Nemesis (Angel) [Paperback]

Scott Ciencin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Lurker Files

At sinister Wintervale University, Peter Nakamura and Marissa Valero battle the Lurker and his electronic web of deceit on the campus computer network for the soul of a new fellow student.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Scott Ciencin is the author of more than forty novels and numerous comic books for both adults and teens. SWEET SIXTEEN is his first Buffy novel. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (January 21, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679885064
• ISBN-13: 978-0679885061
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,469,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fred To the Rescue, April 5, 2004

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Nemesis (Angel) (Mass Market Paperback)

This story, set after Fred discovered that her favorite professor was really the reason for her trip to Pylea, investigates some of the darker possibilities unleashed by those events. A dear friend working at a local think tank contacts Fred but the reunion is interrupted by what appears to be a gangland slaying. Fred, displaying unexpected fortitude, determines to seek out the cause behind the crime, even if Angel and Gunn won't help her.

The reason Fred is on her own is that Angel has been hired to look into the murders of a clatch of wizards who have gathered outside of Los Angeles to heal a breach in the spells that protect reality from the powers that shouldn't be. Gunn, as the only available assistant accompanies Angel to the Wizard's castle, and soon everyone is up to their ears in dimension hopping badness. Even Wesley and Connor get involved.

Because there are multiple subplots leading up to the conclusion the story displays surprising complexity for an Angel novel. Intrigue and betrayal play a part in segment, and nothing is quite what it seems as the story shifts from scientific magic to magical science. One thing is sure, if Angel and Gunn can't help the mages complete their spells reality is doomed.

This is the second novel that Fred plays a significant part in, and I honestly think that she gets better treatment from the authors than she does from the screenwriters. Her determination to resolve the crisis is palpable, and it quietly becomes apparent that she is much more than a highly intelligent but fragile person. The Ciencin's Fred has grown from her experiences and she is learning to be an independent person.

What keeps me from handing out 5 starts to this book is that the scenes with the mages are a bit contrived and overplayed. This is often the case when mages have enough power to work miracles, but can't manage to defend themselves. It doesn't make sense, so the authors have to create little illogics to keep the plot from imploding. I think that if the wizards had been a bit less wizardly they would have been more believable.

Even with that exception, this is a solid addition to the Angel series, certainly not something you will regret reading. the interplay of the regular characters is well captured, and there are even a few unique ideas to keep the brew boiling.

2.0 out of 5 stars Super Reader, August 6, 2007

By 

Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" (Legion clubhouse) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nemesis (Angel) (Mass Market Paperback)

An inter-generational conflict between a group of powerful mages, Lilah Morgan, and a dodgy cop of the mystical variety cause a few problems.

Angel pretends to be a Mage, Gunn writes an Angel send up comic, Connor and Wesley fight a few demons.

Fred ends up working on a Quantum Cosmic Engine after a babe geek friend of hers is killed.

This all ties together, sort of. Not very well, though.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, but could have been much better, July 19, 2004

By 

jsdunk "jsdunk" (Camas, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nemesis (Angel) (Mass Market Paperback)

Nemesis was a fine read, but ultimately I found it disappointing.

Nemesis starts with two parallel stories the ultimately converge Fred has been contacted by an old friend from Grad school. When they plan to meet her friend is gunned down in the middle of a restaurant. Meanwhile a supernatural entity takes out an entire club full of bad guys.

Angel and Gunn set out for the "Nemesis" that killed a club full of baddies and end up tangled up with a bunch of sorcers in a sort of anti-Hogwarts where powerful mages hold each others children hostage. But, hey, they do educate them in the process.

While Angel and Gunn are trying to find "Nemesis" Gunn indulges in some very out-of-character complaining about his relationship with Angel and pens a ridiculous comic book parody of Angel. A convenient, if ridiculous, plot device.

While Gunn's characterization is completely off the wall, most of the other characters are drawn very accurately, as one would expect from two writers so experienced with Angel and Buffy.

Overall, its a solid and engaging book, but the plot was a bit convoluted. At times I found myself looking back as I tried to figure out if I'd missed something.

If you're a fan who wants to read everything or even most things in the Angel cannon, read this book. You'll still enjoy it. If you're looking for ONE Angel book to read, pick another one.