iBoy by Kevin Brooks

The Blurb On The Back:

As amazing as Spider-Man
As electrifying as The Wire
A sci-fi crime thriller that grips like a vice ...

Before the attack, sixteen-year-old Tom Harvey was just an ordinary boy.

But now fragments of a shattered iPhone are embedded in his brain and it’s having an extraordinary effect ...

Because now Tom has powers. The ability to know and see more than he could ever imagine. And with incredible power comes knowledge – and a choice. Seek revenge on the violent gangs that rule his estate and assaulted his friend Lucy, or keep quiet?

Tom has control when everything else is out of control. But it’s a dangerous price to pay. And the consequences are terrifying ...

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

The premise is a little strained, but the idea of setting a super-hero story on a gritty run-down council estate is generally well executed and the central theme of vengeance intelligently discussed in a non-patronising way. Although the gang-rape element to the story didn’t quite work for me, it’s an interesting read. Be warned that the f-bomb gets used frequently in the text (which I liked but may not be suitable for younger readers).

iBoy was released in the UK in July. Thanks to Penguin Books for the ARC.