Review Of The Fiction Book Superhighway By Alex Fayman
Superhighway, by Alex Fayman, is a speculative science fiction techno-thriller that tells the story of an introverted, socially awkward young man on the cusp of adulthood who is suddenly swept into a world of excitement, international criminals, and limitless riches. This is the first book in a planned trilogy.
Alex Fine, an orphan brought up in Los Angeles, accidentally discovers that he has a unique ability to physically travel the internet. With his new-found superpower he sets about to make the world a better place and goes on a Robin Hood like quest. Stealing from international criminals by manipulating data during his travels through cyberspace, Alex is on a collision course with danger.
In Alex the author has created an endearing, engaging, and flawed hero to whom the reader can relate. His lack of life experience leads him to make some unwise choices and results in consequences that cause him angst and internal conflicts. Alex is both extremely intelligent, and woefully naïve. For me this was the aspect that made him such an interesting and lovable character. At times I felt like a parent watching my child navigate the adult world wishing I could sit him down and caution him about the danger of making poor choices. There are several important themes within the story; the dangers of misusing technology, the importance of understanding how one’s actions impact the world at large and dealing with the fallout of unwise choices. The book also touches on the themes of charity, kindness, and young love. Alex's reaction to seeing abject poverty in different locations was especially endearing, and additional motivation to continue his dangerous mission against the world's criminal elements.
I am giving this book a 3 out of 4 rating due to some errors in spelling, and a few homophones. The mistakes do not take away from the enjoyment of the story, hence the 3 rating. I enjoyed the book enough that I have already begun to read the second of the trilogy. This book would appeal to anyone that enjoys techno-thrillers and coming of age stories. The storytelling is nicely paced, and the author's talent for descriptive explanation of not only the physical but the cyber world through which he travels is interesting and refreshing. I would caution parents that this story is for older, mature children due to the use of mind altering substances, underage drinking, graphic violence and sexual encounters within the story.
