Review of “The Adamantine Jewel” by Jeffrey Pears

Score: 93/100 (9.3 out of 10)

The Adamantine Jewel is a mystical and satirical supernatural-adventure novel by Jeffrey Pears! It's also one of the rare examples of Buddhist-based fiction to come our way, which is surprising considering the influence of Eastern traditions on the world.

Through this fantastical work, Jeffrey Pears cleverly satirizes and criticizes many of the suspicious events surrounding the 2020 crisis-year, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, shutdowns/lockdowns, government and big-tech censorship, suppression of information, the heavy & often-unquestionable/unchallenged influence of Big Pharma, the CDC, and the NIH, and the ostracizing of religious & spiritual people like Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists who were portrayed as “unscientific.”

This becomes clear when the “CDC police” outright arrive to confront the main characters or when the “California asset forfeiture law” leads to phones being confiscated to avoid the spread of “misinformation.” Oh, yeah, the Hollywood sign is portrayed as broadcasting corrupting messages, which is also thinly-veiled satire.

This book is also highly critical of the American healthcare system (along with Big Pharma) since it portrays the main characters as having to leave the country just to receive life-saving care. This actually isn't as ridiculous as it sounds. In Cancer Culture by Dr. Jacqueline Acho, we learned about how terminal patients like the author actually had to leave the United States to receive alternative treatments and medicine in places like Istanbul, Turkey. It shouldn't be that way. The United States should, theoretically, have the best, most exhaustive medical resources and treatments available to all of its people. That's why Right to Try, will become so important in the coming years.

The book also points out the powerful and negative influence of Big Pharma as it is portrayed as doing everything in its power to influence/lobby the government and media to suppress information of cures in order to stuff its pockets.

This book is clearly a product of 2020 and the many conspiracy theories surrounding it, many of which are often considered to be right-wing and western in origin. However, it's interesting how this book has a heavy leaning toward eastern cultures and belief systems, particularly Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, many Buddhist concepts are explored in this book including impermanence (anicca), suffering and the nature of dukkha, the path of the Bodhisattva, self-knowledge/self-realization/knowing thyself, interconnectedness (dependent origination or Pratītyasamutpāda), and karma/moral consequence. Even the origin of Swastikas is explained.

The Adamantine Jewel follows UCLA archaeology professor and former US Marine, David Thoreau after his daughterm April has been inflicted with a mysterious flesh-eating virus that has started a pandemic across the globe.

With only ninety-six hours to find a legendary healing stone, David and his daughter navigate an intense journey fraught with ancient secrets, supernatural forces, and relentless assassins. Their adventure takes them from California to the Himalayan caves, where the mythic Adamantine Jewel—a powerful artifact believed to heal even the gravest afflictions—is said to be hidden. The narrative deftly weaves high-stakes action with philosophical depth, exploring themes of life, death, and the search for meaning. Alongside physical challenges, David and April face emotional trials, dealing with loss, courage, and the complex bonds between loved ones.

The book blends elements of action, mysticism, and supernatural suspense, drawing readers into a vividly depicted world where mythical powers and modern science collide. Through David’s internal reflections and intense encounters, the story raises questions about mortality and the human spirit's resilience. It's an adventure with emotional gravity, inviting readers to reflect on what truly matters when everything is at stake.

Joining David and April on their quest is Serenity Adler, David's research assistant. Serenity is portrayed as intelligent, driven, and passionate about archaeology, making her an invaluable asset to David both professionally and personally. As they work together, David finds himself increasingly drawn to her, especially as she prepares to leave for a significant archaeological dig in India. His admiration grows, blending his professional respect with a budding personal affection.

To be perfectly honest, though Serenity may be a nominee for “Hottest Character,” the actual relationship seems superfluous and unnecessary, serving mostly to bloat the story and give it some romance (including a steamy scene or two).

They are also aided by the lamas (Buddhist spiritual leaders), some of whom reveal supernatural/magical powers like the ability to transform into snow leopards! This can ruin the immersion and seem to jump the shark for some people, turning a realistic story into an all-out supernatural one. Then again, David was able to fight off a pack of wolves with his human might (without magic), so there's that.

Some of the assassins have arcs for some reason as well. Savage reveals himself to have had a somewhat sympathetic backstory that led to him becoming a murderer and, subsequently, an assassin. Jack Rogue, another assassin, has this really complex and somewhat overdone redemption arc in which he encounters Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist god of compassion, who basically cuts a deal with him to be a better person. It's kinda cartoonish, to be honest, but it's there nonetheless.

Speaking of cartoonish, the villains are as cartoonish as it gets. However, they serve their purpose. There's Genycide (yes, her name is really pronounced “Genocide”) who is a merciless antagonist, likely involved in bio-terrorism or dark scientific pursuits. There's Charles Blackheart (yes, his name is really “Blackheart”), a high-ranking executive at Pharmakost, embodying corporate ruthlessness and moral depravity. Known for his manipulation and willingness to eliminate anyone who opposes him, Blackheart is emblematic of unchecked corporate greed and corruption. He orchestrates many of the novel’s darker plots, driven by a desire for control over the jewel’s powers. Speaking of Pharmakost, this Big Pharma corporation—like Umbrella Inc., perhaps—is involved in some seriously shady stuff. Its goal seems to be to keep the human population sick so that they can continue to make money off of it. They are essentially committing genocide behind the scenes as a means of population control, using arguments like climate change and limited resources to support their blood lust.

There's also a guy named Slaughter who seems to control social media and is ordered by the other baddies to shut it down to suppress information about the Adamantine Jewel cure.

Yes, these villains and their names sound like they're Cobra High Command from G.I. Joe.

There's also an enigmatic evil figure known as the World Magistrate who is essentially the Serpentor of this analogy.

This might seem a bit goofy and silly to some, destroying the immersion and realism along with the supernatural lama powers. However, we prefer to view it as satire.

Overall, The Adamantine Jewel is a ripping journey of myth, survival, and the unbreakable bond between father and daughter, this story plunges readers into a high-stakes race against time.

Check it out on Amazon!