ARC: Nemesis

Nemesis is by Anna Banks and is the first book of the a series of the same name.

The princess didn't expect to fall in love-- with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms.  The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp.  She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude. 

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens.  The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention.  But mistress Sepora will not be ignored.  When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined. 

Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague.  But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

The Breakdown:
1. I won the ARC of this book in a raffle at the Fierce Reads book tour when they stopped at The Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA.  I have to say I really liked the concept of this book, and I liked the setting of Theoria,  definitely very strong influences of ancient Egypt in it.

2.  The book is split between Sepora and Tarik's perspectives, but, for me, it was strangely done.  All of Sepora's chapters were in first person, but all of Tarik's chapters were in third person.  It made the switch between perspectives a little jarring, but on the upside, I was never confused whose chapter I was reading.

3.  I did think that Banks took an long time for the two main characters to meet.  It was about a third of the way into the book before they ever had an interaction with each other. While I appreciate developing the characters as individuals and backgrounding on their cultures,  I made the romance between them feel a little more rushed.

4. The lover of science in me is very intrigued by the Quiet Plague storyline of this book.  Where did it come from, and how is it spread, and why are only certain classes falling victim?  I really hope that Banks expands more on it.  I actually liked that storyline much more that the threat of war one.

5. I know had a few complaints, but overall I really did like the book.  I am interested to see where the series goes and how the characters develop, especially with what happened at the end.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read