MILF fantasies and mental health

[Drakka Reader]

I cannot see it as part of the plot. It simply seems too randomly placed and there were plenty of ways to paint him as a "darker" character without introducing this complex of his. I might even say if the author absolutely had to include this aspect, it could be introduced later to show how bad his mind is. The way it is, right at the beginning, it does feel like the author just wanted to shock readers.

[Laura Lee]

I cannot see it as part of the plot. It simply seems too randomly placed and there were plenty of ways to paint him as a "darker" character without introducing this complex of his. I might even say if the author absolutely had to include this aspect, it could be introduced later to show how bad his mind is. The way it is, right at the beginning, it does feel like the author just wanted to shock readers.

That's a good way to put it. Well said. I completely agree!

[supraja_prasad]

I am divided on the point. When I started off with the book, I was rather put off and understandably so seeing as I absolutely hated Freudian ideas like Oedipus and Electra complexes. It didn't help matters with Adam's fascination with Terry and the event that led to her demise. This made me feel that the author has taken up these ideas and projected them in after a fashion in an attempt to glorify the darker side of Adam.
But as the story progressed, we come to know about genetic quirks and learn that the serum is the culprit. Also, it does not help that Adam latches on to Clary and ends up feeling conflicted only later about the way he obsessed over his mother does not help. And what's more, JoAnn sort of hints that she felt very similar emotions despite being uncomfortable about it. This begs the question, can we blame genetics and pass off anything?

[Howlan]

I think this was part of Adam not understanding who he was and why he would be attracted to his mom. This added to the readers' first impression of Adam as being a dark, moody, and a possibly evil guy, though he fought his feelings. I was glad when Adam found out who his mom was and why he had been attracted to her.

I just finished reading this book and I am new to this site. I have to admit that I was put off by this part of the story at first too, especially because it was just right away and I feel inappropriate for any age group younger than young adult, at all. So much so that had I not been reading this book for this purpose, I probably would have put it down. Particularly when it progressed to the actual deviant behavior coming to the forefront. Having said that, I stuck with the book, obviously, and when the concept of these mutated DNA reacting in such an attracting way so as to bind them together, for lack of a better term, it really did make sense to me. Being a teenager with those type of hormones blooming would, I imagine, make that strong attraction confused for another. Also, it is very normal, even without the mental health issue of "Oedipus complex", for children to try to understand sexual feelings and impulses by observing their parents sexual behavior whether passive or overt. And I would imagine that most authors, and a large part of the general reading audience, are already aware of the concept, and possibly the story it came from, of the Oedipus complex.
All of this made sense to me in that it illustrated even further how the mutation evolved to caused them to seek out and recognize others with the same DNA mutation in order to stick together and keep their race alive. I don't know how the author could have gone about it differently because it is not supposed to be an ordinary strong bond like a mother and child, but even more severe than that. And those elements in the beginning of the book highly illustrated the profound changes in Adam once all that was in his makeup was awakened. So, it was uncomfortable for me the way that part of the story line unfolded, but it made Adam's transformation more significant in the end. I still feel like there is a lot of potential for him to change even more, whether for good or evil I'm not sure.

A really great insight made by you. I also read the whole book and am halfway through the second. In terms of that I am not a great fan of Adam's character. Basically I understand there are many people who can relate somewhat to Adam but the main issue with him is he is plain stupid. He kidnaps a girl and is almost a reason for her death but he just nonchalantly throws it away like some used candy. He does not even feel guilt over it. Again, he is not a great influence to anyone.

[Laura Lee]

I am divided on the point. When I started off with the book, I was rather put off and understandably so seeing as I absolutely hated Freudian ideas like Oedipus and Electra complexes. It didn't help matters with Adam's fascination with Terry and the event that led to her demise. This made me feel that the author has taken up these ideas and projected them in after a fashion in an attempt to glorify the darker side of Adam.
But as the story progressed, we come to know about genetic quirks and learn that the serum is the culprit. Also, it does not help that Adam latches on to Clary and ends up feeling conflicted only later about the way he obsessed over his mother does not help. And what's more, JoAnn sort of hints that she felt very similar emotions despite being uncomfortable about it. This begs the question, can we blame genetics and pass off anything?

I appreciate your insightful comments. I think, for me personally, it is a cop-out to blame genetics. I just think that, whatever plot points were advanced by this, could have been achieved some other way. As it is, I don't even like Adam's character and won't be continuing the series.

[Howlan]

I am divided on the point. When I started off with the book, I was rather put off and understandably so seeing as I absolutely hated Freudian ideas like Oedipus and Electra complexes. It didn't help matters with Adam's fascination with Terry and the event that led to her demise. This made me feel that the author has taken up these ideas and projected them in after a fashion in an attempt to glorify the darker side of Adam.
But as the story progressed, we come to know about genetic quirks and learn that the serum is the culprit. Also, it does not help that Adam latches on to Clary and ends up feeling conflicted only later about the way he obsessed over his mother does not help. And what's more, JoAnn sort of hints that she felt very similar emotions despite being uncomfortable about it. This begs the question, can we blame genetics and pass off anything?

I appreciate your insightful comments. I think, for me personally, it is a cop-out to blame genetics. I just think that, whatever plot points were advanced by this, could have been achieved some other way. As it is, I don't even like Adam's character and won't be continuing the series.

Yes, I understand. Adam is a very difficult character.

[Laura Lee]

Yes, I understand. Adam is a very difficult character.

LOL That's such a great, understated way to say it! So, do you typically find yourself drawn to difficult characters? Just curious. For myself, if I'm going to let a character take up residency in my mind, I want to like them or admire them for some reason.

[Kelyn]

What are your thoughts on Adam's fantasies of his mother and jealousy of his father? Based on the various elements of the book (such as how his repulsion of Vikki was explained as being genetic), would you consider this integral to the plot? Or did you get the feeling this was added for just shock value and not essential for the overall development of the story?

Although I did find it a bit...disturbing...at first, I think that it was part of the author setting up for Adam's character development throughout the story, not just for shock value. It added (somewhat) to the 'darker' feel she seemed to want readers to feel about Adam. I don't think it was integral to the plot as the same (or similar) effects could have been managed with numerous alternate plot twists.

[Rwill0988]

I didn't feel like it was essential for the story. They could have had an intense relationship or have Joanne be the only person Adam actually liked without including his attraction to her.

Think what didn't make sense is Adam's repulsion for Vikki was nothing compared to his hatred for Mark. It just didn't sit right with me. He really loathed Mark and wished him ill. When we first meet Mark he just seems like a dad who has given up trying to form a relationship with his son.

The MILF fantasies seemed unnecessary considering this is supposed to be a young adult novel.

[Howlan]

Yes, I understand. Adam is a very difficult character.

LOL That's such a great, understated way to say it! So, do you typically find yourself drawn to difficult characters? Just curious. For myself, if I'm going to let a character take up residency in my mind, I want to like them or admire them for some reason.

Yes, I first thought this book would be great read since I thought we are getting a YA based on an antagonist's point of view. But guess what the author get got him back to the usual stereotypes. And yes I really love reading about such interesting characters from their point of narration.

[Twylla]

I think it was all part of Adam discovering his true self. It was an important part of the story in my opinion

[Howlan]

What are your thoughts on Adam's fantasies of his mother and jealousy of his father? Based on the various elements of the book (such as how his repulsion of Vikki was explained as being genetic), would you consider this integral to the plot? Or did you get the feeling this was added for just shock value and not essential for the overall development of the story?

Although I did find it a bit...disturbing...at first, I think that it was part of the author setting up for Adam's character development throughout the story, not just for shock value. It added (somewhat) to the 'darker' feel she seemed to want readers to feel about Adam. I don't think it was integral to the plot as the same (or similar) effects could have been managed with numerous alternate plot twists.

Yes Adam was first an intriguing character. But as the story went on I felt that his character was becoming more and more stupid.

[Howlan]

I didn't feel like it was essential for the story. They could have had an intense relationship or have Joanne be the only person Adam actually liked without including his attraction to her.

Think what didn't make sense is Adam's repulsion for Vikki was nothing compared to his hatred for Mark. It just didn't sit right with me. He really loathed Mark and wished him ill. When we first meet Mark he just seems like a dad who has given up trying to form a relationship with his son.

The MILF fantasies seemed unnecessary considering this is supposed to be a young adult novel.

Yes, a valid point. I definitely agree with such sexual undertones being unnecessary.

[a-b-c-]

yes, or to make sure that you knew something was wrong with Adam.

[sri varshini303041]

I have only read the sample but, I can sense an element of Oedipus complex at work here. In fact, according to Freud, its quite common in boys to have this emotion, but it stops at the level seeking attention from the mother. This book is taking it to another level.