NemeSIS is a coming of age story touching such topics as growing up, divorce, mental illness, bullying, siblings relationship. We watch through the heroines eyes how the conflict with her sister Rachel influences her life. Despite of touching serious issues the book is a light and easy to read.

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.

So, This book was fine. The title of this book is a little Cringed-worthy. I had a really hard time connecting to the main character. I understand her situation was not exactly ideal, but in the end, this book was mostly about sibling rivalry. It was a slightly "shallow". There was a greater opportunity that could have been taken with this than there was.

There are some overused cliche's in this book, and at times I wasn't sure when this was supposed to take place. I, personally, find it really cliche to have the older sister who is slightly more popular and "prettier", be mean to the younger sister for pretty much no reason. Then the younger sister "finds herself" and gets a boyfriend when it seems in the past boys didn't really pay attention to her.

Maybe it's a Canada thing, but Hockey isn't a popular sport where I grew up, so I felt a disconnect with that part of the story, and it was kind of boring for me at times. Most books with sports in them bore me. I don't really care about them. I don't hate them, I am indifferent.

I didn't really like that our MC just lets her sister bully her around for as long as she did. It's not like Rachel is the only one dealing with their family breaking apart, she should have been told from the get-go that she was being selfish to think that she was the only one being affected, she shouldn't have been allowed to do anything that she did. I blame the mom character for this, but still, it shouldn't have gone on the way it did. Inactive characters annoy me.
But the thing that kind of rubbed me the wrong way about this book, was how it made people that like being alone sound like sad miserable people. I know I might be more of a minority in this, but there is nothing wrong with spending time alone. And it should never be portrayed that introverts have to "cure" themselves. We aren't sick, we don't need to be cured of enjoying time alone.

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.

This is amazing coming of age book, that deals with stuggles that are relatable to teenagers in this day and age.

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.

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

A compelling coming-of-age book with narration that is simple and makes it available to a wide audience and a lovable protagonist.