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: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Action

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

[MarilynW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walter Nash #2
Hope Rises by David Baldacci

I really enjoyed the first book, Nash Falls, in this series. The book ended on a humdinger of a cliffhanger so I was chomping at the bit to get this book. I do recommend reading Nash Falls before you read this book because you need to know what happened in the first book to understand the second book in the best way.

Walter Nash was a hardworking, extremely successful, intelligent, straightlaced family man. His life ethics were high although he did work too much and could have spend more time giving his wife and daughter the attention he gave to his career. Events in the first book turned his life on its head and that leads to him changing everything about himself. Now he lives under the name of Dillon Hope and his old life is wiped off the face of the earth for the most part.

When we start this book Nash is now working with the FBI to try to bring down a global criminal operation headed up by Victoria Steers. Nash is going to ruin Steers even if that means he has to go rogue and disassociate himself from the FBI. He's transformed himself so well that no one who knew him before his transformation recognizes him now. The everyman has turned into a strongman and he'll be ruthless if his inner ethics don't hold him back.

While I was interested in where Nash was heading in book two, the more I learn and the more I see with this story, the less enthralled I became with what is going on. We have really big bad humans with unlimited recourses talking about and actually wiping out massive numbers of human as a means of proving their world power and might and also for massive profit and prestige amongst those who are in the know about what they are doing. It's all about world domination and control. So Nash wanted revenge for what was done to his family but now he's involved in world powers tussling with the lives of everyday people.

What gets me is that Nash can't keep his mind on his mission and instead has huge amounts of empathy and sympathy for the worst folks. Nash makes excuses, over and over, for doing things that are counter to what he had planned to do and I lost respect for him. Of course, he's super intelligent and I'm just me so I wouldn't even be in his place to make things happen but it feels like he becomes one of them, in a way, and that's no fun. The moral dilemmas here are massive although Nash and only a few others seem to have many morals left. This was a rough ride for me and when it comes to evil world powers, I really don't want to be in their business meetings.

Expected publication April 14, 2026

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC

[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!

[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.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest, I don’t think this is Baldacci’s strongest series. Not bad by any means, but I think maybe I had super high expectations because Baldacci writes awesome books. :)

Hope Rises was definitely fast-paced and packed with action. There’s a lot going on: undercover work, revenge, shifting loyalties... and the stakes are high from the start. But at times, I found myself a little confused. Not because it was badly written, but because so much was happening at once that it felt slightly overcrowded.

Book one made me genuinely curious to see where Walter’s story would go. His transformation and his mission for revenge were compelling enough to pull me into book two. However… this installment felt more predictable. I kept waiting for a twist or a moment that would genuinely surprise me, but unfortunately, nothing really did.

That said, I didn’t dislike it. The pacing is solid, the action scenes are strong and Baldacci’s storytelling is still very readable and engaging. I just didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would.

Overall: 3.5–3.75★ from me.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how David Baldacci writes but this one was a harder read. In the beginning, there are lots of characters to keep track of and by the end, if you didn't read the first one, it won't make a lot of sense. Do yourself a favor and read this almost immediately after the first Nash book.

In this book Walter Nash is out to find the person who killed his daughter. Many twist and turns within this book.

Thank you Net Galley for the advance copy.

[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.

[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.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing.

I couldn't wait to continue this story. I read the first Walter Nash book last year, and as soon as I was done I wanted more. This sequel did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the twists and turns... some I guessed and some I didn't. I had never read David Baldacci before these two books, and now I want to read more! Very well done. Action-packed.

[Sam Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Nash Falls, I wasn’t sure where Baldacci would take Walter Nash next — but Hope Rises ended up surprising me in the best way.

What really stood out this time was Victoria Steers. I expected her to stay firmly in villain territory, but watching her redemption arc unfold was one of the most compelling parts of the book. Every time a new layer of her story was revealed, it forced both Nash — and me as the reader — to reconsider earlier assumptions. That slow dismantling of “good vs. evil” made the story feel deeper than a standard revenge thriller.

I also liked how Nash evolves throughout the book. He doesn’t just charge forward blindly. Every time something about Victoria shifts, he has to recalibrate — his mission, his anger, even his sense of justice. It felt like we were watching him grow in real time, wrestling with who he wants to be versus who he’s becoming.

The ending wasn’t quite the happily-ever-after I was secretly hoping for. But honestly? It felt right. It wrapped up the major threads in a satisfying way while still leaving enough tension and possibility for future Nash stories. It closes a chapter without shutting the door.

Overall, Hope Rises feels more emotionally layered than the first book. It still has the tension and danger you expect from Baldacci, but the character growth — especially Victoria’s — is what really stuck with me.

And if this isn’t the last we see of Nash, I’m absolutely in for the next one.

I would like to thank Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[BookishDramas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me but closer to 4.

I read this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this review is my my honest feedback after reading the book.

I have been a fan of David's books ever since I read Absolute Power before the movie released and have kept reading his stories over the last three decades.

As a person familiar with David's books right from Absolute Power onwards, I expected a fast paced, high tension thriller in true David Baldacci style and while the book definitely delivers on intrigue and suspense, it also surprised me with how much it leans into the emotional and psychological side of its story. It is not just about the mission here, it is about the toll that a mission takes and that made my reading experience slightly different from what I had initially anticipated. I have not yet read the previous book in this series Nash Falls so this was a fresh book for me.

We follow Walter Nash, now living under the identity of Dillon Hope, as he infiltrates a dangerous criminal world with a very personal goal in mind. What starts off as a clear and focused pursuit of revenge gradually becomes more complicated the deeper he gets. I liked how the story explores that shift. It is not just about getting closer to the target, but about what happens when the lines between right and wrong begin to blur.

One of the strongest aspects for me was Walter himself. He is layered and conflicted and there is a constant sense that he is not entirely in control of the situation, even when he appears to be. That internal struggle adds a lot of tension, sometimes even more than the external danger. It made me more invested in his choices, even when I did not fully agree with them.

The dynamic between Walter and Victoria Steers was interesting, though I do think it could have been explored a bit more a little earlier in the book. There is a complexity there that the story touches on, but never finds time to fully dive into. I expected those interactions much before it actually happened, and at times, I wanted those interactions to carry a bit more emotional weight, especially considering how important they are to the overall narrative and the story.

Pacing wise, the book is a little uneven. There are moments where everything clicks and the tension feels sharp and engaging, but there are also stretches where it slows down and lingers longer than necessary. I did not mind the quieter moments, but I did feel like the story occasionally held back when it could have pushed forward with more urgency.

That said, it is still a very readable and engaging thriller. The plot keeps you interested, the stakes are clear and there is enough depth in the character work to make it stand out from a more straightforward action driven story. The personal and professional dynamics of the lead characters of Walter and Victoria keep the story engaging and there are enough side characters to keep being invested in the story.

Overall, Hope Rises is a solid and enjoyable read. It may not be the most gripping or tightly paced Baldacci novel, but it still offers a good balance of suspense and character driven storytelling.

If you enjoy thrillers that focus as much on the person behind the mission as the mission itself, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book series, I’ve long maintained, is best enjoyed from the beginning. No matter how well the author provides sufficient information from the previous book(s) to make the current one completely understandable, readers still stand to miss a lot of the backstory that makes the current book more enjoyable. This is a case in point, perhaps more so than others; yes, it stands alone well, but since I’d read its predecessor (Nash Falls) fairly recently, I’m sure I enjoyed it a bit more for having read it. That said, I loved this one and am looking forward to the next installment to see if a couple of things sort of left hanging here get picked up again.
For those who missed the first one, Walter Nash spent most of his adult years as a Clark Kent of the business world – happy with his job, his wife Judith and their daughter Maggie. Then one day the world as he knew it crashed right before his eyes – with not the least of the issues being his wife having an affair with his uber-wealthy boss, Rhett Temple. The end result was that Walter necessarily transformed himself into a Superman, with help from his friend Shock – perhaps the only man in the world he really trusts, becoming a lean, mean fighting machine totally unrecognizable to those he knew in the past. He adopts a new name as well – he’s now known as Dillon Hope.

And he’s laser-focused on a single task: taking out crime queen Victoria Steers, who took away his primary reason for living – and not far down his list is his former boss. But Victoria, too, has an axe to grind; it was Dillon who became an FBI informant against her and her very powerful crime organization. And, she’s no slouch in the fighting machine department; she’s an expert in several forms of lethal combat. Should the twain ever meet, it’s a toss-up as to who would emerge “Victori”ous.

And then it happens: Dillon is called to meet with Victoria’s emissary, who relays to him that the dragon lady, who has heard of his formidable skills, wants to meet up. Dillon agrees, knowing that his new physique and “look” makes him unrecognizable as the Walter Nash she’s so eager to kill. Happily for him, he’s right; turns out she suspects nothing and wants him to spring her mother, the formidable woman who built the criminal empire Victoria now runs, out of a high-security, secluded prison in Myanmar – a virtual impossibility, but Victoria claims she has a plan. If he fails, it’s almost certain he’ll die in the process. Even if he survives and accomplishes his assignment, though, given Victoria’s devious ways there’s no guarantee she’ll let him live to see another day.

But since his conversion to a whole new man, Dillon is used to uncertainty – so off he goes. And it’s here that I sign off as well – I can’t reveal more without spoiling the anticipation for other readers. I’ll just say it’s exciting and edge-of-seat action to the end and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing

[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!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the Walter Nash series is a must read for those who read and enjoyed the first book as it ties all of the loose ends together and gave me information about Victoria Steers and other characters that were essential for the threads of the complex story to be totally understood. Walter is in the persona of Dillon Hope in this book and as such, he acts as a bodyguard for Rhett Temple as well as for Victoria Steers. He is still set on revenge for the death of his daughter and willing to die for his cause if necessary. The twists in this book just kept coming and after multiple revelations about Victoria and her past, she became more of a likable character instead of the despicable one that I thought previously. Rhett continues to be self-centered and self-absorbed, so I never really related to him but I did enjoy reading about his resolve to free himself from Victoria’s forced employment. I think my favorite character was Thura, a man whom Nash meets in his assigned task for Steers and who is heroic, focused and trustworthy, all characteristics that made him a good friend for Nash. I also liked Hiroko, the nanny who took care of the child Victoria and who wisely gave Nash good advice and insight into what made Victoria the way she was. The story is centered around Victoria and her mom as well as a ring of criminals with whom she is involved. The interactions between Victoria, Nash and the man who leads the crime empire was mesmerizing and captivated me each time there was a scene with them. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author did a magnificent job of tying all of the tapestry of the story together and ended with a satisfying conclusion with all questions answered and no loose ends. This book could conceivably be read as a standalone but I think it would be much more enjoyable to read both books in order, thus getting Nash’s backstory with Victoria, his deal with the FBI and who he was before he became the fearsome warrior known as Dillon Hope. This is a thriller with some romance and a lot of suspense thrown into the mixture, a totally different genre than I am accustomed to with books from Baldacci, but it is definitely one of the best books out there dealing with relevant and timely topics ripped from the headlines.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I also ordered my own personal copy since I collect this author’s books. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sue H · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the sequel to Nash Falls which started so slow as Baldacci introduced the characters and set the stage for the novel, Hope Rises does an about face and takes off from the beginning and keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat! As the alter ego for Walt Nash, the newly created Dillon Hope sets himself up to exact revenge on and take down for the FBI Victoria Steers, the woman responsible for destroying his life. He manages to get close to her when he acts as the bodyguard for Rhett Temple, the new head of his former employer. Rhett indentures Dillon to Victoria's service in a deal that frees him to escape her clutches and return home to the U.S., supposedly to locate Walter Nash so she can exterminate him. Will Dillon be able to keep up the new persona and find evidence to give to the FBI while working so closely to the head of an international criminal operation and heartless woman who destroys lives and kills on a whim?

Dillon finds out that things are not always what they seem to be as he is directed to complete dangerous missions, comes in contact with vicious criminals, and protects his new employer from assassination attempts. He also interacts with people who are closest to Victoria--Hikoko, her nanny from childhood and Masuyo, her ruthless, selfish, and power-hungry mother--and begins to question who Victoria really is. Will Dillon accomplish his mission of revenge and serving her up to the FBI?

I have always been a fan of Baldacci's storytelling and characters but was a bit disappointed with Nash Falls due to the time it took to actually get to the action. I now understand why the author took his time in introducing the story and characters in the first book. Without the background he provides in Nash Falls, Hope Rises would not be the incredible story it is! I have thought a lot about how Baldacci could have done things differently, but have come to the conclusion that his way of presenting his story with the two books was the best. I have already been encouraging patrons, family, and friends to place their requests for Hope Rises right away but to be sure to read Nash Falls first. Now we await with anticipation the third book in the Walter Nash Series!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with ARC for Hope Rises!

[Shoni Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sequel picks up right where the first Walter Nash novel left off. The shift is immediate. The man who once worked corporate deals now operates in a world ruled by guns, strategy, and revenge.

The first book centered on loss. Nash’s home life collapsed. The death of his daughter Maggie defined every page. This follow up pushes him into a different space. Grief remains the engine. Action drives the story.

From Negotiator to Weapon

Walter Nash no longer resembles the man readers first met. The suits and boardrooms are gone. In their place stands someone hardened by survival and revenge. His escape from an Asian drug syndicate forged skills he now uses with ruthless focus.

This story does not follow a man searching for closure. It follows a man who has turned himself into a weapon.

Nash Meets His Enemy

The tension climbs when Nash encounters Victoria Steers. She sits at the center of the chaos in his life. Brilliant. Dangerous. Calculated.

Nash moves inside her circle. The setup creates strong suspense.

Key moments drive the novel:

• The infiltration. Nash operates close to Steers while hiding his true intent. The atmosphere stays tense as he walks a tightrope inside enemy territory.
• The action. Gunfights, escapes, and tactical battles fill the pages. The pace stays fast, though some moments stretch believability.
• The emotional conflict. Revenge fuels Nash. Yet his connection with Steers creates complicated tension. The story attempts to balance rage with unexpected emotional shifts.

Where It Falters

The novel delivers the type of ending thriller fans expect. Villains face consequences. Nash survives the storm.

Still, the resolution feels a little too tidy. Several obstacles wrap up with clean precision. The danger never fully lingers the way it should.

Final Thoughts

This book works best for readers who finished the first novel. It continues Nash’s story without slowing down to explain the past. Without that context, the motivation behind the violence may feel thin.

If you enjoy fast paced thrillers packed with action and revenge will find plenty to like here. The novel closes the Walter Nash arc with firepower and momentum.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[NinaNeedsNovels · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Well, you’d be wrong because unfinished business is the only reason I’m here.”

Hope Rises by David Baldacci – Walter Nash #2 is a continuation of Nash Falls, and is a nonstop, action thriller from page one! Walter Nash has had everything taken away from him by a criminal enterprise. Working with the FBI, his goal is to infiltrate Victoria Steers’s operation to avenge the murder of his daughter – and to take down Steers. Becoming a security expert and bodyguard, Nash transforms himself into Dillion Hope and earns the trust of Steers. But sometimes a cow isn’t actually a cow; who is Steers? And why does Hope start to have conflicting feelings towards her after everything she has taken from him?

This novel starts immediately where Nash Falls ends, so reading the first Walter Nash novel is an absolutely must (this is NOT a standalone book!). I was hooked from the first book and through this book! I was sad that I had to wait four months in between the novels to finish Nash’s story – but it was well worth the wait.

Baldacci is such an amazing storyteller and writer. You know when you read one of his novels that you are in for a wild ride – but this story really takes it to the next level. Betrayal and revenge line the action-packed pages, leaving you wondering what will happen next. Character development is top notch, and you honestly forget that they are fictional.

And, can we just add - did Baldacci create the perfect man? A smart, sensitive, well-educated businessman that then becomes a super fit, strong, alpha-male protector? Sign me up every day of the week!

This was a great book; I am sad that my time with Nash is done (and I think it ends perfectly, while bittersweet, so a third book in the series isn’t necessary). I would highly recommend this series; while some things are a bit of a stretch of believability, and it was the craziest mother-daughter relationship I’ve ever read, I was engrossed from the beginning.

4.6 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for this gripping arc! All opinions are my own.

“If you can’t change something, the waste of energy is unforgivable.”

“You can accomplish so much more from the shadows.”

[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.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Rises by David Baldacci is a highly recommended thriller and the follow up to Nash Falls (2025), which ended on a cliff hanger. In the case of this series, you need to read Nash Falls before starting Hope Rises in order to understand everything that is going on, as well as the backstory.

Walter Nash, an informant for the FBI, has transformed himself and is now using the alias of Dillon Hope. He is working as a body guard for the despicable Rhett Temple but his ultimate goal is to take down Victoria Steers and her global criminal operation. As Temple's body guard he accompanies him to Hong Kong at the bidding of Steers. She informs the two that plans are in place for them to free her mother, Masuyo, from a prison in Myanmar. While Nash seeks vengeance, Temple believes following her orders, of which there is no choice, will result in him being able to disassociate from her. Nash knows she will never release her power over anyone, yet being on the inside will potentially give him access to destroy her.

That's all I'm going to say in order to avoid major spoilers. Let me reiterate, to appreciate Hope Rises you must read Nash Falls first. It's a wild ride to get there, but the loose ends are all tied up here.

This is another well-written novel that is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of twists, however, I'll be the first to proclaim that you need to set aside a healthy heaping amount of disbelief while reading. The chapters are short, helping keep the action and plot moving along quickly. There were certain developments which, admittedly, required the acceptance of more turn of events than I was willing to acquiesce to and this did lessen my interest somewhat as it changed some of Nash's original goals.

Hope Rises is a great, twisty thriller to read for everyone who was left hanging after reading Nash Falls. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[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.

[Pam Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of David Baldacci forever; he is indeed one of the great authors of action thrillers. My favorite series of his is Travis Devine – another Devine comes out later in 2026. Hope Rises is the second in a series of two, following Nash Falls (2025). It tells us the story of Walter Nash who becomes an FBI informant by going undercover after a criminal organization rips his life apart.
Nash is a brilliant lawyer who transforms himself into a muscular, imposing man with lethal skills. His only goal is to destroy Victoria Steers, who heads up the Chinese drug cartel which killed his daughter and made him a wanted man. Nash works his way into Steers organization as her bodyguard.
The first book in the series outlines the ruin of Nash, while the second tells us about his revenge. I do think that this series has a bit of unnecessary extra prose which means to me the two books could have used some heavy editing and been one book. I do hate when the first book is a cliffhanger (as Nash Falls was) forcing me to wait for the second half of the story. This is the only reason I am not giving the book a 5 rating.
But of course, I love Baldacci’s writing and story-telling so I gave the excessive length of the story a pass. The plot uses misdirection, and double-crosses and complex relationships to keep the reader happily plodding along. Plot is Baldacci’s forte and this series again satisfies.
If you want to read Hope Rises, I do suggest you start with Nash Falls, otherwise you may be left wondering what motivations the characters have. And then read Hope Rises immediately after! You have another Baldacci treat in store.

My rating: 4 of 5

This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
Hope Rises will be published on April 14, 2026.

[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.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the companion book to Baldacci’s “Nash Falls” which should be read first for greater understanding. I gave the book the following SCORE:
Setting: Hong Kong, Myanmar, New York
Characters: Walter Nash, now under the new, reconstructed identity of Dillon Hope, Victoria Steers, the devious Queen of terror from the first book, allies and enemies in Myanmar, plus some new and even more despicable characters
Overview of plot: Hope is working for the FBI to help bring down Steers’ criminal empire but his main motivation is to seek revenge for the murder of his daughter. Not recognizing that Hope is actually Nash after his radical transformation, Steers charges him and his boss in real life, but also directly involved with her criminal organization, with rescuing her mother from a foreboding prison in Myanmar near the Chinese border. The operation is strangely successful, leading to internal family and external forces battling for control of the criminal empire.
Recommendation: 3 stars
Extras:. Besides the clever titles of the two books, this is an interesting and engaging tale with a complex relationship between Hope and Steers. There are so many antagonists that the story becomes prolonged (almost 600 pages) and confusing at times, with twists, changing allegiances and not knowing who to dislike more at each stage. Along the way, Nash/Hope misses many chances at pure revenge and makes some exceptionally dubious choices, but the saga persists and, suspending belief, is entertaining to the end.
Thanx to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to provide this candid review.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #2 in the Walter Nash series picks up where it left off at the end of NASH FALLS. The first book introduced readers to Walter Nash, an accountant who believed he had a perfect life. When the FBI contacts him to request that he provide them with information to prosecute the CEO of the company he works for, he at first refuses, then changes his mind under duress. At that point, his perfect life hits the skids, and he must seek help in getting proof of his innocence. With help from unexpected persons, Nash has completely changed his looks and started hunting the people who harmed his family. Walter Nash has become Dillon Hope.

The book opens with Dillon Hope arriving at the fiercely guarded compound of Victoria Steers. Steers is the head of the cartel that is responsible for the dissolution of Dillon/Walter's family. He has vowed to make her pay in kind. Not long after arriving, Dillon will start his journey to justice with a mysterious trip to rescue Steers' mother. The mother plays an important part in the outcome of the book. Dillon soon finds himself in a circle of criminal activities that leave him questioning his resolve. As the characters move around the globe searching for answers to puzzling questions, the actions and consequences become more severe until the standoff at the end.

David Baldacci is an expert at giving his characters "heart", making them human even when they must become the same type of monsters they hunt. As each of them learns where the lines should not be crossed, their decisions turn inner conflict into steps on the way to justice. The series has been a winner as Walter turned into Dillon, who turns back into the honorable Walter.

[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.

[Tiffany Killian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well damn. I was lucky enough to get an ARC for Nash Falls (which I mistakenly thought was going to be a standalone) so after that amazing cliffhanger of an ending, I was freaking thrilled to be able to get an ARC of Hope Rises.

First off, I fell in love with Baldacci’s writing while reading Memory Man and have not stopped loving it yet. I constantly find myself wanting to read more about the characters he’s written and Walter Nash aka Dillon Hope was no exception. Most characters wanting revenge are pretty one dimensional, so it was amazing the depth and growth that Nash/Hope had throughout both Nash Falls & Hope Rises. By the end of the Hope Rises, I already hoping there could be a book 3 so that I could learn more about where he ends up. In addition to Nash/Hope, Victoria Steers was written so amazingly that there were numerous points throughout the book where I was actually rooting for the villain. She was without a doubt cold & calculated but on top of that she had warmth & compassion, it was a weird feeling to truly hope for the best for her character.

The story itself had more twists & turns than a kiddie roller coaster & they all fused together so effortlessly. Even the moments where you’re like “this is way beyond the realm of possible” managed to create a flow to the book that made me not want to put it down. I don’t know if there will be a third book to the series but in the case that there is, I cannot wait to see what else Baldacci has planned.

[DeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this sequel to “Nash Falls,” as this first story ended on a compelling cliffhanger. For me, that book was better than this sequel. I do recommend reading #1 in the series first, otherwise this one doesn’t make as much sense.

We first meet Walter Nash as a sharp, workaholic businessman. Then he loses the people that he holds dear and is recruited by the FBI. He undergoes a dramatic physical transformation to exact his revenge. This is the focus of book #2, “Hope Rises.”

Nash, or Dillon Hope, as he goes by now, is working security for Victoria Steers, the very woman he holds responsible for all of the awful things that have happened in his life. He’s hoping to find enough evidence so that the FBI can lock her up for life.

However, Victoria is an enigma. Is she a ruthless killer, or does he have it all wrong? As Nash gets further embedded in her life, he’s not sure anymore.

The first part of the book involves a wild scheme to get Victoria’s mother out of a remote prison. There are so many crazy steps that I thought there was no way he could succeed. Maybe that was all by design?

This one is full of twists, but it wasn’t as compelling as the earlier story.

This one was a good buddy read with Marilyn. Be sure to read her review to see her thoughts.

My thanks to Grand Central for the opportunity to read and to review this one honestly. Scheduled to release on 4.14.2026.