Nemesis
#1 of 3 in Project Nemesis Series
on Goodreads (9,246)
What’s inside...
'Addictive as a puzzle, moving with breakneck speed, Nemesis had me guessing until the very end. Try to predict what Nemesis is. I dare you.' - Victoria Aveyard, #1 NYT Bestselling author of Red Queen Everything changes in an eye blink . . . It's been happening since Min was eight. Every two years, on her birthday, the same man finds her and murders her in cold blood. But hours later she wakes up in a clearing just outside her hometown - alone, unhurt, and with all evidence of the crime erased. Across the valley, Noah just wants to be like everyone else. But he's not. Nightmares of murder and death plague him too, though he does his best to hide the signs. As the world around them begins to spiral towards panic and destruction, the two troubled teens discover that people have been lying to them their whole lives . . . From Brendan Reichs, co-author of the Virals series with Kathy Reichs, comes Nemesis - a fast-paced, high concept thriller perfect for fans of The 100 and The Maze Runner. Orphan Black; He killed me. He killed me not. He killed me. It’s been happening since Min was eight. Every two years, on her birthday, a strange man finds her and murders her in cold blood. But hours later, she wakes up in a clearing just outside her tiny Idaho hometown—alone, unhurt, and with all evidence of the horrifying crime erased. Across the valley, Noah just wants to be like everyone else. But he’s not. Nightmares of murder and death plague him, though he does his best to hide the signs. But when the world around him begins to spiral toward panic and destruction, Noah discovers that people have been lying to him his whole life. Everything changes in an eye blink. For the planet has a bigger problem. The Anvil, an enormous asteroid threatening all life on Earth, leaves little room for two troubled teens. Yet on her sixteenth birthday, as she cowers in her bedroom, hoping not to die for the fifth time, Min has had enough. She vows to discover what is happening in Fire Lake and uncovers a lifetime of lies: a vast conspiracy involving the sixty-four students of her sophomore class, one that may be even more sinister than the murders.
Character compass
Melinda Wilder (Min)
Thomas 'Tack' Carter
Noah Livingston
Dr. Lowell
Ethan
Discussion points
How did Min's feelings about the Nemesis project change throughout the book, and what do you think influenced these changes?
What would you do if you faced challenges similar to those of the characters in the story?
How do the friendships in the story impact the decisions characters make? Can you relate to any of these dynamics?
What role do you think trust plays in the story? Who did you find to be the most trustworthy character and why?
If you could change one decision any character made, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the characters’ dilemmas and decisions, making parallels to their own life experiences where possible.
Discuss the theme of trust and decision-making within the book, prompting them to consider how they make decisions in their own lives.
Ask your child which character they felt most connected to and explore the reasons behind their choice, fostering a deeper understanding of empathy.
Use specific scenes from the book as examples to guide the discussion, making it easier for your child to recall details and engage more thoroughly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust and teamwork
Explanation: In 'Nemesis', the characters must rely on each other to survive the challenges posed by the storyline. This theme is illustrated as they share information and resources, highlighting the benefits of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working collaboratively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams, learning to trust and support their peers.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face difficult choices that test their morals and ethics. The narrative examines the consequences of their decisions, emphasizing the complexity of right and wrong.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of considering the impact of their actions on others and encourage them to think critically about ethical dilemmas in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Nemesis' encounters numerous setbacks and challenges but continues to persevere. This resilience is a cornerstone of the character’s development and success in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to adopt a resilient attitude when faced with challenges, whether in academics, relationships, or personal growth.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: Characters in the book leverage knowledge and curiosity to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles. The story champions the pursuit of knowledge as a tool for empowerment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain curious and seek knowledge, understanding its role in problem-solving and personal development.