Hope Rises

Walter Nash #2

by David Baldacci

Walter Nash began a journey down a dark path of seemingly no return, and now he finds himself questioning everything that got him there in this thrilling sequel to Nash Falls from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Walter Nash, working under the alias of Dillon Hope, is on the road to revenge after becoming an informant for the FBI against a global criminal operation headed up by Victoria Steers. Steers has ripped everything Nash held dear away from him. He has nothing left to lose and with long, rigorous training under his belt the gentle and sensitive Nash has transformed into something he never thought he’d be: a physically imposing man with lethal skills. And now he has only goal left in life: taking down Victoria Steers.

In order to succeed, he’s going to need to cross enemy lines and work the job from the inside. But Steers is shrewd and only brings those with her complete trust into her inner circle. Nash must rely on every ounce of his hard-earned skills in order to prove himself an ally to Steers if he’s ever going to get close enough to decimate her criminal empire.

Yet, despite hating the woman for destroying his life, Nash finds himself oddly drawn to Steers in ways that he never could’ve imagined. And what he ultimately discovers will turn all he believed upside down, forcing Nash to do something truly unfathomable.

So, will the truth set Nash free?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Thriller Suspense

432 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 14, 2026

About the author

David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)

David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.

In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.

A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Reviews

[Shivar Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for sending me an advanced reader copy of Hope Rises. This book is a sequel to Nash Falls. Walter Nash has to change his identity and go into hiding due to unfortunate events that occur in this first book.
You will need to read Nash Falls because Hope Rises takes off where the first book ends.

First of all, I love everything that David Balducci writes and this one is no disappointment. Walter Nash/Dillon Hope gets involved with an international crime/drug organization as a bodyguard. He is working in cooperation with the FBI, to bring down this organization.

David Balducci‘s writing is very descriptive and intriguing and keeps the reader totally engaged. This story has some shocking surprises that I did not see coming. Another compelling aspect of his writing, which is evident in this story, is the attention given to character development and story plot. He can weave a story like none other.
If you are looking for a book that is action packed full of suspense, lies, betrayal, and intrigued, this is the book for you! This is a fantastic series!

[Dawn H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great continuation of Nash Falls. The story picks up right where Nash Falls ended and continues the story of Walter Nash/Dillon Hope and Victoria Steers criminal enterprise. Yes, you need to read Nash Falls first and it’s terrific, so no worries. Just settle in and read them one after the other.

I enjoyed the continuation of the story and learning a bit more about the characters and the events that shaped them. It’s also fun seeing some of the bad guys receive their comeuppance. Some of the action and situations are a bit far fetched but it’s a thriller and therefore somewhat expected. It’s fast paced, has short chapters and is entertaining from start to finish. I enjoyed the first two books and hope the series continues. Highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being sorely disappointed by Nash Falls (book 1), largely due to the cliff hanger ending, I felt compelled to read book 2. While definitely better than the first, I'm still underwhelmed. A good editor would have cleaned up and stripped down book 1 to the bare essentials to establish the back story and then proceeded directly into book 2 (which could use some liberal editing of its own). Hope Rises clearly doesn't work as a stand alone, but these are two books that would benefit from being one. On its own, Hope Rises is a more interesting story, although a few of the twists are predictable and some are not quite believable. Still unimpressed.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique one for me. Baldacci doesn’t strike out in my opinion and ultimately the same went for this one but for a while I was really struggling getting into this book. Not really sure why but just didn’t capture my attention. I think about 50% of the way through is when I really got hooked and the back half of the book went a lot faster for me. Overall I thought a really entertaining story.

Thank you to NetGalley, David Baldacci, and Grand Central for providing me with an advanced reading copy.

[LindaPf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment I received David Baldacci’s “Hope Rises,” the sequel to “Nash Falls” (which ended in a cliffhanger), I completely rearranged all my reading plans to start this thriller. I suspect a lot of Baldacci are going to feel this way, too, when the book is published in April 2026.

Note: you really need to read the first book to understand the main character’s motivations. Spoiler alert otherwise (and for this one, too).

“Hope Rises” follows mild-mannered, but brilliant financial manager,Walter Nash, who has phoenix-ed into muscled, tattooed, bald-and-bearded Dillon Hope and is on a vengeance tour eliminate his daughter’s murderers. His sleazy former boss, Rhett Temple (who was also sleeping with Walter’s wife) is implicated, but Temple is also being controlled by international criminal mastermind Victoria Steers, a woman who carves up people as they are chained spread eagled to the floor. Nash has physically transformed so much in a year that he fools Temple enough to become his personal bodyguard, and they are summoned to Hong Kong for an almost guaranteed suicide mission. If they succeed, Victoria will free them. We all know she’s lying.

The first book was an introduction to money laundering, and now the bad guys are into AI, quantum computing, cryptocurrency and new drug dealing “strategies”. That part was fascinating to me, but I can see where that might be a snore for other readers.

The storyline becomes emotionally complicated as Nash steps too far into his phony role as protector. He gets to know Victoria better and better even though he has sworn to kill her. There are multiple layers of bad guys and you never know who is on what side.

Spoiler: I was increasingly uncomfortable with Steers’ and Nash’s developing relationship and my enjoyment of the story fell considerably as they tried to understand each other. No matter how the past was rewritten and villains changed, I did not trust and would never forgive that woman (she mercilessly carves people up and gleefully distributes drugs internationally! Making the drugs “less fatal” so the customers stay alive to buy more isn’t a good thing!) The plot gymnastics needed by the author to turn Victoria into a “good person” were absolutely unbelievable. Trying multiple times to redeem the awful Rhett Temple also became tiring. Walter did, indeed, sort of wimp out. 3.5 stars.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Amanda Temple has hazel eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We do get to know the Burmese jungle.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[Stacy DeBroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great sequel to Nash Falls (and yes, you have to read the first book in the series to jump in here!) leaves you plunged breathlessly back into the life of Walter Nash, astute businessman turned vigilante, working with the FBI to revenge the kidnap and murder of his daughter. After turning FBI spy against his corrupt company and its CEO boss Temple, Nash’s family was attacked, his daughter murdered and his wife taken into protective custody – all due to a global crime syndicate headed by Victoria Speers. Nash retreated to a friend of his vet father to turn him into a skilled fighter and assassin, emerging ripped and tattooed such that no one in his former life recognizes him.

Still working with the FBI and seeking to bring down Victoria Steers, Nash goes undercover as Dillan Hope to work as a bodyguard for Temple as Nash knows he’s stilling doing business with the Steers syndicate. The book opens with Temple being summoned to meet with Victoria in Hong Kong, with Nash in tow. Steers threatens both men’s lives and sends them into Myanmar to rescue her aging mother from a private prison. Endless treachery, betrayals, death attempts, and all out mayhem ensues. In the process, Nash works to get close to Steers to bring her down.

Amidst the thrilling action, we get to see intimate layers of depth slowly revealed in both Nash and Steers. For Nash, despite all he’s been through and all he’s lost, he retains a deep sense of humanity, compassion, and kindness that will shape his future. For Steers, we find a woman who’s been tormented by her manipulative, cruel, and power-hungry mother such that the sweet curious child she was got flattened and turned vengeful. Romantic tensions flares between the two as they spend more and more time together, and secrets get revealed. Can either Nash or Steers find spiritual salvation or something that even that approaches redemption in their lives? Can Nash (aka Hope) rise?

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my Goodreads page. It is due out April 14, 2026.

Hope Rises is a direct sequel to Nash Falls, which was released last fall. I was genuinely excited to receive an ARC of this follow-up, as it picks up immediately where Nash Falls left off. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, which came very close to earning a five-star rating from me last year. The groundwork for a compelling series — particularly the revenge-driven premise — was firmly in place, making this sequel one I eagerly anticipated.

Unfortunately, Hope Rises did not live up to the strong start established by its predecessor. The opening portion of the book is extremely slow and drifts away from the core revenge narrative that made Nash Falls so engaging. Rather than building momentum, the story seems to stall, and that loss of focus was difficult to overcome.

Additionally, several characters who felt sharp, complex, and purposeful in the first book seemed to lose their edge here. Some of the shifts in characterization felt abrupt and inconsistent, creating a sense of narrative whiplash that pulled me out of the story. Character development should feel earned, and in this case, some of those changes simply did not ring true.

The plot itself also suffers from moments that strain credibility. Certain events veer into the unrealistic and, at times, border on the outright absurd, which ultimately undermines the resolution of the novel. These choices made it hard to fully invest in the outcome, as the stakes felt artificially inflated rather than organically built.

While Hope Rises is still entertaining on a surface level, it requires a significant suspension of disbelief to fully enjoy. That is something I personally was not willing to do, especially given how grounded and compelling the first installment felt. Fans of Nash Falls may still find elements to enjoy here, but for me, this sequel fell short of its promising foundation.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and this is one of those books where you REALLY need to read the first book before starting this one. This book starts out immediately after the events in the prior book and things will not make sense if you try to read this as a stand alone.

We continue following MMC Walter Nash (who is now using the alias Dillion Hope) as he tries to ingratiate himself into Victoria Steers' operation. His goal is to bring down her organization from the inside and then kill her to avenge his daughter Maggie.

The main issue that I had with this book was that the characters in the story are so unlikeable. Walter is a nice and decent man, but he goes back and forth on his opinion of Victoria once he starts to get to know her. It kind of felt like Mr. Baldacci was trying to give Victoria somewhat of a redemptive arc. Unfortunately, when the lady is responsible for torture, kidnapping and thousands of deaths through her drug distribution, - it's kind of hard to all of a sudden think she's a nice person.

Then there was Rhett Temple. His character goes through all kinds of changes, but the bottom line is that he is a selfish, narcissistic jerk. There really isn't anything good about him.

Between these two characters, a lot of this book felt frustrating to me. Especially the relationship between Walter and Victoria It also felt LONGER. I don't mean in actual pages (though it might have been, I honestly have no idea) but in the way it FELT. Whenever I continue to look down to see how much more book I have to go through before it is over - well, that's never a good thing.

For the most part, I did enjoy the series, though many things that happened in this book pushed the limits of believability. Yes, I liked the first book better, but this book takes everything and closes the circle.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on April 14, 2026.

[Savonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second of the Walter Nash series, the action picks up right where it left off in Nash Falls. Our protagonist has now fully transitioned from Walter Nash, the Mitty-esque businessman he once was, to Dillon Hope, the formidable fighting machine he has become.

Walter’s quest to avenge his daughter’s death leads him to join forces with Rhett Temple, his sleazy ex-boss, to bring down the criminal regime of Victoria Steers, who threatens them both. Steers, ever the ruthless mastermind, coerces them into breaking Steer’s mother out of a horrific Myanmar prison. Afterward, Temple negotiates a release from Steers’ grip by abandoning Nash, who is forced to work as a bodyguard for Steers. That’s OK with him as it puts him inside an operation he hopes to destroy, an enterprise responsible for his daughter’s death. During the course of his employment, Nash’s desire for revenge diminishes as he grows closer to Steers, and everything he thought he knew becomes tangled and confused. Walter’s kindness, fairness, and humanity returns even as Dillon’s desire to finish the mission continues.

If you, like me, appreciate a good soap opera with globetrotting derring-do, implausible transformations, and stunning resurrections, Hope Rises is just the ticket. Baldacci even sprinkles in a touch of geopolitical intrigue and violent drug trafficking.

I have to admit that despite twists that strain belief, I’m still a fan. Though the book isn’t a taut thriller or a tense spy-fi, it’s still good, and I enjoyed it. It does not, however, work well as a standalone. Readers who have not read Nash Falls should do so before picking this one up.

If you are a fan of David Baldacci and/or Walter Nash, mark your calendars for April 14, 2026, when Hope Rises hits bookstore shelves.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC of this book.

[Martin Baggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Rises is a sequel that demands you've lived through Nash Falls. It launches at full speed from the exact moment the previous book ended, with zero catch-up narrative.

Walter Nash, now operating as Dillon Hope, has transformed from spreadsheet sidekick to lethal weapon with one purpose—destroying Victoria Steers and her criminal empire. Working as an FBI informant, he must infiltrate her inner circle, a task requiring every bit of the brutal training that's reshaped him. Baldacci throws readers straight into the deep end at 100mph.

What frustrated me about Nash Falls' abrupt ending becomes this book's greatest strength—there's no downtime, no reset. The relentless pacing never lets up. Yet the characterization falters. Victoria Steers steps into the spotlight but her ruthlessness wavers in ways that feel implausible. Hope's motivations blur in equally unconvincing ways.

A new character offers this gem of wisdom: "But what you must always remember is that no matter whether a cow looks like a cow, moos like a cow, and gives milk like a cow, there is no guarantee whatsoever that it is indeed a cow." It's a line that encapsulates the book's central theme—nothing and no one is quite what they seem, including Hope himself and the woman he's sworn to destroy.

The final third delivers clarity and closure, though the resolution feels contrived. I wanted a bolder ending. Still, this is a propulsive thriller that builds on its predecessor, even if the character arcs don't fully convince.

A big thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope Rises
By David Baldacci

This is the second book in a two book series concerning a corporate negotiator named Walter Nash. In the first book, Nash's perfect life with his wife Judith and daughter Maggie comes to a screeching halt when Maggie is kidnapped. As Walter tries to rescue his daughter, his world comes crashing down around him and he ends up on the run from an Asian drug lord. And worst of all, Maggie is dead. But through a series of improbable circumstances, Nash is still out there somewhere seeking answers and revenge.

In this second book, Walter has been transformed into someone totally new with a whole new skill set still seeking revenge. This book has its own set of difficult situations for Nash to navigate and overcome. Along the way, the object of his hatred, one master criminal Victoria Steers, pulls his new persona into her orbit, which gives him advantages in his search for revenge. But as their relationship develops, Walter has mixed feelings about the whole thing.

As in most Baldacci books, the complicated scenarios eventually resolve, the bad guys meet their deserved fate and the good guys ride off into the sunset. Generally this pattern works. But not here. The situations are a little too improbable, the tie-ups a little too neat. This is not Baldacci at his best. And my biggest problem with this book is that the reader must have read the first book for the second to make any sense. No standalone here.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrepid businessman turned bodyguard, Walter Nash returns in David Baldacci’s newest novel, Hope Rises. Now living as Dillon Hope, Walter is driven by a single goal: the destruction of Victoria Steers, the head of an international drug conglomerate and the woman responsible for his daughter’s murder and the ruin of his once-happy life. This is very much a sequel and one that requires having read the first book, Nash Falls, to fully appreciate what’s at stake.

Walter, who has completely reinvented himself, is working incognito as bodyguard to his former boss, Rhett Temple. As the two men become entangled in a forced alliance with Victoria Steers, Walter begins to feel conflicted. In small, unsettling moments, he catches glimpses of the woman behind the merciless criminal, complicating his thirst for vengeance.

Baldacci introduced us to Walter Nash in the first book, but in Hope Rises we truly get to know the depth of his character as he confronts his feelings toward the woman who murdered his daughter. The novel delivers the expected thrilling action, sharp twists, and relentless pacing, along with a satisfying conclusion that makes readers forgive the cliffhanger ending of the first installment. I still maintain that Baldacci cannot write a bad novel, and Hope Rises does not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel picks up where the last leaves off, and I strongly recommend reading the first novel - you won't be sorry.

Nash/Dillon Hope continues his journey of revenge in his efforts to bring down Victoria Steers, the woman responsible for destroying his reputation and the kidnapping and murder of his daughter. Steers sends Nash and Temple (his former boss) on a danger-filled mission to break her mother out of prison. Their chance of success is little to none. If you thought Victoria was rotten to her core, you haven't seen anything yet. Her mother is a power hungry sociopath with a black soul. On second thought, she's probably soulless.

This story plays out like a strategic chess game and I gasped out loud at hairpin twists and turns. Baldacci does an outstanding job at revealing deeper layers of Nash and Steers, showing people aren't always what they seem. I was thrilled to see Shock again - he was one of my favorite characters from the first novel.

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2026, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. The ending isn't what I'd hoped, but it's what was best for the characters. Ultimately, this is a story about hope and redemption, and a series I highly recommend to fans of intelligent thrillers, morally gray characters, and breathtaking action sequences.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Viking Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: My first review covered the inherent issues with these characters so I will not rehash it here. I will say one thing: How Nash goes from Dork to Mercenary killer in a few months reveals an urge within to tear this book apart and burn it.

This installment carries the same prediliction for insurmountable odds coupled with cold revenge. We just happen to now be traveling the world along with Spike McDorkus in the hills of Burma and the streets of Hong Kong Fooey. You would need to suffer macular degeneration to miss the setup that roadmaps the ending. In one scene, Spike McDork grabs a man by the shoulder, and using his Vulcan death grip, forces him to his knees, as the man begs him to stop before it breaks. By that instance there should be a follow up novel, Dark Vulcan . Where two insipid explorers, Spok and Shock, ride eachotherrr.....the stars in search of an interstaller threat from the Dill system, known as the Doids.

The Archvillianess in all this is hotter than a popcorn fart and are you surprised? MEOW! Methinks a tryst is forthcoming and a burgeoning partnership of sexy sex coupled with revelations and sudden vindication. I root for this guy because he is written like a total shlepp, seeking redemption from an emotionally impoverished life. Good for him I say.

This was way better than the first novel. So give it a go.

4.6/5

[William de_Rham · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Baldacci’s “Hope Rises” is the sequel to “Nash Falls.” The promotional materials describe the book well.

Mr. Baldacci has given us a very entertaining thriller with interesting, even complex characters and an intriguing plot with lots of twists and turns. There’s not a lot of sex or violence. Mostly, it’s a chess game amidst a hall of mirrors where everything and anything can be “not as it seems.” There are times when the writing falls down a little and/or crosses the line into the melodramatic. But that didn’t keep me from eagerly turning the pages to see what happened next.

And, while “Nash Falls” had a cliffhanger ending, leaving many questions unanswered, “Hope Rises” resolves all the plot and subplot lines developed in both novels.

I do recommend reading “Nash Falls” first, and going on to “Hope Rises” pretty quickly thereafter. I read “Nash Falls” about five months ago and, while reading “Hope Rises,” did have some trouble remembering what had happened in the previous volume.

My thanks to NetGalley, author David Baldacci, and publisher Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Rises, is the second book in the Walter Nash series by David Baldacci. I enjoy David Baldacci novels but some reason haven’t read the first book in this series. It may have taken me longer to get into this book and feel I missed out for that reason. .

I enjoyed the character of Walter Nash and would like to read more of him. Walter used to be a gentle, sensitive soul, but after losing everything he loved to the global criminal empire of Victoria Steers, he’s been forged into something entirely different. Seeing his evolution from an FBI informant to a figure of “power and precision” was chilling. He isn’t just looking for justice; he’s been weaponized for a singular mission: to take Steers down.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Nash and Victoria Steers, she is a mastermind with incredibly sharp instincts who only trusts a select few. Nash tries everything he has learnt to use against her, but the stakes are high. This is a pulsating thriller full of action and emotion.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Baldacci is known for his great writing and incredible creations in the characters he writes. In “Nash Falls”, he introduced us to Walter Nash and then quickly put him through everything imaginable. If you haven’t read “Nash Falls”, you need to stop reading this review and run and go get a copy.

“Hope Rises” as Walter Nash takes on all those that have already not paid for what they have done to him and his family. He’s after those behind those that committed those sins against him. And he is out for justice.

There were several twists that caught me off guard in this sequel. Every page was so good. Situation after another just keeps amping up the intensity. As the puzzle pieces start to be offered on the table, you will be caught off guard where some of the pieces fit. And as someone that loved the show “24”, this novel brought back the philosophy that anyone can die. No matter who they are. No matter how important they are to the novel. Everyone can die.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

[Jude · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picks up exactly where it left off- on a private jet to China to meet up with the evil Victoria Steers. There are a lot of things going on with this book and in different locations, such as Myanmar and Hong Kong in addition to the US. Walter Nash, known now as Dillon Hope, is the tattooed and hard ass personal bodyguard to Rhett Temple, a man doing business with Steers (who wishes he wasn't). Who are the good guys, who are the bad guys? It's almost scary to think about how many high level things are going on in the world by pretty much a handful of people. All in the name of greed, power and money. I certainly don't doubt it.

A few twists in this one and the ending does not leave you on the precipice of another book. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first in the series, although it was certainly well written and thrilling. Something about all these people involved in getting drugs to the US to kill people is just so depressing.

Much appreciation to Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I want to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I had received an ARC of the first book, Nash Falls, last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope Rises picks up exactly where the first book left off and gets more into Walter Nash/Dillon Hope's revenge for having his life turned upside down in the first book. However, I found the first part, which mostly takes place in Hong Kong and Myanmar, to be confusing at times with many character and place names that almost seem glossed over. Also at some point, I questioned if Nash/Hope was really still about revenge, which was a big part of the first book.

The second part of the book features some really unbelievable situations and twists that had me shaking my head at times. The ending was also not very satisfying for me, although I did like a few of the outcomes. Overall, this book is not up to the level of Nash Falls unfortunately, but if you've read that book you do need to read this one to see how everything plays out.

[Carolyn Comings]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read and review this book.

As other reviewers have pointed out, this book is an immediate sequel to its predecessor, Nash Falls. I would strongly recommend reading the earlier book before tackling this one, especially as the author has chosen not to try to bring a new reader up to speed.

Other reviewers have offered synopses, and I see no need for me to try to replicate their work. I will say that this book has a LOT of plot twists, some of which I never would have guessed in a million years. And parts of the book were intense to the degree that I had to take frequent breaks. If you re not familiar with David Baldacci's work, if you enjoy rip-roaring thrills and intrigue, check out his books. Your local library most likely will have them. Also, you might want to wait until you're closer to the publication date before reading the first book, so you can read this book as soon as it arrives in bookstores.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a David Baldacci fan so I was excited to receive a review copy of Hope Rises, the 2nd book in the Walter Nash series.
After losing everything and transforming into a version of an action hero, previously mild mannered Walter Nash sets out to get close to crime queen Victoria Steers who has had his daughter murdered. Working for the FBI and also pursuing his own agenda Walter, now known as Dillon Hope , gradually becomes indispensable to Victoria who sends him on a dangerous mission to rescue her imprisoned mother.
The plot is complicated but fast moving and extremely entertaining. I couldn’t put it down and was eager to find out how it would all end for Walter and whether there will be a book 3- I certainly hope there will be as he is definitely someone I’d want to learn more about.
I recommend Hope Rises to all action thriller fans and would suggest reading the earlier book first if possible.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Julie]

Great read. Baldacci has a five star winner once again.
Walter Nash, who is now living under the alias Dillon Hope, has become an FBI undercover operative, with the assignment of bringing down the international criminal organization run by Victoria Steers. She also happens to be the woman who killed or had his daughter killed. His wife is in Witness Protection and Walter is determined to exact revenge. Along with the man who is running another criminal enterprise, that Walter managed to infiltrate in his new identity, he is off to Myanmar and areas nearby the Chinese border in order to bring Victoria's jailed mother home to her in an arranged jail recovery plan.
Great action, suspense and a mystery that keeps you riveted throughout.
The unexpected twists are jolting.
The characters are definitely engaging and easy to identify in their great definitions.
Walter Nash is a winner.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Nash Falls over the Christmas holiday and couldn’t put it down. I was so excited to see where they were going to take Walter and the other primary characters in the book. I was bummed that the second installment was not going to be published until April 14th. When I received notification of ARC approval for Hope Rises I could have wept!

The 2nd installment of this series gives fans what they have been waiting for where the first left off. I couldn’t put it down. It has all the classic elements of a thriller with suspense and not knowing what is coming around the next corner. I hope there will be more books in this series because I love the main character so much. Baldacci even has a way of making you feel some empathy for characters you should hate.

I think Baldacci fans will love this book and will want more just like me!

[Cheryl Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baldacvi delivers another compelling entry with Hope Rises, the second installment in the Walter Nash series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, I believe readers will appreciate it even more if they first delve into Nash Falls.

The story resumes with Walter Nash, now operating undercover under the alias Dillon Hope. This gripping thriller is filled with relentless action and a cast of ruthless characters. Walter is on a quest for vengeance following the tragic death of his teenage daughter, which leads him to infiltrate the world of the criminal mastermind, Victoria Steers. However, the line between appearance and reality is blurred, adding layers of intrigue to the plot.

I found it impossible to put the book down and highly recommend adding it to your reading list.

A special thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC, allowing me to share my honest review.

[Drew Dillenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 was so good I have it signed and wrapped on my bookshelf. I even bought it as a Christmas present for family members. I personally wanted this book to be a ruthless revenge tour and got the complete opposite. Honestly, being thrust right into Hong Kong and a heist in Myanmar was hard to adjust to and quite honestly hard to get into. After the heist, I think the story really settles in and we get to see the characters grow and shine. Baldacci is one of my favorite authors, and this series is definitely worth a read. I think both books are great and have another signed and wrapped copy in the way. Dillon Hope is a great character and one of my favorite of all time. I do just wish we got to see the reason he trained and become who he was more. Either way top notch book and it’s 5 stars.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hope Rises” by David Baldacci is the outstanding second book in his new series. I strongly recommend reading the first book “Nash Falls” before tackling this current adventure of Walter Nash.
Astute businessman turned vigilante Walter Nash works alongside the FBI to revenge the attack on his family and the kidnapping & murder of his daughter. He trains to become a skilled fighter and assassin and works to bring down a global crime syndicate lead by a cruel and manipulative woman. What follows is a breathless journey of treachery, betrayals, and nonstop action.
It is impossible not to engage with Mr. Baldacci’s newest hero, his personal storyline is unique and addictive. I highly recommend this series to lovers of intelligent thrillers, breathtaking action, and complex characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter Nash, working under the alias of Dillon Hope, is on the road to revenge after becoming an informant for the FBI against a global criminal operation headed up by Victoria Steers. His goal is to take her down and get revenge for her killing his daughter.

Another great one by David Baldacci – a true thriller. Since this is a sequel, I do recommend reading the first book, Nash Falls, before this one since it introduces the characters and you see how they develop. We learn a lot more about Nash’s character as well as Victoria’s in this second installment. I love the way Baldacci keeps you guessing until the end in his twisty way. He is truly one of my favorite thriller/espionage authors – this one was unique and truly addictive!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a 2 book series and would strongly suggest reading book 1 before tackling this book. It is filled with suspense and action packed with some quite surprising twists. Secrets are revealed. There are characters you will love, others you despise, and some you will down right hate. Although Steers is a criminal, as her life story unfolds, I felt deep compassion for her. Dillon and Steers develop a trust and respect for each other, which he finds conflicting with his intended mission. Steers is a mastermind who seems to always be a step ahead of everyone else, then her mother comes into the picture causing chaos. A book worth your time, recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Howard Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed most, if not all, of David Baldacci’s novels, I found Hope Rises to be a very confusing book with characters who were not particularly likable and many situations that seemed contrived. Since the first part of the long book takes place in Myanmar, the names of people and places constantly mentioned was not only confusing but also annoying. The plot basically centers around drugs and vengeance and the reader never knows who is trustworthy. Nevertheless, I plowed through to a not particularly satisfying conclusion. Despite reservations, I thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Rises by David Baldacci is the sequel to Nash Falls (it can't be read as a standalone). A gripping thriller from the beginning, taking us from Hong Kong to Myanmar and then back to the US, with lots of twists and thrilling events. I loved how the book showed that people can have different sides and life isn't always black and white. However, there was a lot of telling (not showing) in the book. Maybe flashbacks would have helped to explain how some shocking twists came about. A great unputdownable read nonetheless.
I got the ARC from Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley. This is my honest review