What do you think?
Rate this book
Imprint
25% of Monthly Net sales are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project!
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Doctor. Savior. Prisoner.
Malcolm Silvestra’s Synthetic Organ Replacement technique saved the lives of thousands of people.
Then “The Scald” deformed and killed millions more.
Imprisoned above the Arctic Circle in the Canadian Northwest Territories, Malcolm's only hope to stave off his execution is to find the cure to save not only humanity but more importantly, his beloved wife.
Will Malcolm’s brilliance unlock the secret to freeing Cynthiana from her prison of flesh? Or will he watch her die like all the others?
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Doctor. Savior. Prisoner.
Malcolm Silvestra’s Synthetic Organ Replacement technique saved the lives of thousands of people.
Then “The Scald” deformed and killed millions more.
Imprisoned above the Arctic Circle in the Canadian Northwest Territories, Malcolm's only hope to stave off his execution is to find the cure to save not only humanity but more importantly, his beloved wife.
Will Malcolm’s brilliance unlock the secret to freeing Cynthiana from her prison of flesh? Or will he watch her die like all the others?
112 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2016
About the author
Nicholas P. Adams
6 books320 followersFollow me on Twitter @NicholasAWrites!
I grew up in the small, rural town of Boring, OR with my six brothers and sisters.
After graduating from High School in Gresham, OR, I attended BYU-ID and received my Associate's Degree in Pre-Med. After that, I returned to Portland, OR, and attended Portland State University, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Pre-Med before changing my career track to Architecture.
I completed my second Bachelor's Degree in Architecture at Portland State University before achieving my Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT.
After graduation, my wife and I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where we adopted four children over the next eight years.
I currently live in the Salt Lake City area, where I am an Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the League of Utah Writers.
My other interests include movies, singing, and motorcycles.
I donate 25% of my Net sales to the Wounded Warrior Project!
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
I grew up in the small, rural town of Boring, OR with my six brothers and sisters.
After graduating from High School in Gresham, OR, I attended BYU-ID and received my Associate's Degree in Pre-Med. After that, I returned to Portland, OR, and attended Portland State University, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Pre-Med before changing my career track to Architecture.
I completed my second Bachelor's Degree in Architecture at Portland State University before achieving my Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT.
After graduation, my wife and I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where we adopted four children over the next eight years.
I currently live in the Salt Lake City area, where I am an Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the League of Utah Writers.
My other interests include movies, singing, and motorcycles.
I donate 25% of my Net sales to the Wounded Warrior Project!
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 7, 2017
To commence, I would like to thank Nicholas Adams for sending me a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
Award-winning doctor Malcolm Silverstra finds himself exiled after a study of his that led to the creation of artificial organs which although revolutionary, to begin with, had unknown, unpredictable and sinister side-effects. At the initial stages, he was heralded and everything was rosy, until he is blamed for the breakout of the deadly Scald virus which threatens to wipe out humanity. This causes his eviction from the world he has always known and he finds himself isolated above the Artic Circle in what I analysed as some sort of laboratory prison with only his Scald suffering, paralysed wife for company. At the beginning of the narrative, an official known as The Warden essentially states that Malcolm has seven days to find a fix/cure for the Scald or he will be executed. Following this I believed that the novella would be about the doctor working blood, guts and all to do this to avoid imminent death. The premise reminded me of Stephen King's The Stand with the Superflu wiping out 99% of humanity. Whereas The Stand outlines and discusses the happening in the outside world following the destruction, this tale is a lot more linear, merely focusing on Malcolm and his paralysed wife Cynthiana. The premise is slightly misleading. Perhaps Malcolm forgot or ignored The Warden's orders but the novella is probably a better read because it went in a different direction to what I predicted. It is about the doctor trying to cure his wife who currently lies about eighty percent paralysed lying in a bed of pink goo due to his scientific negligence.
I am not sure when this is based. I do analyse a slight science fiction vibe but, it could be modern days if certain chemical factors and mechanical miscalculations had led to such an outbreak. I can honestly say, and this is greatly acclaimed by me, that this short but highly enthralling story is unlike anything I have ever read before.
It is essentially a character study about Malcolm and Cynthiana who desperately love each other despite however adverse the situation is in which they are frequenting. Malcolm is truly loyal and obviously highly intelligent. He spends his time trying to cure his partner's paralysis with artificial limbs and eventually he creates a sympathetic being that his wife's mind can amazingly control even though she lies permanently immobile. There are many touching scenes when after, say eighteen months of Malcolm caring for her, Cynthiana - or Synthia are able to enjoy each other as lovers more than they ever imagined would be possible again.
It is a really touching book analysing the power of love, the possibilities of science and the unknown capabilities of our unconscious. The ending is ultimately thrilling and like other reviews have said, it leaves us gagging for me.
As a short novella, apart from the descriptions of feelings, relationships and science equipment - the majority of the remaining parts of the visual image we have to complete for ourselves such as the environment, the rooms in which the action takes place etc... That is fine by me, though.
The book is written in the 3rd person perspective. At the start of the novel, Malcolm's thoughts were presented in the 1st person which I thought was an unusual but really interesting touch so much that I noted it down on my review-pad. That was the only time that device was present throughout this story though. I noticed a couple of grammatical errors but nothing to take away from my overall enjoyment of this intriguing and engaging novella.
The author is kindly giving away this Novella for free to people who sign up to his twitter account. Reading this is a great way to spend an hour or two of your time. I recommend that you pick it up right now. I will 100% sign up for the author's full lengths as I can review that as a great story teller he has a lot to present that couldn't be truly organically presented by him in such a short story.
James. www.youandibooks.wordpress.com
Award-winning doctor Malcolm Silverstra finds himself exiled after a study of his that led to the creation of artificial organs which although revolutionary, to begin with, had unknown, unpredictable and sinister side-effects. At the initial stages, he was heralded and everything was rosy, until he is blamed for the breakout of the deadly Scald virus which threatens to wipe out humanity. This causes his eviction from the world he has always known and he finds himself isolated above the Artic Circle in what I analysed as some sort of laboratory prison with only his Scald suffering, paralysed wife for company. At the beginning of the narrative, an official known as The Warden essentially states that Malcolm has seven days to find a fix/cure for the Scald or he will be executed. Following this I believed that the novella would be about the doctor working blood, guts and all to do this to avoid imminent death. The premise reminded me of Stephen King's The Stand with the Superflu wiping out 99% of humanity. Whereas The Stand outlines and discusses the happening in the outside world following the destruction, this tale is a lot more linear, merely focusing on Malcolm and his paralysed wife Cynthiana. The premise is slightly misleading. Perhaps Malcolm forgot or ignored The Warden's orders but the novella is probably a better read because it went in a different direction to what I predicted. It is about the doctor trying to cure his wife who currently lies about eighty percent paralysed lying in a bed of pink goo due to his scientific negligence.
I am not sure when this is based. I do analyse a slight science fiction vibe but, it could be modern days if certain chemical factors and mechanical miscalculations had led to such an outbreak. I can honestly say, and this is greatly acclaimed by me, that this short but highly enthralling story is unlike anything I have ever read before.
It is essentially a character study about Malcolm and Cynthiana who desperately love each other despite however adverse the situation is in which they are frequenting. Malcolm is truly loyal and obviously highly intelligent. He spends his time trying to cure his partner's paralysis with artificial limbs and eventually he creates a sympathetic being that his wife's mind can amazingly control even though she lies permanently immobile. There are many touching scenes when after, say eighteen months of Malcolm caring for her, Cynthiana - or Synthia are able to enjoy each other as lovers more than they ever imagined would be possible again.
It is a really touching book analysing the power of love, the possibilities of science and the unknown capabilities of our unconscious. The ending is ultimately thrilling and like other reviews have said, it leaves us gagging for me.
As a short novella, apart from the descriptions of feelings, relationships and science equipment - the majority of the remaining parts of the visual image we have to complete for ourselves such as the environment, the rooms in which the action takes place etc... That is fine by me, though.
The book is written in the 3rd person perspective. At the start of the novel, Malcolm's thoughts were presented in the 1st person which I thought was an unusual but really interesting touch so much that I noted it down on my review-pad. That was the only time that device was present throughout this story though. I noticed a couple of grammatical errors but nothing to take away from my overall enjoyment of this intriguing and engaging novella.
The author is kindly giving away this Novella for free to people who sign up to his twitter account. Reading this is a great way to spend an hour or two of your time. I recommend that you pick it up right now. I will 100% sign up for the author's full lengths as I can review that as a great story teller he has a lot to present that couldn't be truly organically presented by him in such a short story.
James. www.youandibooks.wordpress.com
August 15, 2016
Okay, I'm gonna be honest and say that I hated it! But only because I wanted more. :) I really did enjoy reading it and kept telling myself, "I'll put it down at the end of this chapter to do laundry." But then I didn't because I just wanted to know what happened next! I wish it was longer. I want to get to know the characters even more and I want to know what happens next. And I want more details about what happened before and during the Scald. Maybe someday it'll be a long story instead of a short one.
October 29, 2019
"I'm not her, you know!" her voice rang with desperation. "And yet, I am her."
- Nicholas Adams, Imprint
Imprint is the first book that I have read by Nicholas Adams.
I have liked the theme of the Artificial Intelligence taking the control over the humankind. I have liked the way the author has presented the theme in this book.
I have liked the unconditional love between Cynthiana and Malcolm. Cynthiana forgives her husband for her present condition and Malcolm does not tire of taking care of his bedridden wife.
The author has given detailed descriptions of Cynthiana's medical conditions and Malcolm's invention of "Synthetique Interface Anthropomorphique", a synthetic replica of Cynthiana.
I have not expected the way the book ends. The ending of the book raises the question whether Cynthiana has been unconsciously controlling Synthia.
The readers of Science Fiction, Thriller and Suspense novels will like this book.
- Nicholas Adams, Imprint
Imprint is the first book that I have read by Nicholas Adams.
I have liked the theme of the Artificial Intelligence taking the control over the humankind. I have liked the way the author has presented the theme in this book.
I have liked the unconditional love between Cynthiana and Malcolm. Cynthiana forgives her husband for her present condition and Malcolm does not tire of taking care of his bedridden wife.
The author has given detailed descriptions of Cynthiana's medical conditions and Malcolm's invention of "Synthetique Interface Anthropomorphique", a synthetic replica of Cynthiana.
I have not expected the way the book ends. The ending of the book raises the question whether Cynthiana has been unconsciously controlling Synthia.
The readers of Science Fiction, Thriller and Suspense novels will like this book.
March 23, 2017
I feel it may be cliche to say that if you like anything by Phillip K. Dick, then you will absolutely love this book. However, there are so many nods in the same direction of genius and forward thinking that it is quite impossible not to make the comparison. While the novella does read quickly, intriguingly, and enticingly, there is so much thought between the lines, that within the reader's mind, it aptly provides a huge amount of texture and introspection on the human condition, which goes well beyond the pages offered.
While there are profound statements regarding the synergy (or parasitism) of humans and technology, I found that there was also a much deeper core of the pure organics of thought and personality. The questions of who we truly are, consciously and otherwise, as well as how personality is defined and developed are also brought to light, in a manner that is engrossing. Curiosity becomes a key point to both the reader, and within the subject matter of this book.
Mr. Adams causes us to truly contemplate the meaning of life on the cognitive level, and this alone makes the book well worth reading. Further, the fluid storytelling also reminds us that, as with music, the rest, the pause, and that which is unsaid becomes as powerful as the words themselves.
No spoilers (to quote a movie line), but I do have to agree with reviewer Lauren, that I wanted more, and that is truly the only downside of the novella. But, Mr. Adams, my imagination will carry me, until we all find out what happens after that bunker door has closed.
I highly recommend this read.
While there are profound statements regarding the synergy (or parasitism) of humans and technology, I found that there was also a much deeper core of the pure organics of thought and personality. The questions of who we truly are, consciously and otherwise, as well as how personality is defined and developed are also brought to light, in a manner that is engrossing. Curiosity becomes a key point to both the reader, and within the subject matter of this book.
Mr. Adams causes us to truly contemplate the meaning of life on the cognitive level, and this alone makes the book well worth reading. Further, the fluid storytelling also reminds us that, as with music, the rest, the pause, and that which is unsaid becomes as powerful as the words themselves.
No spoilers (to quote a movie line), but I do have to agree with reviewer Lauren, that I wanted more, and that is truly the only downside of the novella. But, Mr. Adams, my imagination will carry me, until we all find out what happens after that bunker door has closed.
I highly recommend this read.
May 10, 2022
Will you "place" your "consciousness" in another mechanical body? I never have thought of this plot, although I kind of expected it, however, it had a thrilling conclusion!
5/5 Chev's picks
Recommended for: sci-fi fans!
--------
Like my post to be mentioned ;) (and get a shoutout if you follow my bookstagram, wattpad and pinterest
I am usually found here: https://beacons.ai/chevreads
Find me on:
Instagram: @chevreads
Wattpad: @writerthursday
Pinterest: @thursdayfrappe
Youtube: @chevreads
P.S. Add me as a friend :) I like to read romance novels and mystery stories
5/5 Chev's picks
Recommended for: sci-fi fans!
--------
Like my post to be mentioned ;) (and get a shoutout if you follow my bookstagram, wattpad and pinterest
I am usually found here: https://beacons.ai/chevreads
Find me on:
Instagram: @chevreads
Wattpad: @writerthursday
Pinterest: @thursdayfrappe
Youtube: @chevreads
P.S. Add me as a friend :) I like to read romance novels and mystery stories
July 12, 2016
I really loved this amazing short story by Nicholas Adams. I was asked to Beta Read it by the author.
Imprint is a brilliant story about what it means to mankind if/when we actually make the leap to living vicariously through a synthetic host body.
I'm not going to give away any spoilers, other than I did not see the end coming.
Imprint is a brilliant story about what it means to mankind if/when we actually make the leap to living vicariously through a synthetic host body.
I'm not going to give away any spoilers, other than I did not see the end coming.
October 4, 2018
Quite the concept here. The story makes me wonder what could really be possible in the future. Very imaginative situation among the characters. If you like future circumstances, you should read this. The last line is my favorite.
November 24, 2016
Intense! Interesting. Entertaining. Takes you on a different path than you originally think you're headed. Great epilogue!!
November 11, 2019
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The love story spun between Malcolm and Cynthiana is well written. I also enjoyed the uniqueness of Synthia and sympathized with her need to be her own person. It became eerie toward the end as Cynthiana realized Synthia was taking control at some points and I loved the fear it caused right up until the climax. I felt the ending couldn't have been different and still leave as much impact.
The only reason I give 4 instead of 5 stars is I feel a few important questions were left unanswered, such as with the warden in the beginning. He was mentioned with a heavy threat, and then never brought up again. I know the story was meant to focus on the two lovers, but I would like to know how that resolved.
Being a novella, the book was an easy read and a nice break from the longer books I was reading at the time. Congrats to the author for writing a compelling story!
The love story spun between Malcolm and Cynthiana is well written. I also enjoyed the uniqueness of Synthia and sympathized with her need to be her own person. It became eerie toward the end as Cynthiana realized Synthia was taking control at some points and I loved the fear it caused right up until the climax. I felt the ending couldn't have been different and still leave as much impact.
The only reason I give 4 instead of 5 stars is I feel a few important questions were left unanswered, such as with the warden in the beginning. He was mentioned with a heavy threat, and then never brought up again. I know the story was meant to focus on the two lovers, but I would like to know how that resolved.
Being a novella, the book was an easy read and a nice break from the longer books I was reading at the time. Congrats to the author for writing a compelling story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2018
“Imprint” by Nicholas Adams is an excellent Sci-Fi novella, engaging readers in a well-crafted story that makes them think.
Doctor Malcolm Silvestra’s Synthetic Organ Replacement technique saved the lives of thousands of people. But his happiness and glory as a savior were short-lived when “The Scald”, a new and unknown condition, deformed and killed millions more.
Malcolm is threatened with execution unless he finds a cure for the Scald. He is imprisoned above the Arctic Circle in the Canadian Northwest Territories where he continues his studies and experiments aiming to find a cure to save not only humanity but more importantly, his wife Cynthiana. Will his mind come up with the right solution or will he fail and have to watch her die?
Although the novella is written in the Sci-Fi genre, this could have been a real story – a story about love, about the choices we make, about the consequences of our actions and the risk of bringing into the world the next Frankenstein.
“Less is more” is a principle which underlies author Nicholas Adams’ writing. Everything in “Imprint” is just of the right length and amount. No unnecessary information, no redundant words, nothing that would make the reader think “Why am I given this piece of information here?”
I very much liked the writing style of Nicholas Adams and the ease with which he paints a world that does not exist.
A special and very thought-provoking read! I am happy to have encountered this author and am very much looking forward to reading more of Mr. Adams’ works!
Doctor Malcolm Silvestra’s Synthetic Organ Replacement technique saved the lives of thousands of people. But his happiness and glory as a savior were short-lived when “The Scald”, a new and unknown condition, deformed and killed millions more.
Malcolm is threatened with execution unless he finds a cure for the Scald. He is imprisoned above the Arctic Circle in the Canadian Northwest Territories where he continues his studies and experiments aiming to find a cure to save not only humanity but more importantly, his wife Cynthiana. Will his mind come up with the right solution or will he fail and have to watch her die?
Although the novella is written in the Sci-Fi genre, this could have been a real story – a story about love, about the choices we make, about the consequences of our actions and the risk of bringing into the world the next Frankenstein.
“Less is more” is a principle which underlies author Nicholas Adams’ writing. Everything in “Imprint” is just of the right length and amount. No unnecessary information, no redundant words, nothing that would make the reader think “Why am I given this piece of information here?”
I very much liked the writing style of Nicholas Adams and the ease with which he paints a world that does not exist.
A special and very thought-provoking read! I am happy to have encountered this author and am very much looking forward to reading more of Mr. Adams’ works!
April 20, 2017
This book was really amazing. Everything from the setting to the characters were great. The author was very descriptive so it was easy to see the world he created in this book. The characters were very well-fleshed out, especially the main character, Malcolm. I was very caught up in the plot. Malcolm is trying to find the cure for the Scald and cure his paralyzed wife at the same time while he's exiled. The pace was just perfect. This is a well-written book and I just couldn't get enough of it. This is a must-read.
January 7, 2018
I really enjoyed Imprint, I thought it was a neat take on the mass plague dilemma as well as the sort of AI story. It was a quick read which, I always love the feeling of reading a book in one sitting, was great. And, in the best way possible, I think this novella was the perfect length to tell this story. It was long enough for a sort of mystery and stakes to develop properly, but short enough so that it got to all interesting parts pretty quickly. Honestly, I think if it had been any longer it would have seemed to drag on, even if the whole thing would have been less than 200 pages.
August 20, 2016
Disclaimer Won in Goodreads Giveaway. Less than 2 hours invested in reading a book that did not have any initial background development nor explored deep enough character development. However it is short enough to be a guide to authors that have never written a book on what not to do - hence one reason why I did not give it 1 star. The epilogue question posed is the only other reason why not give 1 star.
August 22, 2016
This was a Goodreads Giveaway win for me and a quick read. It was a good book but too short! I would've like to have more information about how Malcolm came to create his synthetic organs and what happened during the scald. I'm hoping there will be a follow up novel that delves deeper into the story and I want to know what happens afterwards! The question posed at the end does make for some intriguing thoughts.
December 16, 2017
I love reading a book that when you finish the first page you are thinking; “ohhh this is good” then finish the first chapter and say; yep, I’m hooked! I really love when a book does that to me because it tells me I’m going to really enjoy the story. This is such an interesting story and although short, it really gets everything done. That ending was really something!
Well written, great story line and will definitely recommend this book if you want an awesome quick read.
Well written, great story line and will definitely recommend this book if you want an awesome quick read.
July 31, 2016
I typically don't choose storied under 100 pages, for the same reason I don't ever run less then 3 miles. It seems like a lot of effort to get into something that is going to end so quickly. This story was definitely worth it. Did not disappoint! Very engaging. This book was very well written, interesting, and clever. Thoroughly enjoyed!
April 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It had a creative premise - always a plus for me. There was just enough explanation of the science to make it believable without getting too far into the science weeds. There isn't much I can write without giving spoilers and I don't like writing spoiler reviews. So, let me just say I would like to read more by this author and I'm glad I gave "Imprint" a chance.
October 12, 2016
This was....different. But an amazing read! I'd like to thank the author for letting me have this book to review. I loved this! Super intense story about the struggles a man goes through to save his wife.
January 30, 2020
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
In his science fiction novella, “Imprint”, Nicholas P. Adams presents us with a provocative, cautionary tale, which also serves as a poignant love story. The protagonist Malcolm is a visionary scientist whose breakthrough of synthetic organs to treat life-threatening illnesses results in a plague that threatens to wipe out the entire human population. Exiled to the Arctic, Malcolm works desperately save the world, but there are personal stakes as well as his wife Cynthiana has also fallen victim to the dreaded disease.
Since Malcolm is isolated from the rest of the population, the claustrophobic setting serves the tale well, as being alone with his ailing wife adds to his urgency to find a cure. Eventually a promising solution arises, but as so often happens in the science fiction world, it brings a series of complications that could be worse than the disease itself.
Adams’ story is less than one hundred pages long but it takes the reader through a variety of emotions before landing on a startling climax with a thought-provoking resolution. As an author, his style immediately grabs and holds the reader’s attention, which makes “Imprint” a relatively quick read. And since it is essentially a two-character, one-setting story, its length is right where it needs to be, leaving a lasting impression and a final question that will have the reader reflecting well after it’s over.
In his science fiction novella, “Imprint”, Nicholas P. Adams presents us with a provocative, cautionary tale, which also serves as a poignant love story. The protagonist Malcolm is a visionary scientist whose breakthrough of synthetic organs to treat life-threatening illnesses results in a plague that threatens to wipe out the entire human population. Exiled to the Arctic, Malcolm works desperately save the world, but there are personal stakes as well as his wife Cynthiana has also fallen victim to the dreaded disease.
Since Malcolm is isolated from the rest of the population, the claustrophobic setting serves the tale well, as being alone with his ailing wife adds to his urgency to find a cure. Eventually a promising solution arises, but as so often happens in the science fiction world, it brings a series of complications that could be worse than the disease itself.
Adams’ story is less than one hundred pages long but it takes the reader through a variety of emotions before landing on a startling climax with a thought-provoking resolution. As an author, his style immediately grabs and holds the reader’s attention, which makes “Imprint” a relatively quick read. And since it is essentially a two-character, one-setting story, its length is right where it needs to be, leaving a lasting impression and a final question that will have the reader reflecting well after it’s over.
August 4, 2022
I loved this book.
I received it as a free book for signing up to his newsletter
Really good story concept and a pleasure to read.
I received it as a free book for signing up to his newsletter
Really good story concept and a pleasure to read.
December 12, 2017
**OBTAINED: Goodreads Giveaway**
Imprint was a fun, well-crafted, thought-provoking read, however short it was. Personally, I find that more often than not, short books are lacking in detail and eloquence. I did not feel that way with this book, however. It was very descriptive, highly imaginative, and overall exceptionally written. I really enjoyed this story and the concept it presented to me as a reader, as well as the author's personal writing style. I would especially enjoy reading other stories further concerning the world portrayed here. My second qualm, if it can be called such, is that when reading entertaining or well-written short stories is that I would usually be thrilled to read more and most of the time there isn't any more. In this case, I find that to be true and am unaware if any other further installments are in the making/writing. Hopefully so. I would also be interested in reading a full (expanded) length novel of Imprint, as well.
The plot concerns an exiled doctor/scientist, Dr. Malcolm Silvestra and his devoted, yet invalid wife, Cynthiana, as he struggles desperately to right his past wrongs that inadvertently caused massive amounts of suffering and death worldwide, before his temporary state of exile becomes an official execution sentence. It was a fascinating notion, and for how many few pages there were, I was surprised with how engaging the book actually was. I also thought the characters, although very few in number, to be both believable and likable. For a short book, it was wonderfully executed and well worth the read, in my humble opinion. I would love to read other works by this author and will keep an eye out for future novels.
My only real criticism with the novel Imprint, to my shame, was probably more with the cover art than with the book itself. (I usually refrain from making comments on cover art, and certainly would not judge a book by its cover, though I felt this one did not do the story adequate justice.) Anyways, if you're looking for a short read in the vein of science fiction, then I strongly recommend. This is a Good-Read!
[OFFICIAL RATING: 4.8 STARS]
[NOTE: The Author was kind enough to sign my edition. Many thanks!]
[UPDATE: The new cover looks great!]
Imprint was a fun, well-crafted, thought-provoking read, however short it was. Personally, I find that more often than not, short books are lacking in detail and eloquence. I did not feel that way with this book, however. It was very descriptive, highly imaginative, and overall exceptionally written. I really enjoyed this story and the concept it presented to me as a reader, as well as the author's personal writing style. I would especially enjoy reading other stories further concerning the world portrayed here. My second qualm, if it can be called such, is that when reading entertaining or well-written short stories is that I would usually be thrilled to read more and most of the time there isn't any more. In this case, I find that to be true and am unaware if any other further installments are in the making/writing. Hopefully so. I would also be interested in reading a full (expanded) length novel of Imprint, as well.
The plot concerns an exiled doctor/scientist, Dr. Malcolm Silvestra and his devoted, yet invalid wife, Cynthiana, as he struggles desperately to right his past wrongs that inadvertently caused massive amounts of suffering and death worldwide, before his temporary state of exile becomes an official execution sentence. It was a fascinating notion, and for how many few pages there were, I was surprised with how engaging the book actually was. I also thought the characters, although very few in number, to be both believable and likable. For a short book, it was wonderfully executed and well worth the read, in my humble opinion. I would love to read other works by this author and will keep an eye out for future novels.
My only real criticism with the novel Imprint, to my shame, was probably more with the cover art than with the book itself. (I usually refrain from making comments on cover art, and certainly would not judge a book by its cover, though I felt this one did not do the story adequate justice.) Anyways, if you're looking for a short read in the vein of science fiction, then I strongly recommend. This is a Good-Read!
[OFFICIAL RATING: 4.8 STARS]
[NOTE: The Author was kind enough to sign my edition. Many thanks!]
[UPDATE: The new cover looks great!]
July 8, 2021
This was a 4.5 star, but I rounded up!
Imprint by Nicholas Adams is a sci-fi novella about a husband, Malcom, and a wife, Cynthiana, seeking a way to bring mobility back to Cynthiana’s body.
Cynthiana suffered a terrible paralysis from “The Scald.” There were no hopes of her ever walking again—that is until Malcom found a way. Using both dedication to help his wife and his knowledge of science, he created a synthetic human, which Cynthiana could use as a means to move around.
I really liked the symbolism that played within this story. For instance, the synthetic version of Cynthiana is first tethered to a machine, similar to an umbilical cord. As Cynthiana becomes more comfortable with movement and desires to move more than what the umbilical cord has to offer, they disconnect it. She becomes confident and learns to live within this new entity, but it comes at a price.
There are a lot of elements to this story and Adams is a very talented writer. My biggest critique is how fast-paced it feels. There’s so much to unpack regarding “The Scald,” and we seem to speed over that to get to Malcolm and Cynthiana, which I get, but I would have loved to understand more. But man oh man, that ending was intense!
Here are my favorite quotes:
"The hand folded as if caressing an invisible piece of silk."
"Like a toddler in a crib, the limited area fast became a jail cell."
This is a great, quick read, and well worth your time!
*I received this copy for an honest review
Imprint by Nicholas Adams is a sci-fi novella about a husband, Malcom, and a wife, Cynthiana, seeking a way to bring mobility back to Cynthiana’s body.
Cynthiana suffered a terrible paralysis from “The Scald.” There were no hopes of her ever walking again—that is until Malcom found a way. Using both dedication to help his wife and his knowledge of science, he created a synthetic human, which Cynthiana could use as a means to move around.
I really liked the symbolism that played within this story. For instance, the synthetic version of Cynthiana is first tethered to a machine, similar to an umbilical cord. As Cynthiana becomes more comfortable with movement and desires to move more than what the umbilical cord has to offer, they disconnect it. She becomes confident and learns to live within this new entity, but it comes at a price.
There are a lot of elements to this story and Adams is a very talented writer. My biggest critique is how fast-paced it feels. There’s so much to unpack regarding “The Scald,” and we seem to speed over that to get to Malcolm and Cynthiana, which I get, but I would have loved to understand more. But man oh man, that ending was intense!
Here are my favorite quotes:
"The hand folded as if caressing an invisible piece of silk."
"Like a toddler in a crib, the limited area fast became a jail cell."
This is a great, quick read, and well worth your time!
*I received this copy for an honest review
August 24, 2016
The idea of the book has great promise, I wish you luck in the future.
February 1, 2022
If you liked Ex Machina, you will like this.
Overview: (spoiler alert)
Imprint follows Malcolm as he tries to find a solution for a debilitating and life-threatening side-effect of the synthetic organs he designed. His wife is the last remaining test subject in a world that destroyed itself thinking “The Scald” was a plague. The Scald is the term for the burns which appear sometime after a synthetic organ transplant has occurred. Good intentions aren’t always enough.
Limited to a bed of gel to support her fragile, disintegrating body, Malcom’s wife, Cynthiana, can no longer participate in daily activities. After being given a week to find a cure for his fatal mistake, at the Warden’s threat of execution, Malcolm attempts to build Cynthiana a new body through which she can wirelessly transmit conscious action and, in a manner, live again.
But the created anthropomorphic being begins to act of its own accord while Cynthiana isn’t conscious. Malcolm studies his wife’s neural activity, attempting to find a connection between the waking sessions and odd behaviors of “Synthia.” It isn’t until he and Synthia are alone that he uncovers the imprinting of personality, interests, behaviors, etc of his wife within the constructed AI. What Synthia does after is unexpected and unpredictable.
This is an easy, short read (novella). I had no trouble following the storyline. I enjoyed the addition of the Canadian French in Malcolm’s wife’s dialogue. Learning a little something while reading for pleasure is a great two-for-one deal. Speaking of pleasure, there are a few steamy scenes, though nothing described in raw detail—a perfect mix.
Definitely cyberpunk/biopunk dystopian fiction. The world in which the story takes place is limited to Malcolm’s residence, specifically his lab, focusing on details of his biomechanical creations. Synthia’s new body is described in wonderful detail, including how she perceives the environment, and him.
Malcolm loves his wife dearly. She is a delight: still actively engaged despite her failing body, reading romances, always attentive to what’s going on when she’s awake. I would fully expect, in any other situation, for her to moan and cry and hate everything because of her state. She strikes me as the strongest of the characters.
The ending, the imprint, is a surprise that couldn’t make more sense. It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but I won’t give it away. It evoked some strong feels for Malcolm. Anyone that’s had a spouse with a mysterious illness can probably relate. Their bond is obvious, his dedication to her unmovable. I have missed reading about characters with morals, respect, and true love. …And a future hanging wide-open before me.
Personal thoughts:
Only two things mildly bothered me: glazing over the week Malcolm originally had to find a solution or face execution with the mention of three weeks later he’s working on the synth body, and the fact Cythiana’s neural expertise didn’t come into play. I expected the Synthia to start working on a project of her own because of that detail in Cythiana’s opening credits. Maybe she’ll find a solution to download her actual consciousness into the body?! Yes? Please? And then the twist… Ha! Proves just how much I should not let my mind do this while reading. And honestly, the ending was a good one, true to life. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Overview: (spoiler alert)
Imprint follows Malcolm as he tries to find a solution for a debilitating and life-threatening side-effect of the synthetic organs he designed. His wife is the last remaining test subject in a world that destroyed itself thinking “The Scald” was a plague. The Scald is the term for the burns which appear sometime after a synthetic organ transplant has occurred. Good intentions aren’t always enough.
Limited to a bed of gel to support her fragile, disintegrating body, Malcom’s wife, Cynthiana, can no longer participate in daily activities. After being given a week to find a cure for his fatal mistake, at the Warden’s threat of execution, Malcolm attempts to build Cynthiana a new body through which she can wirelessly transmit conscious action and, in a manner, live again.
But the created anthropomorphic being begins to act of its own accord while Cynthiana isn’t conscious. Malcolm studies his wife’s neural activity, attempting to find a connection between the waking sessions and odd behaviors of “Synthia.” It isn’t until he and Synthia are alone that he uncovers the imprinting of personality, interests, behaviors, etc of his wife within the constructed AI. What Synthia does after is unexpected and unpredictable.
This is an easy, short read (novella). I had no trouble following the storyline. I enjoyed the addition of the Canadian French in Malcolm’s wife’s dialogue. Learning a little something while reading for pleasure is a great two-for-one deal. Speaking of pleasure, there are a few steamy scenes, though nothing described in raw detail—a perfect mix.
Definitely cyberpunk/biopunk dystopian fiction. The world in which the story takes place is limited to Malcolm’s residence, specifically his lab, focusing on details of his biomechanical creations. Synthia’s new body is described in wonderful detail, including how she perceives the environment, and him.
Malcolm loves his wife dearly. She is a delight: still actively engaged despite her failing body, reading romances, always attentive to what’s going on when she’s awake. I would fully expect, in any other situation, for her to moan and cry and hate everything because of her state. She strikes me as the strongest of the characters.
The ending, the imprint, is a surprise that couldn’t make more sense. It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but I won’t give it away. It evoked some strong feels for Malcolm. Anyone that’s had a spouse with a mysterious illness can probably relate. Their bond is obvious, his dedication to her unmovable. I have missed reading about characters with morals, respect, and true love. …And a future hanging wide-open before me.
Personal thoughts:
Only two things mildly bothered me: glazing over the week Malcolm originally had to find a solution or face execution with the mention of three weeks later he’s working on the synth body, and the fact Cythiana’s neural expertise didn’t come into play. I expected the Synthia to start working on a project of her own because of that detail in Cythiana’s opening credits. Maybe she’ll find a solution to download her actual consciousness into the body?! Yes? Please? And then the twist… Ha! Proves just how much I should not let my mind do this while reading. And honestly, the ending was a good one, true to life. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
September 19, 2022
Stunning. That is the first word that comes to me after finishing this story. In 110 pages Nicholas Adams gives you Sci Fi, horror and romance. He leaves terrifying questions about our future with AI and I loved it. There are a couple of questions from the beginning that don't get answered and yet it doesn't matter. What we have is a story that grips you and doesn't let go. I will definitely be looking for more of Mr. Adams books.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews