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The stunning finale of the Project Nemesis trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Brendan Reichs.

The 64 members of Fire Lake's sophomore class have managed to survive the first two phases of the Program--and each other. Now, they alone have emerged into the dawn of a new era on Earth, into a Fire Lake valley that's full of otherworldly dangers and challenges. Although staying alive in this broken world should force Min, Noah, Tack, and the others to form new alliances, old feuds die hard, and the brutality of the earlier Program phases cannot be forgotten. But being a team isn't easy for the sophomores, and when they discover that they may not be alone on the planet after all, they'll have to decide if they're going to work together . . . or die together.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2019

96 people are currently reading
2459 people want to read

About the author

Brendan Reichs

32 books728 followers
Brendan Reichs was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Wake Forest University in 2000, The George Washington University School of Law in 2006, and Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2018. After three long years working as a litigation attorney, he abandoned the trade to write full time. He lives in Charlotte with his son, daughter, and a herd of animals that tear up everything.

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5 stars
641 (33%)
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688 (36%)
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406 (21%)
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130 (6%)
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36 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
Profile Image for Alexandra.
64 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2020

Plotline - 3.5/5
Enjoyability - 4/5
Recommendable - 4/5

Chrysalis was a grand finale to a rollercoaster of a series. I was nowhere close to being able to predict how this series was going to end. Again and again, plot twist after plot twist, some aspect of the story changed every chapter or so. I definitely found the conclusion to the series intriguing, however, I somehow find myself preferring the first two books more. Don’t get me wrong, Chrysalis was a force itself yet in my opinion, I believe that it doesn’t fit the action and suspensefulness of Nemesis and Genesis. I guess you could say it had a different overall vibe and the plot felt like it went directly from “murder-sprees everywhere” to “let’s beat up this punk arse ”. Honestly, I kinda see this novel as a start to a new series rather than an end to one.

The one thing that irritated me the most in this series is the tendency for specific characters to die and end up coming back to life. While this is a crucial overarching theme in the story due to the power of regeneration, it made a certain aspect of the story mediocre. We are all accustomed to our favorite characters dying in a book series and cry ourselves to sleep about it , yet sometimes it’s necessary to have those deaths. So, when at the very end I felt like it was all for nothing. Their death showed the sacrifice necessary to defeat the problem as heart-wrenching as it was. I kinda felt as though the whole regeneration concept was a Deux ex Machina.

I also wish we could have gotten more background story on Sophia as well. Where did she come from? How did she get there? What was her true purpose towards . This character could have definitely been expanded on.

Just as with the other 2 books, this series is a great quick read. You’ll definitely enjoy its unpredictable plotline and the thrill and suspense of turning each page.
Profile Image for Troy_Reads.
147 reviews104 followers
September 24, 2023
Brendan Reichs's series does not cease to amaze me! And just when I thought he couldn't possibly drop any more plot twists or action-packed scenes, he does. We start off in Fire Lake, or at least what we think is Fire Lake, and the story is a little bit slow, but soon we see that not just the Fire Lake students are living there, and this makes the team question everything about their existence, and where they are. Soon we have Min, Noah, and another group of students battling and uniting to defeat one last threat before they can safely settle down and repopulate and rebuild the human race. Per usual, this book had me emotionally (and physically) gripped to the story. I always read these books in only 1-3 sittings because I get so hooked in the story and mentally can't pull away. When I started this series, I never would have thought that this would become one of my favorites, but I can safely sit this on my top 7 book series--EVER. The transformations that Noah and Min go through and their relationship with each other was so fun to read about. I was rooting for some of these characters until the very end. The plot of this book was slightly slow, but the ending definitely made up for it! :D

I am always thinking about how crazy this book is. Just--absolutely no one could predict what was going to happen--unlike the other books. I compare this book to my dreams, they are crazy, wacky, and totally nonsensical. And that is what this book was, and I had a total fun ride reading this! I HIGHLY recommend this series, and will forever hold it in my heart. Now stop reading my review and pick up this series at your local library/bookstore!
Profile Image for Line.
186 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2019
I was actually really looking forward to reading this book.

I liked Nemesis, despite it was very different from what I normally read.
I really liked Genesis, because I was into the universe and felt the flow of the story.

So as it often goes with these kind of series, I really felt this was... Well, I'm glad the story has ended now. I can say for sure, that I didn't expect it to go as It did. I was very surprised, but... It's like. I don't have a better ending for the story, I just felt like the story moved in a weird direction.

But it really was an interesting series, and I do want to recommend it - both for people in this kind of genre, but also if you want to challenge yourself with something new.
Profile Image for Stephanie Moore.
462 reviews
December 9, 2021
I'm going to put as many spoilers as I can in this review.
Just no. I kept reading because I was desperate to get answers and it was not worth it. Allow me to spoil the ending for you so you can decide if you really want to finish this. I would like to say the writing wasn't bad, this plot was just too out there with too many holes and gosh awful characters.

If you are looking at this while still reading the first book to see if you want to continue here are general spoilers then progressing to spoilers for this last book:
They kept coming back after their birthdays because project nemesis was working on clone tech.

It's a simulation to keep them in the megacom until the earth is safe for humans again, at that time only 20 kids will get cloned back into the real world to re-populate.
Which it's just ridiculous to think after being forced to murder each other the children will be successful in re-populating. It would make way more sense for them to learn how to be a productive society while in the program. You can't really expect them to band together after murdering each other, that's honestly what bothered me most of all in this series.

Black suit is actually Min's Dad. He has this tragic back story of falling in love and giving away the secrets of the project then "doing all of this for her (Min)". I didn't buy that story line for a single second.

Min and Sarah find a way to get out all 64 kids instead of just 20. And sure, dumb explanation about how there might not be enough stuff to bring them all back and that's why only 20 are chosen, but you are repopulating an entire planet you need more people. And yes the other projects, but still no.

Surprise, they weren't the only project.

They are on a space station when they get out of the simulation. Loose explanation about how an AI was rocketed into space with all of the things to maybe build a space station way beyond the tech of 20whatever when the earth dies but ok sure.

Space station has been taken over by an alien thing? Sophia is never explained fully so I'm going with alien. She wants them to go down to Mars (that's right it's not Earth someone (we don't know who) terraformed Mars and that's where they are going instead) and get ahold of this resource that tech can't get close to so she needs the humans to get it for her.

The kids eventually band together and blow up the station and make it to Mars. Just kidding no one dies because Sophia (the alien) for no good reason sent a megacom to the surface so they can just re-clone everyone again.

I hated Toby with a burning passion.

I didn't like how the kids were so down with murdering each other. I didn't like the cringe romances. I didn't like how Min forgives her dad. I felt like Sarah was the only character who had any brain. This book just made me frustrated and it's bad plot and I couldn't find a good enough spoiler to decide if I didn't want to finish it. Now that I have waisted my time, I hope this spoiler review helps someone else not finish this. Just why, why not have the kids learn things and not murder each other. Literally this was all people just killing each other in hopes they could save humanity, and when you say it that way it doesn't make any sense does it. Because this plot didn't make sense.
If you enjoyed this than more power to you, no hate just an opinion and lots of spoilers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lexi.
527 reviews19 followers
July 21, 2019
A lackluster end to a fantastic series. The author basically admits that he ran out of steam/ideas for the last book, and sadly it shows. He managed to throw every science fiction cliche in at the last second including aliens, sophisticated AI, and Soylent Green. Also, the epilogue makes it so that there were no consequences to any of the characters poor decisions throughout the series. I'm all for happy endings, but this was a bit much even for me.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
193 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2020
I was thinking about this book and got really mad and disappointed. If you ever decided to read this trilogy act as if it's a duology. It introduced a bunch of bullshit last book????

I remember finishing it and going 'that's it?????????????'

A waste of my time and I'll be pissed at Brendan Reichs until I die. I really thought this would be one of my favourite trilogy but this book ruined it.

Sarah is still one of the best characters though. She did what needed to be done!
Profile Image for Courtney.
365 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2019
I was less than thrilled with this final book. I really liked it in the beginning, but about halfway through, I just lost interest. Plot twists aren't bad, and are often great things, but everything that kept happening in this book was just...boring for me. Also, that ending? I was expecting great things for the conclusion of this series and I was disappointed.
Profile Image for Michelle.
156 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2019
FANTASTIC!!! I love these books. I so hope they make these books into a movie 🤞🙏 . Although I was pretty mad that this even had to be put in the book (Noah & Rose) his thoughts of her was annoying. What was the purpose of adding that in, only to make fans of Noah and Min mad! Besides that, great endgame to a trilogy.
Profile Image for Hugh.
7 reviews
January 6, 2020
this was a very good book that i stayed up late reading and a great way to end the series. the twists are great and leaves the book unpredictable until the end of the book. there were times in the book that i had to put the book down so i could process what just happened. i would definitely recommend this to people
Profile Image for Kelsey Yost.
161 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2019
OH MY GOD!! rarely have I ever loved a book series so completely as this one! Full of amazing twists and turns and a fun mix of characters! These books are wild and exciting and I love love LOVE THEM!
Profile Image for S.G.D. Singh.
Author 12 books119 followers
Read
July 26, 2019
At what point do you quit reading after you quit caring...?
Profile Image for Jacob Ludwig.
41 reviews
October 7, 2024
This series should’ve ended after the second one. That’s all I have to say
Profile Image for Sophie R.
38 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2019
Why do I never see any of what happens coming? Normally Sci-fi books with this many plot twists is hard to understand especially with how often the universe seems to expand. This is one of my favorite Sci-fi series. I just hope that he will make a spin-off one day!
Profile Image for Brooke Baker.
95 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2023
man i wish i hadn’t taken 3 years to finally finish this series
the ending was a bit unsatisfying but still really good
Profile Image for Raven_Blake (dreamy addictions).
779 reviews224 followers
May 8, 2019
Same Review Also Posted On My Blog: Dreamy Addictions

Chrysalis is the final installment in the thrilling YA Sci-fi series Project Nemesis. I’ve been anticipating for this finale since I’ve finished Genesis. This series was brutal, violent, thrilling, and engaging. Well, the finale didn’t disappoint me, but it wasn’t as amazing as the previous installment. Nonetheless, it was still exciting and entertaining. The below review contains spoilers for the previous books. If you haven’t read it yet then skip reading it.

The story continues four months after 64 members of Fire lake Valley’s sophomore class manages to survive the first two phases of Nemesis program and lands on the new era of Earth. They all struggle to survive but they couldn’t forget their savage past in the program. When they discover a new threat and learn that they might not be alone, they all need to forget their past and stand together in a new battle for their survival.

This book has so many characters but I only remember some of them like Min, Noah, Tack, Sarah, Ethan, Derrick, Sam, and Toby. Min felt kinda different in this book. She wasn’t as confident as in the previous installment. She is the leader of her group, but sometimes she feels inferior to Sarah who’s smarter than her. I didn’t liked the way Min felt envious of Sarah, she was totally crazy in genesis. Coming to Noah, he becomes quite protective of Min but I still can’t forget the violent side of him. He’s somewhat a weird character who can be both brutal and caring. He’ll do anything for her. Tack isn’t the same sweet guy anymore. The program has changed him into a tough man. He’s still sore about Min’s rejection. I really felt bad for him in Genesis. Being in the jungle, he developed some confidence and a buff body. Surprisingly, I also liked Sarah’s character in this book. She’s not a mean bitch anymore but still crazy, arrogant, and smart. I absolutely hated Toby. He didn’t change much after Genesis.

The plot was fast paced and action packed throughput. Unlike the previous installments, some parts in this book were predictable for me. I think I enjoyed second half more than the first half. Romance isn’t the central focus in this book but the feelings between Min and Noah seemed a bit dramatic sometimes. The story was an intense ride filled with action, and surprising twists. It wasn’t too brutal and violent as the previous books. The pacing was fast and there was never a dull moment throughout. Some parts felt rushed especially at the end which is one of the issue I had with this book. The writing was pretty good. The book was written in both Min and Noah’s POV. The world building was amazing. I loved the entire setting. I want to say more but I don’t want to spoil things for you guys.

Overall, it was a good finale but honestly the execution could’ve been better. I’m glad that it concluded with a satisfying ending. It feels good to finally finish this series. The entire journey was an exciting ride and I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m definitely looking forward to the author’s next work.
Profile Image for Sarah Eustache.
223 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2019
*4.5

40594591

Young Adult - Science Fiction - Dystopian



What a thrilling conclusion to the Project Nemesis trilogy.

When this book came out, I contemplated whether or not I should go back and read the first two in the series to remind myself what happened. I have SO many books to read and only so much time to read, so I knew that wasn't feasible. I say that to say, returning to this dystopian world was so easy. The book picked up right where the second one left off.

There were SO MANY PLOT TWISTS!

And the end of this book? I have so many questions!!!! This book leaves us hanging with an insane clif-hanger, that you will totally understand if you read this book.

If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and go in a totally different direction than you expected, than this is the book for you. I was completely entertained (even though their were some highs and lows throughout the book).

All in all, this was a fantastic Young Adult Dystopian Sci-Fi, and if you enjoy reading in that genre, you are bound to love this trilogy.

You can read my reviews for Project Nemesis Book 1 and 2 here:

     Nemesis: Book Review                                                  Genesis: Book Review

30142139 35425574

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading this book review!

xoxo

Sarah June

www.sarahjuneblog.com
Profile Image for Rahma.
266 reviews78 followers
April 12, 2019
4 stars.

This book is easily the most fast-paced in the series. There were twists at every turn, and they weren't predictable like the ones in Genesis. At this point, it's hard to think back to book 1 because things have changed SO MUCH since then.

I still can't get behind the Noah/Min relationship, but there were more than enough redeeming qualities about the book to make me look the other way.

The ending was as wrapped up as it can be, but there is still potential for more in this world. Regardless of whether there are further sequels, the ending definitely suits the enormous setup that is Project Nemesis. Perhaps the one complaint is that I want to know what happened between the end of the story and the epilogue.

If you're reluctant to read Chrysalisafter finishing the second book, I highly recommend continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Sobia Suki.
50 reviews
September 1, 2019
I really didn’t know what to expect as I knew this would be the final book in the series.
As with the other two books, it was filled to the brim with plot twists and I bloody loved that I couldn’t totally predict what was going to happen.
I loved that you really got to know and understand Min and you got to watch her grow and develop in this book.
I sometimes wished we’d gotten a look into Sarah’s mind as her character changed and developed in this book.
The thing I liked the least was Noah’s thought, it was really strange to hear his random inner turmoil that didn’t lead to anything in the end, I found it completely unnecessary and rather annoying.
I tried hard not to give anything away in this review but similarly if you’ve read the book hopefully you’ll understand what I meant. :)
A bit book hung over now that this series as ended.
Profile Image for Lauren Pybus.
155 reviews
September 15, 2020
I had to read this because book 2 left such a massive cliffhanger but I didn’t really want to ?

BUT why was it all omg the last people on earth, oops nope there are more people Ooops your actually on a space station OOOOOps actually all of this has been a lie. I feel like the 1st book was for a completely different series and the only character that developed was Noah. The Characters that you begin to get a grasp on in book 2 are pretty much neglected or only mentioned in passing for book 3, at the end when there are only 16 people left I didn’t even recognise all the names so I didn’t find it a satisfying ending AT ALL, I feel robbed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Meredith Mara.
282 reviews75 followers
December 28, 2019
A stunning conclusion to a brilliant series (trilogy)... As for now, book three is it. But given how compelling and dynamic this story is, everything seems possible, and I'd be amped to see a book four.

If you're into YA thrillers, so puzzling they threaten to break your brain (awesome, I know!), then this trilogy is one you don't want to miss out on. Project Nemesis is shelved as YA sci-fi, but if that genre draws up images of aliens and space travel in your mind (as it does in mine) then forget about the sci-fi. Think Earth. Think apocalypse. TV show wise, think "Lost."
Profile Image for Emma :).
12 reviews
October 24, 2020
Oh my gosh this book. THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. I wish there was more to this series there are so many twists and turns and wow you have to finish this series with this book!!! READ IT!!
Profile Image for Kaele’s Krazy Book Obsession.
490 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2022
I’m still just trying to process everything that happened in this book and the fact that it’s over.

This is such an underrated dystopian series that I’ve honestly never seen talked about.

I really can’t say much that’s not a spoiler and you need to experience it all firsthand.

So go read this series! And if your reading this and have already read the first two, the last one is worth it I promise.

For fans of James Dashner, Brandon Sanderson, and Jay Kristoff, I really think you would like this series!









SPOILERS.





I don’t know how Tack survived, he’s literally died like six times in this series.
I hate Toby. I know Min sees the potential good in everybody but he’s been a lost cause since the first book. When she shot him I actually cheered.

I thought I couldn’t ever forgive Sarah but I actually kinda like her. She gets what she wants and she’s good to have on the team.

I cannot hate anyone in this book more than Sophia. I don’t even want to talk about her accept to say good riddance.
REPURPOSEMENT. REPURPOSEMENT. I about got sick with Min. That was horrible.

I don’t even understand how they made it at the end. This plan had so many loose strings but I’m very glad it worked.

Skippy the AI 😂

MARS

NOAH SACRIFICED HIMSELF and I almost cried.


The letters??!! And they named the colony after him 😭

The end. Tack has never been my favorite but I’m so happy he did this for Min and brought Noah back.

This series was low key traumatic but so addicting.
Profile Image for Ricky.
Author 8 books188 followers
April 26, 2019
Today I've got two series-conclusion reviews to write, and here's the one for the conclusion I liked more - Chrysalis, the final phase of Brendan Reichs' Project Nemesis. I won't go too much into plot details for this one, in case you're reading this review without having read the first two books - because by their very nature, both Nemesis and Genesis are so unpredictable and unexpectedly, increasingly, grand in scope that to even begin summarizing this book will invariably give massive spoilers to its predecessors. All I will say is this: you need to go back to Nemesis and enjoy that terrifying ride ASAP if you haven't already. Then the twists of Genesis, and finally the soaring thrills of Chrysalis. Consider this your doctor's prescription from the Pinecone Surgeon General. And now, to Project Nemesis, I can, after two years, say ave atque vale.
Profile Image for No One.
325 reviews89 followers
August 22, 2019
Heck yeah I fricken loved this series so much. I have been disappointed so much from finales in sci fi series but this one didn’t disappoint at all not one little bit. I could of done without Noah being all weird and flirty with Rose when he loves Min but I’m just gonna ignore that😂

Brendan never ceases to amaze me I can never guess what is going to happen and I’m always shocked with every twist the whole series was amazing every book felt like a different story and it was incredible. This is definitely a series I can re read every year it was just so damn good. Also that ending broke and melted my heart in the space of 20 seconds and it was perfect but also a little mean ahhhh.

Honestly this is probably the best sci fi thriller series I’ve read and the finale did not disappoint I can’t wait to read more from Brendan in the future
Profile Image for Laura Metz.
421 reviews30 followers
March 7, 2019
What an insane book in the best of ways. Mr. Reichs I now am in a love/hate relationship with you, you completely destroyed me with another insane cliffhanger of an ending and won't tell me if this is the true end or not....yes for everyone asking I have been talking to him on IG and he won't say ANYTHING to me about whether or not this is the absolute final end. Uhhhh so frustrating. I cried, threw the book across the room, screamed from frustration, and cried again of pure bliss at the ending, then cried again because of said ending. This book filled me with so much life. So many emotions, but he did something so absolutely right my Noah is ALIVE❤❤❤ thank you Brendan for the most incredible series I have ever read. From the very first page of Nemesis to the very last and hopefully not last page of Chrysalis this has been a whirlwind of emotions and plot twists that no one will ever see coming. This book will have you on the edge of your seats. You won't want to put this down until your eyes bleed from reading so much. Project Nemesis now has a place in my heart for all eternity. I pray there is more to this series....a novella something. Message Mr. Reichs and beg if you have too lol for there to be more. Thank you sir for an incredible ride.
Profile Image for Andria Sedig.
383 reviews8 followers
September 23, 2019
I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book. The characters, conflicts, and situations felt tied to the previous books. The reveal that the characters are no longer on earth felt believable and added some drama to their story. The revelation that there were other Project Nemesis teams was fun and, although not super surprising, brought some fresh conflict to the story. And then there was an alien AI. And that's when this book lost me personally. I wanted to love this story as much as the first two, but it just didn't do it for me.
Profile Image for Jadyn Post.
241 reviews
August 18, 2022
This book made me cry. Automatic 5 stars.

This book was a whole other level. Like, insane. We find out these poor kids have been tricked AGAIN. They are not on earth, but on a spaceship overlooking mars; their future home. But wait, it gets better. The ship has been invaded by Sophia, an evil AI who really only wants the kids for their bodies and what they can do for her. Creepy, I know.
But, they find a way to take down Sophia, and the ship, and eventually make a life for themselves on Mars.

That epilogue made me cryyyy man. It was so emotional😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Diana.
870 reviews103 followers
April 3, 2019
I love that the entire trilogy goes off in so many directions that there is no way to keep up or expect the changes it throws out. I've seen a few try and it always ends badly, like why would you go there? But this, like I said in my review for the first: ...it's something else entirely, there is no Point A to B here; it's more like Point G to Point T to Point K and everywhere in between.
And there is no attempting to figure it out...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews

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