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princessleopard's review against another edition
3.0
Preface: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This one is difficult to review, mostly because it's so unique and confusing. Most of it takes place within the main character's head after he suffers a traumatic brain injury. He is told several aliens need his help in defeating the darkness that is attempting to destroy them. Adam then meets every alien in turn and attempts to collect their sparks. Only be uniting all 6 sparks can the aliens be healed.
A simple enough premise (if out there), but the execution is where it falters. The story operates on a peculiar sort of dream logic that has no real rhyme, reason, or progression to it. Things just sort of happen because they happen. Adam is supposedly growing throughout the story, but he honestly seems exactly the same after every trial, and even up through the end. The other aliens have little to no presence and only a handful of lines each (aside from the Optimist, who is great). Adam is continually injured and even suffers what should be life-ending injuries throughout the story, but because it's all in his head, he just kinda powers through over and over.
That last point is another thing that makes this story confusing - I have no idea who the audience for this is supposed to be. Adam is 13 years old, and the plot running on "imagination" being the ultimate power seems to indicate the story is intended for a younger audience. However, there is a looot of brutality and gore in this book. Adam suffers tons of injuries, and sees all sorts of horrible visions. At one point a baby bites the moldy nipple off his deceased mother (it...doesn't really make sense even in context). It would be wildly inappropriate for a young person to read, but there's so much kiddy stuff in it too that I don't think most adults would be interested. It's very strange.
The ultimate conflict resolution is also fairly unsatisfying. Imagination being a big theme usually goes hand-in-hand with love conquering evil, so I sort of expected Adam to overcome the villain by accepting it as a darker part of his nature - after all, it's a piece of him. It ends up being a lot more blunt and violent, which is especially jarring considering what happens to the bully character at the end. It really just ends up clouding the theme/audience of this book even further.
The book does have some good points. The parent characters are fleshed-out and sympathetic. You feel genuine worry for Adam, as he could end up being basically a vegetable for the rest of his life even if he succeeds in his quest. The story never gets written off as it all being in his head and thus inconsequential. Most importantly, as I mentioned earlier, the Optimist is easily the most interesting/likable of the aliens, and he does say some genuinely deep, thought-provoking things throughout. There's a lot of philosophic, cerebral ideas throughout the story - nothing too original, but still enough to make you think, especially if you haven't read a lot of sci-fi previously. This would again make you think it's intended for younger readers, but....
Overall, I had very mixed feelings about this book. I don't know who it's intended for. I'm not really sure what the message is. But I'm happy for Adam at the end, and I guess that's the point. I can't honestly say whether I recommend this or not - I suppose if the synopsis hooks you, you might be the sort of person this is intended for. If it sounds like a mess, you might want to steer clear.
This one is difficult to review, mostly because it's so unique and confusing. Most of it takes place within the main character's head after he suffers a traumatic brain injury. He is told several aliens need his help in defeating the darkness that is attempting to destroy them. Adam then meets every alien in turn and attempts to collect their sparks. Only be uniting all 6 sparks can the aliens be healed.
A simple enough premise (if out there), but the execution is where it falters. The story operates on a peculiar sort of dream logic that has no real rhyme, reason, or progression to it. Things just sort of happen because they happen. Adam is supposedly growing throughout the story, but he honestly seems exactly the same after every trial, and even up through the end. The other aliens have little to no presence and only a handful of lines each (aside from the Optimist, who is great). Adam is continually injured and even suffers what should be life-ending injuries throughout the story, but because it's all in his head, he just kinda powers through over and over.
That last point is another thing that makes this story confusing - I have no idea who the audience for this is supposed to be. Adam is 13 years old, and the plot running on "imagination" being the ultimate power seems to indicate the story is intended for a younger audience. However, there is a looot of brutality and gore in this book. Adam suffers tons of injuries, and sees all sorts of horrible visions. At one point a baby bites the moldy nipple off his deceased mother (it...doesn't really make sense even in context). It would be wildly inappropriate for a young person to read, but there's so much kiddy stuff in it too that I don't think most adults would be interested. It's very strange.
The ultimate conflict resolution is also fairly unsatisfying. Imagination being a big theme usually goes hand-in-hand with love conquering evil, so I sort of expected Adam to overcome the villain by accepting it as a darker part of his nature - after all, it's a piece of him. It ends up being a lot more blunt and violent, which is especially jarring considering what happens to the bully character at the end. It really just ends up clouding the theme/audience of this book even further.
The book does have some good points. The parent characters are fleshed-out and sympathetic. You feel genuine worry for Adam, as he could end up being basically a vegetable for the rest of his life even if he succeeds in his quest. The story never gets written off as it all being in his head and thus inconsequential. Most importantly, as I mentioned earlier, the Optimist is easily the most interesting/likable of the aliens, and he does say some genuinely deep, thought-provoking things throughout. There's a lot of philosophic, cerebral ideas throughout the story - nothing too original, but still enough to make you think, especially if you haven't read a lot of sci-fi previously. This would again make you think it's intended for younger readers, but....
Overall, I had very mixed feelings about this book. I don't know who it's intended for. I'm not really sure what the message is. But I'm happy for Adam at the end, and I guess that's the point. I can't honestly say whether I recommend this or not - I suppose if the synopsis hooks you, you might be the sort of person this is intended for. If it sounds like a mess, you might want to steer clear.
whatsjennareading's review against another edition
4.0
Adam Helios (which is just the coolest name ever if we’re being honest) is reserved and quiet, he has better relationships with the characters in his comic books than he does with his real life peers, and it seems like all his parents do is fight. As if those things weren’t bad enough for a kid in junior high, now he’s hearing a strange voice in his head that claims to be from the stars. On the way home from a visit to the principal’s office, where he’s sent after a run in with a bully, Adam and his family are involved in a terrible car accident. Adam suffers a traumatic brain injury, and that’s where the real action begins.
While laying on an operating table, brain matter spilling out of his head, Adam’s consciousness is taken over by the alien voice that has been talking to him. He follows a bright light and finally meets the being behind the voice, now to be known as The Consciousness, who explains that a dark and evil force has stolen something from them, and without Adam’s help, they’ll all be destroyed. Adam ultimately agrees to help, despite feeling terrified and incredibly unqualified to assist with such a gargantuan and foreign task.
Up until this point, I was completely sucked in. Conley really is a phenomenal writer, and has a way of engaging the reader from page one with relatable characters and realistic world building. That being said, I felt like this part of the plot could have really benefited from some more fleshing out. The quest Adam goes on felt very much like the search to find an destroy all of the horcruxes in the final Harry Potter book. In the case of Harry Potter however, readers get 6 books leading up to the finale, each providing context and motivation regarding the criticality of the task at hand. Everything happens so quickly after Adam’s accident that I had a hard time understanding not only why he agreed to help the aliens, but why it mattered if he was successful. And I do not mean that this is a plot hole, because everything is explained, but I found it hard to believe.
I also had a hard time determining who the intended audience for this book is. Adam is thirteen, so it makes sense that his observations are very juvenile in nature. However, the book itself has very adult imagery and deals with adult themes in an adult way. The juxtaposition of Adam’s immature inner monologue set against such gruesome descriptions was jarring and brought me out of the story.
One of my favorite aspects of Intraterrestrial was the dueling narratives of Adam and his mother, Camille. She has walked away from the accident with very minor injuries, but as the driver, has been left with immense guilt as she finds herself facing the possible deaths of both her husband and son. While Adam’s consciousness is away having an imaginative interstellar adventure, Camille is being pulled between the two, unsure of what will happen with either of them. Just like in Pale Highway, Conley’s gift for writing humanity shines in these chapters. I enjoyed the whole book, but found myself looking forward to the chapters written from Camille’s perspective.
After a crazy, at times terrifying, action packed, and heartfelt ride, Intraterrestrial comes to an exciting and satisfying conclusion, and I’m still thinking about these characters days after finishing. Overall, I would highly recommend this one for fans of science fiction. Conley’s style will appeal to anyone who appreciates good writing, but much of the plot is too fantastical for readers who normally stick to general fiction. I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I’m beyond grateful to have had a second chance to read and review Conley’s work. His books are so thought provoking and creative and he’s a genuinely nice guy.
While laying on an operating table, brain matter spilling out of his head, Adam’s consciousness is taken over by the alien voice that has been talking to him. He follows a bright light and finally meets the being behind the voice, now to be known as The Consciousness, who explains that a dark and evil force has stolen something from them, and without Adam’s help, they’ll all be destroyed. Adam ultimately agrees to help, despite feeling terrified and incredibly unqualified to assist with such a gargantuan and foreign task.
Up until this point, I was completely sucked in. Conley really is a phenomenal writer, and has a way of engaging the reader from page one with relatable characters and realistic world building. That being said, I felt like this part of the plot could have really benefited from some more fleshing out. The quest Adam goes on felt very much like the search to find an destroy all of the horcruxes in the final Harry Potter book. In the case of Harry Potter however, readers get 6 books leading up to the finale, each providing context and motivation regarding the criticality of the task at hand. Everything happens so quickly after Adam’s accident that I had a hard time understanding not only why he agreed to help the aliens, but why it mattered if he was successful. And I do not mean that this is a plot hole, because everything is explained, but I found it hard to believe.
I also had a hard time determining who the intended audience for this book is. Adam is thirteen, so it makes sense that his observations are very juvenile in nature. However, the book itself has very adult imagery and deals with adult themes in an adult way. The juxtaposition of Adam’s immature inner monologue set against such gruesome descriptions was jarring and brought me out of the story.
One of my favorite aspects of Intraterrestrial was the dueling narratives of Adam and his mother, Camille. She has walked away from the accident with very minor injuries, but as the driver, has been left with immense guilt as she finds herself facing the possible deaths of both her husband and son. While Adam’s consciousness is away having an imaginative interstellar adventure, Camille is being pulled between the two, unsure of what will happen with either of them. Just like in Pale Highway, Conley’s gift for writing humanity shines in these chapters. I enjoyed the whole book, but found myself looking forward to the chapters written from Camille’s perspective.
After a crazy, at times terrifying, action packed, and heartfelt ride, Intraterrestrial comes to an exciting and satisfying conclusion, and I’m still thinking about these characters days after finishing. Overall, I would highly recommend this one for fans of science fiction. Conley’s style will appeal to anyone who appreciates good writing, but much of the plot is too fantastical for readers who normally stick to general fiction. I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I’m beyond grateful to have had a second chance to read and review Conley’s work. His books are so thought provoking and creative and he’s a genuinely nice guy.
suleika's review
3.0
Ecopy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Although it is a very interesting story unfortunately it didn’t quite work for me. The biggest issue being the dialogue. The characters to me were not likable because of how they talked and communicated with others, for example Adam’s mom with her foul language and the way she talked to the principal of Adam’s school, no mom would do that. I am a mom so I understand some of it but it was not handled appropriately. Also the way she talked to the Dr wasn’t appropriate, no adult talks like that to another.
Also the story seemed for a very young audience but I wouldn’t actually give it to children to read because of the bad language used on the story. If the story is targeted to an adult audience then it needs to be changed a little to make it more interesting.
To be honest if the dialogue would get a bit polished the story would be great since the plot is quite interesting.
Although it is a very interesting story unfortunately it didn’t quite work for me. The biggest issue being the dialogue. The characters to me were not likable because of how they talked and communicated with others, for example Adam’s mom with her foul language and the way she talked to the principal of Adam’s school, no mom would do that. I am a mom so I understand some of it but it was not handled appropriately. Also the way she talked to the Dr wasn’t appropriate, no adult talks like that to another.
Also the story seemed for a very young audience but I wouldn’t actually give it to children to read because of the bad language used on the story. If the story is targeted to an adult audience then it needs to be changed a little to make it more interesting.
To be honest if the dialogue would get a bit polished the story would be great since the plot is quite interesting.
megbomb's review against another edition
4.0
Adam Helios is a super smart and awkward 13 year old boy. He's being bullied at school, his parents are always arguing, and he is dealing with being adopted and his feelings about that. When he and his parents are involved in a serious car accident in which Adam is not wearing his seat belt, he ends up in critical condition with a TBI. While his body is in a coma, his mind is on an amazing adventure through space with his new alien friends and enemies, learning how much he is truly capable of. These aliens teach him that life on Earth is all about perception and how we choose to respond to what we perceive.
I love books that make me think, and Intraterrestrial definitely did that. Conley's descriptions are beautiful and disgusting and perfect. I could see Adam's inner most landscape in detail as I journeyed alongside of him. For me, this felt like a deeply spiritual book in a way nothing I have read before has been. It connected the scientific and the innermost soul. Our lives are what we make of them. Courage is fear and fear is courageous.
I did have a few minor issues with continuity and things that just didn't make sense to me- but it is a sci-fi/surreal/speculative book so- whatever. I want to make readers aware that Adam's is a transracial adoption and that does play into his self esteem issues- but I think this could have probably been dealt with in a better way. It feels sort of like it's blown off. The problems all get worked out through his near death experience because everyone is just so thankful to be alive sort of thing.
This book deals with thoughts surrounding "being stuck in your body", unable to communicate or control your movement. It could be traumatic for anyone that has dealt with a loved one that experienced this type of situation. It talks about how the parents would not want their child to be in a nursing home for the rest of their lives and how Adam would not want to live that way. I think these are all very real concerns and fears but I also think that perhaps certain portions of the story could be considered ableist. I am able-bodied, so I don't feel that I can adequately review these types of things.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading this book, but I recognize that privilege plays a part in that. I think Conley is a very talented writer, and I look forward to checking out his other works.
I love books that make me think, and Intraterrestrial definitely did that. Conley's descriptions are beautiful and disgusting and perfect. I could see Adam's inner most landscape in detail as I journeyed alongside of him. For me, this felt like a deeply spiritual book in a way nothing I have read before has been. It connected the scientific and the innermost soul. Our lives are what we make of them. Courage is fear and fear is courageous.
I did have a few minor issues with continuity and things that just didn't make sense to me- but it is a sci-fi/surreal/speculative book so- whatever. I want to make readers aware that Adam's is a transracial adoption and that does play into his self esteem issues- but I think this could have probably been dealt with in a better way. It feels sort of like it's blown off. The problems all get worked out through his near death experience because everyone is just so thankful to be alive sort of thing.
This book deals with thoughts surrounding "being stuck in your body", unable to communicate or control your movement. It could be traumatic for anyone that has dealt with a loved one that experienced this type of situation. It talks about how the parents would not want their child to be in a nursing home for the rest of their lives and how Adam would not want to live that way. I think these are all very real concerns and fears but I also think that perhaps certain portions of the story could be considered ableist. I am able-bodied, so I don't feel that I can adequately review these types of things.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading this book, but I recognize that privilege plays a part in that. I think Conley is a very talented writer, and I look forward to checking out his other works.
avoraciousreader68's review
4.0
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Thirteen-year-old Adam Helios has been the object of bullies his whole life. Lately he’s been hearing a voice in his head, one he calls the Star Voice and it has given him the confidence to fight back. He beats the crap out of his nemesis, Joe Sanderson, and after his parents and Joe’s have a yelling conference with the principal, they drive home. Or attempt to. A horrific car accident puts Adam in a coma, severely injures his dad, and his mom, who was driving, walks away with only a few bumps and scratches. That’s when Adam’s journey with the Star Voice truly begins.
Wow. This is one trippy story. And quite creative. After Adam’s skull is cracked open in the car accident, the Star Voice takes Adam’s consciousness to space (?) and there Adam must decide whether he wants to help his new friends fight against a crippling illness wrought by the Destroyer or just sink back to his badly damaged body and leave them to die. Of course Adam decides to help and off he goes across the galaxy on an adventure like none other. The story is told from both Adam’s and his mother’s POV, so you get the fanciful action of Adam and the practical and heart wrenching decisions of his parent who has no idea her son’s essence is out there in space on a quest to save some alien beings. By the end, you wonder, was all of this real? Or did Adam imagine it all? I think the author lets the reader decide.
Thirteen-year-old Adam Helios has been the object of bullies his whole life. Lately he’s been hearing a voice in his head, one he calls the Star Voice and it has given him the confidence to fight back. He beats the crap out of his nemesis, Joe Sanderson, and after his parents and Joe’s have a yelling conference with the principal, they drive home. Or attempt to. A horrific car accident puts Adam in a coma, severely injures his dad, and his mom, who was driving, walks away with only a few bumps and scratches. That’s when Adam’s journey with the Star Voice truly begins.
Wow. This is one trippy story. And quite creative. After Adam’s skull is cracked open in the car accident, the Star Voice takes Adam’s consciousness to space (?) and there Adam must decide whether he wants to help his new friends fight against a crippling illness wrought by the Destroyer or just sink back to his badly damaged body and leave them to die. Of course Adam decides to help and off he goes across the galaxy on an adventure like none other. The story is told from both Adam’s and his mother’s POV, so you get the fanciful action of Adam and the practical and heart wrenching decisions of his parent who has no idea her son’s essence is out there in space on a quest to save some alien beings. By the end, you wonder, was all of this real? Or did Adam imagine it all? I think the author lets the reader decide.
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