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Adam - a companion novel to the Perfect World series
Adam Larimore is on a mission of self-destruct. After learning that he was genetically engineered for the sole purpose of inheriting his father’s empire, Adam has been determined to ruin his father’s life and in the process his own. When Ivan Williams, the man soon to become the Head of the London Security Agency (L.S.A), approaches Adam with the offer of a business partnership, Adam discovers the appalling truth behind the technological and genetic advancements that have come to shape England. His relationship with his father is at breaking point and when events take a devastating turn, Adam finds himself pushed further than perhaps he wanted to go.
Adam Larimore is on a mission of self-destruct. After learning that he was genetically engineered for the sole purpose of inheriting his father’s empire, Adam has been determined to ruin his father’s life and in the process his own. When Ivan Williams, the man soon to become the Head of the London Security Agency (L.S.A), approaches Adam with the offer of a business partnership, Adam discovers the appalling truth behind the technological and genetic advancements that have come to shape England. His relationship with his father is at breaking point and when events take a devastating turn, Adam finds himself pushed further than perhaps he wanted to go.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2016
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Shari Sakurai
8 books68 followersShari Sakurai is a British author of paranormal, horror, science fiction and fantasy novels that almost always feature a LGBTQ protagonist and/or antagonist. She has always loved to write and it is her escape from the sometimes stressful modern life!
Aside from writing, Shari enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to (loud!) music, going to rock concerts and learning more about other societies and cultures. Japanese culture is of particular interest to her and she often incorporates Japanese themes and influences into her work.
Shari loves a challenge and has taken part and won the National Novel Writing Month challenge thirteen times!
Aside from writing, Shari enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to (loud!) music, going to rock concerts and learning more about other societies and cultures. Japanese culture is of particular interest to her and she often incorporates Japanese themes and influences into her work.
Shari loves a challenge and has taken part and won the National Novel Writing Month challenge thirteen times!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 27, 2017
Set in the future where the rich can buy the traits they want for their kids, Adam is one such person. He's a rebellious kid, and because of that, he's always in trouble. Right when he thinks he's got his life back on track, it keeps knocking him down. Maintaining relationships doesn't seem to be Adam's strong suit.
The opening had me convinced that Adam was going to be another "bad boy loner" type character. I expected quite a few common tropes to make their way into the writing. That didn't happen. At least, not in the ways I expected. The author set things up to where situations explain quite a bit of Adam's personality. The difference is that the author didn't go overboard with it. He was dark and brooding, that's for sure. Except Adam was never portrayed as an abusive person. Adam was far from flawless. He wasn't riddled with flaws, either. The author managed to set up a nice balance with his character.
Many of the minor characters had plenty of detail with them. Their character development is as obvious as Adam's, which was nice. There were some spots where dialogue and exposition were a little clunky. Otherwise, things flowed well. A bit of editing needed here and there, but it won't knock you out of the story. The writing style suited the narrative. Things paced well, and because of that the story unfolded in a smooth, logical way. The narrative itself had a distinct young adult tone to it, and I'm not sure why.
It's a companion novel to larger series. However, the author takes meticulous care to make sure that the novel can stand alone. As a reader that hasn't experienced the other series, I never felt lost. The world, people, and situations get summed up in quick ways. The author did their best to make sure they sprinkled all of that throughout the narrative.
There were a few areas where tropes that plague LGBT fiction became apparent. While utilized, the author does so in a way that's enjoyable. Things that happen do, in fact, directly affect the plot. They served a purpose--not added in because 'why not?' I liked that.
Adam was a nice read. Enjoyable characters that managed to bend stereotypes and an interesting narrative. A companion novel that doesn't require the reader to know the rest of the series first. I would almost go as far to say it feels like a prequel. It will definitely serve to pique the readers' interest in the rest of the series!
The opening had me convinced that Adam was going to be another "bad boy loner" type character. I expected quite a few common tropes to make their way into the writing. That didn't happen. At least, not in the ways I expected. The author set things up to where situations explain quite a bit of Adam's personality. The difference is that the author didn't go overboard with it. He was dark and brooding, that's for sure. Except Adam was never portrayed as an abusive person. Adam was far from flawless. He wasn't riddled with flaws, either. The author managed to set up a nice balance with his character.
Many of the minor characters had plenty of detail with them. Their character development is as obvious as Adam's, which was nice. There were some spots where dialogue and exposition were a little clunky. Otherwise, things flowed well. A bit of editing needed here and there, but it won't knock you out of the story. The writing style suited the narrative. Things paced well, and because of that the story unfolded in a smooth, logical way. The narrative itself had a distinct young adult tone to it, and I'm not sure why.
It's a companion novel to larger series. However, the author takes meticulous care to make sure that the novel can stand alone. As a reader that hasn't experienced the other series, I never felt lost. The world, people, and situations get summed up in quick ways. The author did their best to make sure they sprinkled all of that throughout the narrative.
There were a few areas where tropes that plague LGBT fiction became apparent. While utilized, the author does so in a way that's enjoyable. Things that happen do, in fact, directly affect the plot. They served a purpose--not added in because 'why not?' I liked that.
Adam was a nice read. Enjoyable characters that managed to bend stereotypes and an interesting narrative. A companion novel that doesn't require the reader to know the rest of the series first. I would almost go as far to say it feels like a prequel. It will definitely serve to pique the readers' interest in the rest of the series!
July 24, 2017
Set in London of 2115, where a troublesome new council reigns over all, we follow young Adam, a genetically-engineered 'perfect' son. Yet, Adam is far from perfect in his father's eyes.
Adam presents as a mentally unstable young man who craves affection and understanding. His third person perspective seems cold and calculating at first, painting him as a villain, before we eventually get to know his character better. I felt great sorrow for Adam at times as he only appears to seek two things in life- love and approval.
The story itself was dark, with plenty of tension and a crime-driven plot. It moves quickly, seeing us from one drama to the next. Non-stop action, betrayal, and secrets circle Adam.
I would recommend to lovers of crime and thrillers.
Rated 4 stars.
Adam presents as a mentally unstable young man who craves affection and understanding. His third person perspective seems cold and calculating at first, painting him as a villain, before we eventually get to know his character better. I felt great sorrow for Adam at times as he only appears to seek two things in life- love and approval.
The story itself was dark, with plenty of tension and a crime-driven plot. It moves quickly, seeing us from one drama to the next. Non-stop action, betrayal, and secrets circle Adam.
I would recommend to lovers of crime and thrillers.
Rated 4 stars.
August 21, 2021
“Adam” takes place in London in the year 2115 and introduces the title character, Adam Larimore, a genetically engineered son of a very successful and important businessman. Adam loses the only mother figure in his life around the same time that he learns the truth about his origin. It shakes him to his core, but that’s not what pushes him over the edge…and on his path for revenge.
Overall, Adam is a clear built world that is both believable and interesting from a future world perspective. Adam’s character is tragic and flawed. I enjoyed reading his character evolution and his internal struggles. However, many of the situations that occur are not nuanced- they are worst case scenario and a lot of them. Because everything that occurs is bad, it becomes heavy and you lose the light that Adam yearns for. I am personally not a fan of flashbacks of things that occurred in the same story and unfortunately this happens quite a bit in the second half of the novel. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but the story was meant as a prequel, so it makes sense. Adam is a companion novel to a series called “Perfect World” by the same author. This review was conducted as a stand alone book review, but I can certainly see wanting to read more after this world building introduction.
The full blog review can be found here: https://heatherlbarksdale.com/blog/bl...
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, Adam is a clear built world that is both believable and interesting from a future world perspective. Adam’s character is tragic and flawed. I enjoyed reading his character evolution and his internal struggles. However, many of the situations that occur are not nuanced- they are worst case scenario and a lot of them. Because everything that occurs is bad, it becomes heavy and you lose the light that Adam yearns for. I am personally not a fan of flashbacks of things that occurred in the same story and unfortunately this happens quite a bit in the second half of the novel. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but the story was meant as a prequel, so it makes sense. Adam is a companion novel to a series called “Perfect World” by the same author. This review was conducted as a stand alone book review, but I can certainly see wanting to read more after this world building introduction.
The full blog review can be found here: https://heatherlbarksdale.com/blog/bl...
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
December 26, 2018
"Adam" is a companion to the "Perfect World" series, about a post-apocalyptic future in the 22nd century, after much of human civilization has been destroyed by the Great Tsunamis. The United Kingdom has broken back up into warring countries, and England is trying to rebuild. Only it's turning into a dystopian dictatorship.
"Adam" is told from the point of view of Adam Larimore, the anti-hero of the first "Perfect World" book. In it, we get Adam's backstory, and see how he became the anti-hero he is in the first book in the main series. It will probably be more relatable to fans of the main series, but can also be read as a stand-alone, or at least as the introduction to the series. Like the main books in the series, it's a fun high-action futuristic adventure featuring a gay main character, so it should appeal to readers looking for that kind of thing.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"Adam" is told from the point of view of Adam Larimore, the anti-hero of the first "Perfect World" book. In it, we get Adam's backstory, and see how he became the anti-hero he is in the first book in the main series. It will probably be more relatable to fans of the main series, but can also be read as a stand-alone, or at least as the introduction to the series. Like the main books in the series, it's a fun high-action futuristic adventure featuring a gay main character, so it should appeal to readers looking for that kind of thing.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 12, 2022
Adam wants to destroy his father. He learned he was genetically engineered is ready to self-destruct. For such a small companion novella in The Perfect World series this one packs a punch. It’s well written with great dialogue and pacing. The character building was fantastic! The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to go on to the next one.
May 4, 2021
The superhero story is as good as is the villain. If the hero falls in love with the bad guy, it's even better. :)
Adam is one of those good ones. A villain that you have to love. :) Since he was my favorite in the Perfect World, I was very excited to dive into the story. It's a good one, but I was expecting more.
Finding out that he was genetically engineers to take over his father's business, fills him with bitterness and sets him on the path of revenge. In Adam, we dive deep into what made him who he is now and why he does what he does.
received from author
Adam is one of those good ones. A villain that you have to love. :) Since he was my favorite in the Perfect World, I was very excited to dive into the story. It's a good one, but I was expecting more.
Finding out that he was genetically engineers to take over his father's business, fills him with bitterness and sets him on the path of revenge. In Adam, we dive deep into what made him who he is now and why he does what he does.
received from author
May 15, 2017
2049, several tsunamis had destroyed most of the world. War, poverty & pestilence ran ramped.
PPL were killed, & the crime rate soared.
England had formed the London Security Agency (LSA) to protect itself from enemy countries.
Ivan Williams was head of it.
Dome shaped sensor shields were built to protect the cities inhabitants.
The London Hospital of Advanced Genetic Sciences (LHAGS) controlled the DNA & birth rate.
2071, Victor Larimore (father, Larimore Systems chairman/owner) had a contract to build computers & advanced weapons.
3/5/2112 Sector 4, Old Greenwich, North London,
2115, The Serpentines, Sector 1, North London. Eric Rawlins (genetically engineered superhero) wanted to help Adam Victor James Larimore (19, Venewood, Ward 2, 1 Camden, Sector 1, Larimore Systems) change his ways.
The 2 of them are gay & very much in love.
Victor James Larimore (father, Larimore Systems founder/owner) paid Annaliese Merrik (surrogate mother) $50 million lbs. to have the ideal child.
Officer Joel Banks brought Adam before Ivan. He read him the charges.
Vandalizing Government property & assaulting a police officer.
Officer Reynolds was in the hospital.
Victor had to shell out a $1/2 million lbs. for his son’s stupidity.
A meeting was held to discuss Ares II software upgrade for the defense system.
Those in attendance are: Prime Minister Max Roberts (60+), Jeff Ingham (Head of the LSA), Simon Matheson (LSA Chief Tech.), & Victor.
Adam was giving the presentation.
The former 2062, Population growth & control plan had been revised 2099-2119.
Officer Joel Banks had stopped Adam & Leon, but only arrested Adam.
The Old Greenwich & District Memorial Centre was jamb packed full to capacity for Victor’s funeral.
Eleanor “Ellie” Larimore (46, wife/Adam’s stepmother), Joseph “Joe” (Adam’s stepbrother Jr. position, Larimore Systems), & Adam were in the front row.
Other family & friends were in adjacent seats.
Marcus Barrow (Director of LS HR) gave the eulogy.
Raymond Ellison (40+, Victor’s solicitor, Sector 1 Central Government Legal Dept.) was going to read & go over the will.
Ms. Sylvia E. Underwood (legal secretary) was a witness.
The entire Venewood mansion/estate & ownership of LS will go to Joseph Stephen Nichols.
Adam was furious.
He later went to Venewood to see Joseph about the matter at hand again. Ellie was there also.
Next Adam went to see Ivan Williams (Godfather).
Ivan was not happy to see him.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, or violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written futuristic paranormal thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great futuristic paranormal thriller movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Farnhurst Publishing; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
PPL were killed, & the crime rate soared.
England had formed the London Security Agency (LSA) to protect itself from enemy countries.
Ivan Williams was head of it.
Dome shaped sensor shields were built to protect the cities inhabitants.
The London Hospital of Advanced Genetic Sciences (LHAGS) controlled the DNA & birth rate.
2071, Victor Larimore (father, Larimore Systems chairman/owner) had a contract to build computers & advanced weapons.
3/5/2112 Sector 4, Old Greenwich, North London,
2115, The Serpentines, Sector 1, North London. Eric Rawlins (genetically engineered superhero) wanted to help Adam Victor James Larimore (19, Venewood, Ward 2, 1 Camden, Sector 1, Larimore Systems) change his ways.
The 2 of them are gay & very much in love.
Victor James Larimore (father, Larimore Systems founder/owner) paid Annaliese Merrik (surrogate mother) $50 million lbs. to have the ideal child.
Officer Joel Banks brought Adam before Ivan. He read him the charges.
Vandalizing Government property & assaulting a police officer.
Officer Reynolds was in the hospital.
Victor had to shell out a $1/2 million lbs. for his son’s stupidity.
A meeting was held to discuss Ares II software upgrade for the defense system.
Those in attendance are: Prime Minister Max Roberts (60+), Jeff Ingham (Head of the LSA), Simon Matheson (LSA Chief Tech.), & Victor.
Adam was giving the presentation.
The former 2062, Population growth & control plan had been revised 2099-2119.
Officer Joel Banks had stopped Adam & Leon, but only arrested Adam.
The Old Greenwich & District Memorial Centre was jamb packed full to capacity for Victor’s funeral.
Eleanor “Ellie” Larimore (46, wife/Adam’s stepmother), Joseph “Joe” (Adam’s stepbrother Jr. position, Larimore Systems), & Adam were in the front row.
Other family & friends were in adjacent seats.
Marcus Barrow (Director of LS HR) gave the eulogy.
Raymond Ellison (40+, Victor’s solicitor, Sector 1 Central Government Legal Dept.) was going to read & go over the will.
Ms. Sylvia E. Underwood (legal secretary) was a witness.
The entire Venewood mansion/estate & ownership of LS will go to Joseph Stephen Nichols.
Adam was furious.
He later went to Venewood to see Joseph about the matter at hand again. Ellie was there also.
Next Adam went to see Ivan Williams (Godfather).
Ivan was not happy to see him.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, or violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written futuristic paranormal thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great futuristic paranormal thriller movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Farnhurst Publishing; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 9, 2022
In the first book, Perfect World, we got a sense of all the devastation that had happened on Earth and were introduced to the London of this new world and the London Security Agency (LSA) and what some of its jobs are. Here, we meet Adam, a young man genetically "designed" by his father to be the perfect son and heir. Unfortunately, Adam didn't turn out to be the docile young man his father thought he was getting. Adam is very much his own person and he deeply resents the life his father has attempted to create for him even before his birth. His rebellion causes him to intersect with the LSA as we learn more about Adam and come to understand his character and motives we are also introduced to another interesting and suspenseful plot with many twists and turns affecting not just Adam, but the world at large. Ready to dig into the next two books in this series for the world building and the author's ability to develop interesting characters to live in that world.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews