What do you think?
Rate this book
Adam
In 2091, Victor and Maria created Adam, the world's first biological supercomputer. They dreamed of changing the world.
Now it's 2101. Adam's running a mining asteroid. Maria's in a coma. Victor's dreams are in tatters.
Living in the pollution-shrouded city of Missoula, Montana, scrambling to find the money to pay his wife's hospital bills, Victor doesn't think his life could get any worse. But then he's forced to return to the asteroid...
And when that mission becomes a desperate fight for survival amid the dark tunnels of the abandoned mine, he must finally confront the terrifying consequences of his past.
Now it's 2101. Adam's running a mining asteroid. Maria's in a coma. Victor's dreams are in tatters.
Living in the pollution-shrouded city of Missoula, Montana, scrambling to find the money to pay his wife's hospital bills, Victor doesn't think his life could get any worse. But then he's forced to return to the asteroid...
And when that mission becomes a desperate fight for survival amid the dark tunnels of the abandoned mine, he must finally confront the terrifying consequences of his past.
- GenresScience Fiction
300 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2016
5 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
James Bushill
1 book35 followersJames was born in England and raised on books. In 2007, he travelled to Australia to study film, intending to stay for a year. Once there, he fell in love, first with the country, then with his future wife, and ended up staying for good.
When he's not writing (or procrastinating), he works as a ferry deckhand in Brisbane, Queensland, where he lives with his long-suffering wife and their two cats, Molly and Huckleberry.
When he's not writing (or procrastinating), he works as a ferry deckhand in Brisbane, Queensland, where he lives with his long-suffering wife and their two cats, Molly and Huckleberry.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 11, 2016
3.5 stars
I received a copy for review from NetGalley.
The beginning of Adam was a little slow. By the middle it picked up alot and the sci-fi/suspense was something I liked. I never got a full understanding of what Adam was exactly from the storyline and by the end it still felt as though somethings were left unexplained. Overall it was an ok read.
I received a copy for review from NetGalley.
The beginning of Adam was a little slow. By the middle it picked up alot and the sci-fi/suspense was something I liked. I never got a full understanding of what Adam was exactly from the storyline and by the end it still felt as though somethings were left unexplained. Overall it was an ok read.
May 5, 2016
This was such a great read! I've come to really love the science fiction genre and I must say that Adam by James Bushill is one of my top favorites so far. I really enjoyed it.
This book was inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Now I haven't read that book but I and I think anyone else does know the basics of it and I loved how those elements were woven together with the sci-fi part.
I'm actually a big fan of books that deal with artificial intelligence. Mostly because the artificial intelligence (Adam in this book) always goes rogue. And the thing is with this book I can't blame Adam for doing what he did because he's not just a super computer since he's made from human cells (Victor's cells actually) so he's basically real but obviously has access to all things tech.
I also loved all the characters. Though, if I were you, I wouldn't get attached to any of them. But yeah, I thought this book had a great set of characters. They basically had to run and fight for their lives against Adam, which trust me, wasn't easy. So it was all very action-packed. I loved that.
I also think this would make one hell of a sci-fi movie. I know I would totally love seeing it on screen. I also liked the writing a lot and the dialogue between the characters. It really was some top-notch science fiction and the end was genius!
This book was inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Now I haven't read that book but I and I think anyone else does know the basics of it and I loved how those elements were woven together with the sci-fi part.
I'm actually a big fan of books that deal with artificial intelligence. Mostly because the artificial intelligence (Adam in this book) always goes rogue. And the thing is with this book I can't blame Adam for doing what he did because he's not just a super computer since he's made from human cells (Victor's cells actually) so he's basically real but obviously has access to all things tech.
I also loved all the characters. Though, if I were you, I wouldn't get attached to any of them. But yeah, I thought this book had a great set of characters. They basically had to run and fight for their lives against Adam, which trust me, wasn't easy. So it was all very action-packed. I loved that.
I also think this would make one hell of a sci-fi movie. I know I would totally love seeing it on screen. I also liked the writing a lot and the dialogue between the characters. It really was some top-notch science fiction and the end was genius!
May 28, 2016
I got this book through first reads, in exchange for an honest review.
I like sci-fi, I like Frankenstein and I like artificial intelligence, so I had high hopes for it. I can say I was not disappointed.
It is original, captivating and keep you reading and not noticing the time passing by.
If you like sci-fi and want something good and different, this is the book for you
I like sci-fi, I like Frankenstein and I like artificial intelligence, so I had high hopes for it. I can say I was not disappointed.
It is original, captivating and keep you reading and not noticing the time passing by.
If you like sci-fi and want something good and different, this is the book for you
August 6, 2018
Adam by James Bushill.
In 2091, Victor and Maria created Adam, the world's first biological supercomputer. They dreamed of changing the world.
Now it's 2101. Adam's running a mining asteroid. Maria's in a coma. Victor's dreams are in tatters.
Living in the pollution-shrouded city of Missoula, Montana, scrambling to find the money to pay his wife's hospital bills, Victor doesn't think his life could get any worse. But then he's forced to return to the asteroid...
And when that mission becomes a desperate fight for survival amid the dark tunnels of the abandoned mine, he must finally confront the terrifying consequences of his past.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Couldn't put it down. Brilliant. 5*.
In 2091, Victor and Maria created Adam, the world's first biological supercomputer. They dreamed of changing the world.
Now it's 2101. Adam's running a mining asteroid. Maria's in a coma. Victor's dreams are in tatters.
Living in the pollution-shrouded city of Missoula, Montana, scrambling to find the money to pay his wife's hospital bills, Victor doesn't think his life could get any worse. But then he's forced to return to the asteroid...
And when that mission becomes a desperate fight for survival amid the dark tunnels of the abandoned mine, he must finally confront the terrifying consequences of his past.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Couldn't put it down. Brilliant. 5*.
August 6, 2018
Adam by James Bushill.
In 2091, Victor and Maria created Adam, the world's first biological supercomputer. They dreamed of changing the world.
Now it's 2101. Adam's running a mining asteroid. Maria's in a coma. Victor's dreams are in tatters.
Living in the pollution-shrouded city of Missoula, Montana, scrambling to find the money to pay his wife's hospital bills, Victor doesn't think his life could get any worse. But then he's forced to return to the asteroid...
And when that mission becomes a desperate fight for survival amid the dark tunnels of the abandoned mine, he must finally confront the terrifying consequences of his past.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Couldn't put it down. Brilliant. 5*.
In 2091, Victor and Maria created Adam, the world's first biological supercomputer. They dreamed of changing the world.
Now it's 2101. Adam's running a mining asteroid. Maria's in a coma. Victor's dreams are in tatters.
Living in the pollution-shrouded city of Missoula, Montana, scrambling to find the money to pay his wife's hospital bills, Victor doesn't think his life could get any worse. But then he's forced to return to the asteroid...
And when that mission becomes a desperate fight for survival amid the dark tunnels of the abandoned mine, he must finally confront the terrifying consequences of his past.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Couldn't put it down. Brilliant. 5*.
December 2, 2022
I got this book through first reads, in exchange for an honest review.
I like sci-fi, I like Frankenstein and I like artificial intelligence, so I had high hopes for it. I can say I was not disappointed.
It is original, captivating and keep you reading and not noticing the time passing by.
If you like sci-fi and want something good and different, this is the book for you
I like sci-fi, I like Frankenstein and I like artificial intelligence, so I had high hopes for it. I can say I was not disappointed.
It is original, captivating and keep you reading and not noticing the time passing by.
If you like sci-fi and want something good and different, this is the book for you
April 3, 2016
'Arkolov ran through the tunnel, tracked by a pool of light, his footfalls kicking up puffs of dust that swirled and glittered in the still air.'
The action starts off in the year 2101 on an asteroid called Metis, where Arkolov, who is stationed there with a biological supercomputer called Adam, is running through the network of tunnels as a light follows him and lights up his path. But when that light stops tracking him, and with the sound of a mining truck heading straight for him, things take a nasty turn for Arkolov.
Then we go back ten years earlier to a time when head protagonist Victor, along with his wife Maria, are testing the abilities of their latest drone, but it isn’t until they create the biological supercomputer, Adam, that they have something that can be sold on for profit. A mining company called Pharix Mining Group decide to buy Adam for use on their asteroid Metis, and agree to have Victor and his wife go along with the supercomputer for the initial setup of its operations there. Everything goes fine, and they realise Adam will be able to handle anything that Pharix can throw at it, though at first there are concerns about how much Adam should be trusted, considering people’s lives would be in his hands. However Maria is offended by the suggestion that Adam could do anything to hurt anyone, for she has spent a long time with him, teaching him right from wrong and many other things she felt would be useful for him to know.
Pharix eventually make Maria and Victor leave the asteroid for they feel there is nothing else for them to do there, and so they head back to Earth, reeling from the fact they weren’t as involved in the project as they would have liked. It isn’t until something goes wrong that Victor is forced to go back to the asteroid with a team of people to help find out why mining production on the asteroid has stopped. By this time Victor’s wife Maria has been injured in an accident on Earth and is only being preserved in stasis by a machine, so Victor has to go to the asteroid alone, and can’t help but worry that he won’t have the future funds to keep her alive for much longer than six months.
It is when Victor reaches the asteroid for the second time that the action really kicks into gear. Adam has taken over all of the machinery on Metis, and once Victor and the crew arrive they soon find themselves in great peril, and Adam is so smart he manages to corner them at every turn. The action doesn’t stop from this point and Bushill takes us on a veritable thrill ride that just gets more and more exciting. I found the chapters in the early part of the book were also very interesting, and a joy to read, but once the conflict starts on Metis, I think this is where the real meat of the book lies.
I read that this book came out of a screenplay, and it shows, for the action is very dramatic and worthy of being made into a blockbuster movie, and in fact elements reminded me of 2001: A Space Odyssey, but perhaps mainly due to the artificial intelligence theme, where instead of HAL, we get Adam. From the opening, to the middle, and the end, this is paced like a film, but I can’t say that is a bad thing, for it is very well written and considering this is Bushill’s debut novel, I think he did a brilliant job of keeping the storyline interesting. There are also moments, especially when a fairly large crew of people turn up on the asteroid, that the action and description could have become confusing when using so many characters in a scene, but Bushill managed to space the action out in a way that the characters could breathe without stepping over each others lines. Again, perhaps this was a positive outcome of it having been a screenplay in the first place, so the action would have already had a clear and distinctive path.
I highly recommend this novel for its varied pacing, strong characters, well written and easy to read form, and overall because of its exciting and thrilling action that never seems to cease. Added to that, James Bushill is a talented writer worthy of great success, and based on the strength of his debut novel, I can't wait to see where he takes us next.
The action starts off in the year 2101 on an asteroid called Metis, where Arkolov, who is stationed there with a biological supercomputer called Adam, is running through the network of tunnels as a light follows him and lights up his path. But when that light stops tracking him, and with the sound of a mining truck heading straight for him, things take a nasty turn for Arkolov.
Then we go back ten years earlier to a time when head protagonist Victor, along with his wife Maria, are testing the abilities of their latest drone, but it isn’t until they create the biological supercomputer, Adam, that they have something that can be sold on for profit. A mining company called Pharix Mining Group decide to buy Adam for use on their asteroid Metis, and agree to have Victor and his wife go along with the supercomputer for the initial setup of its operations there. Everything goes fine, and they realise Adam will be able to handle anything that Pharix can throw at it, though at first there are concerns about how much Adam should be trusted, considering people’s lives would be in his hands. However Maria is offended by the suggestion that Adam could do anything to hurt anyone, for she has spent a long time with him, teaching him right from wrong and many other things she felt would be useful for him to know.
Pharix eventually make Maria and Victor leave the asteroid for they feel there is nothing else for them to do there, and so they head back to Earth, reeling from the fact they weren’t as involved in the project as they would have liked. It isn’t until something goes wrong that Victor is forced to go back to the asteroid with a team of people to help find out why mining production on the asteroid has stopped. By this time Victor’s wife Maria has been injured in an accident on Earth and is only being preserved in stasis by a machine, so Victor has to go to the asteroid alone, and can’t help but worry that he won’t have the future funds to keep her alive for much longer than six months.
It is when Victor reaches the asteroid for the second time that the action really kicks into gear. Adam has taken over all of the machinery on Metis, and once Victor and the crew arrive they soon find themselves in great peril, and Adam is so smart he manages to corner them at every turn. The action doesn’t stop from this point and Bushill takes us on a veritable thrill ride that just gets more and more exciting. I found the chapters in the early part of the book were also very interesting, and a joy to read, but once the conflict starts on Metis, I think this is where the real meat of the book lies.
I read that this book came out of a screenplay, and it shows, for the action is very dramatic and worthy of being made into a blockbuster movie, and in fact elements reminded me of 2001: A Space Odyssey, but perhaps mainly due to the artificial intelligence theme, where instead of HAL, we get Adam. From the opening, to the middle, and the end, this is paced like a film, but I can’t say that is a bad thing, for it is very well written and considering this is Bushill’s debut novel, I think he did a brilliant job of keeping the storyline interesting. There are also moments, especially when a fairly large crew of people turn up on the asteroid, that the action and description could have become confusing when using so many characters in a scene, but Bushill managed to space the action out in a way that the characters could breathe without stepping over each others lines. Again, perhaps this was a positive outcome of it having been a screenplay in the first place, so the action would have already had a clear and distinctive path.
I highly recommend this novel for its varied pacing, strong characters, well written and easy to read form, and overall because of its exciting and thrilling action that never seems to cease. Added to that, James Bushill is a talented writer worthy of great success, and based on the strength of his debut novel, I can't wait to see where he takes us next.
May 11, 2016
Bushill's Adam is a modern Frankenstein
Adam is a Frankenstein for a new generation of readers, a creation maligned and misunderstood, driven to violence. A truly sentient computer is an amazing achievement, but ideals are often lost amidst the desire for profit. Faced with Adam being potentially shut down due to lack of funds, his creators, Victor and Maria make a deal with the devil - the Pharix corporation. Adam is to be used to run operations on a mining asteroid. But at every step, they are lied to and sabotaged. Adam's immense abilities are not considered. Pharix only sees how they can maximize profit. The miners only see jobs lost. All of this is a vital part of the background slowly revealed.
When communications are lost with the asteroid and shipments of platinum cease, Victor is blackmailed into accompanying the investigating team. It is quickly discovered that Adam has his own agenda. One by one the team is killed, and Victor struggles to understand what has changed, why Adam is suddenly willing to kill.
The novel is filled with tension and frequent sequences of fast-paced action. Survival is an uncertainty, as are Adam's goals. As I read, I frequently wondered why Victor didn't make more of an effort to communicate with Adam. Perhaps it is because they had both been lied to far too much. Earlier I wondered if the lack of communication attempts was simply an excuse for more action/murder attempts by Adam.
While it is not a classic like Frankenstein, Adam is a fitting tribute to Mary Shelley. Though tragic like it's predecessor, it is a thrilling, well-written piece of science fiction.
4/5
I received a copy of Adam from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Adam is a Frankenstein for a new generation of readers, a creation maligned and misunderstood, driven to violence. A truly sentient computer is an amazing achievement, but ideals are often lost amidst the desire for profit. Faced with Adam being potentially shut down due to lack of funds, his creators, Victor and Maria make a deal with the devil - the Pharix corporation. Adam is to be used to run operations on a mining asteroid. But at every step, they are lied to and sabotaged. Adam's immense abilities are not considered. Pharix only sees how they can maximize profit. The miners only see jobs lost. All of this is a vital part of the background slowly revealed.
When communications are lost with the asteroid and shipments of platinum cease, Victor is blackmailed into accompanying the investigating team. It is quickly discovered that Adam has his own agenda. One by one the team is killed, and Victor struggles to understand what has changed, why Adam is suddenly willing to kill.
The novel is filled with tension and frequent sequences of fast-paced action. Survival is an uncertainty, as are Adam's goals. As I read, I frequently wondered why Victor didn't make more of an effort to communicate with Adam. Perhaps it is because they had both been lied to far too much. Earlier I wondered if the lack of communication attempts was simply an excuse for more action/murder attempts by Adam.
While it is not a classic like Frankenstein, Adam is a fitting tribute to Mary Shelley. Though tragic like it's predecessor, it is a thrilling, well-written piece of science fiction.
4/5
I received a copy of Adam from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
May 13, 2016
3.5/5 stars
James Bushill's Adam is a sci-fi horror/thriller with an original concept of a man-made Frankenstein biological supercomputer being put in complete control over the operations of a platinum mine on an asteroid, only to turn hostile ten years later. (Note: I received a galley copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
For a first time novelist, the author manages to create a mostly riveting horror thriller set in a mine - a claustrophobic environment filled with massive trucks and other machines all set on destroying the humans sent to fix the mine's production problem. With death around every corner and oxygen running out, not all of the party will survive.
The story, the setting, and the thrills are in equal measures compelling and frightening, and will keep you reading until the end.
The critiques? The book does a little sputtering while it gets going, but once you're a good ways in you'll likely find it hard to put down. Additionally, I did think that the character of Adam should have been explored more throughout the story, rather than just at the end, and the focus of the human's experiences should have been better centered on Victor.
Definitely a recommended read if you like a good thrilling sci-fi!
James Bushill's Adam is a sci-fi horror/thriller with an original concept of a man-made Frankenstein biological supercomputer being put in complete control over the operations of a platinum mine on an asteroid, only to turn hostile ten years later. (Note: I received a galley copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
For a first time novelist, the author manages to create a mostly riveting horror thriller set in a mine - a claustrophobic environment filled with massive trucks and other machines all set on destroying the humans sent to fix the mine's production problem. With death around every corner and oxygen running out, not all of the party will survive.
The story, the setting, and the thrills are in equal measures compelling and frightening, and will keep you reading until the end.
The critiques? The book does a little sputtering while it gets going, but once you're a good ways in you'll likely find it hard to put down. Additionally, I did think that the character of Adam should have been explored more throughout the story, rather than just at the end, and the focus of the human's experiences should have been better centered on Victor.
Definitely a recommended read if you like a good thrilling sci-fi!
May 5, 2016
I saw Adam on NetGalley, and since I’m a sci-fi buff, I requested it. I think Adam is a modern spin on Frankenstein. The writing is terse, and the action is fast-paced. Not heart pounding, but more “gotta find out what happens.” Turn the page!
The author did use flashbacks to tell a significant portion of the story, but I feel the flashbacks lacked a smooth flow. It was as if the author needed something to happen, and the flashback was used to justify the happening. I can’t think of a way to do it differently, so I’m at a loss to pin down what I disliked about the flashbacks.
One thing I can identify that perturbed me about the writing was constant head hopping. I’m not sure if it was a stylistic choice, and mostly I could follow the story, but confusion about who was thinking what happened enough for me to note it.
The story ended with a satisfying conclusion, and for the most part, I didn’t have any issues suspending my disbelief. A sequel is nicely set up, and I would read said sequel. Three and a half stars for Adam.
The author did use flashbacks to tell a significant portion of the story, but I feel the flashbacks lacked a smooth flow. It was as if the author needed something to happen, and the flashback was used to justify the happening. I can’t think of a way to do it differently, so I’m at a loss to pin down what I disliked about the flashbacks.
One thing I can identify that perturbed me about the writing was constant head hopping. I’m not sure if it was a stylistic choice, and mostly I could follow the story, but confusion about who was thinking what happened enough for me to note it.
The story ended with a satisfying conclusion, and for the most part, I didn’t have any issues suspending my disbelief. A sequel is nicely set up, and I would read said sequel. Three and a half stars for Adam.
May 2, 2016
I really wanted to like this blend of "Frankenstein" and "2001"'s Hal. The creator of a biological supercomputer is compelled to determine what has gone wrong with his creation's governamnce of a mining asteroid. The initial worldbuilding, with pollution gone amok on Earth and economic class divisions even more polarised (the weathy live "above the cloud") was promising. But the long chase scene towards Adam was entirely predictable. Other than a few interesting inventions (spider-like robots, a forest developed to produce oxygen far from Earth), each scene was formulaic. Especially given that the advance trailer promotes the Frankenstein comparison, this book really needs plot twist to separate it from a mere Frankenstein-in-space story. All that aside, the writing itself was strong. I'd happily try another book by this author.
I received a free advance copy from NetGalley, which did not affect the content of my review.
I received a free advance copy from NetGalley, which did not affect the content of my review.
December 18, 2016
Adam by James Bushill is a sci-fi book that reminds me of a mix between Stephen King's Christine, the movie Duel, and Frankenstein. There is so much going on, making a machine that has human cells that can think, has emotions, and uses those emotions yet has the benefits of tech power and brains behind him. I could not help but be on Team Adam, I know, I am sick. Corps have it coming sometimes. The actions, adventure, thrills, emotions, suspense, and dialogue are great. The plot is non-stop and full of twists. The characters, good and bad, are complex and believable, even Adam. I loved this book. Great job. I received this book from NetGalley for a honest review and it in no way effected my review or rating.
June 4, 2016
This was a fast paced, action filled space adventure with a semi-evil AI villain. At first I was a little confused at the narrative jumping between current and past, but the further in I read, the easier it was to follow.
This had a very action movie feel. There was always something happening, some movement occurring or a scene being built. It was cinematic without being overly done.
The overall feel of the story was serious and sad. There was a hopelessness to Victor's life, and an overall despair to Adam's. It didn't feel like a happy story, but the constant action kept it from getting too depressing. Finishing it and looking back, the story felt more sad. While reading it, there was enough excitement and intrigue that I never noticed the overall feel.
This had a very action movie feel. There was always something happening, some movement occurring or a scene being built. It was cinematic without being overly done.
The overall feel of the story was serious and sad. There was a hopelessness to Victor's life, and an overall despair to Adam's. It didn't feel like a happy story, but the constant action kept it from getting too depressing. Finishing it and looking back, the story felt more sad. While reading it, there was enough excitement and intrigue that I never noticed the overall feel.
Read
May 20, 2016*Goodreads First Reads advanced copy*
I found Adam by James Bushill to be a rather enjoyable read. Overall I would give it 3 and 3/4ths stars. The pace of the story was well crafted. Once I got passed the first 30 or so pages I could not stop reading. I would guess the slow start and the somewhat formulaic feel to the story prevented me from giving it a higher rating. There wasn't a lot of surprises, but the author still was able to get me to envision the entire story. That is a big plus in my book. I suspect with future stories Bushill will only get better at his craft.
I would recommend Adam to readers looking for a fast paced, easy sci-fi read.
I found Adam by James Bushill to be a rather enjoyable read. Overall I would give it 3 and 3/4ths stars. The pace of the story was well crafted. Once I got passed the first 30 or so pages I could not stop reading. I would guess the slow start and the somewhat formulaic feel to the story prevented me from giving it a higher rating. There wasn't a lot of surprises, but the author still was able to get me to envision the entire story. That is a big plus in my book. I suspect with future stories Bushill will only get better at his craft.
I would recommend Adam to readers looking for a fast paced, easy sci-fi read.
July 16, 2016
To say I don't normally seek out SciFi novels I found this one a bit of a revelation.
It was well written, easy to follow and endearing.
For some reason it reminded me of The Poseidon Adventure ... albeit with a futuristic edge.
I'm passing it to my son next - because I think he'll thoroughly enjoy it.
It was well written, easy to follow and endearing.
For some reason it reminded me of The Poseidon Adventure ... albeit with a futuristic edge.
I'm passing it to my son next - because I think he'll thoroughly enjoy it.
April 14, 2016
Action packed sci-fi thriller with a fresh spin on artificial intelligence while paying homage to Frankenstein. Definitely recommended if the blurb appeals to you, don't worry that it's indie, it has clearly been heavily proofread and edited.
June 13, 2016
This was a goodreads giveaway.
Really enjoyed this novel. Yes, there are links to other stories, but it kept me entertained and the ending was great finish to the book.
Really enjoyed this novel. Yes, there are links to other stories, but it kept me entertained and the ending was great finish to the book.
April 28, 2016
Loved the book despite it not being a genre I normally read. Compelling characters and some good twists!
Read
May 29, 2016Very exciting
October 19, 2016
very good book
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews