Review: Nemesis (Nemesis #1) by Anna Banks

Nemesis
(Nemesis #1)

by Anna Banks
October 4, 2016

368 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

The princess didn't expect to fall in love--with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

 

Review

Nemesis, this title and synopsis pretty much guaranteed I'd read the book. The story was engaging and the world intriguing. It kept me flipping the pages and I finished in no time.

The cover and synopsis, again, almost guaranteed the characters to have many faces. I was looking forward to getting to know them. While I was impatient for Sepora and Tarik to meet, I appreciate Ms. Banks for taking the time to show us the Egyptian background. There is an in-depth look at the workings of the kingdoms. Mainly of Theoria, Tarik's kingdom. It's a very politically-oriented place. Power plays, battle strategies and political marriages were a few things that kept the story interesting.

Sepora is a brave soul, however she was pushy as hell. I got really annoyed with her at times. She was noble, with her selfless thoughts, in wanting to stop the kingdoms from coming to blows yet her method to saving the people from war felt selfish. Most of her actions directly impacted others. She wasn't considerate in making her decisions. Due to those reasons, I couldn't like Sepora as much as I liked Tarik.

Tarik was the ideal king and dreamy lover. He was unbelievably thoughtful and kind. Almost the exact opposite of Sepora all he thought about was his people. He was always processing how each of his decisions would affect them. The role of king weighed heavily on him but he was as honourable as any king can be.

 

The romance between Sepora and Tarik was hesitant but passionate. He takes a liking to her because she's different from the ladies he knows. She falls for him because of his kindness. It was entertaining watching Sepora defy Tarik and push him to his limits. Things definitely take a sudden surprising turn near the end.

Despite the story being interesting, there was no real climax. Lots of expected realizations but nothing that quite jumped out at me. In addition, I'm a bit baffled by where the story ended. The placement felt weird. It does leave you curious so I guess the cliffhanger does do its job.

Overall Nemesis is a quick read with a fascinating Egyptian world full of political agenda and hard decisions. I have high hopes of enjoying the sequel, Ally. I wonder if the cover will feature Tarik ;)

 

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.