Review by Katiemhardy813 -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman

[Katiemhardy813]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Superhighway" by Alex Fayman.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Superhighway by Alex Fayman is a sci-fi technic-sounding novel for everyday readers who devour mysteries, thrillers, and high-octane chase novels. The story revolves around Alex Fine (yes, stumble past the last name, he’s worth it) who can travel through internet fiber optic cables, basically giving him the ability to be any where and know any thing. And not only know it – he can change it. It’s a handy superpower, especially when Alex decides to use his powers for good and become a modern Robin Hood-meets-Jason-Bourne, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Instead of fulfilling his dream of becoming a student at a prestigious university, young Alex becomes a superhero instead, bumbling his way into the hearts of those in need. But being a mysterious and infamous philanthropist isn’t all it’s cracked up to be; 18-year-old Alex has a steep learning curve and not every decision he makes is the right one.

Superhighway boils down to this: If you could change the world…would you? If you could…should you? Alex doesn’t always make the right choice. But he’s endearing because he’s trying so hard, having grown up with nothing, to fix that awful truth for everyone around him. It’s a great story for book clubs to discuss (so many entry points!) and for young adults.

Fayman has a strong command of laying the scene. Even starting the story cold, I knew where I was and what was expected of me, the reader. The characters are clearly defined and do what they’re supposed to do. I very rarely was left wanting, wondering what had just happened. This strong control over the flow of the story, both through using words to set the scene, and to lasso the characters into whatever positions and actions necessary, I found myself forgetting that this was a science fiction book. Because what I was reading was a complete story. A flashy story with a concrete beginning, middle, end, and finite characters. I was sold! The drawbacks were that Fayman was a bit superlative and adjective heavy at first. The barrage eased up and let readers just soak up the story once Fayman really got going, and the story strengthened without it. It was a minor setback, and that’s why I still rated the book a 4 out of 4 stars.

I couldn’t put down the book! I snuck in pages on my Kindle app when I was stuck at red lights, read pages in lines at stores, and devoured pages when I could sit down and enjoy myself. The characters, plot, and voice were all well executed. Of the three, his voice might have struggled the most, but seeing as it was centered around an adolescent male, it didn’t throw me off too much.

For those who may be stopped because of the sci-fi description – wait! This quirky coming-of-age story is sci-fi because of the setting – Alex’s tale is what it is because he’s stuck inside computers, because so many Americans’ lives are computer-based – but don’t let that sci-fi label stop you like it almost stopped me. This story is one that just happens to take place in computers – the digital age is just set dressing. That’s just the mode of how Alex was presented with his “what would you do” conflict. It’s not hard sci-fi. In fact, Superhighway is so universal, I wouldn’t be surprised if Fayman’s wish-fulfillment tale didn’t end up as the next surprise darling of the teenage set, becoming a blockbuster sale and zooming into the box office. It deserves it. It’s a snappy, fast-paced, original story that will grab your imagination and not let go until the last page is finished. Superhighway won’t stay a “hidden gem” forever. I’m sure Alex Fine is already working on that!

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Superhighway
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Like Katiemhardy813's review? Post a comment saying so!

[ladycraic]

Lovely review! I enjoyed reading it! Your summary is informative and nicely written. I also like how you assure those who don't necessary enjoy sci-fi novels (*raises hand*) that this book is more than that. Your humor and enthusiasm are a bonus to this well-written review! Thanks!

[Penny Lee]

Superhighway sounds intriguing! The ability to travel through the internet (bypassing security and passwords) is a unique plot! Your review makes me want to read the book, particularly your comment that the main character is "endearing because he’s trying so hard, having grown up with nothing, to fix that awful truth for everyone around him."

[obiora111]

It's a nice book. It's super high way speed. I enjoyed reading the book. Thanks for the clear review.