NEMESIS
by Gregg Hurwitz
Evan Smoak is a lone wolf operator. It goes with the territory for a former off-the-books government assassin. He certainly can’t afford to go up against one of the few people he likes and trusts in this world.
But Tommy Stojack, a gifted armorer and gunsmith whom Evan relies on, has crossed a line. And when Evan confronts him, instead of clearing up a deadly disagreement, he comes under attack. Now it’s war.
Tommy’s got problems of his own though. He promised a dying comrade that he’d be there for the man’s son and now the boy’s in a world of trouble. The very last thing Tommy needs is Evan showing up with vengeance on his mind.
The scary thing? Evan isn't even the most dangerous threat to arrive on the scene . . .
“The hard part isn’t making you a killer. The hard part is keeping you human.”
Nemesis is an explosive novel, the 10th in Gregg Hurwitz's Orphan X series.
When I first picked it up, I was worried it might be too militaristic or reliant on macho tropes. However, this thrilling instalment was characterful and deeply satisfying. Yes, it's a very fast-paced, action-packed ride, but it offers much more than just intense fight scenes; it delves deep into the psyche of its characters, making it a truly memorable read.
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At the heart of Nemesis is Evan Smoak, also known as Orphan X or The Nowhere Man. Once a highly trained black-ops assassin, Evan has spent years following a strict moral code that has defined his life. But in this latest instalment, his rigid principles are put to the ultimate test when he faces off against his closest ally, Tommy Stojack. The situation becomes explosive after Tommy, who has supplied Evan with weapons over the years, crosses a line by arming people responsible for innocent deaths. For Evan, this is unforgivable, and he is forced to confront Tommy in a brutal showdown that pits their friendship against their conflicting beliefs.
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The tension between Evan and Tommy drives the narrative, and Hurwitz weaves in deeper themes of loyalty, honour, and redemption. Evan’s character is nicely explored as he struggles with his humanity – a man trained to be a weapon. The psychological depth of Nemesis works as well as the action sequences, which are as visceral and gripping.
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While Evan grapples with his emotions and moral quandaries, Tommy is on his own mission of redemption. He’s determined to help a young man caught in the web of poverty and violence in a depressed rural town. This intersection of Evan’s cold, calculated world and Tommy’s efforts to save those in need creates a stark contrast, highlighting the complexity of both men’s journeys.
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The action in Nemesis is relentless and cinematic, the sequences tight. But what really sets this novel apart is the emotional depth and character development. Hurwitz explores the grey areas of morality in a way that forces readers to question not just the characters' actions, but their own beliefs as well. The stakes are high, and the outcome is never guaranteed, which makes for an incredibly tense and unpredictable narrative.
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I particularly enjoyed the book's structure, with each chapter titled in a way that adds to the tension and intrigue. Nemesis can certainly be read as a standalone, but it may be worth starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the character arcs. Hurwitz challenges his characters and readers alike, delivering a brutal yet hopeful exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the human capacity for change, all in a well-described believable setting.
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Gregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 20 novels, including OUT OF THE DARK (2019). His novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 30 languages.
He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.
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