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Nemesis
Not yet published
Expected 3 Jun 26Amara never fit inside the life her mother built, one dripping in wealth, secrets, and pills she’s forced to swallow “for her own good.”
Her mother, Paige, has spent years trying to silence the voice haunting Amara’s mind. But the voice hasn’t faded. It’s only getting louder. And it wants to tell a story.
A chilling message leads Amara to a photo tied to a past Paige refuses to acknowledge. Paige is in the picture. So are four strangers. Five faces. Six Greek names scrawled on the back . . . One is Sophia, the voice in Amara’s head. Another is Nemesis, goddess of revenge.
As Sophia’s story pushes Amara down the trail Paige tried to bury, the past starts to bleed through the present: a betrayal that never died and a reckoning decades in the making.
Amara digs deeper. Paige’s perfect world crumbles. Secrets claw their way to the surface, and Sophia insists she knows exactly what happened back then... And what must happen next.
But as old sins breathe new life, one terrifying question stalks Amara's every move: Is she uncovering a legacy of revenge, or is she losing herself to a darkness that exists only in her mind?
Her mother, Paige, has spent years trying to silence the voice haunting Amara’s mind. But the voice hasn’t faded. It’s only getting louder. And it wants to tell a story.
A chilling message leads Amara to a photo tied to a past Paige refuses to acknowledge. Paige is in the picture. So are four strangers. Five faces. Six Greek names scrawled on the back . . . One is Sophia, the voice in Amara’s head. Another is Nemesis, goddess of revenge.
As Sophia’s story pushes Amara down the trail Paige tried to bury, the past starts to bleed through the present: a betrayal that never died and a reckoning decades in the making.
Amara digs deeper. Paige’s perfect world crumbles. Secrets claw their way to the surface, and Sophia insists she knows exactly what happened back then... And what must happen next.
But as old sins breathe new life, one terrifying question stalks Amara's every move: Is she uncovering a legacy of revenge, or is she losing herself to a darkness that exists only in her mind?
388 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 3, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Harper Black for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this novel. All I was asked was to write an honest review. Here goes!
Brief synopsis - past chapters from 18 years ago tell the story of Paige, Dena, Preston, Justin & Byron in college. Paints a picture of a group of close friends who are touched by tragedy, deceit, greed, and future redemption for all wrongdoings. These chapters are told by Sophia.
Current chapters are told by Amara - Paige's 18 year old daughter. She disagrees with her mothers lifestyle, her decision to keep secrets from her, and just generally doesn't like who her mother is as a person. Amara is trying to figure out who she is in the worst way possible making terrible decisions with 'friends' she has met in the city that do not have her best interest at heart. (Smoke, Rico & Jackie)
I LOVE a duel timeline novel, one of my favorite things. Then you toss in an unreliable narrator for reasons unknown in the start. I'm game. let's jump in.
As this story unfolds, it is uncomfortable, your own moral compass is making decisions for you, telling you who is good and bad based off of how you live, based off of what you are being told, but perhaps these things are not the truth of the matter, this is what you have to figure out.
As you learn who Sophia is, you have to go a bit into religion as she is centered around Gnosticism and Greek Mythology. You won't have to do any side research unless you want to, Black gives us the information we need to have enough of an understanding to follow along!
Knowing that there is some mythology here, some God's here, you will be wondering, what is real, what is true? As Amara is learning more and more from Sophia, you start to feel disjointed with her. There is a splintering that you either have to come back from or your can't. Can Amara?
As this book reaches it's climax, you hear Sophia's full truth, in turn telling the story of the 5 friends from college. Then you hear Paige's truth. You have to decide what truth is real and what one isn't. You think you have it figured out. You think you know how this story ends... I promise you that you don't.
You've heard that there are 2 sides to every story. Sophia says that this isn't true, there are infinite realities. Only you chose what is the truth.
The ending left me reeling. I normally love a book to tie everything up with a bow. When it doesn't it has to be satisfying at the same time. While this isn't a chose your own adventure type of ending, it definitely leaves you in the drivers seat, that being said you won't walk away feeling disappointed. At least I didn't.
Throughout the book you will feel uncomfortable, angry, scared, and maybe a lot pissed off, if not a whole gambit of other emotions as well.
I will be adding Harper Black to my list of authors to look out for. This book taking place in Detroit was also fun for me as I grew up on the boarder of the city and then worked in the city for years, a lot of the names were familiar and I could picture how the streets looked back in the time this story was being told. just a little bonus for me as a reader.
Brief synopsis - past chapters from 18 years ago tell the story of Paige, Dena, Preston, Justin & Byron in college. Paints a picture of a group of close friends who are touched by tragedy, deceit, greed, and future redemption for all wrongdoings. These chapters are told by Sophia.
Current chapters are told by Amara - Paige's 18 year old daughter. She disagrees with her mothers lifestyle, her decision to keep secrets from her, and just generally doesn't like who her mother is as a person. Amara is trying to figure out who she is in the worst way possible making terrible decisions with 'friends' she has met in the city that do not have her best interest at heart. (Smoke, Rico & Jackie)
I LOVE a duel timeline novel, one of my favorite things. Then you toss in an unreliable narrator for reasons unknown in the start. I'm game. let's jump in.
As this story unfolds, it is uncomfortable, your own moral compass is making decisions for you, telling you who is good and bad based off of how you live, based off of what you are being told, but perhaps these things are not the truth of the matter, this is what you have to figure out.
As you learn who Sophia is, you have to go a bit into religion as she is centered around Gnosticism and Greek Mythology. You won't have to do any side research unless you want to, Black gives us the information we need to have enough of an understanding to follow along!
Knowing that there is some mythology here, some God's here, you will be wondering, what is real, what is true? As Amara is learning more and more from Sophia, you start to feel disjointed with her. There is a splintering that you either have to come back from or your can't. Can Amara?
As this book reaches it's climax, you hear Sophia's full truth, in turn telling the story of the 5 friends from college. Then you hear Paige's truth. You have to decide what truth is real and what one isn't. You think you have it figured out. You think you know how this story ends... I promise you that you don't.
You've heard that there are 2 sides to every story. Sophia says that this isn't true, there are infinite realities. Only you chose what is the truth.
The ending left me reeling. I normally love a book to tie everything up with a bow. When it doesn't it has to be satisfying at the same time. While this isn't a chose your own adventure type of ending, it definitely leaves you in the drivers seat, that being said you won't walk away feeling disappointed. At least I didn't.
Throughout the book you will feel uncomfortable, angry, scared, and maybe a lot pissed off, if not a whole gambit of other emotions as well.
I will be adding Harper Black to my list of authors to look out for. This book taking place in Detroit was also fun for me as I grew up on the boarder of the city and then worked in the city for years, a lot of the names were familiar and I could picture how the streets looked back in the time this story was being told. just a little bonus for me as a reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished this story at 2:01 in the morning, after a full day sick in bed! This story kept me the best company! I had to sleep off the shock and recover a bit before I came to do this review 😂🫠💕
"NEMESIS" is my very first ARC ever! I saw Harper Black posting about it on Threads, so I took a chance and applied to be on the ARC team and got accepted!
Listeeennn...I don't know what I was expecting, but this story TOOK ME THU DERREEEEE, TOOK ME THU DEEEEERRRRE!! And I mean ALL THE WAY THU DEEEEERRRREEEE! Lol.
The writing was EXCELLENT!
The way she powerfully used imagery throughout was so satisfying to me. I also love how UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK this book is!
Even the way the book BEGINS, it was automatically giving "Choose Your Own Ending." The way Sophia was laced all through the story like interludes, I could see it all playing out in my mind like a movie. (Matter of fact, I NEED this to be made into a movie ASAP. And whoever picks it up BETTER do it right! 😡👊🏾💥)
I am such a SUCKER for beautifully-written prose that flows and doesn't feel awkward, disjointed, or forced.
My Kindle copy is literally chock-full of highlights and notes of my reactions in REAL time!
No lie, in the beginning, it started a little slow for me, but not because the story itself was slow, but because I had to make sure I was in the proper position to take in what I was reading. I was confused in some areas, overthinking what to pay attention to, etc. But taking notes, highlighting, and flipping back and forth, connecting dots helped me move along, the confusion cleared up and I was able to keep going.
I even learned a lot about Greek mythologies and different schools of thought. Gems were definitely dropped throughout that I can apply to my own life, and I appreciate that, too.
This story is very much character-driven, and I really enjoyed the multiple P.O.V.s that kept me on my toes and in the chokehold of dramatic irony! And even though I was keeping track of all my thoughts and theories in my Reading Journal (some of the things that I ended up being correct about), Ms. Black STILL threw me through loops SO CRAZY that she had me throwing my phone down MULTIPLE TIMES with all the unexpected twists and turns! 🤯🤯🤯🤯
Speaking of crazy, YES...at one point, I started feeling my own sanity slip away in the most delicious ways. I didn't know who to trust, what to believe, what was going to happen next. But I just couldn't put the book down.
Listen, it's also important to note that I am STILL new to the Thriller genre! S. A. Cosby got my feet wet and made me realize this can be my SECOND favorite genre after Fantasy, but MS. HARPER BLACK has REFINED my taste of Thrillers—I now know for a fact, that I HIGHLY favor DEEPLY PSYCHOLOGICAL BLACK THRILLERS with FANTASY/SPIRITUAL elements.
THAT is RIGHT up my alley! ✨️✨️✨️✨️
I highly recommend this book! Thank you so much for having me as part of the ARC team!
If you like a well-paced story that keeps you guessing all the way to the end, then "NEMESIS" is definitely the right story to read. I can't wait to get into more of Ms. Black's work!
My mind is just...BLOWN.
Now, my OFFICIAL RATING! First impressions of the book after reading is 4/5, 5/5!
*
CAWPILE Breakdown
Characters – are they well developed/are relationships clear or do they feel 2-dimensional
Atmosphere/world-building – did you feel like you were immersed in the world/is the vibe strong or is there not enough framework and exploration of the world and/or time period
Writing style – did you appreciate and enjoy the writing style or did it distract and drag you out of the story
Plot – did the story engage you or did you find that it was anti-climatic and flat
Intrigue – did you find yourself wanting to read the next chapter/unable to put the book down or did it feel you were just reading to finish the book
Logic – did the story and characters make sense to you or did you find yourself saying “That would never happen” or “Why did that character do that?”
Enjoyment – are you glad you read that book/were there elements that you enjoyed or did you say “There goes a week of my life”
For each category, you rate it from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the best. Then you average out the ratings and you can then translate the average score to a 5-star system.
0-3 Very Poor
4-6 Mediocre
7-9 Really Good
10 Outstanding!
***
Characters - 9/10
Atmosphere - 10/10
Writing Style - 10/10
Plot - 10/10
Intrigue - 10/10
Logic - 10/10
Enjoyment - 10/10
So...69 ÷ 7 = 9.8
69/70 points
5-Star Conversion:
Averages
0-1 = 0 Star
1.1-2.2 = 1 Star
2.3-4.5 = 2 Star
4.6-6.9 = 3 Star
7-8.9 = 4 Star
9-10 = 5 Star
Yup. This system tracks. ❤️
*
PEACH ratings system
P Plot
E Enjoyment
A Artistry
C Characters
H Heart
Rate each out of 5, average it out, then thats the star rating.
P 5
E 5
A 5
C 5
H 5
5/5 Stars
"NEMESIS" is my very first ARC ever! I saw Harper Black posting about it on Threads, so I took a chance and applied to be on the ARC team and got accepted!
Listeeennn...I don't know what I was expecting, but this story TOOK ME THU DERREEEEE, TOOK ME THU DEEEEERRRRE!! And I mean ALL THE WAY THU DEEEEERRRREEEE! Lol.
The writing was EXCELLENT!
The way she powerfully used imagery throughout was so satisfying to me. I also love how UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK this book is!
Even the way the book BEGINS, it was automatically giving "Choose Your Own Ending." The way Sophia was laced all through the story like interludes, I could see it all playing out in my mind like a movie. (Matter of fact, I NEED this to be made into a movie ASAP. And whoever picks it up BETTER do it right! 😡👊🏾💥)
I am such a SUCKER for beautifully-written prose that flows and doesn't feel awkward, disjointed, or forced.
My Kindle copy is literally chock-full of highlights and notes of my reactions in REAL time!
No lie, in the beginning, it started a little slow for me, but not because the story itself was slow, but because I had to make sure I was in the proper position to take in what I was reading. I was confused in some areas, overthinking what to pay attention to, etc. But taking notes, highlighting, and flipping back and forth, connecting dots helped me move along, the confusion cleared up and I was able to keep going.
I even learned a lot about Greek mythologies and different schools of thought. Gems were definitely dropped throughout that I can apply to my own life, and I appreciate that, too.
This story is very much character-driven, and I really enjoyed the multiple P.O.V.s that kept me on my toes and in the chokehold of dramatic irony! And even though I was keeping track of all my thoughts and theories in my Reading Journal (some of the things that I ended up being correct about), Ms. Black STILL threw me through loops SO CRAZY that she had me throwing my phone down MULTIPLE TIMES with all the unexpected twists and turns! 🤯🤯🤯🤯
Speaking of crazy, YES...at one point, I started feeling my own sanity slip away in the most delicious ways. I didn't know who to trust, what to believe, what was going to happen next. But I just couldn't put the book down.
Listen, it's also important to note that I am STILL new to the Thriller genre! S. A. Cosby got my feet wet and made me realize this can be my SECOND favorite genre after Fantasy, but MS. HARPER BLACK has REFINED my taste of Thrillers—I now know for a fact, that I HIGHLY favor DEEPLY PSYCHOLOGICAL BLACK THRILLERS with FANTASY/SPIRITUAL elements.
THAT is RIGHT up my alley! ✨️✨️✨️✨️
I highly recommend this book! Thank you so much for having me as part of the ARC team!
If you like a well-paced story that keeps you guessing all the way to the end, then "NEMESIS" is definitely the right story to read. I can't wait to get into more of Ms. Black's work!
My mind is just...BLOWN.
Now, my OFFICIAL RATING! First impressions of the book after reading is 4/5, 5/5!
*
CAWPILE Breakdown
Characters – are they well developed/are relationships clear or do they feel 2-dimensional
Atmosphere/world-building – did you feel like you were immersed in the world/is the vibe strong or is there not enough framework and exploration of the world and/or time period
Writing style – did you appreciate and enjoy the writing style or did it distract and drag you out of the story
Plot – did the story engage you or did you find that it was anti-climatic and flat
Intrigue – did you find yourself wanting to read the next chapter/unable to put the book down or did it feel you were just reading to finish the book
Logic – did the story and characters make sense to you or did you find yourself saying “That would never happen” or “Why did that character do that?”
Enjoyment – are you glad you read that book/were there elements that you enjoyed or did you say “There goes a week of my life”
For each category, you rate it from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the best. Then you average out the ratings and you can then translate the average score to a 5-star system.
0-3 Very Poor
4-6 Mediocre
7-9 Really Good
10 Outstanding!
***
Characters - 9/10
Atmosphere - 10/10
Writing Style - 10/10
Plot - 10/10
Intrigue - 10/10
Logic - 10/10
Enjoyment - 10/10
So...69 ÷ 7 = 9.8
69/70 points
5-Star Conversion:
Averages
0-1 = 0 Star
1.1-2.2 = 1 Star
2.3-4.5 = 2 Star
4.6-6.9 = 3 Star
7-8.9 = 4 Star
9-10 = 5 Star
Yup. This system tracks. ❤️
*
PEACH ratings system
P Plot
E Enjoyment
A Artistry
C Characters
H Heart
Rate each out of 5, average it out, then thats the star rating.
P 5
E 5
A 5
C 5
H 5
5/5 Stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy sent from the Author
I really feel bad about giving a poor review to a book after the author was kind enough to send an ARC for honest reviews. I went in hopeful as the cover of the book says “A buried past. A mother’s lies… A daughter trapped between truth and madness”. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t what was on the pages. I need to be honest and say that I read 128 pages and had to stop after that. The book is 369 pages, so I feel like I gave it a valiant effort. In the 128 pages I read, there wasn’t anything exciting happening that made me want to keep turning the pages (or clicking, since I downloaded it on my kindle). I feel a lot of the chapters were about the main character (Amara) getting high with her friends, and getting into trouble. A lot of the dialogue was also very surface, and didn’t add anything to the plot, it just made an already long story even longer. Chapter 7 was exceptionally bad. Readers should know what they are getting into, so here are some of the quotes for you to decide if you want to pick up the book or not:
Example 1- Smoke leans on the horn just as LeeLee pulls out her phone to punch in Rico’s number. “She burnin’, dawg. And she only sixteen. Let’s go!” LeeLee whips her head toward the car, a hand on her hip, neck swaying like a hypnotized cobra. “Why you always hatin’, Smoke? Damn!” “You burnin’?” Rico recoils, face twisting into something between confusion and disgust. He takes two steps back, as if whatever she has is airborne. “You nasty as hell.” He hikes up his sagging jeans, but with no belt, they drop even lower, revealing more of his plaid boxers. LeeLee sucks her teeth and rolls her eyes so hard it’s a wonder they come back down. “You can’t believe everything you hear, boy. And don’t act like you ain’t never had nothin’ befo’. You ain’t nobody special.”
Example 2- Smoke doesn’t look at him. “Man, I told you ’bout these girls out here. You’ll learn when you catch somethin’. Just hope it’s some shit you can get rid of.” He chuckles, grabs a blunt from the console, and tosses it into Rico’s lap. “Light that up.” Rico sparks the blunt, inhales deeply, and cracks the window as Smoke pulls the car away from the curb. “Where we goin’?” “Nicky D’s. Meetin’ up with ’Mara.” Rico groans, dragging smoke from his lungs. “Man, what’s up with you and this chick?” Smoke keeps his eyes on the road. “What you mean? That’s my lil’ homie.” “Nah, dawg, she ain’t yo’ homie. Somethin’ about her ain’t right. You got a lil’ crush on her, so you can’t see it. But I don’t trust her.”
Example 3- “I’on know, man. But I don’t trust her, not with the shit we be doin’. If I find out she snitched to get out, she dead.” “Chill, nigga. We don’t even know for sure that she lyin’.” “Nah, nigga, you chill, while I find out what the fuck is goin’ on.” Smoke stares straight ahead, but his mind keeps circling with the same question: What if Rico’s right? “She dead,” Rico repeats, quieter this time but with cold finality. Smoke glances over to see him pull the trigger on an invisible gun. “Damn, nigga, you let the weed go out.” He nods at the blunt lodged between Rico’s fingers. “Light it back up.”
*****************************
If I had read these passages in a review, I would know the book wasn’t for me. There are other reviews on here and some people seem to enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I was not one of them.
I really feel bad about giving a poor review to a book after the author was kind enough to send an ARC for honest reviews. I went in hopeful as the cover of the book says “A buried past. A mother’s lies… A daughter trapped between truth and madness”. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t what was on the pages. I need to be honest and say that I read 128 pages and had to stop after that. The book is 369 pages, so I feel like I gave it a valiant effort. In the 128 pages I read, there wasn’t anything exciting happening that made me want to keep turning the pages (or clicking, since I downloaded it on my kindle). I feel a lot of the chapters were about the main character (Amara) getting high with her friends, and getting into trouble. A lot of the dialogue was also very surface, and didn’t add anything to the plot, it just made an already long story even longer. Chapter 7 was exceptionally bad. Readers should know what they are getting into, so here are some of the quotes for you to decide if you want to pick up the book or not:
Example 1- Smoke leans on the horn just as LeeLee pulls out her phone to punch in Rico’s number. “She burnin’, dawg. And she only sixteen. Let’s go!” LeeLee whips her head toward the car, a hand on her hip, neck swaying like a hypnotized cobra. “Why you always hatin’, Smoke? Damn!” “You burnin’?” Rico recoils, face twisting into something between confusion and disgust. He takes two steps back, as if whatever she has is airborne. “You nasty as hell.” He hikes up his sagging jeans, but with no belt, they drop even lower, revealing more of his plaid boxers. LeeLee sucks her teeth and rolls her eyes so hard it’s a wonder they come back down. “You can’t believe everything you hear, boy. And don’t act like you ain’t never had nothin’ befo’. You ain’t nobody special.”
Example 2- Smoke doesn’t look at him. “Man, I told you ’bout these girls out here. You’ll learn when you catch somethin’. Just hope it’s some shit you can get rid of.” He chuckles, grabs a blunt from the console, and tosses it into Rico’s lap. “Light that up.” Rico sparks the blunt, inhales deeply, and cracks the window as Smoke pulls the car away from the curb. “Where we goin’?” “Nicky D’s. Meetin’ up with ’Mara.” Rico groans, dragging smoke from his lungs. “Man, what’s up with you and this chick?” Smoke keeps his eyes on the road. “What you mean? That’s my lil’ homie.” “Nah, dawg, she ain’t yo’ homie. Somethin’ about her ain’t right. You got a lil’ crush on her, so you can’t see it. But I don’t trust her.”
Example 3- “I’on know, man. But I don’t trust her, not with the shit we be doin’. If I find out she snitched to get out, she dead.” “Chill, nigga. We don’t even know for sure that she lyin’.” “Nah, nigga, you chill, while I find out what the fuck is goin’ on.” Smoke stares straight ahead, but his mind keeps circling with the same question: What if Rico’s right? “She dead,” Rico repeats, quieter this time but with cold finality. Smoke glances over to see him pull the trigger on an invisible gun. “Damn, nigga, you let the weed go out.” He nods at the blunt lodged between Rico’s fingers. “Light it back up.”
*****************************
If I had read these passages in a review, I would know the book wasn’t for me. There are other reviews on here and some people seem to enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I was not one of them.
May 13, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author
Nemesis by Harper Black
The deeper Amara digs, the more the line blurs between perception and truth — because every story has more than one version.
This novel completely pulled me into its dark and unsettling world from page 1 and refused to let go. The entire story had this creeping sense of unease that stayed with me the whole way through, constantly making me question what was real, who could be trusted, and whether the darkness haunting Amara was supernatural, psychological, or something more dangerous.
Amara’s unraveling felt so vivid and emotionally raw. Watching her dig deeper into secrets her mother desperately tried to bury created this intense feeling of dread that kept building chapter after chapter. The way the past slowly bled into the present was incredibly well done, and every reveal made the story feel heavier, darker, and more obsessive.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. Harper Black created this haunting tension that lingered over everything, and Sophia’s voice added such an eerie psychological edge to the story. I genuinely felt unsettled in the best possible way while reading it.
The mystery surrounding the photo, the Greek names, and what Nemesis was kept me hooked. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another layer was peeled back and I was questioning everything all over again.
If you love psychological thrillers filled with family secrets, unreliable narration, emotional intensity, paranoia, and a slow descent into darkness, Nemesis is absolutely worth reading.
Thank you to Harper Black for trusting me with an ARC of Nemesis <3
Nemesis by Harper Black
The deeper Amara digs, the more the line blurs between perception and truth — because every story has more than one version.
This novel completely pulled me into its dark and unsettling world from page 1 and refused to let go. The entire story had this creeping sense of unease that stayed with me the whole way through, constantly making me question what was real, who could be trusted, and whether the darkness haunting Amara was supernatural, psychological, or something more dangerous.
Amara’s unraveling felt so vivid and emotionally raw. Watching her dig deeper into secrets her mother desperately tried to bury created this intense feeling of dread that kept building chapter after chapter. The way the past slowly bled into the present was incredibly well done, and every reveal made the story feel heavier, darker, and more obsessive.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. Harper Black created this haunting tension that lingered over everything, and Sophia’s voice added such an eerie psychological edge to the story. I genuinely felt unsettled in the best possible way while reading it.
The mystery surrounding the photo, the Greek names, and what Nemesis was kept me hooked. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another layer was peeled back and I was questioning everything all over again.
If you love psychological thrillers filled with family secrets, unreliable narration, emotional intensity, paranoia, and a slow descent into darkness, Nemesis is absolutely worth reading.
Thank you to Harper Black for trusting me with an ARC of Nemesis <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was so easy to get lost in this story, the back and forth, what is and what isn't, and I loved every twisty moment of it.
A unique narration style, a twisty web of timelines to follow, a mystical twist ... consider me sat for the duration.
Amara, like most college students, doesn't want her mother's life. So, she is off doing ... well ... things that her mother wouldn't approve of.
Her mother, Paige? Well, she has a secret life all her own.
This story? Well, it's all about how those secrets circle and unwind and twist and turn, or maybe it isn't.
I was constantly left guessing what was going on, how people were connected, who was reliable and who wasn't. AND I LOVED IT.
So many times, it becomes black and white - this guy is a good guy, this guy is a bad guy. Every character starts to fall into their side of the mystery - but in this case? Not so much. I loved that even as the story resolves - I never really determined who was the good guy and who was the bad guy. Circling back to the opening of the book after having finished - I think I know where I fall on who to believe but ... could it be? Could it really be ... THAT?
And that's why I loved this book so much. It was twisty, and wild, and it made me think, and it made me go what the??? But also, at its core, it's about the fact that every story has three sides Side A, Side B, and the truth.
Can you handle the truth??
A unique narration style, a twisty web of timelines to follow, a mystical twist ... consider me sat for the duration.
Amara, like most college students, doesn't want her mother's life. So, she is off doing ... well ... things that her mother wouldn't approve of.
Her mother, Paige? Well, she has a secret life all her own.
This story? Well, it's all about how those secrets circle and unwind and twist and turn, or maybe it isn't.
I was constantly left guessing what was going on, how people were connected, who was reliable and who wasn't. AND I LOVED IT.
So many times, it becomes black and white - this guy is a good guy, this guy is a bad guy. Every character starts to fall into their side of the mystery - but in this case? Not so much. I loved that even as the story resolves - I never really determined who was the good guy and who was the bad guy. Circling back to the opening of the book after having finished - I think I know where I fall on who to believe but ... could it be? Could it really be ... THAT?
And that's why I loved this book so much. It was twisty, and wild, and it made me think, and it made me go what the??? But also, at its core, it's about the fact that every story has three sides Side A, Side B, and the truth.
Can you handle the truth??
Review of advance copy received from Author
I ended up really enjoying Nemesis. It did take me a bit to fully get into at first, mostly because there’s a lot being introduced early on and the story slowly builds instead of throwing everything at you right away. But once things started coming together, I was completely invested.
The atmosphere of this book was probably my favorite part. There’s this constant uneasy feeling throughout the whole story, and the deeper Amara gets into the past and the secrets surrounding her mother, the more you start questioning what’s real and who’s actually telling the truth. I really liked how the story kept making me rethink my assumptions.
I also liked the mix of psychological thriller elements with the mythology and spiritual themes. Sophia’s parts especially stood out to me because they added this creepy, unsettling feeling to the story that made everything feel even more intense.
The way the characters spoke wasn’t always my personal favorite, but it never stopped me from wanting to keep reading. The story itself was interesting enough that I still wanted to see how everything would play out.
Overall, I think this is a really solid psychological thriller, especially if you like slower-burn stories with unreliable narration, family secrets, and twists that keep making you question everything. I’m glad I stuck with it because the second half really pulled me in.
The atmosphere of this book was probably my favorite part. There’s this constant uneasy feeling throughout the whole story, and the deeper Amara gets into the past and the secrets surrounding her mother, the more you start questioning what’s real and who’s actually telling the truth. I really liked how the story kept making me rethink my assumptions.
I also liked the mix of psychological thriller elements with the mythology and spiritual themes. Sophia’s parts especially stood out to me because they added this creepy, unsettling feeling to the story that made everything feel even more intense.
The way the characters spoke wasn’t always my personal favorite, but it never stopped me from wanting to keep reading. The story itself was interesting enough that I still wanted to see how everything would play out.
Overall, I think this is a really solid psychological thriller, especially if you like slower-burn stories with unreliable narration, family secrets, and twists that keep making you question everything. I’m glad I stuck with it because the second half really pulled me in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nemesis
By: Harper Black
4 Stars
This is definitely a book that has no clear answer. It's about belief. What you believe as the reader. I believe this book is as much about Amara as it is her mother, Paige. A past that is believed to be buried comes to the surface in a hauntingly dangerous way. A divine retribution, maybe.
This was a story so full of secrets, lies, and betrayal that it seeps from the pages. Paired with the mystery and fantasy, this book was not just a read, but a journey. A journey filled with deceit, revenge, and a fragile sense of mental health. A journey for the truth.
This was an absolutely engaging story from start to finish that keeps you wanting more. Throughout this journey, it was easy to get emotional. I found myself confused, mad, and sad. While I was also shocked and awed more than once. It also made me really think. It was written to make you question everything and everyone. Who is who? What is what? It was filled with betrayal, revenge, and divinity. The characters, the settings, all of it is steeped in a too real reality with touches of madness and a magical world just beneath the skins surface. Just waiting to ascend.
*I want to thank the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
By: Harper Black
4 Stars
This is definitely a book that has no clear answer. It's about belief. What you believe as the reader. I believe this book is as much about Amara as it is her mother, Paige. A past that is believed to be buried comes to the surface in a hauntingly dangerous way. A divine retribution, maybe.
This was a story so full of secrets, lies, and betrayal that it seeps from the pages. Paired with the mystery and fantasy, this book was not just a read, but a journey. A journey filled with deceit, revenge, and a fragile sense of mental health. A journey for the truth.
This was an absolutely engaging story from start to finish that keeps you wanting more. Throughout this journey, it was easy to get emotional. I found myself confused, mad, and sad. While I was also shocked and awed more than once. It also made me really think. It was written to make you question everything and everyone. Who is who? What is what? It was filled with betrayal, revenge, and divinity. The characters, the settings, all of it is steeped in a too real reality with touches of madness and a magical world just beneath the skins surface. Just waiting to ascend.
*I want to thank the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a novel that lingers in your mind long after the final page, and this one absolutely does. Harper Black has crafted a remarkable work through her richly detailed and poetic storytelling. Every character feels deliberately and intricately developed, with motivations and emotions so vivid they become almost tangible to the reader. Her cast embodies a compelling range of human qualities-ruthlessness,
arrogance, wisdom, madness, and hope-creating a story layered with emotional depth and complexity.
The novel's unexpected twists genuinely caught me off guard, keeping me completely engrossed and eager for more with every chapter. At its core, this is a story about love, greed, and survival, but it ultimately evolves into something even more thought-provoking: a narrative that challenges the reader's perception of reality itself.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of psychological thrillers, books with a hint of the supernatural, and stories that leave you thinking and wanting more!
arrogance, wisdom, madness, and hope-creating a story layered with emotional depth and complexity.
The novel's unexpected twists genuinely caught me off guard, keeping me completely engrossed and eager for more with every chapter. At its core, this is a story about love, greed, and survival, but it ultimately evolves into something even more thought-provoking: a narrative that challenges the reader's perception of reality itself.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of psychological thrillers, books with a hint of the supernatural, and stories that leave you thinking and wanting more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nemesis by Harper Black is a gripping black femme noir psychological thriller filled with deceit, secrets, and suspense. From the very first page, the story pulls readers into a dark and emotionally charged world that is difficult to leave behind.
The protagonist, Amara, is a complex and compelling character whose journey drives the tension throughout the novel. Harper Black brilliantly explores the blurred line between perception and reality, leaving readers questioning whether Amara’s experiences are signs of mental illness, a deeper truth others cannot understand, or even divine intervention. While those around her, including her mother, see her as unstable, the narrative continually challenges that belief.
With sharp writing, strong psychological depth, and unexpected twists, Nemesis is a haunting and addictive thriller that explores themes of trauma, identity, survival, and power. Harper Black delivers a suspenseful and unforgettable story that lingers long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed reading the book, although I was a little confused in the beginning because I didn't understand the connection between Justin and Preston after the first couple chapters so I started taking notes to make sure I understood who each character was and what role they played. It was suspenseful and had me wanting to read more. There were many moments when my prediction was wrong and that's what kept me wanting to read more. It also made me want to know more about Gnosticism because I had never heard of it before.
I felt the emotions of Amara wanting to know more and her determination to get to the truth. I would have liked to have read more interaction with Bryon's relationship with Paige. I was hoping Amara could have had a relationship with him. Betrayal and revenge is powerful and this book showed how powerful it can be. The interjections of Sophia Story's from the past was great to help tie everything together.
The ending was on point. I said to myself, "oh no, I was suppose to be paying closer attention to the dates." It did not leave you wondering.
I felt the emotions of Amara wanting to know more and her determination to get to the truth. I would have liked to have read more interaction with Bryon's relationship with Paige. I was hoping Amara could have had a relationship with him. Betrayal and revenge is powerful and this book showed how powerful it can be. The interjections of Sophia Story's from the past was great to help tie everything together.
The ending was on point. I said to myself, "oh no, I was suppose to be paying closer attention to the dates." It did not leave you wondering.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to receive this book as an ARC, which I am so appreciative of. This is one of those books that doesn’t give you answers — it makes you think and contemplate everything. The past refuses to stay buried, and when it comes back up, it does so in the most haunting, dangerous, and almost divine way possible.
This book is packed with secrets, lies, and betrayal to the point where you can practically feel it dripping off the pages. There are mystery elements mixed with outrageous fantay. t’s a story about revenge, truth, mental unraveling, and the messy consequences of the past catching up with everyone.
One minute I was confused, then shocked and was taken on a journey of emotions. The story keeps you questioning. I would say this book emotional, mysterious amd dark in the best way possible, the way I like my books to be.
This book is packed with secrets, lies, and betrayal to the point where you can practically feel it dripping off the pages. There are mystery elements mixed with outrageous fantay. t’s a story about revenge, truth, mental unraveling, and the messy consequences of the past catching up with everyone.
One minute I was confused, then shocked and was taken on a journey of emotions. The story keeps you questioning. I would say this book emotional, mysterious amd dark in the best way possible, the way I like my books to be.
May 14, 2026
I had the pleasure of reading ARC copy of Nemesis. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Being a 80s baby raised in the 90s, this book gave me all the 90s nostalgia and feels. The story line flows good and makes you try to guess what's going to happen or where it's taking you. It dabbles in the realm of spirituality and mental health, the haves and the have nots. Amara is trying to find some truth with the help of a "source" but is that source reliable? It turns into a wild ride and I found myself yelling a few times for certain individuals to just fess up!! The ending will have you thinking long and hard. I also want to add that I have not read a lot of psychological thrillers with characters that look like me, and that could just be due to my lack of knowledge, but that element made it more enjoyable for me. As the gurls say Harper, you ate that!
May 7, 2026
I loved this book! The story was incredibly unique and had me questioning everything from beginning to end. Even now, I’m still not sure what to believe! I found myself completely frustrated with Paige and Preston, while being totally fascinated by Dena and her story. And Amara? I just wanted to hug her and help her piece everything together.
There were multiple moments where I actually gasped out loud, and I’m still left with so many questions. This book gave me all the emotions and is definitely one that will stay with me.
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller with a compelling, unpredictable plot that feels completely different from anything else you’ve read, I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down!
There were multiple moments where I actually gasped out loud, and I’m still left with so many questions. This book gave me all the emotions and is definitely one that will stay with me.
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller with a compelling, unpredictable plot that feels completely different from anything else you’ve read, I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nemesis by Harper Black is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story is filled with suspense, secrets, betrayal, and twists that constantly had me questioning what was real. Amara is such a compelling character, and the emotional depth throughout the novel made it impossible not to become invested in her journey.
Harper Black’s writing is vivid, haunting, and incredibly immersive, blending psychological tension with subtle supernatural elements in a way that feels unique and unforgettable. This is the kind of book that stays in your mind long after you finish it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dark, thought-provoking thrillers with plenty of surprises
Harper Black’s writing is vivid, haunting, and incredibly immersive, blending psychological tension with subtle supernatural elements in a way that feels unique and unforgettable. This is the kind of book that stays in your mind long after you finish it, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dark, thought-provoking thrillers with plenty of surprises
May 8, 2026
“Nemesis” by Harper Black is a Black FMC psychological thriller.
There is not a single trustworthy main character in this book and I love it even more for that! In the beginning of this book I was told to question everything so I did! After 4 pages of notes in my reading journal, questions written that later get answered or don’t. Two things remain true.
1. I don’t know what the truth is, I can only pick what I choose to believe.
2. Monica is the only person who didn’t lie to me. 😮💨
I read this book in 2 days, it held my attention and even more than that it kept me on my toes. Still after reading it all, it lingers and I find myself questioning each version of the story again and again.
There is not a single trustworthy main character in this book and I love it even more for that! In the beginning of this book I was told to question everything so I did! After 4 pages of notes in my reading journal, questions written that later get answered or don’t. Two things remain true.
1. I don’t know what the truth is, I can only pick what I choose to believe.
2. Monica is the only person who didn’t lie to me. 😮💨
I read this book in 2 days, it held my attention and even more than that it kept me on my toes. Still after reading it all, it lingers and I find myself questioning each version of the story again and again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first read from this author, but it most certainly will not be my last. I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. There were many, "wait, what?" moments when reading. Once I started reading I truly did not want to put it down. The world building and movement back and forth from past to present was well executed and seamless. The plot advanced at a really good pace and there were small clues along the way, but not so many that I was able to draw any conclusions about the ending. The plot twists, I definitely didn't see coming. If you are fan of reads that make you go, hmmm and to some extent allow you to draw your own conclusions, I am confident you will enjoy this read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for the ARC In return for my review.
Nemesis is a story of betrayal and revenge told across two timeline; the late 1990s and 2015. After a slow start, the pieces fall into place, especially once the friendship between Dena and Paige reveals itself as the catalyst for everything that follows. The novel really picks up in the final 100 pages.
Amara is an unreliable narrator, her mental illness blurs the line between delusion and the influence of the god-like Sophia. While I enjoyed the Greek mythology elements, the extended focus on Gnosticism felt a bit drawn out.
I guessed the Amara/Dena connection. Finding out who Darius was made me gasp. The ending genuinely surprised me and made me wonder what the future held for Amara.
Nemesis is a story of betrayal and revenge told across two timeline; the late 1990s and 2015. After a slow start, the pieces fall into place, especially once the friendship between Dena and Paige reveals itself as the catalyst for everything that follows. The novel really picks up in the final 100 pages.
Amara is an unreliable narrator, her mental illness blurs the line between delusion and the influence of the god-like Sophia. While I enjoyed the Greek mythology elements, the extended focus on Gnosticism felt a bit drawn out.
I guessed the Amara/Dena connection. Finding out who Darius was made me gasp. The ending genuinely surprised me and made me wonder what the future held for Amara.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
For me,the best part of reading is being able to jump world/mind.This book captured & let me live in 4 dimensions.
*A wealthy, successful woman who is lonely.
*A child searching for her father.
*1980's community
*African American struggle & the mark it left for generations.
Every chapter proved my predictions wrong, twisting constantly. I could not put the book down.The end left me questioning my own sanity.
The narration is immersive, flows easily & not too complicated words. I especially enjoyed the AAVE dialect. Overall,it's a book I would recommend to readers who love psychological thriller, appreciates layered writing, reading between text & searching for answers.
For me,the best part of reading is being able to jump world/mind.This book captured & let me live in 4 dimensions.
*A wealthy, successful woman who is lonely.
*A child searching for her father.
*1980's community
*African American struggle & the mark it left for generations.
Every chapter proved my predictions wrong, twisting constantly. I could not put the book down.The end left me questioning my own sanity.
The narration is immersive, flows easily & not too complicated words. I especially enjoyed the AAVE dialect. Overall,it's a book I would recommend to readers who love psychological thriller, appreciates layered writing, reading between text & searching for answers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has a slow and somewhat complicated buildup. The writing relies heavily on urban vernacular, which initially made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. It wasn’t until about halfway through that I began to connect with the characters, but once I did, their unique personalities started to come together in a meaningful way.
As the two timelines unfold, readers begin to sense the connections between them, though it’s best not to assume you have everything figured out too early.
While the story contains several twists and surprises, the most compelling surprise may be the reader’s own interpretation of the ending and its implications.
As the two timelines unfold, readers begin to sense the connections between them, though it’s best not to assume you have everything figured out too early.
While the story contains several twists and surprises, the most compelling surprise may be the reader’s own interpretation of the ending and its implications.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Nemesis by the author, and it was beyond all my expectations. It drew me in right away with it's layered storytelling. I loved the dual timelines. The late ’90s storyline filled me with all the nostalgic feells with the music references, slang, and cultural details that transported me right back to my own high school years. All the plot twists and turns kept me guessing all the way to the end. I had no idea who could be trusted the ENTIRE novel. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, the story changed on me! The build-up and pacing were perfect. I recommend this book to anyone who loves psychological thrillers. I will pick up another book by Harper Black soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was great. As a fan for over a decade, I could see the growth in her writing.
The characters were well developed. Each character’s personalities were distinct. As I read, I found myself doubling back to link the past with the present.
The description of the locations took me back to how I used to love how Eric Jerome Dickey would describe the location so well that you thought you were there. And that’s how I feel about Detroit now. Especially the college campus.
This was truly a page turner and worth the read. Can’t wait to read more from Harper Black. What happens next with Amara? And there are so many other questions I have!!
The characters were well developed. Each character’s personalities were distinct. As I read, I found myself doubling back to link the past with the present.
The description of the locations took me back to how I used to love how Eric Jerome Dickey would describe the location so well that you thought you were there. And that’s how I feel about Detroit now. Especially the college campus.
This was truly a page turner and worth the read. Can’t wait to read more from Harper Black. What happens next with Amara? And there are so many other questions I have!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an incredibly intense read. My emotions were constantly on a roller coaster as the story unfolded. The characters were rooted just where they needed to be in order for the author to pull off such a suspenseful story full of lies, secrets and betrayal.
If you are looking for a book that will affect all of your senses, keep you on the edge of your seat and an all out thriller from beginning to end, I implore you to dive into the world of Nemesis. Once you’re in, you won’t come out until it’s over.
If you are looking for a book that will affect all of your senses, keep you on the edge of your seat and an all out thriller from beginning to end, I implore you to dive into the world of Nemesis. Once you’re in, you won’t come out until it’s over.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️
i was super excited to receive this arc after seeing it advertised on facebook & i’m so grateful to have gotten to read it early.
this book did feel quite slow to me at the start - there’s a lot of story building happening that you’ve gotta get through first before it starts getting good. definitely had a few twists and turns i did not see coming! & i’m ultimately unsure what i think of the whole story - who to believe?!
overall it was a decent read and i’d recommend sticking at it even if you’re struggling with the first halfish.
i was super excited to receive this arc after seeing it advertised on facebook & i’m so grateful to have gotten to read it early.
this book did feel quite slow to me at the start - there’s a lot of story building happening that you’ve gotta get through first before it starts getting good. definitely had a few twists and turns i did not see coming! & i’m ultimately unsure what i think of the whole story - who to believe?!
overall it was a decent read and i’d recommend sticking at it even if you’re struggling with the first halfish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amazing read the story flowed well. Amara a rich girl who wants no parts of the elite world. Paige her mother is very flashy and very private as far as Amara knows. The path Paige chose in life was very different then the one Amara wants for herself. The discoveries Amara makes while following clues she mysteriously receives. Sophia is very Important in this whole story and her presence was undeniable. The plot twist was unexpected and very satisfying I enjoyed this from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What I really like about this book is that while you can guess at what happened or what comes next, you don’t actually know and sometimes are wrong! It’s a perfect mystery and thriller and personally I think* paranormal
I’ve decided which version of events I want to believe but there’s still a chance it could be wrong but also it feels like both stories may be true! It’s def all about perspective 😭 -
Both Amara and Paige are unreliable and untrustworthy and I LOVE them for it
I’ve decided which version of events I want to believe but there’s still a chance it could be wrong but also it feels like both stories may be true! It’s def all about perspective 😭 -
Both Amara and Paige are unreliable and untrustworthy and I LOVE them for it
Review of advance copy received from Author
A reminder of why I love psychological thrillers!! This had me on the edge of my seatttt. Give this authors their flowers now. It felt like a Netflix limited series that scares the cr*p out of me but keeps me hooked either way the drama. The mind is a crazy place. I have so many questions after finishing this. I love the way it’s written in past & present. The plot was set up so well. Truly keeps you guessing what’ll happen next
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first read from the author, and I appreciate her writing so nicely despite it being her first work! This book started off amazing, and I loved the characters. As I'm not a very big fan of slang, I had to take time to proceed at some points. But the twist had paid it back! I loved the ending despite it reeling me a lot. Would love to get more books like this with all or partial black characters as a cultural diversity cause those banters between the characters were hot!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. As a black girl the setting and chracters were very relatable. I have a headache in the best way possible cause this book took me for a whirlwind. So many twists and turns, and finger pointing. Harper Black has me questioning am I crazy🤣😭. I don’t know to feel bad for Paige or Amara I really cant wrap my mind around who the victim and villian is here. I am begging yall to read when it comes out June 3 so we can chat about it
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grateful to be given an ARC of this book!
I'll be honest, at first I did struggle to get into the book, as an English reader I found some of the dialogue a bit difficult to understand. However, I stuck with it and wow! The writing is fantastic, the twists and turns were unexpected and several days later I still keep thinking about this book and trying to decide what I believe was real and not real! This one will stay with me and I'll certainly be reading other books by Harper Black.
I'll be honest, at first I did struggle to get into the book, as an English reader I found some of the dialogue a bit difficult to understand. However, I stuck with it and wow! The writing is fantastic, the twists and turns were unexpected and several days later I still keep thinking about this book and trying to decide what I believe was real and not real! This one will stay with me and I'll certainly be reading other books by Harper Black.
May 12, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC. I had high hopes going in, but honestly was quite confused for the first half of the book. If it wasn’t an ARC I possibly would have DNF’d it. However, once things began to connect I started to enjoy the story and am glad that I powered through! It’s true that in the end you decide what to believe - and I truly believe Amara was losing her grip - but still leaves us with many questions surrounding reality and perception.
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