MILF fantasies and mental health

[Laura Lee]

I was only a few pages into the book and almost put the thing down for good.

The sexual lust, and obsessive romantic feelings for his mom truly creeped me the hell out. I was really having trouble imagining in what world such descriptive lusting for one's mother is appropriate in a YA book?

And then almost directly after she drives off and I breathe a sigh of relief, Adam recalls how he chloroformed, kidnapped, almost raped and facilitated the death of an innocent young girl and I sat there thinking to myself, "What the f*ck am I reading!?"

I was deeply disturbed. I continued reading the rest of the book with a cringe-type look on my face because I just couldn't get passed how this whole novel started.

Very well said. You put into words my feelings better than I could. These elements really destroyed my enjoyment of the book, which was why I was wondering if anyone else felt the same way. They seemed unnecessary at best, completely inappropriate for a Y/A novel at worst. Thanks for your response!

[AntonelaMaria]

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?

Reading about weird character obsessions is one thing but reading about sexual fantasies is completely different. I don't consider myself prude reader and I have read my share of questionable topics but this incestuous thing going on...It makes me very uncomfortable. Mind you I just started this book but so far I am not impressed. So I can say much about your questions other than that the author raised bar high for herself. Will she make me "buy it", and what does it add to the story? I don't know. I will see I guess.

[Nym182]

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?

Reading about weird character obsessions is one thing but reading about sexual fantasies is completely different. I don't consider myself prude reader and I have read my share of questionable topics but this incestuous thing going on...It makes me very uncomfortable. Mind you I just started this book but so far I am not impressed. So I can say much about your questions other than that the author raised bar high for herself. Will she make me "buy it", and what does it add to the story? I don't know. I will see I guess.

Yeah, I don't think that detail was really important to the storyline... without trying to spoil it, the incestuous feelings are kinda explained... essentially it's evidence of a strong bond/connection, but this could have been achieved in different ways (i.e. him just being really intuitive of his mom)...

[Laura Lee]

Yeah, I don't think that detail was really important to the storyline... without trying to spoil it, the incestuous feelings are kinda explained... essentially it's evidence of a strong bond/connection, but this could have been achieved in different ways (i.e. him just being really intuitive of his mom)...

I know that the incestuous feelings are supposedly explained, but to me, it just doesn't fit the YA super-hero vibe the book was touted as having. Furthermore, the ick factor overwhelmed any plot contributions this made, in my opinion. If Adam is supposed to be the superhero, this subplot effectively destroyed in me any liking or burgeoning attachment I felt for the character. And then to immediately follow it up with a kidnapping? Ugh!

[AntonelaMaria]

Yeah, I don't think that detail was really important to the storyline... without trying to spoil it, the incestuous feelings are kinda explained... essentially it's evidence of a strong bond/connection, but this could have been achieved in different ways (i.e. him just being really intuitive of his mom)...

I know that the incestuous feelings are supposedly explained, but to me, it just doesn't fit the YA super-hero vibe the book was touted as having. Furthermore, the ick factor overwhelmed any plot contributions this made, in my opinion. If Adam is supposed to be the superhero, this subplot effectively destroyed in me any liking or burgeoning attachment I felt for the character. And then to immediately follow it up with a kidnapping? Ugh!

Wait this is supposed to be a superhero YA book? What?! I don't see it. Adam from the beginning of the book and from the end s not a same character. It just doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

[Nym182]

Yeah, I don't think that detail was really important to the storyline... without trying to spoil it, the incestuous feelings are kinda explained... essentially it's evidence of a strong bond/connection, but this could have been achieved in different ways (i.e. him just being really intuitive of his mom)...

I know that the incestuous feelings are supposedly explained, but to me, it just doesn't fit the YA super-hero vibe the book was touted as having. Furthermore, the ick factor overwhelmed any plot contributions this made, in my opinion. If Adam is supposed to be the superhero, this subplot effectively destroyed in me any liking or burgeoning attachment I felt for the character. And then to immediately follow it up with a kidnapping? Ugh!

Oh no doubt, the incest stuff was really over doing it and their “explanation” was too weak to justify (IMO) and you are so right, they really laid it on thick with Adam... how is anyone supposed to like him after that?

[tannus]

Thanks for your point. I am still reading the book but I hope the author handled mental issues realistically and not just for adding drama.

[Laura Lee]

Thanks for your point. I am still reading the book but I hope the author handled mental issues realistically and not just for adding drama.

I'd be interested in hearing your opinion once you've finished the book.

[Salma_asa]

I don’t think it was necessary at all. I was really shocked when i understood that Adam has feelings for his mother. It's bizarre!

[Kelyn]

Freud would have had a field day with Adam. That said, this is a topic/discussion that I have very seldom come across in the world of sci-fi, and I have read a LOT of sci-fi in my time. Don't get me wrong, I don't think a YA book was appropriate for it, but if it were for adults, well, mental...differences...are something that merits thought - especially as relates to the teens in our lives. We need the blinders off. I think it adds to the development of Adam's character, but not so much to the plot.

[evraealtana]

I don't really think it's "wrong" to include discussions of incestuous thoughts in a novel - particularly since Adam resisted them, and so the author wasn't stuck describing actual incestuous events - but I do think it needs to be moderated in the context of the target audience. In an adult novel, particularly an erotic novel and especially an erotic novel catering to darker and/or more uncommon desires, it might have fit right in and been appropriate or even necessary for the plot to progress as the author intends. But for a novel catering to young adults or teens, as this one seems to be, it feels inappropriate to me.

I would concur with previous commenters that a clearer emotional or psychological bond with his mother would have served the same purpose in the book without the potentially detracting element of incest. Contrary to popular belief, teenage boys, even angsty ones, are in fact capable of genuine human connection.

[Laura Lee]

I don't really think it's "wrong" to include discussions of incestuous thoughts in a novel - particularly since Adam resisted them, and so the author wasn't stuck describing actual incestuous events - but I do think it needs to be moderated in the context of the target audience. In an adult novel, particularly an erotic novel and especially an erotic novel catering to darker and/or more uncommon desires, it might have fit right in and been appropriate or even necessary for the plot to progress as the author intends. But for a novel catering to young adults or teens, as this one seems to be, it feels inappropriate to me.

I would concur with previous commenters that a clearer emotional or psychological bond with his mother would have served the same purpose in the book without the potentially detracting element of incest. Contrary to popular belief, teenage boys, even angsty ones, are in fact capable of genuine human connection.

Thank you for such an erudite response. You put into words better than I did the problem I have with this element of the book.

[Jesse Nicolas Presgraves]

I was surprised to find it in a book that was supposedly listed as a YA book. When I hear YA, I tend to think 13+ and I wouldn't recommend this topic as a YA book. Maybe more appropriate to label as adult?

[Kristy Khem]

I think that the author added in this element of the book just to make it more interesting! There seems to be a trend with audiences enjoying dark or shocking themes in both books and film. Incest makes some people uncomfortable but it is a well-known sexual fantasy (Fantasy! Not reality!). However, it is important to note that this book should have been rated for adult audiences, not young adults.

[kaylahk17]

I found the beginning off-putting and creepy because of this. His feelings towards his mother and father almost made me close the book. I am glad I didnt but I don't feel the level of emotions were needed to complete the plot.