Review by TuyetMai -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman
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Review by TuyetMai -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman
[Following is a volunteer review of "Superhighway" by Alex Fayman.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Superhighway was the first book of a trilogy by Alex Fayman set in 2008 during the American financial crisis. This work of fiction followed Alex Fine, a bright young man raised primarily in a poor orphanage in Los Angeles. Two bad experiences with foster families as a child had led him to decide he would be better off living in the orphanage. Since then, he had put all focus on education as his only chance at getting a better life.
A few months before leaving for college, Alex discovered his ability to travel through the passageways of the internet by accident. Once inside the digital world, he could also access and manipulate information at will. Putting his college plan on hold, Alex decided to use his newfound power to steal billions of dollars from gangsters. While he gave the most part to charity, he squandered the rest on expensive meals, marijuana, a Ferrari, and even a private Caribbean island once belonged to a Russian oligarch he had robbed.
During a trip through the internet, he met a pair of twins with the same ability and came to discover a shocking story about his family. Enraged by what he had learned, Alex made a decision that he would soon regret. Meanwhile, the gangsters had caught up on his trails, and Alex would soon face the consequences of his reckless actions. Just where did this power come from, and what would it bring?
When I first read Superhighway, I was somewhat confused because the author had began with the end. While I didn’t know why Alex was lamenting over his past actions and the power that was bestowed upon him in the first chapter, I was soon hankering to find out what could have happened that brought him to that point. After the first few chapters, I was hooked. The narrative was natural and engaging. The plot thickened as the story progressed, and I enjoyed the appropriate fast pace of the book.
I was particularly impressed with how realistic the characters appeared. Alex was typical of his age in many ways. While I couldn’t agree with the ways he treated money and women, I was constantly reminded that he was just a young man in the process of learning about the world and himself. I’d like to see how his experience would shape him in the following books.
The only drawbacks I could think of were some inconsistencies in the story. The most noticeable one was how people seemed to speak exclusively English to Alex even in Europe and the Caribbean. The book would have been more polished and realistic had the author mentioned some kind of language barriers. I was able to enjoy the story regardless of this issue, so it didn’t affect my rating.
I would strongly recommend Superhighway to fans of science fiction and thriller. While mature readers may feel frustrated with Alex’s reckless actions, I think that’s the charming point of Superhighway. The book has some sexual and violent passages, but nothing too graphic. Therefore, I think young adults would also enjoy this book as they can identify with the main character.
I rate Superhighway 4 out of 4 stars. Despite some inconsistencies, this is one captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book is professionally edited, and the characters are relatable. I look forward to reading book 2 and 3.
******
Superhighway
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4 out of 4 stars
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Superhighway was the first book of a trilogy by Alex Fayman set in 2008 during the American financial crisis. This work of fiction followed Alex Fine, a bright young man raised primarily in a poor orphanage in Los Angeles. Two bad experiences with foster families as a child had led him to decide he would be better off living in the orphanage. Since then, he had put all focus on education as his only chance at getting a better life.
A few months before leaving for college, Alex discovered his ability to travel through the passageways of the internet by accident. Once inside the digital world, he could also access and manipulate information at will. Putting his college plan on hold, Alex decided to use his newfound power to steal billions of dollars from gangsters. While he gave the most part to charity, he squandered the rest on expensive meals, marijuana, a Ferrari, and even a private Caribbean island once belonged to a Russian oligarch he had robbed.
During a trip through the internet, he met a pair of twins with the same ability and came to discover a shocking story about his family. Enraged by what he had learned, Alex made a decision that he would soon regret. Meanwhile, the gangsters had caught up on his trails, and Alex would soon face the consequences of his reckless actions. Just where did this power come from, and what would it bring?
When I first read Superhighway, I was somewhat confused because the author had began with the end. While I didn’t know why Alex was lamenting over his past actions and the power that was bestowed upon him in the first chapter, I was soon hankering to find out what could have happened that brought him to that point. After the first few chapters, I was hooked. The narrative was natural and engaging. The plot thickened as the story progressed, and I enjoyed the appropriate fast pace of the book.
I was particularly impressed with how realistic the characters appeared. Alex was typical of his age in many ways. While I couldn’t agree with the ways he treated money and women, I was constantly reminded that he was just a young man in the process of learning about the world and himself. I’d like to see how his experience would shape him in the following books.
The only drawbacks I could think of were some inconsistencies in the story. The most noticeable one was how people seemed to speak exclusively English to Alex even in Europe and the Caribbean. The book would have been more polished and realistic had the author mentioned some kind of language barriers. I was able to enjoy the story regardless of this issue, so it didn’t affect my rating.
I would strongly recommend Superhighway to fans of science fiction and thriller. While mature readers may feel frustrated with Alex’s reckless actions, I think that’s the charming point of Superhighway. The book has some sexual and violent passages, but nothing too graphic. Therefore, I think young adults would also enjoy this book as they can identify with the main character.
I rate Superhighway 4 out of 4 stars. Despite some inconsistencies, this is one captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book is professionally edited, and the characters are relatable. I look forward to reading book 2 and 3.
******
Superhighway
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Like TuyetMai's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Then Comes The Flood by John Payne
