Review by Ever_Reading -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman

[Anon_Reviewer]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, they say. Yet in Superhighway, hell hath no fury like an orphan scorned, especially one that is terribly smart and whose primary mode of transport is the internet.

Alexander Fine was barely a month old when he was left in the hands of Ms Jenkins, the owner of the orphanage he would go on to spend most of his childhood in. During his time at the orphanage, Alex gets adopted twice but is returned to the orphanage both times. Thereafter he accepts that the orphanage is probably the only home he'll ever have. Years later, when Alex is eighteen and about to head off to college, the orphanage gets a computer laboratory installed. This little addition changes Alex’s life in a way he never imagined.

Superhighway was one of the first books I added to my TBR list when I first joined the OBC because I'm a fan of science fiction. It took me a while to get to it but boy, aren't I glad I have! The book pulled me in from the first word and did not let me go until the very last one. Alex captivated me the most. His journey into adulthood is a bittersweet trek from rags to riches right smack into trouble. This, in a unique way, makes the book a coming of age story. So those who enjoy such stories will most likely find Alex's transition from childhood into adulthood engaging.

An interesting element in the book the concept of the “Robin Hood type of hero.” Alex uses his “electroportation,” i.e. being able to travel through the internet and access the data there, abilities to steal money from criminals online and then give it to the poor in various ways. Because of this, I was conflicted throughout the book. On the one hand, I found myself close to tears when Alex helped those in dire need with the money. On the other hand, I couldn't get over the fact that two wrongs do not make a right. Stealing is stealing, regardless of the reason. This is something potential readers should be prepared to grapple with as they read. Is Alex really a hero because he has the right intentions? Or is he just as bad as the criminals he steals from?

On a lighter note, I absolutely loved Fayman's way with words. His writing style brought even the dullest of moments in the book to life. For example, he wrote, "The news broke quickly and spilled down the hallways of the orphanage." His skilful use of words made the book flow like a serene river and before I knew it, I was done with it.

But like any river, there were turbulent parts in the book that had my heart racing. If you don't mind twists and turns and the occasional cliffhanger, this book will not disappoint. I'd caution sensitive readers to tread carefully as the book contains explicit sexual and violent scenes. A lot of the characters also freely smoke drugs and consume alcohol, so I wouldn't recommend this for younger readers.

I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. Except for three minor errors, the book seems to have been professionally edited. The book was interesting from beginning to end and I can't find any reason to give it less than a perfect score. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy!

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

[Sanju Lali]

Very well written review on this science fiction book named as Superhighway which is professionally edited as well enjoyable from starting to end with all the twists and turns in between.

[Rosemary Khathibe]

I would say taking from criminals to help the poor is not wrong, even though stealing is stealing. I can't stop thinking that God gave those criminals the taste of their own medicine. Intriguing review.

[Dael Reader]

I don't think Alex deserves to be praised as a "Robin Hood," because I don't think his intentions were all that good. He took money from gangsters and terrorists and laundered some in order to redirect it to a few charities. Then he kept a heaping amount for his own pleasure. Imagine what would happen if someone found out that those charities accepted money that originated with a terrorist organization. That would be the end of the charity. Alex didn't think any of it through. He simply felt a tiny twinge of guilt, which he tried to cover up with cash.
II didn't like this book nearly as much as you did. But I enjoyed your review. (Here's mine)

[carlyroseh]

Good job on the well-written review! I can’t help but notice that you said he was barely a month old when he was left in the hands of Ms Jenkins, when he was in fact left with her the very same day he was born. I reviewed this book as well and didn’t rate it as high, partially because I was frustrated with Alex’s decision making. At the same time, I found it to be a difficult book to put down.

[Jennifer Fernandez]

I loved this book too. I had my reservations with Alex's character but we have to remember he's just a teenager with a newly discovered superpower. I recomend you read the secon one. In my opinion is better than the first one.

[Anon_Reviewer]

Very well written review on this science fiction book named as Superhighway which is professionally edited as well enjoyable from starting to end with all the twists and turns in between.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review and for your kind comments

[Anon_Reviewer]

I would say taking from criminals to help the poor is not wrong, even though stealing is stealing. I can't stop thinking that God gave those criminals the taste of their own medicine. Intriguing review.

It's a tricky concept I always feel torn about it but I see where you are coming from. Thank you for dropping by!

[Anon_Reviewer]

I don't think Alex deserves to be praised as a "Robin Hood," because I don't think his intentions were all that good. He took money from gangsters and terrorists and laundered some in order to redirect it to a few charities. Then he kept a heaping amount for his own pleasure. Imagine what would happen if someone found out that those charities accepted money that originated with a terrorist organization. That would be the end of the charity. Alex didn't think any of it through. He simply felt a tiny twinge of guilt, which he tried to cover up with cash.
II didn't like this book nearly as much as you did. But I enjoyed your review. (Here's mine viewtopic.php?f=21&t=74312)

That is quite an interesting take. I didn't think of it in that way, but you have a point. And now that I think about it, he might have just donated the money to the charities to make himself feel better about the heaps he was keeping for himself. You've got me thinking there, mate. Thank you for dropping by. I am off to check out your review!

[Anon_Reviewer]

Good job on the well-written review! I can’t help but notice that you said he was barely a month old when he was left in the hands of Ms Jenkins, when he was in fact left with her the very same day he was born. I reviewed this book as well and didn’t rate it as high, partially because I was frustrated with Alex’s decision making. At the same time, I found it to be a difficult book to put down.

I guess it just a matter of specifics but you are right about him being handed to her on the first day
Alex was definitely a difficult character to read about and most of his actions were questionable. I am interested in your views on the book, so I will check out your review. Thank you for commenting

[Anon_Reviewer]

I loved this book too. I had my reservations with Alex's character but we have to remember he's just a teenager with a newly discovered superpower. I recomend you read the secon one. In my opinion is better than the first one.

Oh definitely! He couldn't possibly make all the right decisions the first time around. In fact, I think he handled the situation a little better than some adults would have. I will try out the second book as soon as I get the time. Thank you for the recommendation and for commenting!

[Allyseria]

I loved your review! It sounds like a great book and I like the Robin Hood aspect of it It's also an interesting superpower that he has. I'm going to give it a read! Thank you for the recommendation.

[jcoad]

Thank you for your review as it provided more insight into the story than others I have read. Until this review I thought this was a kind of "Wolf of Wallstreet" book with a money hungry kid going on joy rides. Now that I have your perspective I will add this book to my list. Thank you for your review.

[Anon_Reviewer]

I loved your review! It sounds like a great book and I like the Robin Hood aspect of it It's also an interesting superpower that he has. I'm going to give it a read! Thank you for the recommendation.

Thank you I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

[Anon_Reviewer]

Thank you for your review as it provided more insight into the story than others I have read. Until this review I thought this was a kind of "Wolf of Wallstreet" book with a money hungry kid going on joy rides. Now that I have your perspective I will add this book to my list. Thank you for your review.

I'm glad to hear that, mate . Yeah, the book also surprised me a bit. But it turned out to be a worthwile to read. Hope you enjoy reading it when you get to it!