Cosmic Fever

by Eric J. Adams

Imagine waking up one morning and learning that scientists have discovered the Theory of Everything - one simple, elegant equation that unifies all matter, time, and purpose in the universe. How would humanity change? How would you change?

And what if soon after, the trumpeted theory was proven false and scientists were forced to issue an embarrassing retraction.

Welcome to the zany, satirical world of Cosmic Fever, where in the span of a few short weeks humanity yo-yos from its usual petty squabbling to global harmony - and back again.

Was anything learned from the rare interlude of cosmic bliss? The answer is yes, sort of. And the world finds out just how much in a surprising climax that makes perfect sense to anyone who believes everything is connected in some strange and wonderful loop, as mysterious and kooky as life itself.

Genres: Fiction

275 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2019

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosmic Fever is a fast paced fictional romp through the consequences of developing The Theory of Everything. This story follows a varied cast of protagonists from a gay preacher, to a brilliant scientist; from a bored housewife to reluctant doctor/terrorist; from a pregnant teenager to a militant protestor. And they are all linked!! Cosmic Fever is written by award-winning screenwriter, producer and author Eric J. Adams.

Two scientists announce the Theory of Everything (ToE) with the support of their University, as well as, many scientists around the world. Rapidly the world changes. Wars end. Religious tolerance abounds. All races begin to mix without fear. People openly confess their sexual preferences to a chorus of full acceptance. Sadly an Anti-Theory of Everything appears and it cannot be ignored. What happens now?

Character development is good and the book progresses at such a pace that it is easy to follow. You get to know the characters even though there are many. It is pleasant to see how happy everyone becomes knowing that there is one universal truth that governs all.

The end of the book was too frenetic. The author tried very hard to wrap things up but there were so many stories that a full development was difficult. The final chapter becomes almost mystical and hard to follow. The final revelation becomes a little too hard to swallow. It comes out of nowhere and is a bit silly because it stretches well beyond the already a far-reaching theme.

It is an entertaining book so I recommend it and give it a 4 on 5. I am not sure there is a life lesson here, but you will be entertained. I want to thank NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with a digital version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Addie_read_this · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for sending me a ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

I sadly had to DNF the book at 60%. I really tried, but it just wasn't the book for me. I had no interest in reading it further. I fully believe that it is a really good book, but it just wasn't the book for me.

What I read I could really enjoy and the writing style was also very good.
I would fully reccommend this book to other people!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has an interesting premise and is told in a compelling way, with a manageable number of characters that are fully formed. The author is very talented and creative, and some of the topics included may turn-off some readers. But if you're open minded and like a good story with some humor, science, and ideas about the human condition, this is may be for you.

I really appreciate the comp copy for an honest review!!

[Divya Pal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suitable candidate for the notorious "Bad Sex Award."

[Halez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of Cosmic Fever from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, netgalley!

2.5 stars

I wanted to love this book. Sci fi is my jam, it sounded like it might even get a bit technical, and I love the idea of seeing the repercussions of scientists' mistakes (especially when, as in this case, the mistake is better than the reality).

Unfortunately, I just couldn't fall for it. Maybe it just wasn't for me, but I think I would have liked it better if I didn't go into it with the thoughts expressed above. The description made it seem intensely sci fi, but it turned out to be mostly an exploration of various character's different mindsets (more philosophical than I expected) and more religion and spirituality-based.

I also think the description did an injustice to the story by including the fact that the scientists were wrong. While it is certainly interesting, we don't find this out until halfway through the book! This just means the reader doesn't need the "is this too good to be true??" feeling it seems like the author was trying to include to know that it is, in fact, too good to be true.

The plot was interesting enough to keep me going, but I didn't love the characters or writing style.In the beginning, I found most of the characters seemed to be leaning on common stereotypes to fill in some background (hey, saves the author some work, right?). Later, I found many of the characters changing far too quickly in ways that didn't seem to fit with the character they had been given.

Writing style is more of a personal preference, so I'm sure others won't have my problem here. I felt like the author was trying to channel Stephen King (maybe in one of his small- town based works), but instead of that feeling of rawness thst King gives, I just got a crude vibe sometimes.

My biggest issue was with the actual theory - it was explained only vaguely that there was a theory of everything and an equation proved it. Nothing stated what this meant, and the author was a little light in the science around the actual theory. I was, however, impressed with other parts of the "real life" science and math included, like the testing of the theory, university dynamics, and the multiple individuals trying to crack the equation.

A big pro for me was the author willing to include sensitive subjects, but I think they would have come across better with more lovable (or at least better defined) characters. At times it came across in a mocking tone, and I don't think that was intended.

There were a few grammatical and spelling errors in the copy I recieved, which I hope were fixed before release!
Errors:
"You love me?"
"I do."
"Because there's no one like you."
"Far out. We love you too, bro. Right, EJ?"
(Saaame Person talks twice, on a new line. Makes it harder to read. )

"..that's the God's honest truth. I wish I did." "But do you know her?"
(2 different people talk without a paragraph break)

Sandra Lee turned around. Behind her in line stood two men clasping hands, awaiting confirmation of their union.
"Would you be our witnesses?" She asked.
"We'd be delighted!" Said Sandra Lee.
"Never Readier" said Omar.
"Then sign away."
(Just overall confusing)

I luxuriated in joy and harmony.
(Not an error, I just think this phrase could have used editing out)

Omar might not be a match for him physically, but Ethan would gladly risk it all, bet it all, lose it all to keep her by his side.
(I think it should state that Ethan isn't a offical match for Owen.)

The Theory of One might be The Theory of 99.99999999999^99 or The Theory of Almost One or your choice of any other number for that matter. It was, simply, not the integer one .
(This number is greater than the integer 1.)

If her curled up in his mother's...
(He)

[Scott Ravede · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Theory of Everything is a hypothetical scientific principle that unites quantum mechanics and relativity into one equation that would explain all physical phenomena in the universe. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of physicists, it does not exist yet. However, it does provide the theme for Cosmic Fever.

The idea that everything is interconnected and we all have a cosmic connection to everyone else somehow, is the motif for the characters and the plot in this book. Technically, the theory of everything would have nothing to say about these metaphysical connections, but the plot revolves around the idea that nirvana would be reached once the theory of everything were discovered. As luck would have it, one of the main characters is working on this theory and seems to have found it.

SPOILER ALERT: Here’s where things get interesting. When everyone believes the theory of everything has been discovered, peace and harmony start to reign. Everyone is happier and everyone is nicer to everyone else. This state of affairs goes on for a while until a flaw is found in the theory, and as quickly as paradise is found, it is lost again.

Ah, but all is not lost. The scientist has an epiphany and realizes we don’t need a theory of everything to understand the cosmic connections we all have to each other. In other words, there are things that transcend equations and science. The other main characters reach their own epiphanies to one extent or another and they all come together (literally) in the end.

If you are one who can easily suspend disbelief, then you will love this book. Personally, it was a bridge too far for me. As far as I know, most people could care less about physics and don’t know the first thing about quantum mechanics or relativity, so why would they all enter a state of nirvana over the theory of everything? Then there are all the romantic entanglements and the fickle nature of the lovers. They jump back and forth between relationships too easily and too conveniently. But what really defies belief are all the coincidences, which taken together would be like winning the lottery ten times in a row. There are more coincidences and intersecting relationships in this book than “A Tale of Two Cities.” As I alluded to before, in the most amazing coincidence of all, all the characters get together in the same place at the end in what turns out to be a farcically comical scene, in what has otherwise been a serious scenario up until then.

My rating would have been higher otherwise, because this is certainly not a boring read.

[Eva Silverfine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two physicists’ “Theory of Everything” brings a new-found harmony and acceptance to the world until a blogger points out an error in their math. The new enlightenment quickly begins to erode. We witness this up close in a cast of characters whose lives become both comically and troublingly intertwined. Much of the satire revolves around the characters’ spirituality, representing the three major monotheistic religions, and is not a condemnation but an exploration. This is a fun and witty satire with some sharp insights.

[Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Really Human Story

None of us are perfect. The people in this book reflect that, over and over again. You learn to love them for it

The story is about what might happen if we knew that there was an answer to everything. What is life? Who are we? Why am I here? Does God exist, and, if so, what am I in relation to Him? You may not know the answer because you're living your life, but you know that there is an answer

How does that change your life? How does it change the world?

What happens if someone later proves the answer wrong?

Happy reading

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Comedic Writing at it’s Finest

Scientists discover the Theory of Everything. It’s All One! Or is it? In the grand tradition of Max Shulman’s “Rally Round the Flag Boys” and Leonard Wibberley’s “The Mouse That Roared”. This is a satire that pokes fun at everything from Quantum Physics to New Age Spirituality in a modern romp you can't put down. Eric Adams finely crafts every delicious sentence with his tongue in his cheek and his pen on fire!

[Ann Donegan]

As another reviewer noted, this has satirical similarity to The Mouse The Roared, and is a pleasant romp through everything you don't like about everyone else, and yourself. It was a quick read, and while the last section and ending was a little schmaltzy (is that a word? it should be...), the author did tie up all the loose ends. If you can't laugh at yourself you shouldn't laugh at anyone else.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read 25 percent in and the book just isn't for me. I didn't really understand much about the theory and didn't really get into the characters. I'm sure Somone else will enjoy it.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for this scintillating satire about the Theory of Everything. Meet humanity face to face at its finest and worst, as we ride shotgun- observing the coming together, falling apart, and reassembling of all things- revealing the proof, if you choose to believe, that all is connected in this interdependent mysterious universe. A fun and thought provoking adventure.

[Marie Lutz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read about a quarter of this book and then stopped when I realized I didn’t care what happened to anyone. I mistakenly thought this was science fiction (it’s not). The characters were somewhat funny at first. Then they weren’t. I’m sure there are some people who would like this, just not me.

[Juan Arias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Background science fiction

Science serves as only a background to this story, so I wouldn't call it a science fiction novel, but a novel sprinkled with science as a means to it's end. I surely enjoyed it but hoped for more Tbh.

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 2 out of 5]

A vomit of vacuous verbiage

This is the horrendous accident you can't look away from. If you've ever said 'every cliche In the book ', every caricature, every platitude in the book...THIS IS THAT BOOK

[Randal Gritzner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much negativity! I wanted many times to stop reading. I finished reading the book, largely because I was hoping for improvement. This book was out there!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine the lyrics of John Lennon's "Imagine" actually coming to pass for a few weeks. Religious doctrine and shame become less important, people become more loving and tolerant, sales of alcohol and amusement park tickets decline because people feel joy every day, and wars come to peaceful ends. Then, suddenly, it is revealed that the scientific/mathematical discovery that triggered this wonderful and unprecedented era for humanity is inaccurate. This is the premise of Eric J. Adams' Cosmic Fever.

When a Stanford professor and a graduate student hit upon a unifying Theory of Everything along with a team of Europeans, they are pressured into releasing it right away. At first, they play awkwardly to an empty room. But eventually, the theory bubbles up from obscure publications and blogs, and their conclusions capture the popular imagination. The idea that we are all One and all interconnected shocks and delights people into behavior they never expected.

A small cast of characters is introduced before the Theory of Everything takes flight. All of them are deeply unhappy in some way: a devout Muslim man who can't stop his affair with a blonde American woman, a closeted gay Evangelical pastor, a teenage mother and drug addict, a humorless liberal activist who has purged her house of toxins and fun whether her husband likes it or not. While the effects of the Theory of Everything on the world at large are described, this group will remain the focus. Eric J. Adams mocks Islam, evangelical Christianity, and uptight, doctrinaire liberalism throughout the book, and some may be more than a little offended by that.

Adams divides the book into phases: The initial release of the discovery, the blissful effects that the Theory of Everything has on many, the counter-discovery of its inaccuracy, and life afterwards. Humanity cannot simply remain happy, kind, and tolerant. Too many people benefit from the exact opposite, and mistakes get made in the name of love. But even after the Theory of Everything is discarded, lives have been changed forever.

Cosmic Fever is humorous, philosophical, and plays with the reader's emotions. I spent my late twenties devouring the works of Douglas Adams and Kurt Vonnegut, and was somewhat reminded of them. (I also devoured this book in a matter of hours.) Joy can't last, Adams reminds us, but must we consider misery the default condition of humanity?

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Maurizio Codogno · Rating 3 out of 5]

D'accordo l'interconnessione, ma...

Leggendo la prima parte del libro, inutilmente didascalica, mi sono chiesto quale fosse il punto dell'autore, perché era chiaro che ce ne fosse uno. Lo stesso con la seconda parte, quella in cui tutto sembrava essere cambiato per il meglio dopo la scoperta della Teoria del Tutto. Solo alla fine della terza parte, quella che parte dalla scoperta che la teoria era errata e tutto cascava a pezzi, ho finalmente capito cosa Adams voleva scrivere. (Per la cronaca, la quarta parte è giusto un breve post scriptum, e la spiegazione della TdT non ha alcun senso scientifico, ma quello non è certo un problema in un'opera di narrativa). A parte il forte accento sulle religioni monoteistiche e sulle loro differenze e contraddizioni, quello che succede è che le vite dei protagonisti, che si incrociavano man mano che il racconto si dipanava, venivano definitivamente intrecciate. La Teoria del Tutto non era insomma tanto (o solo) scientifica quanto per così dire umanistica. Quelle trenta pagine hanno risollevato il romanzo, e in effetti la terza parte in generale mostra come gli avvenimenti non siano mai davvero polarizzati e c'è sempre qualcosa di inaspettato; resto però dell'idea che la parte preparatoria è troppo lunga e pedante.

[Jena · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 20%. I was hoping to truly enjoy this book, however the deeper side of mockery into the different religions, viewpoints, made it hard to connect to the characters.

I find myself very open to subjective reads, but this wasn’t what I had interpreted from the blurb.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC to review