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NemeSIS
Dad has moved out and Mom has checked out, leaving the door wide open for the beautiful, erratic Rachel to torment her "loser, loner" younger sister, Nadine. With her family in full meltdown mode, Nadine is alone, trying to cope with Rachel’s increasingly unpredictable moods. Friendless, but determined to turn her life around, Nadine meets Anne, who introduces her to field hockey and to her hot twin brothers, Matt and Cameron.
As Nadine’s star begins to rise, however, Rachel plots to bring her back down, and the tension ratchets up when Rachel starts dating Matt just as Nadine is getting to know Cameron better. When Matt’s interest starts to fade, Rachel goes into overdrive. Is Nadine ready to risk it all in a final showdown with her sister?
As Nadine’s star begins to rise, however, Rachel plots to bring her back down, and the tension ratchets up when Rachel starts dating Matt just as Nadine is getting to know Cameron better. When Matt’s interest starts to fade, Rachel goes into overdrive. Is Nadine ready to risk it all in a final showdown with her sister?
- GenresYoung AdultFriendship
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2017
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Susan Marshall
2 books41 followersA lover of libraries, Susan obtained a Master’s Degree in Library Science but found that she was too disorganized for the profession. Instead, Susan worked at The Globe and Mail newspaper and then Seneca College. Four kids later, she decided to stay-at-home, spending her quiet moments indulging her love of writing.
The old adage is to "write what you know," and in Double Negative, Susan channels her experience as a parent of a teen amputee and her misguided belief that she was once an athlete.
NemeSIS was inspired by the complicated sister dynamic in Susan's estrogen fuelled household growing up in Hamilton, Ontario.
Susan lives in Toronto with her husband, three sons, a daughter, rescue dog Bean and Indy the cat
The old adage is to "write what you know," and in Double Negative, Susan channels her experience as a parent of a teen amputee and her misguided belief that she was once an athlete.
NemeSIS was inspired by the complicated sister dynamic in Susan's estrogen fuelled household growing up in Hamilton, Ontario.
Susan lives in Toronto with her husband, three sons, a daughter, rescue dog Bean and Indy the cat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 9, 2017
I’ve come across many young adult books with a theme of bullying and they have all had much of a sameness.
For me, NemeSis stood out for the fact that the bullying came from within Nadine’s family; her elder sister who she adored and looked up to.
”Rachel used to be the person I always wanted to be around. I worshiped her. For years.”
I feel things like Nadine’s point plan to take action and change her life could be beneficial to teen readers with low self esteem. Changing your life starts with one small step.
I enjoyed following Nadine’s journey from hiding in the Library at lunchtime to making new friends and joining the hockey team.
The story is candidly told by Nadine with her don’t take yourself too seriously sense of humour. She quite often laughs at her own naivety when she falls for her sister’s antics.
Marshall’s story came across as very real, but maybe a little over dramatised, because I have lived this life of treading lightly around an older sister with undiagnosed mental illness. The story was all so shockingly close to home.
I received a review ERC from the publisher via Netgalley.
For me, NemeSis stood out for the fact that the bullying came from within Nadine’s family; her elder sister who she adored and looked up to.
”Rachel used to be the person I always wanted to be around. I worshiped her. For years.”
I feel things like Nadine’s point plan to take action and change her life could be beneficial to teen readers with low self esteem. Changing your life starts with one small step.
I enjoyed following Nadine’s journey from hiding in the Library at lunchtime to making new friends and joining the hockey team.
The story is candidly told by Nadine with her don’t take yourself too seriously sense of humour. She quite often laughs at her own naivety when she falls for her sister’s antics.
Marshall’s story came across as very real, but maybe a little over dramatised, because I have lived this life of treading lightly around an older sister with undiagnosed mental illness. The story was all so shockingly close to home.
I received a review ERC from the publisher via Netgalley.
January 11, 2018
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Nadine is sick of hiding in the library and uses AA's 12 step plan to make a plan of her own to take back her high school life. With the help of the school's librarian and the other girl hiding in the library, Anne, she is able to fulfill her plan each step at a time. Through her new experiences Nadine realizes there is a problem at home that has to be dealt with before she can leave behind her past as a door mat... Rachel, her volatile older sister who is struggling due to the unreliable men in her life.
This is a sleeper book which at first glance may seem like another high school loser-makeover story. And in a way that is exactly what the story is about while being executed in a way that makes the story really strong.
Without her dad and hockey Nadine has lost sight of who she is, afraid, without her dad there, she hides in the library unable to approach anyone in school. After glimpsing another girl hiding in a study cubicle in the library who is even shyer than herself helped Nadine to take the first step. What a totally believable way for Nadine to step up!! This is the kind of smart choices that the author made in building the story in this book.
Nadine as well as the other secondary characters had such developed personalities that read very well. Nadine is a bit of a sarcastic, tongue in cheek girl that has suppressed herself and we see that from page one in her thoughts about Felix and in her dialogue with her crush Cameron. Anne is the resident Mouse character who lights up on the field. She really was a soft personality that over the course of the story showed her inner strength which translated to a good friend for Nadine. Mei is one of those friends you enjoy hanging out with as long as you get along and don't get her back up about something. We see from how she spoke about the Sasquatch situation what kind of person she is before that situation gets even worse. Rachel, Matt and Cameron were a little less developed but they were a year older than Nadine and I felt like how they were written is how much Nadine would be able to know about them. As I read this story I felt like these were real people dealing with a real life situation.
A small highlight on Mr. Khan the librarian/teacher on lunch duty. What a great teacher to accept the girls in the library until they could manage going back out to the cafeteria! Ever school needs a safe haven for kids struggling to deal with life!
The plot was strong. I liked how field hockey played such an integral part in Nadine learning to stand up for herself. How her friends and their troubles affected her choices. I enjoyed Cameron and Nadine trying to maneuver through that mine field waiting to happen. Also the extreme things her sister would do added a really good tension through the book as you, like Nadine, didn't know when that girl would go half cocked. The book is not more than it is but what it is was very well developed and executed. Surprising things happen that really add to the flow of the story and Nadine's revival.
At the core of this book is a story about bullies. The main bully of this book happens to be the MC's sister but she's still a bully. I liked how Nadine's experiences with her new friends helped her gain a better perspective on her sister. In the hands of a more experienced author we would have also explored mental health, which reading the blurb and then the book I felt very strongly came into play with many of the events. Someone who swings to such extremes is not natural (I have personal experience with this). As the one having to deal with these mood swings I thought it a fine idea for Nadine to have researched her sisters actions on the internet some. There are chat groups where she could have sought advice. This would have added another layer to the story. It's not a bad book without it but mental health issues are a hot topic for teens who want more diversity.
Two things annoyed me about Nadine. Her name did not seem to suit her and I kept forgetting it. Minor I know but annoying nevertheless. And her guilt about Mei. When your friends choose to do something after you give them advice, you don't become an owner of their actions. They still own their own choices. What happened to Mei was Mei's choice, not Nadine and how arrogant of her to take the credit! I wish someone (like an adult!) would have pointed this out to her. A little more Cameron time and he would have been a great one to do this, especially having a brother where guilt would and could come into play.
I would have also liked to see her mother step up after such a debacle. No more just staying silent after Nadine sees that her mother is turning over a new leaf with her haircut. Parents should be given a chance to redeem themselves after failing their child once.
BOTTOM LINE: Shocking, real and relatable for teens maneuvering through high school.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
March 22, 2017
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary e-copy of NemeSIS in exchange for my honest review**
Nadine, a shy fifteen-year-old, is bullied by her older sister Rachel. Nadine finally makes a friend, Anne, whose older twin brothers become the objects of the sisters' affections. But Rachel's volatile moods threaten to ruin Nadine's new-found happiness.
NetGalley lists NemeSIS as both middle grade and YA, though the story seems geared more toward middle school and tween girls. Less mature teens and who read at lower grade levels may also enjoy the story, though older teens will probably not. Susan Marshall's writing relies more on telling that showing. She uses a lot of words and excess, unnecessary detail to tell the story, which will probably lose the interest of middle grade readers and don't add anything to the story for older readers. The writing lacks personality and voice, which is Nadine's first person narrative and adds to a dullness of her character.
I appreciated that Marshall initially used AA's 12 Steps as Nadine's action plan to improve her life and that Nadine was proactive about bettering her situation.
None of the characters seemed particularly well developed. Rachel's possible mental illness (maybe bipolar) would have been better handled more directly. I thought Marshall could have done a much better job defining Rachel's problems and/or making her bullying more realistic. I also didn't like how the girls' mother colluded with Nadine about Rachel's behavior.
NemeSIS is a story that could have been improved by being more closely geared toward tweets or teens, because as written, it misses the mark for both groups. NemeSIS isn't a bad book, but has nothing special or unique about the story that feels memorable or would cause me to recommend it.
Nadine, a shy fifteen-year-old, is bullied by her older sister Rachel. Nadine finally makes a friend, Anne, whose older twin brothers become the objects of the sisters' affections. But Rachel's volatile moods threaten to ruin Nadine's new-found happiness.
NetGalley lists NemeSIS as both middle grade and YA, though the story seems geared more toward middle school and tween girls. Less mature teens and who read at lower grade levels may also enjoy the story, though older teens will probably not. Susan Marshall's writing relies more on telling that showing. She uses a lot of words and excess, unnecessary detail to tell the story, which will probably lose the interest of middle grade readers and don't add anything to the story for older readers. The writing lacks personality and voice, which is Nadine's first person narrative and adds to a dullness of her character.
I appreciated that Marshall initially used AA's 12 Steps as Nadine's action plan to improve her life and that Nadine was proactive about bettering her situation.
None of the characters seemed particularly well developed. Rachel's possible mental illness (maybe bipolar) would have been better handled more directly. I thought Marshall could have done a much better job defining Rachel's problems and/or making her bullying more realistic. I also didn't like how the girls' mother colluded with Nadine about Rachel's behavior.
NemeSIS is a story that could have been improved by being more closely geared toward tweets or teens, because as written, it misses the mark for both groups. NemeSIS isn't a bad book, but has nothing special or unique about the story that feels memorable or would cause me to recommend it.
February 15, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Blue Moon Publisher for a free digital copy of this book.
The first time I saw the title I thought it was a science fiction novel. I didn't expect how this book turned out. I was totally at loss for words because it is kind of disappointing.
This story simply tell a story of a simple sibling rivalry. Why I say simple? It is because it is not a major conflict between Nadine and Rachel. I think Rachel is just jealous of Nadine because she's their Dad's "ice princess" and their Mom's little rock, sporty and smart. Also, Rachel that everything is easy for Nadine because she suddenly became a field hockey star and got a boyfriend.
What I like in this book is how Ms. Susan Marshall wrote it. It is light and easy to read.
Overall, I'm giving this book 2 stars, because I really expect a lot from this book.
The first time I saw the title I thought it was a science fiction novel. I didn't expect how this book turned out. I was totally at loss for words because it is kind of disappointing.
This story simply tell a story of a simple sibling rivalry. Why I say simple? It is because it is not a major conflict between Nadine and Rachel. I think Rachel is just jealous of Nadine because she's their Dad's "ice princess" and their Mom's little rock, sporty and smart. Also, Rachel that everything is easy for Nadine because she suddenly became a field hockey star and got a boyfriend.
What I like in this book is how Ms. Susan Marshall wrote it. It is light and easy to read.
Overall, I'm giving this book 2 stars, because I really expect a lot from this book.
April 28, 2017
Nemesis by susan Marshall.
Nadine is fifteen her mother and father have split up. Her life completely sucks right now. What can she do to turn her life around.
This was a slow but good read with good characters. I really felt for Nadine but I did not like her sister Rachel. I thought she was selfish. 4*. Netgalley and Digi writing.
Nadine is fifteen her mother and father have split up. Her life completely sucks right now. What can she do to turn her life around.
This was a slow but good read with good characters. I really felt for Nadine but I did not like her sister Rachel. I thought she was selfish. 4*. Netgalley and Digi writing.
November 1, 2017
**The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
(Actual) Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Firstly, I truly loved the blurb done for NemeSIS that pulled me right in and got me downloaded it right off the ARC section from the galley. Honestly, it has been a while now that I've been reading the book and I just finished it. I know it has been out for a year and so but still I couldn't abandon a book, even if I didn't enjoyed it, without a review. Now that I have sometime to sort out my thoughts to review an ARC once again, I am glad to have this opportunity to do so.
I shall start with the plot. Basically, the whole book is just about sibling-relationship that needs to be fixed. The whole point of the book and beyond that, I don't think I have anything to say that truly captivated me to really thoroughly enjoy the book because it revolves around just the rivalry between Rachel and Nadine. Other than that is the old plain high school scenarios and love interests that seems a bit cliche as well but I can give it flirty and cute.
Ultimately, NemeSIS gave me the sense of having to actually see the point of being the responsible one because sibling-relationship has to be about teamwork and not destroying that little haven when the only family you have is your sibling. That is the message I like that this book emphasizes on throughout the story and to return the same kindness to our own siblings in our unique lovingly way.
(Actual) Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Firstly, I truly loved the blurb done for NemeSIS that pulled me right in and got me downloaded it right off the ARC section from the galley. Honestly, it has been a while now that I've been reading the book and I just finished it. I know it has been out for a year and so but still I couldn't abandon a book, even if I didn't enjoyed it, without a review. Now that I have sometime to sort out my thoughts to review an ARC once again, I am glad to have this opportunity to do so.
I shall start with the plot. Basically, the whole book is just about sibling-relationship that needs to be fixed. The whole point of the book and beyond that, I don't think I have anything to say that truly captivated me to really thoroughly enjoy the book because it revolves around just the rivalry between Rachel and Nadine. Other than that is the old plain high school scenarios and love interests that seems a bit cliche as well but I can give it flirty and cute.
Ultimately, NemeSIS gave me the sense of having to actually see the point of being the responsible one because sibling-relationship has to be about teamwork and not destroying that little haven when the only family you have is your sibling. That is the message I like that this book emphasizes on throughout the story and to return the same kindness to our own siblings in our unique lovingly way.
March 16, 2017
Something you should probably be aware of before starting this book, the ideal reading age range would be early to mid teens. Older readers may still enjoy this, but it can sometimes feel a little immature and a little repetitive; how many times do we have to hear how her father left and her mother couldn't deal with stuff... ?
In the beginning Nadine seems nice enough, but it isn't long before she shows herself to be a typical teenager. She has just started eating in the cafeteria with her new friend Anne when she is making fun of another girl.... but then when her other new friend Mei admits to calling a fellow hockey player Sasquatch Nadine is all offended for her and thinks her team mates are being cruel.
Even with her friends she isn't so nice. Once she becomes friends with Mei she almost pushes Anne away, admittedly its because she doesn't want Anne at her house in case Rachel is mean, and she cant face going to Anne's house in case her attractive older brother is there. But when Mei and Matt start texting and Mei lets slip that Matt has broken up with Rachel, Nadine is quick to have a go at Mei and lay the blame with her.
In short this is the tale of a loner who decides she needs to get out of the library and make some friends, perhaps find a boyfriend.... and as soon as she decides this she is suddenly ticking everything off her list. Oh and she stands up to her bullying big sister and diagnoses her with a mental illness to help excuse Rachel's awful treatment of her.
I like a happy ending as much as the next person but this one seems to be too sickly sweet...
In the beginning Nadine seems nice enough, but it isn't long before she shows herself to be a typical teenager. She has just started eating in the cafeteria with her new friend Anne when she is making fun of another girl.... but then when her other new friend Mei admits to calling a fellow hockey player Sasquatch Nadine is all offended for her and thinks her team mates are being cruel.
Even with her friends she isn't so nice. Once she becomes friends with Mei she almost pushes Anne away, admittedly its because she doesn't want Anne at her house in case Rachel is mean, and she cant face going to Anne's house in case her attractive older brother is there. But when Mei and Matt start texting and Mei lets slip that Matt has broken up with Rachel, Nadine is quick to have a go at Mei and lay the blame with her.
In short this is the tale of a loner who decides she needs to get out of the library and make some friends, perhaps find a boyfriend.... and as soon as she decides this she is suddenly ticking everything off her list. Oh and she stands up to her bullying big sister and diagnoses her with a mental illness to help excuse Rachel's awful treatment of her.
I like a happy ending as much as the next person but this one seems to be too sickly sweet...
May 21, 2017
Has anyone else had a big bully as a sibling? Or suffered a marriage breakdown when it seemed impossible to cope and just wanted to run away? It was good to find out that I was not alone. Memories of my own family history flooded back as the chapters of this book flew by. I found the plot and characters pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down for long – read it on and off for six hours. Boom – suddenly the story climaxed and I was sorry that it was over! Good and interesting story line and many great twists along the way. I am an adult, but I really enjoyed it.
March 23, 2017
Everyone in high school feels like a Nadine at least some of the time. It's a bit of a relief if none of your adversaries are quite as full-on as Rachel! This book gives a very true-to-life account of how a girl slowly builds herself up to the point where she's able to confront the monster who lives in the next bedroom. The characters are like people you know. You want to find out what happens to Nadine when she grows up.
May 9, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this YA book.
May 12, 2017
Nadine wants a life, one that includes the normal teenage things, namely a social life. What she doesn't want is the abuse that she has to endure at the hands of her sister, Rachel. Nadine sets out to turn things around for herself by consciously setting down goals and attempting to meet each one. Going from eating alone in the library each day to joining the field hockey team, making good friends, and even contemplating a dating life, NemeSIS, takes the reader on Nadine's journey of self discovery. With a slow start, and some really crazy moments in between, NemeSIS leaves readers feeling like lessons are learned and life is about "living not just surviving".
March 6, 2017
Praise Susan Marshall!
This book is excellent in so many ways.
It shows the effects a separation can affect the lives of kids, specially teens that are in that awkward face when they don't know how to fit in.
We see how our main character is trying to make friends and improve her life while dealing with an unstable sister and bullying,.
Love hay the author keeps the reader glued to the story with very funny moments.
This book is excellent in so many ways.
It shows the effects a separation can affect the lives of kids, specially teens that are in that awkward face when they don't know how to fit in.
We see how our main character is trying to make friends and improve her life while dealing with an unstable sister and bullying,.
Love hay the author keeps the reader glued to the story with very funny moments.
March 9, 2017
This was an enjoyable coming-of-age novel about a 15-year-old girl whose parents are separated and has problems with her sister. The book addresses bullying, both physical and cyber-, making friends and boyfriends. The author deals with these issues in an engaging manner.
February 7, 2017
Having to cope with a family break up and constant bullying can bring a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Finding the best way to cope or overcome these predicaments is not always easy.
Nadine is fifteen years old. After her father walked out, she has kept to herself with no one to confide in. Her mother is in denial. Her sister, Raquel intimidates her into withdrawal and she has no friends.
It's been a whole year since Nadine has been using the school library as an escape from mingling with other students. When she comes across a self help leaflet, she decides to apply the same principles to her situation.
By a stroke of luck, she comes across Anne, a newcomer to the school. Their family situation is different, otherwise they are quite similar. Nadine takes her first step towards reclaiming her life and starts a friendship with Anne. A tentative one to begin with but soon become good friends and start to face up to their difficulties. Anne is a field hockey player and Nadine decides to give it a try. Another step.
They meet Mei who is outgoing and somehow they get on well together. This is when they find out that name calling and what starts as an innocent prank can turn dangerous. One of the students posts a picture on the social media and proves that cyber bullying is just as humiliating and can be as threatening as physical bullying. Something that Nadine is only too familiar with!
Whilst Nadine is trying hard to have a normal life, the persistent bullying from her unpredictable sister continues. What started the cyber incident escalates to a dangerous level where someone gets badly hurt. Now Nadine feels guilty as she thinks that if she had acted differently, this could have been avoided. Cowering or confronting?
Then there are Anne's twin brothers, Matt the school heart throb and Cameron who is completely the opposite. As Raquel starts to date Matt, Nadine and Cameron start a comfortable friendship. When things go south for Raquel, she takes it out on Nadine in the worse possible way. Cruel, humiliating and heartbreaking. Is this the tipping point for Nadine? Will she carry on as before or stand up for herself?
As the story develops, Nadine becomes more confident in most aspects of her life. Her friendship with Cameron starts to blossom into something more but there is always the nagging feeling that Raquel will spoil everything.
I like the way Nadine gradually changes her way of thinking. She is also very caring and stands up for others even though she doesn't find it easy to stand up for herself. I like Anne and Cameron who are both genuine characters. Raquel is just plain nasty and the reasons for her behaviour are not really justified but point to psychological problems.
This story is very well constructed and the characters are well developed. It sends a strong message about cyber as well as physical bullying. The possible solutions to address these issues are not easy but plausible. It's a credible young adult novel and I would recommend to readers of all ages.
I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Nadine is fifteen years old. After her father walked out, she has kept to herself with no one to confide in. Her mother is in denial. Her sister, Raquel intimidates her into withdrawal and she has no friends.
It's been a whole year since Nadine has been using the school library as an escape from mingling with other students. When she comes across a self help leaflet, she decides to apply the same principles to her situation.
By a stroke of luck, she comes across Anne, a newcomer to the school. Their family situation is different, otherwise they are quite similar. Nadine takes her first step towards reclaiming her life and starts a friendship with Anne. A tentative one to begin with but soon become good friends and start to face up to their difficulties. Anne is a field hockey player and Nadine decides to give it a try. Another step.
They meet Mei who is outgoing and somehow they get on well together. This is when they find out that name calling and what starts as an innocent prank can turn dangerous. One of the students posts a picture on the social media and proves that cyber bullying is just as humiliating and can be as threatening as physical bullying. Something that Nadine is only too familiar with!
Whilst Nadine is trying hard to have a normal life, the persistent bullying from her unpredictable sister continues. What started the cyber incident escalates to a dangerous level where someone gets badly hurt. Now Nadine feels guilty as she thinks that if she had acted differently, this could have been avoided. Cowering or confronting?
Then there are Anne's twin brothers, Matt the school heart throb and Cameron who is completely the opposite. As Raquel starts to date Matt, Nadine and Cameron start a comfortable friendship. When things go south for Raquel, she takes it out on Nadine in the worse possible way. Cruel, humiliating and heartbreaking. Is this the tipping point for Nadine? Will she carry on as before or stand up for herself?
As the story develops, Nadine becomes more confident in most aspects of her life. Her friendship with Cameron starts to blossom into something more but there is always the nagging feeling that Raquel will spoil everything.
I like the way Nadine gradually changes her way of thinking. She is also very caring and stands up for others even though she doesn't find it easy to stand up for herself. I like Anne and Cameron who are both genuine characters. Raquel is just plain nasty and the reasons for her behaviour are not really justified but point to psychological problems.
This story is very well constructed and the characters are well developed. It sends a strong message about cyber as well as physical bullying. The possible solutions to address these issues are not easy but plausible. It's a credible young adult novel and I would recommend to readers of all ages.
I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
March 21, 2018
I was excited by the premise of this story - feuding sisters, sports romance, cute twins. Unfortunately, this book fell into a lot of teen fiction clichés and strayed from a realistic high school experience. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot and while it was only a short book, it seemed to take a lot longer to read than my usual pace. The bullying was extreme (especially from the main character's sister) and the romance plot lacked a proper base: the MC was obsessed with a guy she had never spoken to, which is one of my biggest pet peeves in teen fiction. The story felt out of touch with teen life, from language to behaviour to plot - the points of which were loosely connected, as though plucked out of a hat, and then left unresolved. One of my biggest issues with the story is the characterisation of the MC's behaviour, who is shown to be clearly disturbed in the way she treats her sister so cruelly, and occasionally kindly, and words such as bipolar disorder were thrown around but never properly addressed, which just felt lazy and insulting.
February 4, 2017
I received a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley, in return for an honest review
I definitely rolled my eyes at the title of this book (it's a lazy pun and a bit try-hard) but when I got past that and read the synopsis I was intrigued.
The audience is a bit younger than I anticipated; I would put this more at the 12-15 end of the YA spectrum because it doesn't go into the kind of depth that older YA books tend to. That is not a fault of the book, just something I thought I'd note.
The story line doesn't break any moulds but the author executes it well, and the main character, Nadine, is interesting and introspective in a way that makes her stand out from other more bland YA leads (not naming names). She is relatable and the programme of 'steps' (like Alcoholics Anonymous) that she creates could be useful for readers suffering from similar issues, although I did feel she moves through them quite quickly for someone who is supposed to have almost crippling levels of anxiety, to the extent that she covertly eats lunch in the library because she is afraid of eating in the cafeteria.
I also liked the fact that the two shy characters, Nadine and her friend Anne, were really sporty and not that academic - this challenged the often-seen stereotype of the shy, nerdy girls who hate sport (a stereotype I confess I fit to a tee when I was a teenager).
Rachel on the other hand felt a little one-dimensional and at times like a caricature of an evil older sister. I think more could have been done to show her as a 'typical' teenage girl dealing with some quite big stuff,
Overall, it was a good debut novel and I'd be interested to see what the author does in the future. I think she has the potential to be an accomplished writer.
I definitely rolled my eyes at the title of this book (it's a lazy pun and a bit try-hard) but when I got past that and read the synopsis I was intrigued.
The audience is a bit younger than I anticipated; I would put this more at the 12-15 end of the YA spectrum because it doesn't go into the kind of depth that older YA books tend to. That is not a fault of the book, just something I thought I'd note.
The story line doesn't break any moulds but the author executes it well, and the main character, Nadine, is interesting and introspective in a way that makes her stand out from other more bland YA leads (not naming names). She is relatable and the programme of 'steps' (like Alcoholics Anonymous) that she creates could be useful for readers suffering from similar issues, although I did feel she moves through them quite quickly for someone who is supposed to have almost crippling levels of anxiety, to the extent that she covertly eats lunch in the library because she is afraid of eating in the cafeteria.
I also liked the fact that the two shy characters, Nadine and her friend Anne, were really sporty and not that academic - this challenged the often-seen stereotype of the shy, nerdy girls who hate sport (a stereotype I confess I fit to a tee when I was a teenager).
Rachel on the other hand felt a little one-dimensional and at times like a caricature of an evil older sister. I think more could have been done to show her as a 'typical' teenage girl dealing with some quite big stuff,
Overall, it was a good debut novel and I'd be interested to see what the author does in the future. I think she has the potential to be an accomplished writer.
February 7, 2017
This is a coming of age book about a young girl with a father who has walked out on her and a mother has checked out. She is a loner in school who eats lunch alone and hides in the library . She is constantly being tormented by her older sister . She is not giving up though, she is doing every thing in her power to try and turn her life around . The day she meets her friend Anne and field hockey . Her life turns around when she is introduced to Anne's twin brothers . With Rachel amping up her ways of bringing Nadine down. Will Nadine risk it all to get what she wants.
This is was actually a sweet story with some dark moments . The story has a Canadian flair to it and I liked reading of places that I know and have heard about . The story actually took me back to my school days and it brought back some memories . So I could so relate to the characters .
The story was a fast read and the characters were so much fun to get to know . Nadine is such a goo character . She has been through so much and comes back fighting for all that she wants and loves . At the beginning you want wrap her up in a warm blanket and hug her . As you read the story she becomes such a strong girl . Rachel is just a bitch on wheels , she is the classic bully and she needs to be brought down a few pegs . She is just evil . You will love to hate her .
Anne is the best friend that helps Nadine come out of her shell and helps her realize that she is stronger then most people think she is . I loved these characters all of the in my own way . You will too .
This is a fast read that will keep you turning the pages . You will laugh and cry, and cheer the characters on. The story is great and relevant for kids today . The romance is sweet . This book would be good for any kid in middle school and starting high school . So if you want a good read check out Nemesis by Susan Marshall
July 20, 2017
Whatever I was expecting when I first saw this book, it clearly wasn’t this.
I really, really thought that Rachel was a psychopath at first, with the way she treated Nadine. But she wasn’t. Also, I didn’t think this book would get so bloody, but it proved me wrong.
I think this book is alright for a book that is written in 1st person POV (if you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know how I feel about 1st person POV). The narration is okay, and not that whiny. The book had a good start, kind of funny, but it gets a bit boring as you read. I think the only reason I continued reading was because of Cameron. I really loved Nadine and Cameron’s friendship.
As for the characters, I think Nadine is an okay character although I’m not sure if I like her. My feelings about her changes a lot of time so I’ll just stick with I’m “okay” with her. Cameron is adorable, and I absolutely adores him, but his twin not so much. Matthew’s a player and I don’t like that kind of person. The only redeeming quality about him is his protectiveness when it comes to his sister. As for Rachel, I don’t like her, I don’t hate her but I don’t quite know what I feel about her. I’m also disappointed that we didn’t dwell much deeper into whatever mental illness Rachel has or the reasons why she bullies Nadine so extremely.
To sum it up, this is a fast-paced book with a simple plot. If I was younger, maybe around 11 – 15 years old, I would really love this book. But I don’t think older teens would enjoy this much. While sure, it was funny, but it gets a bit boring with the way the information was given. It’s also a slow but fast-paced kind of book. Kind of like, the progress is slow, but if you blink, you’ll miss the climax. There wasn’t much, if at all, character development, and the plot was pretty straightforward. That is why I think middle grade readers or people who wants a non-complex quick read would enjoy this book.
I rate NemeSIS 3 / 5 stars.
I really, really thought that Rachel was a psychopath at first, with the way she treated Nadine. But she wasn’t. Also, I didn’t think this book would get so bloody, but it proved me wrong.
I think this book is alright for a book that is written in 1st person POV (if you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know how I feel about 1st person POV). The narration is okay, and not that whiny. The book had a good start, kind of funny, but it gets a bit boring as you read. I think the only reason I continued reading was because of Cameron. I really loved Nadine and Cameron’s friendship.
As for the characters, I think Nadine is an okay character although I’m not sure if I like her. My feelings about her changes a lot of time so I’ll just stick with I’m “okay” with her. Cameron is adorable, and I absolutely adores him, but his twin not so much. Matthew’s a player and I don’t like that kind of person. The only redeeming quality about him is his protectiveness when it comes to his sister. As for Rachel, I don’t like her, I don’t hate her but I don’t quite know what I feel about her. I’m also disappointed that we didn’t dwell much deeper into whatever mental illness Rachel has or the reasons why she bullies Nadine so extremely.
To sum it up, this is a fast-paced book with a simple plot. If I was younger, maybe around 11 – 15 years old, I would really love this book. But I don’t think older teens would enjoy this much. While sure, it was funny, but it gets a bit boring with the way the information was given. It’s also a slow but fast-paced kind of book. Kind of like, the progress is slow, but if you blink, you’ll miss the climax. There wasn’t much, if at all, character development, and the plot was pretty straightforward. That is why I think middle grade readers or people who wants a non-complex quick read would enjoy this book.
I rate NemeSIS 3 / 5 stars.
February 1, 2017
This was actually, a really cute (with some dark themes at times? but overall) book.
I don't think this is my bias as a Canadian speaking- which also made me like this book, because I did catch the references to places, but this tale is one of coming-of-age. Nadine begins the book friendless, eating lunch alone in the library with a mouse as her only companion. At school, she's isolated. At home, having to deal with her sister's erratic mood swings and her parents' divorce and its effects make school her safe haven, even if she's far from happy there.
But Nadine realizes that she does not want to stay at the bottom of the rung of the ladder her whole high-school career, and this is part of what makes her such a likable protagonist.
The book is easy to read, and also highly readable because of the protagonist. The romance at the end was cute ;) All in all, a good read for those just starting high school.
I don't think this is my bias as a Canadian speaking- which also made me like this book, because I did catch the references to places, but this tale is one of coming-of-age. Nadine begins the book friendless, eating lunch alone in the library with a mouse as her only companion. At school, she's isolated. At home, having to deal with her sister's erratic mood swings and her parents' divorce and its effects make school her safe haven, even if she's far from happy there.
But Nadine realizes that she does not want to stay at the bottom of the rung of the ladder her whole high-school career, and this is part of what makes her such a likable protagonist.
The book is easy to read, and also highly readable because of the protagonist. The romance at the end was cute ;) All in all, a good read for those just starting high school.
December 12, 2024
Somewhat, out of context spoilers:
I'm almost never one to give a book a one star review, because I'm either probably not the target demographic or there'll be points that I enjoyed. But I honestly don't know who this book was made for (middle schoolers who want to listen to a girl get assaulted and bullied by her older sister over and over for no actual conclusion; just a weird out of place sappy monologue about family trees and how being a girl is tough??) and I can't think of any redeeming qualities. Flat characters, unhinged plot points (like a girl attempting to take a severed bleeding pinky finger and sticking it in her shorts to hide the evidence and the constant thoughts of the MC imagining doing the same revenge "pranks" to her sisters corpse at the funeral), and the constant drone of "but I can't tell anyone but how dare they not know about my sisters cruelty... but I can't tell anyone..."
A flat line of a book that made me viscerally angry. Don't read (or listen in my case. The whiny but weirdly judgemental main character overpowered any potential the narrator had of saving this one)
I'm almost never one to give a book a one star review, because I'm either probably not the target demographic or there'll be points that I enjoyed. But I honestly don't know who this book was made for (middle schoolers who want to listen to a girl get assaulted and bullied by her older sister over and over for no actual conclusion; just a weird out of place sappy monologue about family trees and how being a girl is tough??) and I can't think of any redeeming qualities. Flat characters, unhinged plot points (like a girl attempting to take a severed bleeding pinky finger and sticking it in her shorts to hide the evidence and the constant thoughts of the MC imagining doing the same revenge "pranks" to her sisters corpse at the funeral), and the constant drone of "but I can't tell anyone but how dare they not know about my sisters cruelty... but I can't tell anyone..."
A flat line of a book that made me viscerally angry. Don't read (or listen in my case. The whiny but weirdly judgemental main character overpowered any potential the narrator had of saving this one)
February 11, 2017
Great read! It was fast paced, filled with relatable characters and dealt with important themes. I recommended it to my teenage daughter who is loving it.
February 7, 2017
A well written engaging ya novel.
March 28, 2017
I received an advanced readers copy from BookSparks and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As far as young adult books go, this wasn't a favorite. It was definitely geared more towards a younger audience (maybe between ages 13-16). As the title states, there is serious tension between sisters in NemeSIS. Nadine and Rachel are only 2 years apart and Nadine feels like she is following in her older sisters prettier and more confident shadow.
Nadine decided she was going to turn her life around and start making friends in high school rather than eating lunch in the school library and befriending a mouse who would eat her crumbs. Once she started with a life plan to improve her confidence and become something of herself, things started changing really quickly for her. New friends, a spot on the school's lacrosse team, and even a boy interest. But while things were improving for her social life, her relationship with her sister was seriously deteriorating.
As far as sisters go, Rachel was a true witch. Reading some of the horrible things she did made me pretty glad that I didn't have a vindictive older sister. She was a true enemy, out to ruin Nadine's life and no one did anything about it. I found this part of the story truly heartbreaking and hard to swallow.
NemeSIS is a coming of age story for a 15 year old high school girl. She overcomes A LOT for any normal kid. I wouldn't wish some of her situations on any teenager. I mean - over the top. Do kid's really act this way?? I haven't quite decided if I would recommend this book to my teenage daughter yet.
As far as young adult books go, this wasn't a favorite. It was definitely geared more towards a younger audience (maybe between ages 13-16). As the title states, there is serious tension between sisters in NemeSIS. Nadine and Rachel are only 2 years apart and Nadine feels like she is following in her older sisters prettier and more confident shadow.
Nadine decided she was going to turn her life around and start making friends in high school rather than eating lunch in the school library and befriending a mouse who would eat her crumbs. Once she started with a life plan to improve her confidence and become something of herself, things started changing really quickly for her. New friends, a spot on the school's lacrosse team, and even a boy interest. But while things were improving for her social life, her relationship with her sister was seriously deteriorating.
As far as sisters go, Rachel was a true witch. Reading some of the horrible things she did made me pretty glad that I didn't have a vindictive older sister. She was a true enemy, out to ruin Nadine's life and no one did anything about it. I found this part of the story truly heartbreaking and hard to swallow.
NemeSIS is a coming of age story for a 15 year old high school girl. She overcomes A LOT for any normal kid. I wouldn't wish some of her situations on any teenager. I mean - over the top. Do kid's really act this way?? I haven't quite decided if I would recommend this book to my teenage daughter yet.
March 30, 2017
It's an average read. I liked the story, it has a good beginning and the middle but I felt that ending was anticlimactic. I think that's because of Rachel's character. I didn't understand her at all. Author handled it vaguely. There are only hints but it's hard to comprehend her behavior towards her younger sister. Especially because it is mentioned that they were friends once and then Rachel changed but when or why are not explained at all. I think that wasn't well-handled. There should be more explanation as to why she is bullying her sister in such a mean way. I might be wrong, of course, but I feel that's why ending didn't satisfy me.
Nadine is a teenager who is dealing with being invisible at school. She wants to have friends but she is too shy. Then she finds a friend in a new girl, Anne, who is facing the same problem as her. She has just started this school, thus, two become fast friends. Soon they're sharing lunch, join same sports team and having a good time together. Nadine's home life remains the same. Some days her sister is good to her at other she is mean. Her mother notices this but chalk it up to her divorce and girls' father moving away. Nadine also tries to overlook her sister's behavior and tries to be as invisible at home as possible.
All in all it was an ok book. There are many good parts which I enjoyed reading. Story also touches the sensitive issue of teen bullying and how it can be handled. I regret that I didn't enjoyed it as much as I could've if Rachel hadn't bothered me. ;)
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Nadine is a teenager who is dealing with being invisible at school. She wants to have friends but she is too shy. Then she finds a friend in a new girl, Anne, who is facing the same problem as her. She has just started this school, thus, two become fast friends. Soon they're sharing lunch, join same sports team and having a good time together. Nadine's home life remains the same. Some days her sister is good to her at other she is mean. Her mother notices this but chalk it up to her divorce and girls' father moving away. Nadine also tries to overlook her sister's behavior and tries to be as invisible at home as possible.
All in all it was an ok book. There are many good parts which I enjoyed reading. Story also touches the sensitive issue of teen bullying and how it can be handled. I regret that I didn't enjoyed it as much as I could've if Rachel hadn't bothered me. ;)
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
April 2, 2017
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. There has been no compensation and everything that follows is my own opinion.
Alright, the first thing that grabbed me was the cover. Look at that! Yes, the title is a bit corny, but I'm big on corny jokes. I can handle a bit of corn, because you know why? Corn makes popcorn and what's good with popcorn? A horror movie. What does the cover remind you of? A 70's or 80's horror flick.
Boom. I went there.
So . . . that and the blurb made me think that this book was going to be a messed up trip down family lane. Sure, the blurb doesn't hint at all that, but the subtlety of "what's going to happen" and the cover made me think something dark was going to happen. Maybe ending on a bittersweet note. Or a happy note where one sister is in a nice padded room and hugging it out.
Nope.
This book is one of those DJC (Don't Judge by the Cover) cases. This is a book about bullying. It's about stepping away from being alone and stepping back to living. It's about living, not surviving.
NemeSIS is a book I would have wanted to read back in 9th grade. During that time, I was going through a lot of bullying and self hate. I wasn't unpopular, but there was a dark part of me that just wanted it all to end. That I was worthless.
I still feel that way sometimes.
Nadine is a 10th grader who decides to make a change in her life. She develops steps towards a better life that ends in a quasi-uplifting manner. Her sister is messed up and does probably have a mental illness, but that isn't the point of the story. The point of the story is how Nadine works out all of her stress into something productive.
I personally would have wanted more about her sister's mental health problems. More of the darker stuff to show off the brighter stuff. It would have helped me understand why this was the lowest point for Nadine.
As such, it felt like a girl starving for friendship more than a girl starving to change her life.
The writing was well done. It was easy to get started and end the book, but I felt it is a book geared more to 8th or 9th graders. Anyone older would probably be wanting what I was hoping for.
All in all, I didn't dislike the book. I liked it. It had good points, such as Nadine's steps, but I wasn't completely immersed.
Alright, the first thing that grabbed me was the cover. Look at that! Yes, the title is a bit corny, but I'm big on corny jokes. I can handle a bit of corn, because you know why? Corn makes popcorn and what's good with popcorn? A horror movie. What does the cover remind you of? A 70's or 80's horror flick.
Boom. I went there.
So . . . that and the blurb made me think that this book was going to be a messed up trip down family lane. Sure, the blurb doesn't hint at all that, but the subtlety of "what's going to happen" and the cover made me think something dark was going to happen. Maybe ending on a bittersweet note. Or a happy note where one sister is in a nice padded room and hugging it out.
Nope.
This book is one of those DJC (Don't Judge by the Cover) cases. This is a book about bullying. It's about stepping away from being alone and stepping back to living. It's about living, not surviving.
NemeSIS is a book I would have wanted to read back in 9th grade. During that time, I was going through a lot of bullying and self hate. I wasn't unpopular, but there was a dark part of me that just wanted it all to end. That I was worthless.
I still feel that way sometimes.
Nadine is a 10th grader who decides to make a change in her life. She develops steps towards a better life that ends in a quasi-uplifting manner. Her sister is messed up and does probably have a mental illness, but that isn't the point of the story. The point of the story is how Nadine works out all of her stress into something productive.
I personally would have wanted more about her sister's mental health problems. More of the darker stuff to show off the brighter stuff. It would have helped me understand why this was the lowest point for Nadine.
As such, it felt like a girl starving for friendship more than a girl starving to change her life.
The writing was well done. It was easy to get started and end the book, but I felt it is a book geared more to 8th or 9th graders. Anyone older would probably be wanting what I was hoping for.
All in all, I didn't dislike the book. I liked it. It had good points, such as Nadine's steps, but I wasn't completely immersed.
April 3, 2017
There are a lot of emotions going on in this book. Of course, it deals with teenage girls who are sisters so how could it not? As the reader, the “outsider” if you will, there is so much to the family dynamic of Nadine, her sister Rachel, and their mom that Nadine herself cannot see while smack dab in the middle of it all. Nadine’s father moved to New York, leaving them all behind in Canada. Raising two high school age girls on her own for the first time while trying to start a new career that will support the family, it’s understandable how little the mom actually knows about what is going on in the home.
I’m no psychologist or psychiatrist, but I would hazard to guess that many young girls who have an actual chemical imbalance causing a mental health problem are not diagnosed or mis-diagnosed because of “hormones”. It’s so hard to know what is a normal outburst and when it’s over the top. Especially for busy parents that actually only spend an hour or two a day with their teens. Nadine is only 15 and the younger of the two sisters. She cannot be expected to know what is extreme behavior and what is her sister just being mean. It doesn’t help that, to spare her mom any more angst, she keeps mum about some significant events between the sisters. I don’t know how she lived in that house. I was on pins and needles through much of that book, so scared of what Rachel had in store for Nadine. I can only imagine this is how it truly is to live with someone with such extreme moods. I found those scenes between sisters, as well as Nadine’s thoughts on the interactions, very real.
In many ways this is a coming of age story. Nadine learns that she has to stand up for herself. She has to stop hiding from the world and truly live. When she starts taking the necessary steps to have a life, when she gets bold, good things happen along with the bad. She makes a great friend, she catches the eye of a wonderful boy, she gets a backbone. Rachel ramps up her evil ways during this transition of Nadine’s, but by learning to stick up for her friends she also learns to stick up for herself. It’s a great transformation to see.
One of the things I find extremely hard about reviewing an ARC is the grammar, spelling, and formatting. You can never know if these are things that are being caught by the editor and/or beta readers and being corrected before publication. I always hope that to be the case. It’s often hard for me to view a book separate from these issues since they can mess with the flow of the story. I have to say, although there were quite a few of these errors and it did mess with the story, I still really enjoyed this book. I’m going to assume they are fixed for publication and this book will be even more wonderful.
Without giving any spoilers, I want to say I appreciate the way the author ended this story. While quite a few things are resolved, there is no pretty bow on top making everything okay. It’s a real and honest ending to this chapter in Nadine’s life.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
I’m no psychologist or psychiatrist, but I would hazard to guess that many young girls who have an actual chemical imbalance causing a mental health problem are not diagnosed or mis-diagnosed because of “hormones”. It’s so hard to know what is a normal outburst and when it’s over the top. Especially for busy parents that actually only spend an hour or two a day with their teens. Nadine is only 15 and the younger of the two sisters. She cannot be expected to know what is extreme behavior and what is her sister just being mean. It doesn’t help that, to spare her mom any more angst, she keeps mum about some significant events between the sisters. I don’t know how she lived in that house. I was on pins and needles through much of that book, so scared of what Rachel had in store for Nadine. I can only imagine this is how it truly is to live with someone with such extreme moods. I found those scenes between sisters, as well as Nadine’s thoughts on the interactions, very real.
In many ways this is a coming of age story. Nadine learns that she has to stand up for herself. She has to stop hiding from the world and truly live. When she starts taking the necessary steps to have a life, when she gets bold, good things happen along with the bad. She makes a great friend, she catches the eye of a wonderful boy, she gets a backbone. Rachel ramps up her evil ways during this transition of Nadine’s, but by learning to stick up for her friends she also learns to stick up for herself. It’s a great transformation to see.
One of the things I find extremely hard about reviewing an ARC is the grammar, spelling, and formatting. You can never know if these are things that are being caught by the editor and/or beta readers and being corrected before publication. I always hope that to be the case. It’s often hard for me to view a book separate from these issues since they can mess with the flow of the story. I have to say, although there were quite a few of these errors and it did mess with the story, I still really enjoyed this book. I’m going to assume they are fixed for publication and this book will be even more wonderful.
Without giving any spoilers, I want to say I appreciate the way the author ended this story. While quite a few things are resolved, there is no pretty bow on top making everything okay. It’s a real and honest ending to this chapter in Nadine’s life.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
April 4, 2017
A very well written and fast paced young adult novel about a girl with divorced parents, a bullying sister and her wish to get a normal life. A great book I recommend to the younger readers.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley and Blue Moon Publishers!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley and Blue Moon Publishers!
April 24, 2017
A year since her dad left them, Nadine is ready to stop surviving and starting living again. The problem is, she has no idea how to do that. She lost all of her friends in the switch to high school (during survival mode) and has been eating lunch in the library ever since. All she knows is she needs to get a life, make some friends, and stop being so timid. Thank goodness there’s a new girl! And she’s shyer than Nadine. Maybe that’s her starting point…
One step at a time, often made up only in the moment it’s needed, Nadine faces her fears in order to get a life and at least one human friend. It reminds me of the goal-setting in Making the Team by Kelsey Blair but, while Making the Team has more mature friends telling Hannah how to reach her ultimate goal, Nadine figures it out for herself with all the mistakes, failures and successes that come with it.
For someone who has spent the last year hiding from the world and believing she’s friendless because she couldn’t figure out how to be cool in grade 9, Nadine certainly has an easy time building new relationships. It makes you wonder if the only problem was her own disposition the previous year, not her ability to understand how to fit in. Or perhaps Nadine just doesn’t care in the same way her classmates do. After all, the one guy to catch her attention doesn’t seem to care much about impressing others.
The ending is a little bit idealistic. Her heartbroken sister is worn out enough to listen to everything Nadine has learned about life and how she wants their relationship to improve. Nadine tells her how to make friends and that she believes Rachel needs to see a counsellor. Nadine falls asleep feeling great about things that night… but it really makes you wonder how Rachel will take all of this information when she’s less tired and sad and feeling more vengeful again. What new tortures might Nadine be facing after the closing pages of NemeSIS?
A copy of this book was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
One step at a time, often made up only in the moment it’s needed, Nadine faces her fears in order to get a life and at least one human friend. It reminds me of the goal-setting in Making the Team by Kelsey Blair but, while Making the Team has more mature friends telling Hannah how to reach her ultimate goal, Nadine figures it out for herself with all the mistakes, failures and successes that come with it.
For someone who has spent the last year hiding from the world and believing she’s friendless because she couldn’t figure out how to be cool in grade 9, Nadine certainly has an easy time building new relationships. It makes you wonder if the only problem was her own disposition the previous year, not her ability to understand how to fit in. Or perhaps Nadine just doesn’t care in the same way her classmates do. After all, the one guy to catch her attention doesn’t seem to care much about impressing others.
The ending is a little bit idealistic. Her heartbroken sister is worn out enough to listen to everything Nadine has learned about life and how she wants their relationship to improve. Nadine tells her how to make friends and that she believes Rachel needs to see a counsellor. Nadine falls asleep feeling great about things that night… but it really makes you wonder how Rachel will take all of this information when she’s less tired and sad and feeling more vengeful again. What new tortures might Nadine be facing after the closing pages of NemeSIS?
A copy of this book was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
April 12, 2017
I absolutely loved this book and wished I could have read it as a teen.
Susan Marshall has managed to create very real, human characters in whom the reader feels emotionally invested - from the shy, funny and relatable protagonist, Nadine, to her bullying, volatile older sister, Rachel, orbited by a host of intriguing supporting characters.
The author poignantly and often hilariously captures the perils of life through the eyes of a teenager, while weaving in tough adult issues like mental health and divorce in a very natural way. The combination of these delectable characters and a strong, absorbing narrative makes NemeSIS at once very believable yet not at all predictable, keeping this reader actively engaged at every turn.
A truly original coming of age novel that manages to effortlessly capture both the current zeitgeist and the universality of teenage angst, NemeSIS ultimately offers up a message of hope - devoid of sentimentality or oversimplification.
It’s intelligent, fun, compelling storytelling, and hands down, a hell of a good read!
Susan Marshall has managed to create very real, human characters in whom the reader feels emotionally invested - from the shy, funny and relatable protagonist, Nadine, to her bullying, volatile older sister, Rachel, orbited by a host of intriguing supporting characters.
The author poignantly and often hilariously captures the perils of life through the eyes of a teenager, while weaving in tough adult issues like mental health and divorce in a very natural way. The combination of these delectable characters and a strong, absorbing narrative makes NemeSIS at once very believable yet not at all predictable, keeping this reader actively engaged at every turn.
A truly original coming of age novel that manages to effortlessly capture both the current zeitgeist and the universality of teenage angst, NemeSIS ultimately offers up a message of hope - devoid of sentimentality or oversimplification.
It’s intelligent, fun, compelling storytelling, and hands down, a hell of a good read!
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