Sharkman by Steve Alten

I wasn't sure what to think when I read the synopsis of this book. I was used to Alten's sea creature novels and this sounded a bit left-field for him.

A paralyzed boy gets a chance to regain the use of his legs but at what cost? Once this book was finished I felt like I had read a reincarnation of Peter Benchley's White Shark. Or maybe a prequel/reboot.

Alten knows how to write quick plot-driven stories. Once we got into the scientific aspects of the tale I was hooked. I pushed myself really hard to get past the early "school drama" and the teenage relationship stuff.

It ends up with an exciting climactic race and I'm hoping to see a new series of books spawned from this first one.

Kwan is the name of the boy without the use of his legs due to an unfortunate accident. The son of a ruthless military brass man, living with an older relative, victim of endless embarrassments. I wasn't sure if he was going to be a likable protaganist and maybe that's the idea. He's abrupt, brash, and boorish.

The other characters fill in nicely with the rest of the story as we experience Kwan's transformation. The villains are ruthless. You'll be chomping at the bit to see if they get theirs by the end.

And again, I hope Alten continues the exploits of Sharkman!

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Taylor Trade Publishing.