Review by Karencantley1 -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman
Posted: 18 Apr 2018, 22:30
[Following is a volunteer review of "Superhighway" by Alex Fayman.]

4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Superhighway is the first book in a science fiction/fantasy trilogy from author Alex Fayman. It tells the tale of Alex Fine, who at the age of 18, accidentally discovers he is able to “travel” through internet cabling to any destination he desires. To his delight he also realises he can access the data packets he encounters on his travels, and quickly learns how to manipulate this data to his advantage.
Raised in an orphanage and always considered a gifted child, this revelation quickly shapes the course of Alex’s life, initially for his own financial benefit. Alex is a somewhat lonely character with a good heart and reasonable moral compass. However his need to be accepted and loved by those people around him sometimes results in poor judgement. After a particularly serious lapse of judgement, he is filled with guilt and remorse and resolves to use his superpower for good, in a Robin Hood style scheme which will benefit others in need.
The story is an exciting, fast paced game of “catch me if you can” with Alex constantly looking over his shoulder, while lurching between his multiple personalities – the kind empathetic philanthropist, the flashy confident millionaire and the insecure naïve teenager. With his enemies closing in, everything comes to a climactic finish when he uncovers the long-held secret of his family history and the eminent danger he may be in.
Narrated in an autobiographical style, the story flows well and is easy to follow. Other characters are introduced into the story with enough of a back story that they make sense, without overloading the reader with too much information. Alex Fine tells his story with little passion and in a factual manner. I felt he came off as being quite cold and clinical, but I’m not sure if this was the author’s intention. There is a lot of detail regarding small matters, such as food choices, clothing brands etc, but there were many questions left unanswered, such as the immediate consequences of some of Alex’s actions, which would have made for an interesting bi-line to this story. Having said that, this book was a real page-turner, and kept my interest right to the end. Predictably, it ended with an absolute cliff-hanger, leaving the reader no choice but to read the next book in the trilogy.
Formatting, editing and layout is excellent, only a couple of small errors which were of no consequence. Chapters 3 and 4 do not conclude quite as well as they could, both are more like ending a paragraph than a chapter. Fahey’s writing style is clear and concise, however somewhat lacking in passion (perhaps intentionally, as the narrator is an 18 year old boy).
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Superhighway explores a fascinating premise which I believe a broad audience will find irresistible. Personally I can’t wait to find out how the adventure ends.
******
Superhighway
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Like Karencantley1's review? Post a comment saying so!

4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Superhighway is the first book in a science fiction/fantasy trilogy from author Alex Fayman. It tells the tale of Alex Fine, who at the age of 18, accidentally discovers he is able to “travel” through internet cabling to any destination he desires. To his delight he also realises he can access the data packets he encounters on his travels, and quickly learns how to manipulate this data to his advantage.
Raised in an orphanage and always considered a gifted child, this revelation quickly shapes the course of Alex’s life, initially for his own financial benefit. Alex is a somewhat lonely character with a good heart and reasonable moral compass. However his need to be accepted and loved by those people around him sometimes results in poor judgement. After a particularly serious lapse of judgement, he is filled with guilt and remorse and resolves to use his superpower for good, in a Robin Hood style scheme which will benefit others in need.
The story is an exciting, fast paced game of “catch me if you can” with Alex constantly looking over his shoulder, while lurching between his multiple personalities – the kind empathetic philanthropist, the flashy confident millionaire and the insecure naïve teenager. With his enemies closing in, everything comes to a climactic finish when he uncovers the long-held secret of his family history and the eminent danger he may be in.
Narrated in an autobiographical style, the story flows well and is easy to follow. Other characters are introduced into the story with enough of a back story that they make sense, without overloading the reader with too much information. Alex Fine tells his story with little passion and in a factual manner. I felt he came off as being quite cold and clinical, but I’m not sure if this was the author’s intention. There is a lot of detail regarding small matters, such as food choices, clothing brands etc, but there were many questions left unanswered, such as the immediate consequences of some of Alex’s actions, which would have made for an interesting bi-line to this story. Having said that, this book was a real page-turner, and kept my interest right to the end. Predictably, it ended with an absolute cliff-hanger, leaving the reader no choice but to read the next book in the trilogy.
Formatting, editing and layout is excellent, only a couple of small errors which were of no consequence. Chapters 3 and 4 do not conclude quite as well as they could, both are more like ending a paragraph than a chapter. Fahey’s writing style is clear and concise, however somewhat lacking in passion (perhaps intentionally, as the narrator is an 18 year old boy).
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Superhighway explores a fascinating premise which I believe a broad audience will find irresistible. Personally I can’t wait to find out how the adventure ends.
******
Superhighway
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Like Karencantley1's review? Post a comment saying so!