Adam-2

by Alastair Chisholm

Adam-2 has been locked in the basement of a lost building for over two hundred years – until he emerges into a world ruined by a civil war between humans and advanced intelligence. Hunted by both sides, Adam discovers that he holds the key to the war, and the power to end it – to destroy one side and save the other. But first, Adam must decide who – and what – he really is.

Genres: Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Childrens, War, Post Apocalyptic, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2021

About the author

Alastair is an award-winning children's author and puzzle creator. He's the author of the sci-fi middle-grade adventures ORION LOST and ADAM-2 , and children's picture books THE PRINCE AND THE WITCH AND THE THIEF AND THE BEARS and INCH AND GRUB, as well as books of Sudoku, Kakuro and other puzzles, including the Kids' Book of Sudoku and Kids' Book of Kakuro series.

Alastair lives in Edinburgh with his wife (who is lovely), two children (who are lovely but very loud), and a cat who is yowling at him even though there is clearly food in her bowl, look, it’s right there, *look*.

You can follow him on Twitter at @alastair_ch

Reviews

[Gavin Hetherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I interviewed Alastair Chisholm on my YouTube channel for 'Adam-2', which is spoiler-free, and you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/Hx2BJpOYg5E

A great sci-fi follow-up to Alastair's first MG, 'Orion Lost' (though this is not a sequel to that), so safe to say my expectations were high. I adored this story a lot and it's one of the few middle grade books I've read where pronouns were explicitly stated, which will be great for kids learning about gender and being non-binary. A captivating story to boot too with so many great things to learn from.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Adam-2 is Alastair Chisholm's latest middle grade sci-fi adventure, following the story of Adam-2 a robot who lives in a basement repeating his days over and over until one day a couple of humans stumble upon him and he emerges into a world fraught by war between humans and sinister robots known as Funks. I really loved Orion Lost, the authors other middle grade sci-fi book so this book had a lot to live up to - and it was just as much fun whilst still delivering on some great life lessons which was one of the things I enjoyed so much about Orion Lost!!

In addition to Adam-2, who was a very adorable robot just trying his best to make the best of choices available to him and trying to solve the conflict between humans and funks with a unique perspective. I liked how kind Adam was and how he always tried to find a peaceful solution. We also have Linden, a character who has quite a lot of anger and resentment towards the robots but must try and work together with Adam and set aside differences. We also have Runa, who was a really sweet character and I loved her friendship with both Adam and Linden. Additionally I really liked the adult characters in the book, they definitely had a lot more moral greyness than our protagonists and added an interesting element and conflict to the story.

I thought this book explored incredibly well the concept of AI sentience and autonomy, as well as the concept of free will and the purpose of living. It would be a great introduction for young readers to some major themes of science fiction and has some really great philosophical discussions and lessons while still being a really fun fast paced adventure. I was very impressed with the ending of the book - I thought a lot of the themes had great real world parallels and the needless violence that can stem from conflict based on misunderstanding and the greed of a very powerful few. The resolution of the conflict was very touching and had a great message - I always love this in a middle grade.

I also really loved that one of the main protagonists was non-binary and used neo-pronouns. This was just accepted as normal and I think its really great that kids can see this kind of representation in fiction - whether for themselves personally or just to gain a better and more empathetic understanding of those who may be different from them.

In conclusion, a really enjoyable sci-fi adventure story full of great lessons on empathy, understanding differences and conflict resolution whilst still being packed full of action, mecha battles and a great plot which slowly unravels a mystery with loveable characters and a lot of heart!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam has been in a basement for over two hundred years. When Runa and Linden come across him, he discovers that the world is not as he thought - humans and robots are at war, each group determined to wipe out the other. Which side will Adam choose - humans or robots?

This was a fantastic read. The characters (human and robot) were well-written and, as the story progressed, it became difficult to know just who to believe. The dystopian setting of a world at war added to the atmosphere of the story. I also liked that one of the main characters was non-binary and it was just a normal part of the story.

This is a book that I will definitely be recommending to children in my class.

[Beth Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam-2, a robot, has been locked in the basement of a lost building for over two hundred years, following a daily routine – until one day he is discovered by two children, and emerges into a world ruined by a civil war between humans and advanced intelligence. Hunted by both sides, Adam discovers that he holds the key to the war, and the power to end it – to destroy one side and save the other. But which side is right? Surrounded by enemies who want to use him, and allies who mistrust him, Adam must decide who – and what – he really is.

Over the past few years, there has been a distinct lack of Sci-fi books for children. Thankfully, this situation is changing. This is Chisholm’s second, and is even better than his debut in this genre, Orion Lost, which was excellent.

Adam-2 is told from two points of view – the robot, Adam-2, and one of the humans, Linden. It is good to finally read a story with a non binary main character (using the pronouns ze/hir), who is integral to the plot.

Adam-2 is not like the other robots, he can think and imagine scenarios, not just follow programmed orders. He can also learn and apply his knowledge. He is also immune to the EMP charges that the humans use to temporarily disable robots they fight against. Adam-2 has to work out what has happened to create, and prolong, the long term war between the humans and robots and find a way to end the war and bring peace.

There are various themes throughout – war/peace, friendships, family, trust and the rights and wrong of developing AI. Via Linden, and the influence hir mother (and her death) has on hir, we witness the struggle to work out the right path to take and also the power of telling stories, both to the teller and the audience.

I enjoyed Adam-2 and thoroughly recommend it. 5 star plus.

Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the eARC.

[Nicke Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in two sittings and only because I stopped for dinner!!!! I was emotionally invested in these characters, I really want to visit Edinburgh now and as always, the overall message of empathy and understanding had me close to tears! (Only held them back cos my mascara isn’t waterproof!) But seriously, pick this book up, no matter your age because it’s just that good!

[Susan Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam is a robot who describes himself as, “Adam version two point zero, a prototype experimental artificial entity.” He has been living in the basement of an abandoned building for over two hundred years when he is discovered by two children, Runa and Linden. Adam follows them into the outside world that has been ruined by a civil war between humans and robots.

Adam gains a cautious acceptance into the human’s world because he is useful for fixing broken equipment which empowers the human’s fight against the robots. When Adam is captured by the robots, he begins to see the civil war from their point of view. Adam realises he needs to find a way to create peace between humans and robots before they destroy each other.

This is an interesting story that realistically illustrates the tensions between cultures and why solutions are difficult. However, I did encounter a few problems. While Adam is the hero of the story, Linden plays a major role and goes through the most character growth. Linden is non-binary, that is neither male nor female, but this makes Linden a difficult character to relate to. There’s also no physical description of the children apart from their clothing. Much of the middle part of the book concerns Linden and the lack of relatability causes the story to drag at this point. Also, several times I had to check the point of view and reread some descriptions which were unclear. Apart from these issues, the story has much to offer in terms of the need for empathy and tolerance in overcoming conflicts between people groups.

Overall, the story has interesting themes. The technological gadgetry and conflict would appeal to boys.

Thanks to the Book Curator for providing a free book for review.

[Niina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tämä oli kiva lukupala. Adam on robottiprototyyppi, joka on viimeiset 200 vuotta asunut rakentajansa (jota hän kutsuu isäksi) talon kellarissa. Eräänä päivänä hänen päivärutiininsa häiriintyvät, kun kaksi ihmistä tunkeutuu lukitsemattomasta ovesta. Adamin isä on sanonut, että sen tulee harjoitella hyvänä poikana olemista ja se ei saa lähteä kellarista.

Ihmiset ovat nuorempi tyttö Runa ja Linden-niminen muunsukupuolinen nuori (hänen pronomininsa ovat ze ja hir). Alun hankaluuksien jälkeen Adam lähtee nuorten mukaan ja suojelee heitä, käyttäytymismalli, jota ihmisten on vaikea ymmärtää, sillä Funksit (eli robotit, joilla on Functional Consciousness, toiminnallinen tietoisuus) tappavat ihmisiä.

Adam oppii, että maailma on muuttunut paljon niiden vuosien aikana, kun se on ollut suljettuna yhteen huoneeseen. Tapahtumia seurataan Adamin ja Lindenin näkökulmista. Ihan huimaa, että tässä on ei-binäärinen hahmo ja kuinka toiseutta voidaan tuoda nerokkaasti esille laittamalla toiseksi kertojaksi robotti.

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up for the ending. Not quite as good for me as Orion Lost but a stunning ending pulled this up from the doldrums. Perhaps it was the changing view points or just my mood but this took a looooong time to hook me. I want a Fetch!

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.75 stars

[Anthony Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book, which both me and my 11 year old enjoyed a lot. The plot is simple and most adult readers will see where its going early, but its well written and paced.

[Sharon Rodger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young adult Sci-Fi is not my usual cup of tea but I enjoyed this once I got into it. There are valuable life lessons about understanding someone else's point of view but it does not feel preachy.

[Amita · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeah <3

full RTC

[Rob Hopwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam-2 by Alastair Chisholm

Adam-2 is a robot that has been living alone beneath the post-apocalyptic city of Edinburgh. When Linden and Runa stumble into his cell, they are immediately seized with fear. Why? Because humans are at war with all robots, and have been for generations. The artificial intelligence that humans created to serve its wants and needs eventually turned on them and attempted to wipe them out. Society as we know it collapsed, and the few humans that survived now continue to do so by hiding their whereabouts from the ever-watchful robots.

Adam saves Linden and Runa from a robot attack, so they bring him back to the human settlement where he is treated with hatred and mistrust.
But it is clear that Adam is different from other robots. Could he perhaps even be the key to ending the terrible centuries-long war?

What I liked about Adam-2:
It challenges readers to question their assumptions and behavior.
It encourages us to examine our relationship with technology.
It exposes the pointlessness of blind prejudice and hatred.
It promotes the importance of communication with those who hold opinions which differ from our own.

What I did not like about Adam-2:
Linden is gender-neutral, and the book uses gender-neutral pronouns. This is not a problem in itself, but it does not seem to fit into the story very well for the following reason: In the book modern society is said to have collapsed, and when people are fighting for their very survival it seems unlikely that they would be much concerned with gender identities and gender-neutral pronouns. I therefore think that this kind of character would fit much better into the scenario of a more stable society in which people have the time and resources to devote thought to existential matters. Actually, this may have worked better in the author’s first science fiction novel, Orion Lost. I must also say that I found the set of gender-neutral pronouns chosen for the story distracting and artificial. They are by no means universally accepted, and are unlikely to become standard simply because, although many neologisms are coined every year in English, languages cannot be forced to change in a certain way. Of course, the book will undoubtedly receive kudos for minority inclusion.

Another small gripe I have is that the book is pretty thin on physical description of the characters, and we get almost no idea of the appearance of the main human character, Linden. I found that this makes Linden rather hard to imagine and relate to.


Overall, Adam-2 is a solid work of middle grade science fiction. It is well written and engaging. However, in my opinion it does not quite live up to the high standard set by Chisholm’s first novel, Orion Lost, which is superior in plot, narrative, and characterization.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Nosy Crow in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this with high hopes having heard nothing but praise for the author's previous book. Even then, this book surpassed my expectations. When a short scene about a character growing vegetables makes you cry, you know you're reading a good book!

The story is set 200+ years in the future in a world where humans and robots with advanced intelligence are at war. I don't want to say much about the plot as it's definitely one of those books where I'd advise going in knowing little and discovering what it's about along the way.

What I will talk about is how I felt whilst reading. Right from the beginning, this book was pulling at my heartstrings, making me smile and posing interesting questions for me to ponder in between reading. I loved the skillful way the author wrote scenes that were so simple on first glance but actually conveyed complex ideas and questions.

The characters were all wonderful. By this, I don't mean that they were all good, as there were a lot that were more grey than simply good or bad, but they all fit into the story wonderfully. I loved the inclusion of a non-binary character and their preferred pronouns, especially in a book where gender wasn't one of the main themes.

Even though the book is set far in the future there's a lot of themes covered that are relevant today. I would love to read this book with a Year 5 or 6 class because the discussion we could have throughout would be brilliant. Towards the end, I began to wonder how the author would end things as the problems posed seemed so big, it would be almost impossible to solve them in a believable but also satisfying way. I needn't have worried. The ending was just the right amount of hopeful, realistic and bittersweet for me and having only just dried my tears from the previous page, I burst out sobbing all over again at the final scene!

This is one of the best books I have read in recent years and I would recommend it to readers aged 10+ who like speculative fiction and futuristic stories. It would be a great read for those who are fans of Philip Reeve, Jonathan Stroud and Struan Murray.

Content: as you might assume in a story involving wars, there is some content about death and how characters are dealing with their grief.

[Claire Booksnink · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me I knew this book was never going to be Orion Lost as that book was one that is just unrepeatable so I faced that before I even started this book and would take whatever this book gave.

In this book we follow Adam-2 who has been in a basement for well over 200 years. Everyday as each day came to a close he would mark it off on the wall. Everywhere the eye could see there were marks.
For over 200 years he waited for the Father that made him to return.

Instead he is found by Runa and Linden with a shocking first meeting quite literally. Then came a secondary shock for Adam2 that Edinburgh was absolutely destroyed and that everything he knew had gone.

This book touched on the revolt of slavery with the Funks battling against the humans for their freedom. There is a constant battle with no room to move and no line to be drawn between the two battling kinds.

Adam goes on a journey of acceptance and I thought the ending was very very cleverly done. I loved Adam as a character and he was great alongside Runa and Linden as they learned to accept each other and come together in ways that from how things started in the beginning I never thought it would be possible.

I really did love how Adam-2 pulled the whole ending together and it really did work so well and showed in a number of ways that the need for needless violence and suffering is very little and the need for listening and living together and accepting each other is a must.

I really enjoyed Adam-2 and this book stands proud and powerful on its own and is a fabulous sci-fi middle grade book to add to Alastair’s rapidly growing amazing portfolio of adventures.

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever and tightly written middle-grade SciFi. Having lived in Edinburgh for several years now, it was cool to see a local author reimagine the city as a postapocalyptic war zone and blend futuristic elements with ones from Scottish history, culture, and folklore.

In this setting, robots, whom humans built to work for them, have rebelled and the two sides are now locked in a brutal war against each other. Scavenging for ressources, two young humans named Linden and Runa come upon a child-like, friendly robot named Adam, who has been isolated from the world for hundreds of years. He doesn't understand why the entire war is going on and he only wants to help. That begins a story that is surprisingly frank about hatred, threat, and intense scenes, while also featuring clever plot twists and some truly inspired world-building ideas (I love the entire concept for the leader of the robot faction).

While having a non-binary character as a POV with Linden was an exciting bit of representation, I felt hir perspective was a little underdeveloped compared to Adam's. I felt the reader learned too little too late about hir to fully understand hir. Nonetheless, I found Adam-2 an exciting book and one of the best-crafted middle-grade stories I've picked up in a while.

[Hannah Fazakerley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a veteran Sci Fi fan, I am always interested in this genre for MG readers. Having read Orion Lost and really enjoyed it, as soon as I saw this book coming out I knew I would have to read it.

Adam-2 has been alone for almost 244 years when Linden & Runa unexpectedly find him in his basement home. The humans are wary, having been at war with a robot army for the same amount of years. Adam leaves his father's home and is amazed to see the change that time has wrought, he has a lot to learn, puzzles to solve and big choices to make about the future of everyone, including himself.

This book is both exciting and well written, I really couldn't put it down. It is not a run of the mill robot story and the characters are interesting and behave and interact realistically. Adam's dilemma, when he is shown both sides of the story, will really make you think. The plot never quite reveals which way Adam will decide, while he is figuring out what is the 'right' thing to do. I would have perhaps liked to know the back story for Della and the Cailleach, but perhaps this means that there may be be a prequel or sequel to come? I can only hope so!

Favourite quote from Adam's internal monologue;

"He should make sure they liked him this time. Perhaps he hadn't smiled correctly, before?"

[Jamie Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam-2 has been locked in a basement for over 200 years so he has missed the war between humans and robots that have devastated the world. When 2 humans break into his basement, he goes with them to their camp and has to prove he is not like the robots that simply want to kill humans. He must earn their trust and find a way to save the world before the humans and robots destroy each other.

For fans of The Orville, this is very similar to the clash between the Federation and the Kaylon. Adam-2 and the humans he bonds with are interesting characters with Adam-2 feeling very childish at times; of course he was told by Father to be a "good boy". The fear and prejudice the humans and robots have for one another fits into the reasoning the war began and what is getting in the way of brokering peace. Adam-2 figures what needs to be done, enlists help from unlikely sources, but I do feel the end was wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly. Worth the read.

[Alan Nettleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately I loved the concept. I was drawn in from the start by our cute robot (Adam-2) who is trapped in a basement and 'just trying to be a good boy' as instructed by his creator (who he refers to as his father). Adam-2 uncomplainingly repeats the exact same routine every day for more than 200 years. He is discovered by two children, Runa and Linden. As the story goes on, I found myself loving Linden more and more. Ze is inspirational!

There are great concepts for children (and adults) to consider, such as our attitude towards machines with intelligence, and the vicious cycle of wars that can continue for many decades because of lack of forgiveness and empathy for the other point of view.

To follow up on a book as amazing as Orion Lost was a big ask, but Alastair Chisholm has smashed it out of the park with this effort. Highly recommended.

[cecereads23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words for this book except it is indeed unputdownable. There was times that I wanted to cry, there was times I wanted to scream and there was times I nearly threw the book.

Chisholm has such a complex world with a complex world of characters each coming with their own trauma, own hurt and own views.

Adam-2 the robot, who had been left for 200 years and he finally goes up to the surface when he meet two children.

The non-binary rep was so good in this book and the fact that Adam-2 did not even question it just said what pronouns would you like me to use. We need more of this Middlegrade.

Chisholm has also proven why we need more middlegrade sci-fi because when it is done right it is amazing. If you liked Orion lost you will absolutely love this book. And I want a fetch.

[Mike Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Spoiler Warning**
With Orion Lost and Adam-2, Alastair Chisholm has show his ability to create high quality middle grade SciFi, something many have tried and many have failed.
He creates worlds and characters you can cheer for and shout out in equal measure; his style is fluid and easy to become engrossed in.
The inclusion of a non-binary character in a lead role was superbly written to my mind and fit in beautifully with the underlying theme of ‘what it is to be a person, or to be human’.
I loved this story and look forward to his next book eagerly - you have a fan Alastair!
Perfect for readers not quite yet ready for ‘Mortal Engines’, this will set out a great enter into dystopian futures… Adam-6 and Red Sky made me think of Mr Shrike so many times!
One to read again I think!

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I didn't think this involved robots, but it did. And I was glad for it. I've been enjoying books from the perspective of robots lately. This book alternates between the perspective of a robot and a human. The ending left things a little more open than I was expecting, but I think it's very compelling. Reminds me a little of the ending of his other book, Orion Lost, in that things are settled, but not complete. The goal isn't fully accomplished, but there's no immediate danger that it won't be. Both of those books could have sequels, even if they don't strictly need them. I have his next book, The Consequence Girl, on my shelf. If that one ends similarly, then I'll just have to assume he's that kind of author.

[Dina Boukhchtaber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely read Middle Grade but this is a gem of a book. This is also my second book by Alastair Chisholm and he is becoming one of my favorite authors with the way he handles important themes in an engaging plot.

Adam-2 has a lot of qualities that makes it a great book for younger readers but it also fantastic for any age.

The plot is engaging and although quite familiar it isn't entirely predictable. Adam-2, the robot, is a fantastic main character. His journey of self-discovery and search for identity was handled beautifully, as well as the nuances of war between two factions that hate each other, the humans and the machines. Emotional and compelling, I would highly recommend it!

[Dirk Wickenden · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the bookshop, trying to find a fiction book for my son to read, is harder and harder, as the shelves are populated by occultist stories etc , which is anathema to our familial faith. Found this and from the blurb, sounded okay. Then my son told me the next morning, 'there's a non binary character in it', which is also anathema to our faith. People can do what they like but we don't live our life by forcing our own faith led lifestyle down others' throats. Something in the blurb should have mentioned the character.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting, action packed dystopian story about a thinking robot who emerges after 200 years to find that other, less intelligent robots have taken over the city. It’s a book that will make young readers think, many ethical questions arise, which would provoke discussion. The book’s main theme is a strong message of cordial co existence, no matter what differences we have and the fast moving storyline should keep the most reluctant of readers glued to the page.

[Henry Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed Orion Lost, so my daughter and I were not at all surprised that we were equally gripped by this post appocalyptic tale set in Edinburgh.

After years locked in a basement, practicing being a good boy, Adam emerges into an unfriendly world, where humans and 'funks' are still at war after hundreds of years. Which side should he choose?

Lots to enjoy, but a bonus for those that know Edinburgh is seeing what becomes of the those familiar places we love.

[Gabz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worried about reading this book mainly because Linden was not very empathetic. On the other hand, I really liked Adam and felt bad about his situation, his programming. Runa was a lovely character as well.

And while this wasn't Orion Lost, which had been impossibly good, Adam-2 managed to come into its own and finished comfortably at a 4🌟 rating.

Recommended middle grade reading, but definitely read Orion Lost first. 😉

[Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this for my children but decided to read it first as it's about artificial intelligence and the future of the world. Overall it contains some interesting ideas, but for me, only really gets going when it gets to the last quarter of the book where it's revealed what has happened and Adam 2.0 has to try to work out how to solve the situation. The first two thirds seemed to me slow moving and a little lacking in excitement but maybe I should wait and see what my children make of it!

[Rebecca R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam-2 has been hiding in a basement repeating the same daily routine, as per his father's instructions, for more than 200 years, when he is discovered by two children and he learns that the world has vastly changed since he last left the basement. The humans and the robots have been at war for many years, each trying to destroy the other. But Adam is different to the other robots and perhaps he holds the key to end the war once and for all.

I love a robot story and Adam-2 delivered on action, excitement as well as emotional engagement.

[Sara Lednor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam has been locked in a basement following his ‘father’s’ instructions. What he discovers on the outside leads him to try the change the new world forfunks and humans alike.
Great read for UKS2. Possibilities for discussions on gender, debates on the nature of peace and opportunities for first person recounts of Adam’s time
In captivity.