes super intense. I have to say it made me sad and scared at the same time. I felt especially sorry for poor Elias (I love soft boys and he was soooo kind and gentle) and everything he went through. The whole horror element of it really gripped me.
I adored Frankenstein as a kid and I thought the author did a really interesting spin on this retelling. It shocked me and saddened me more than the original. Thank you so much to the publisher and NG for the ARC!
I adored Frankenstein as a kid and I thought the author did a really interesting spin on this retelling. It shocked me and saddened me more than the original. Thank you so much to the publisher and NG for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm rating this book just a little higher because I had unrealistic expectations given my deep love for Frankenstein! This is truly a great story.
K. Ancrum's writing style has captivated me ever since I read Icarus. The short, gritty chapters work so well for a story that is unrelenting in its mission to make the reader the same sense of dread and anger the characters are experiencing.
The dual POVs between Victor and Elias really highlighted their complex dynamic. It can read a bit confusing at times, but just stick with it.
K. Ancrum's writing style has captivated me ever since I read Icarus. The short, gritty chapters work so well for a story that is unrelenting in its mission to make the reader the same sense of dread and anger the characters are experiencing.
The dual POVs between Victor and Elias really highlighted their complex dynamic. It can read a bit confusing at times, but just stick with it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For some reason I didn't connect with it at all. I like the writing style, I'll have to try other books by the author but this one didn't work for me. The pov change is not clearly delimited but I didn't find a problem with it because the voice is quite different. It's entirely a me problem, there's nothing wrong with the book it just didn't click for me.
I wish I had liked this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Harpercollins for the ARC.
I wish I had liked this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Harpercollins for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you so much to HarperCollins, K.Ancrum and Netgalley for giving me a E-ARC of "Adam, Mine" in exchange for a honest review.*
This was the Gay Frankenstein retelling of my dreams, and I'm not even surprised because it's Kayla. It was spooky and atmospheric and just so good. I highly recommend this!!
This was the Gay Frankenstein retelling of my dreams, and I'm not even surprised because it's Kayla. It was spooky and atmospheric and just so good. I highly recommend this!!
May 2, 2026
hauntingly perfect.
a devastating, meticulously crafted ruin.
a quiet violence that tethered me to the dark and called it a sanctuary.
this reads like a slow, beautiful drowning. i, pinned under the waves, suffocated, until the water finally felt like home.
a devastating, meticulously crafted ruin.
a quiet violence that tethered me to the dark and called it a sanctuary.
this reads like a slow, beautiful drowning. i, pinned under the waves, suffocated, until the water finally felt like home.
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