Review by Brittany J -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman

[Brittany J]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Superhighway by Alex Fayman is a science-fiction novel about the eighteen-year-old, Alex Fine. Abandoned at birth, Alex grows up in an orphanage located in one of Los Angeles' poorest neighborhoods. After a few failed attempts at securing a permanent home with different sets of foster parents, Alex decides that staying in the orphanage is a more stable, and better, option. Alex is a very bright individual and earns a scholarship to Stanford, knowing college is his ticket to a better future.

Since he was a child, Alex felt a magnetism pulling him toward computers and the internet. It was a way for him to escape and learn new things, but he also felt a strange familiarity as he touched the cables. It is not until he is eighteen, and his orphanage installs a computer lab, that Alex discovers how gifted he truly is. One night, by accident, he learns he can transport himself anywhere in the world through the internet, opening up nearly unlimited possibilities.

Alex realizes during these journeys through computer networks that he can also stop wherever likes, downloading files to his brain, exploring sealed archives, and manipulating financial data. With this new information, Alex becomes a sort of Robin Hood, stealing from some of the world's richest, and most dangerous, criminals and giving to honest, hard-working people. With this responsibility comes great, and sometimes dire, consequences that Alex must face.

I really enjoyed the concept of this book, finding it to be creative and original. I was constantly thinking about what I would do with this unique superpower. The story moved quickly, and I did not want to put it down. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but it is part of a trilogy that I am excited to read more of. I appreciate that this book does not get too technical or dry when describing the logistics of Alex's transportation. The author writes with simple, yet vivid and intriguing imagery.

Alex's character as a teenager is believable and easy to relate to. He navigates his first sexual experiences, anger, loneliness, the newfound freedom of being an adult, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, first love, and through his own fault, heartbreak. What makes his character really interesting is how he decides to use his ability. He quickly recognizes that helping others makes him feel incredible. While he does spend vast amounts of money on himself and on trying to impress his love-interest, he does not let this wealth go to his head. Through his ability, he learns about his family and how he came to be an orphan. This troubling information causes Alex to act carelessly. I enjoyed seeing how Alex matures when he realizes some of his actions are reckless, inflicting harm on those he intended to help, as well as putting himself in grave danger.

It was interesting to see how the author incorporates real events, like the Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy, from modern history into the plot. The way Alex described the scenery, quirks, and characters of the other countries he visited, like when he naively seemed to wander into the Red Light District in Amsterdam, was engaging. What I found unrealistic is that all of the characters spoke English, even when they weren't knowingly around Alex, but this did not detract from the plot.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it is an exciting story, and the characters are likable and well-developed. I would recommend it to adults and older teens who would enjoy a modern-day Robin Hood adventure. Readers who aren't fans of science fiction can enjoy this story as well. I only found a few editing errors. This book has some scenes depicting sex and drug and alcohol use and may be inappropriate for young teens.

******
Superhighway
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

Like Brittany J's review? Post a comment saying so!

[thaservices1]

Your review is stellar! I love your overview. Your writing is so precise and it just flows. Very nicely done!

[trajoe1206]

Great review. I also read this book and enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading book #2

[Ashiyya Tariq]

A well written review. I really enjoyed your summery of the book. It's quite an interesting and unique story in which can Alex can transport himself through cables due to his magmatic capabilities. I would like to read this book. Thanks for your nice review.

[Nimat87]

I think I'm going to enjoy reading this book. I love books that centre on a character overcoming unpleasant situations. Thanks for your review.