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kstanpadg's review against another edition
3.0
i started out hating this book and wishing the author had just ended the series at the first book and i still think she could have done that bc the plot in the last two books was so complicated BUT like halfway thru this book there was a twist and i suddenly cared about the series again
“you are my family. it does not matter that i hated who you loved”
“i did not deserve his forgiveness. but how easily and wholeheartedly he gave it.”
“you are my family. it does not matter that i hated who you loved”
“i did not deserve his forgiveness. but how easily and wholeheartedly he gave it.”
renee_c's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5
I was actually wondering to myself when the last time I finished an entire series was (other than TFOTA). Even if I like a book, it's rare that I get around to picking up the sequel, and even more unlikely that I make it to the third. That I kept up with S.J. Kincaid's releases through the years is a testament in itself to how invested I was in Nemesis' and Tyrus' stories.
I waited a long time to write this review because I had so many feelings while I was reading this book I had to clear my head. While sometimes I was frustrated with Nemesis or impatient with the politics, most of the time I eagerly anticipated Nemesis and Tyrus' romance and despaired at the hopeless circumstances. I was completely hooked throughout the entire novel because after the twists of The Empress, I had to learn what became of Tyrus. I stayed up throughout the night to absolutely devour this novel and I even teared up one specific line; for the sake of spoilers I won't say what it was, but it was said by Tyrus and when you read it you'll know what I mean. I just felt so frustrated at all of the trials they each had to go through, and for a moment I truly thought S.J. Kincaid was going to take the dark path and deny us a happy ending. Honestly, I could've made my peace with that, but I'm so glad we did end up getting our ride into the sunset.
I rated this novel so highly because I was so invested in Nemesis, in Tyrus, and in their relationship, and because of that The Nemesis kept me utterly engaged. But there are a few weak points. Though this novel does not disappoint with more plot twists, there are almost a few too many; the constant flipping back and forth got a little bit old. I continued to adore Nemesis's logical mindset, but at times her complete loyalty to Tyrus was a little frustrating. The biggest flaw is that the novel has many, many preachy passages. Kincaid drones on about the merits of a democracy throughout the entire novel and I was literally sitting there thinking, yes, I live in America, I've already been indoctrinated. Honestly, I didn't give a *** about the empire or the politics; I was only there for Nemesis and Tyrus, as I'd imagine most readers at this point in the series are, so I skimmed repetitive passages as necessary.
The positive characteristics of the novel shine brightly enough to blot out the flaws. Nemesis's relationship with Anguish was a very pleasant surprise and can be described by one of my favorite lines from the book: "We are more than friends. We are equals." Once I read that I realized that was exactly why I loved their relationship so much. The other strength of this novel is the way Kincaid was able to capture the spirit of the rebellion. When I read the phrase "NEMESIS LIVES" I get chills, and that's hard to do.
If you're a fan of morally gray characters, novels set in space, corrupt empires and rebellions, complicated relationships (think The Shadows Between Us but more complex)...I highly recommend you pick up this series, if you haven't already. If you've read the first or the first two and have hesitated to complete the series because you worry it may ruin the previous novels, fear not, for The Nemesis does its predecessors justice.
I was actually wondering to myself when the last time I finished an entire series was (other than TFOTA). Even if I like a book, it's rare that I get around to picking up the sequel, and even more unlikely that I make it to the third. That I kept up with S.J. Kincaid's releases through the years is a testament in itself to how invested I was in Nemesis' and Tyrus' stories.
I waited a long time to write this review because I had so many feelings while I was reading this book I had to clear my head. While sometimes I was frustrated with Nemesis or impatient with the politics, most of the time I eagerly anticipated Nemesis and Tyrus' romance and despaired at the hopeless circumstances. I was completely hooked throughout the entire novel because after the twists of The Empress, I had to learn what became of Tyrus. I stayed up throughout the night to absolutely devour this novel and I even teared up one specific line; for the sake of spoilers I won't say what it was, but it was said by Tyrus and when you read it you'll know what I mean. I just felt so frustrated at all of the trials they each had to go through, and for a moment I truly thought S.J. Kincaid was going to take the dark path and deny us a happy ending. Honestly, I could've made my peace with that, but I'm so glad we did end up getting our ride into the sunset.
I rated this novel so highly because I was so invested in Nemesis, in Tyrus, and in their relationship, and because of that The Nemesis kept me utterly engaged. But there are a few weak points. Though this novel does not disappoint with more plot twists, there are almost a few too many; the constant flipping back and forth got a little bit old. I continued to adore Nemesis's logical mindset, but at times her complete loyalty to Tyrus was a little frustrating. The biggest flaw is that the novel has many, many preachy passages. Kincaid drones on about the merits of a democracy throughout the entire novel and I was literally sitting there thinking, yes, I live in America, I've already been indoctrinated. Honestly, I didn't give a *** about the empire or the politics; I was only there for Nemesis and Tyrus, as I'd imagine most readers at this point in the series are, so I skimmed repetitive passages as necessary.
The positive characteristics of the novel shine brightly enough to blot out the flaws. Nemesis's relationship with Anguish was a very pleasant surprise and can be described by one of my favorite lines from the book: "We are more than friends. We are equals." Once I read that I realized that was exactly why I loved their relationship so much. The other strength of this novel is the way Kincaid was able to capture the spirit of the rebellion. When I read the phrase "NEMESIS LIVES" I get chills, and that's hard to do.
If you're a fan of morally gray characters, novels set in space, corrupt empires and rebellions, complicated relationships (think The Shadows Between Us but more complex)...I highly recommend you pick up this series, if you haven't already. If you've read the first or the first two and have hesitated to complete the series because you worry it may ruin the previous novels, fear not, for The Nemesis does its predecessors justice.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
1.0
1/5
Ok with the last book I was still aggravated with the sci fi aspect and the romance to me was just all over the place.
Ok with the last book I was still aggravated with the sci fi aspect and the romance to me was just all over the place.
ellasnook's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
CRAZY WHATT
wavemack's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this series broke my heart about 5 times and brought me to tears it is so well written
alyssaindira's review against another edition
4.0
**NO MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW**
"You own my fate, but you will never own my will."
Bruh, this book was probably the best in the series. There were so many twists and turns and secret plots I couldnt keep count. And I even cried, the heck. I didnt realize I was so attached... The writing is about the same, all the space mumbo jumbo and technology and stuff that I do not really care for. But the anguish in this book, all the latent themes of belonging, of family, of love, of hate, they were all intertwined within this novel. it was all o profound and provocative. It really makes you think about...what it truly means to be human, and to be free.
Nemesis is a mixture of emotions, and is at war with her nature v. nurture the entire book. Half the time she doesnt know who to trust or who to believe, except herself and her new family. She wants to just free, but she realizes she is an unwilling leader in a galatic revolution, and the time for hiding is no more. does she want to be this leader? No. Will she, of course. But that doesnt mean she will just stay down and be a figurehead. Nemesis is so bold and almost as cunning as Tyrus and I love it. I really loved her character, she reminded me of celeana, unashamed and unapologetic. She does what has to be done...with only a bit of scheming behind the scenes.
Tyrus is intriguing...so much is going on in that mind and even the reader will have conflicted feelings for him.Is he an enemy? Is he is a friend? Is he a foe or a lover. Is a huge mystery and just...a really well written character. Like, the foreshadwing is there in the book, but the author draws u in that we forget...who he is and how his mind works. Which makes everything he does intriguing and exciting.
I actually liked the side characters too. They gave Nemesis something and someone to fight for. She didnt lose hope. SHe kept pressing on. They were always giving her motive and opportunity. And for that I thank them, for being more than plot devices.
This was a tangled end to a complex seires and a wild ride. I enjoyed it. if you want to enjoy it to, read the series.
"You own my fate, but you will never own my will."
Bruh, this book was probably the best in the series. There were so many twists and turns and secret plots I couldnt keep count. And I even cried, the heck. I didnt realize I was so attached... The writing is about the same, all the space mumbo jumbo and technology and stuff that I do not really care for. But the anguish in this book, all the latent themes of belonging, of family, of love, of hate, they were all intertwined within this novel. it was all o profound and provocative. It really makes you think about...what it truly means to be human, and to be free.
Nemesis is a mixture of emotions, and is at war with her nature v. nurture the entire book. Half the time she doesnt know who to trust or who to believe, except herself and her new family. She wants to just free, but she realizes she is an unwilling leader in a galatic revolution, and the time for hiding is no more. does she want to be this leader? No. Will she, of course. But that doesnt mean she will just stay down and be a figurehead. Nemesis is so bold and almost as cunning as Tyrus and I love it. I really loved her character, she reminded me of celeana, unashamed and unapologetic. She does what has to be done...with only a bit of scheming behind the scenes.
Tyrus is intriguing...so much is going on in that mind and even the reader will have conflicted feelings for him.Is he an enemy? Is he is a friend? Is he a foe or a lover. Is a huge mystery and just...a really well written character. Like, the foreshadwing is there in the book, but the author draws u in that we forget...who he is and how his mind works. Which makes everything he does intriguing and exciting.
I actually liked the side characters too. They gave Nemesis something and someone to fight for. She didnt lose hope. SHe kept pressing on. They were always giving her motive and opportunity. And for that I thank them, for being more than plot devices.
This was a tangled end to a complex seires and a wild ride. I enjoyed it. if you want to enjoy it to, read the series.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
This series is finally back, and dark as ever! There were so many betrayals and challenging romance, and of course, plots within plots in major plots.
Seriously, some of the plans and counter-plans made my head spin, but I still enjoyed the characters and the trick they used to get out of a plan or react to one.
Nemesis is a complex character who is of course countered by the morally grey (and potentially insane), Tyrus. They definitely have a Slytherin romance going on, which is complimented by Kincaid’s gorgeous prose.
I honestly didn’t know how this book would end, so it’s actual finale surprised me. Still, with all of Tyrus’ development and how the main crux of the book followed his arc, I felt it was a suitable ending. Dark, yet satisfying.
All in all, I’m very glad to finally have closure for this book. It’s an intense read and definitely grim, but a great saga and one that fans of dark, Shakespearean styles of sci fi will enjoy!
Seriously, some of the plans and counter-plans made my head spin, but I still enjoyed the characters and the trick they used to get out of a plan or react to one.
Nemesis is a complex character who is of course countered by the morally grey (and potentially insane), Tyrus. They definitely have a Slytherin romance going on, which is complimented by Kincaid’s gorgeous prose.
I honestly didn’t know how this book would end, so it’s actual finale surprised me. Still, with all of Tyrus’ development and how the main crux of the book followed his arc, I felt it was a suitable ending. Dark, yet satisfying.
All in all, I’m very glad to finally have closure for this book. It’s an intense read and definitely grim, but a great saga and one that fans of dark, Shakespearean styles of sci fi will enjoy!
tuvasunnelid's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
3.25
*spoiler*
There’s only one way to describe this book - “tears”. I cried so much it’s ridiculous. It was a good book, however it was not enjoyable. I had to many frustrations that it became hard to get through the series. The only characters I liked were Nemesis and Tyrus. I HATED Neveni. I am so mad that we didn’t get an epilogue about Tyrus and Nemesis’ new life, but we got Anguish and fucking Neveni’s wedding. Like do I care??? NO. I can’t put into words how happy I would have been if she died.
There’s only one way to describe this book - “tears”. I cried so much it’s ridiculous. It was a good book, however it was not enjoyable. I had to many frustrations that it became hard to get through the series. The only characters I liked were Nemesis and Tyrus. I HATED Neveni. I am so mad that we didn’t get an epilogue about Tyrus and Nemesis’ new life, but we got Anguish and fucking Neveni’s wedding. Like do I care??? NO. I can’t put into words how happy I would have been if she died.
I was sobbing my eyes out after I thought Tyrus had died and then she came and started laughter out of GLEE????? Excuse you bitch. Like you’re so mad that your planet was destroyed but you had no problem destroying AN ENTIRE PLANET because you felt like revenge on INNOCENT PEOPLE who had nothing to do with the destruction of your planet. I hated how she saw herself above others when she was a literal terrorist, mass murder and a fucking horrible human being. Any sympathy I could have had about her pain was destroyed when she killed another planet. On top of that, she hated on Tyrus and I am loyal to my favourite Emperor 🫶🏻
The angst between Tyrus and Nemesis was so painful to get through but loved that they got their freedom, cause I was so scared he was actually just going to die. I would kill for an epilogue of them having a child and living carefree on some planet. 😫
kayla102986452i's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0