Review by stacie k -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman

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stacie k
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Review by stacie k -- Superhighway by Alex Fayman

Post by stacie k »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Superhighway" by Alex Fayman.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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Superhighway by Alex Fayman is a science fiction thriller in which the main character, Alex Fine, has the ability to transport himself through the internet to any destination in the world, a phenomenon called electroportation. In the process, he can also download vast arrays of data to his brain for perusal at his convenience. Along with this fantastic ability comes power to alter data. How will 18-year old Alex use his giftings?

The author introduces Alex Fine as a young boy in an orphanage with intelligence far beyond his years. Having been abandoned at birth and repeatedly rejected by foster families, Alex found comfort and escape at first through books and later through the internet. One night while surfing the internet, the computer screen went blank and Alex attempted to restore it by unplugging the network cable. This is how Alex discovered his unusual ability to travel through the network cables. And thus began the thrilling ride of Alex Fine on the superhighway. His humble beginnings in an orphanage gave him a heart for the poor and underprivileged. Thus, he sought to use his powers to be like a digital Robin Hood, stealing from rich criminals to benefit the poor. Little did he know the dangers this would introduce. His various destinations--LA, Hawaii, Amsterdam, the Caribbean—are the backdrop for a complex plot involving espionage, organized crime, deceit, and government conspiracy.

There is something for everybody in Superhighway. Discover the mystery of Alex’s family history, enjoy the romance of his first love, and be swept away by the excitement of spy/crime thrillers. This would make a great subject for book clubs as there are so many themes to consider: the messiness of secrets, the consequences of actions, the dangers of the internet, and the source of happiness, to name a few.

One of the aspects I enjoyed most about this story was how the author began with the ending, thus creating intrigue and the desire to learn more before disclosing the more mundane back story of Alex’s beginnings. His technique grabbed my attention and drew me in to the story. In addition, I appreciated that Alex Fine was a believable character. As a teenage boy, he was distracted by beautiful women, tempted by drugs and alcohol, and made poor choices all while clinging to an idealistic hope to make the world a better place. I found it entertaining to see how he often landed at his destination in awkward, embarrassing moments. It was reminiscent to me of scenes in Back to the Future.

Because Superhighway is the first installment of a trilogy, it makes sense that it would end in a cliffhanger. Much like an episode of 24, it leaves the reader hungry to find out what happens next. In fact, I believe that Superhighway would translate well to the screen as a TV series or a movie.

If there were any negatives about the story, it would have to be the presence of numerous punctuation errors, forcing me to give Superhighway 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who likes action-packed stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. I would forewarn younger readers about the more mature content of sex, violence, drugs and alcohol.

******
Superhighway
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Post by Kalin Adi »

I've read several reviews of this book, but I do not recall reading about how Alex landed to his destination. Also, I loved the connection you made between the book's cliffhanger and 24. Indeed, I can hear you. Thanks for this interesting review!
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Post by 420waystoreachthesun »

Thank you for this wonderful review. I found it really helpful. I will certainly give this book a try.
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Post by Ashiyya Tariq »

This is a beautiful story of digital journey of Alex through internet. Your rightly mentioned the pros and cons of this book. This Thanks for your insightful review.
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Post by Yoli García »

I really liked this book, particularly Alex. I agree with you in that it would fun for these books to be turned into TV series or movies. Thanks for the great review!
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Post by Dolor »

The author introduces Alex Fine as a young boy in an orphanage with intelligence far beyond his years. Having been abandoned at birth and repeatedly rejected by foster families, Alex found comfort and escape at first through books and later through the internet. One night while surfing the internet, the computer screen went blank and Alex attempted to restore it by unplugging the network cable. This is how Alex discovered his unusual ability to travel through the network cables. And thus began the thrilling ride of Alex Fine on the superhighway. His humble beginnings in an orphanage gave him a heart for the poor and underprivileged. Thus, he sought to use his powers to be like a digital Robin Hood, stealing from rich criminals to benefit the poor. Little did he know the dangers this would introduce. His various destinations--LA, Hawaii, Amsterdam, the Caribbean—are the backdrop for a complex plot involving espionage, organized crime, deceit, and government conspiracy.
I like your summary of this book. This made me feel, I read the book itself. It's very concise and a very detailed one. You sold me on this review.
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Post by Poppy Drear »

I enjoyed this book at first, but I just really didn't like Alex as a character. He seemed too much like a glorified self-insert of the author for my tastes. That said, I'm glad you had a good time reading it!
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Post by kandscreeley »

I started this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I quit about halfway through. I just couldn't bring myself to like Alex. Thanks for your review, though. I'm glad you were able to enjoy it for the most part.
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Post by Heidi M Simone »

I did read this, but like kandscreeley, I just couldn't enjoy Alex's selfish ways. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy this one! Thank you for sharing. :)
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Post by Chelsy Scherba »

ViziVoir wrote: 22 Mar 2018, 20:28 I enjoyed this book at first, but I just really didn't like Alex as a character. He seemed too much like a glorified self-insert of the author for my tastes. That said, I'm glad you had a good time reading it!
I agree with you completely. This wasn’t my favorite book by any means, but I enjoyed some portions of it and hated the rest! That said, I’m glad this reviewer and others (apart from us) liked it, lol.
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Post by kwame1977 »

I have just commented on this same book by the same author. Great minds think alike. A good review. Thanks
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Post by inaramid »

I'm not really drawn to this book because of other reviewers' comments about Alex's personality. Thanks for sharing your perspective. It's nice to have other points to consider when deciding to read a book. I think I'll hold off this one though.
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Post by qsusan »

The book seems interesting. It makes me ask "What would I do if I could travel through the internet and upload vast amounts of data to my mind?" Unfortunately I don't think I would immediately be as altruistic as Alex.
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Post by Sanju Lali »

Actually i was very much intrigued to know what is there in this book before taking it for review, i read number of reviews and found there is new perspective in your review and i like it. thank you for good review
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Post by Laura Ungureanu »

I also reviewed this book and I had some trouble with the fact that the ending was the first chapter. I am glad it didn't bother you and you were actually captivated by this.
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