Batman is gone from Gotham, and the original Robin and Batman's son have taken up the cowl and mask to fight crime. Tensions are high with Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne fighting constantly, but surprisingly they make a good team. Sure, cooperation could be higher, but they are both well-trained martial artists with years of experience under their utility belts. They get the job done (mostly)... 
 What I love about this book is the fact that this crime fighting team are constantly faced with challenges, whether it's the terror of Gotham's villains, or the difficulties of dealing with each other and a missing Batman. There is much room for the characters to change and grow, and I feel like they do in this novel. The characterizations feel real, and I care about our heroes. 
 All in all, the story is succinct and flows naturally. I can't wait to read more. This is what good action writing should be. The only discrepancy is it is a bit too violent for my taste. I love the darker aspect of the novel; it feels like true horror; however, I wish the violence was more implied than strewed across the page like blood from a splattered head. If the authors reeled in the violence, the story could have gone further, but I suppose the violence had its purpose, because I was constantly on edge, feeling the true danger our heroes faced. 
 If you are a fan of Batman and don't mind gratuitous violence, I strongly recommend this book. It's a great entry point to Batman & Robin as it takes place before The New 52 (the current run). The only downside is if you are looking forward to read about Bruce Wayne, prepare to be disappointed because he is not in this novel at all, but if you don't mind that the real caped crusader is missing, and you would love to read more about Dick Grayson (a.k.a. Nightwing) and the Young Robin, look no further, because this is a great novel to read!