Dickens & Rumi
Cover of NEMESIS

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NEMESIS

Brendan Reichs

As natural disasters compound, Min's death-and-resurrection cycles continue in her sealed-off Idaho town. (Ages 12 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent threats, murder, weapon-related danger, frightening suspense, grief, and morally complex choices make this better suited to mature teens; sexual content and language are limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Repeated killings and the ongoing threat of death drive the mystery and affect the characters emotionally; death is central rather than incidental.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of wounds and blood during violent encounters, but not excessively graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Moderate usage of teen-appropriate expletives and occasional strong language.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

The story includes limited LGBTQIA representation within its larger ensemble, but LGBTQIA characters or relationships are not a prominent focus.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor romantic subplots and burgeoning relationships typical for the teen genre.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A threatening, high-stakes mystery includes stalking, captivity-like danger, repeated death, and sustained fear and tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild teen flirtation and suggestive comments, but no explicit sexual activity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to drinking among older teens in social settings.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

The plot centers on repeated attacks and killings, with threats, pursuit, weapons, and characters fighting to survive.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront fear, violence, uncertainty, and manipulation while trying to protect themselves and others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative science fiction plot with unique twists and world-building.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse group of teenagers with varying backgrounds and personalities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Contains some light pseudo-scientific concepts related to the sci-fi plot.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, care, and mutual support matter, although the threatening circumstances create distrust and conflict.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Themes include survival, identity, trust, accountability, friendship, resistance to manipulation, and the consequences of violence.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Young characters show loyalty, persistence, and moral questioning, though they also face dangerous choices and imperfect judgment.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in NEMESIS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in NEMESIS, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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