In this dark take on the graphic novel industry, an accomplished and successful artist and movie producer, thinking she is promised a shot at writing a new story for a comic book hero she has always loved, discovers forces of greed, theft and injustice she must thwart. Heartfelt characters and relationships enhance this unusual mystery novel, and the reader is kept guessing until the end. Highly recommended even if one hasn’t read the first in the series.

"Alex Segura, award-winning author of Secret Identity, returns with a clever and escapist standalone sequel set in the world of comic books. In the present day, a comics legend is given the chance to revive a beloved but forgotten character. But at what price?

Annie Bustamante is a cultural force like none other: an acclaimed filmmaker, an author, a comic book artist known for one of the all time best superhero comics in recent memory. But she's never been able to tackle her longtime favorite superhero, the Lethal Lynx. Only known to the most die-hard comics fans and long out of print, the rights were never available - until now.

But Annie is skeptical of who is making the offer: Bert Carlyle's father started Triumph Comics, and has long claimed ownership of the Lynx. When she starts getting anonymous messages urging her not to trust anyone, Annie's inner alarms go off. Even worse? Carlyle wants to pair her with a disgraced filmmaker for a desperate media play.

Annie, who has been called a genius, a sell-out, a visionary, a hack, and everything else under the sun, is sick of the money grab. For the first time since she started reading a tattered copy of The Legendary Lynx #1 as a kid, she feels a pure, creative spark. The chance to tell a story her way. She's not about to let that go. Even if it means uncovering the dark truth about the character she loves.

Sharply written, deftly plotted, and with a palpable affection for all kinds of storytelling, Alter Ego is a one-of-a-kind reading experience."

I mean, it's like a car crash, you can't turn away. Unexploited IP in comics? Let the trolls run wild!

I have been obsessed with superheroes since I was a kid, but funny enough, I'm not really into reading superhero comic books. All of my superhero consumption has come from TV shows and movies. Still, that didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book, and I was honestly surprised by how intriguing I found this book to be.

The story primarily focuses on Annie Bustamante, a talented Oscar-winning filmmaker and comic book artist. Bustamante's passion for the iconic superhero Lethal Lynx - a character she may have closer ties to than anyone realizes - is what thrusts Annie back into the spotlight after lying low for a while. When the opportunity arises for Bustamante to finally revive her favorite superhero, the offer seems a little too good to be true, but Annie has had an idea brewing for years, and she desperately wants the story to be told. Annie agrees to the deal, but when anonymous messages warn her to tread carefully, Annie begins to uncover some shady happenings - something that may be connected to the death of one of her closest friends.

It was really nice to see a strong female leading the charge in the male-dominated world of comic books. Annie was definitely a character I rooted for the entire way.

What I really enjoyed was how the author weaves together elements of filmmaking and comic books with shady deals, secrets, and a compelling mystery to create a plot that was completely unexpected. Though the synopsis hints at obstacles along the way, I wasn't expecting the stakes to be as high and certainly wasn't expecting murder and secrets and intrigue along the way. All of that was a pleasant surprise. Segura's writing is engaging, the pacing is pretty tight, and the characters are strong and relatable.

A few minor complaints were that I felt like the few chapters after the opening scene dragged a bit, though once everything was set up, things picked up a lot. Another thing that made me scratch my head is that it's mentioned several times that Lethal Lynx (the comic book character) was this long-forgotten character that hardly anyone remembers, yet the studio felt they would make millions off rebooting her. You'd think they'd make more money off rebooting a well-known superhero first and maybe reintroducing this character in that reboot, but what do I know? I guess I'm just going on how many times Spiderman, Superman and Batman have been rebooted.

This was another book that I alternated between reading and listening to, and once again, I have to give high marks to the narrator. Frankie Corzo handles all of the characters effortlessly. I also really liked the production value and the way they handled the comic segments peppered throughout the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one, mostly because I went in expecting one thing and ended up getting much more action and intrigue than I initially expected. If you're looking for a book with a strong female lead, Annie Bustamante is your gal.

Flatiron Books provided an early galley for review.

Back in 2022, Segura did his first novel set in the world of comics - Secret Identity. I was glad to see that he is taking us back into that world for this new novel. Interestingly enough, both books' titles are two sides of the coin when it comes to a super-hero - the two faces one would have, public and private.

Annie is an interesting, complex character with some very strong choices by the author. The narrative bounces around her life - from her childhood to the most current time in her adulthood as a creator. Segura knows the industry, so all of the interactions ring very true. The characters in her world have many layers, some very secretive.

Throughout, the reader also gets a ton of comic book and related movie references which (as a lifelong comic reader) I really enjoyed. I also too liked the occasional glimpses of artwork from the Lynx comics, presented to the reader as if they actually existed. This is a nice touch that was done in the first book in the "series" as well.

Just as the first novel was very much a period piece for the industry in the 1970's, Alter Ego had a lot to say about the industry in the 21st Century.

Given some of the obstacles she encounters, in some ways it's surprising that Annie Bustamante doesn't commit a crime, most likely assault of an obnoxiously and / or obliviously man in the comics industry, rather than solving one. When Triumph Comics seeks to relaunch its cult series The Legendary Lynx (familiar to readers of Segura's Secret Identity), there are numerous reasons to believe it's an amazing opportunity for Annie, who has cherished the character since her childhood. But she'll need to delve into the decades old mystery surrounding the Triumph City crimefighter and her legacy first.

This novel is a sequel of sorts to the author's prior "Secret Identity" insomuch as it is based off of events from that novel, though, for the most part, this follows a new cast of characters. Decades after the events of the earlier book, a former comic book artist is recruited to help revive a long dormant comic book character, but finds herself caught up in nefarious machinations and murder.

I found this to be another engaging read from the author, though perhaps not quite as much as the first book. While technically a mystery, this book hooked me more on the characters, their relationships and individual struggles. That's not to say the plot wasn't strong, simply that the author displayed a strength in character development that at times here exceeded the draw of the main story.

Ultimately, I'd recommend this to all. While set in the world of comics, it's not ss immersed in it as "Secret Identity" and, as such, might find wider appeal. While a welcome follow-up, this stands as a solid work on its own, not needing knowledge of its predecessor.

The saga of “The Legendary Lynx,” a lost comic book character from the 1970s, continues in this follow-up to 2022’s Secret Identity. This time, the troubled movie director and one-time famous comic book artist Annie Bustamante gets the chance to continue the story of the gritty urban heroine. The seedy owner of the reborn Triumph Comics wants a big Hollywood production after the comic comes out, and he partners her with a crazy, exiled, brilliant director. But resurrecting The Lynx is something some baddies are willing to kill for. A simple comic could result in murder.

It’s a fine idea, one to which comic fans will be drawn. Segura does a good job of setting the stage in New York, unafraid to share the dirty, shameful shadows. There’s complexity to Annie, an interesting story filled with failure and success, and it’s easy to root for her. There’s a strong sense of feminism, too: the book seems to focus on Annie’s quest to protect the legacy of the character’s creator, the reclusive Carmen Valdez. The panels from the would-be comic book are fantastic.

I like this theme a lot, and despite my rating or feelings, this is a series worth continuing. If anything, I might go read the comic book Segura plans to release in November: The Legendary Lynx. But I don’t want to blow up the guy’s spot, so I’ll bury my negative comments deep, deep into the ocean floor of this review. Scroll WAAAAAAAAAY down either on Goodreads or my blog to find it, and I won’t post it to Instagram or NetGalley. And remember: it’s just my snooty little opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for a free advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Alter Ego by Alex Segura comes out December 3, 2024.

I realized unfortunately quickly that this book was not for me. The writing seemed like it wanted you to know how cool and smart the narrator was without any substance and it was off putting enough to stop me from continuing and trying to find things to enjoy.

I sincerely hope this book finds it's audience, that audience just wasn't me

This is an IP theft thriller that takes place in the comic book industry, and also a character study of a Cubana comic book artist/movie director. I don't know anything about comic books or watch Marvel Movies but I enjoyed it, mostly due to the main character's story as a talented artist and single mom in challenging industries. The various sleazy characters seemed pretty realistic. The relationship between the mom and daughter was very touching. The thriller part was given away at the beginning so that part just had to play out. I also really enjoyed the comic pages interspersed throughout the novel, although those gave away the ending too. I wanted more of the comic book character to strengthen the parallels between the two character ARCs. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Alex has a captivating way about his writing. Whether reading one of his comic books or novels, Segura’s writing will transport you to a world so immersive you will get lost among the pages. All of these things ring true for Segura’s latest upcoming mystery crime novel, Alter Ego.

From the minute you meet Annie Bustamante it’s clear that she’s a badass who is unwilling to lay down without a fight despite the many antagonistic efforts from her peers. The deeper you go, the more mysteries you uncover to find yourself solving the case of the “Legendary Lynx” right alongside her.

Not only is this book a gripping mystery set in the world of comic books, but Alex also does a beautiful job illustrating the stereotypical gender barriers for women working in comics or in geek culture as a whole.

Alter Ego tells the story of Annie Bustamante. She has worked on some of her favorite characters over the years, but now she gets to work on her most important character, the Lethal Lynx.
Alter Ego follows along with Alex Segura’s previous book, Secret Identity, which sets the stage for this one.
This is a finely crafted mystery. Every character stood out as unique. The setting (the backdrop of the comics industry) was a fun look at names and characters both real and imagined.
I liked the inclusion of comic panels from the Lethal Lynx book. Those were nice touches.

You don’t have to be a fan of comic books to enjoy this book, but it helps.

Anne Bustamante has been laying low since her last project was shelved, the mighty have fallen quickly after being Oscar nominated. She and her daughter are enjoying a quiet life when she gets the chance to come back and direct a movie about her favorite superhero, the Lynx. A heroine with a Cuban woman co-creator, she has always been close to this story. And the defunct triumph comics apparently still owns the IP.

I always think it’s weird, character ownership and dispute and selling IP. This book is about the movie industry; with a little comic lore and murder mystery thrown in. The ultimate bad guy reveal was a bit of a letdown; there is really only one person it could ever have been. I really loved the villain Mindbender, who makes you believe things that aren’t true. What a throw back name. He’s like a gaslighter.

This book is no stretch for any woman who has ever had a man take credit for her ideas.

Thanks to @netgalley and @flatiron_books for the ARC. Book to be released Dec 3, 2024.

#netgalley #bookreviews #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booktok #alterego

This one was hard for me to get into. I don’t think it was bad so much as just wasn’t my cup of tea. I still would like to announce its publication date but probably won’t post a review publicly.

THE COOLEST! Alex Segura is the author Secret Identity and has written anew standalone sequel set in the world of comic books.

Annie Bustamante is a writer, a comic book artist and she has fought tooth and nail to blaze a reputation in a group of fans that can sometimes skew misogynistic. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn that Lethal Lynx (shown in great comic form at the start of chapters), has been her obsession and inspiration. When she is approached with the opportunity to help recreate that little known but powerful icon she wants to jump right in. There is a bit of mystery, however, as to who is covering the paycheck and why.

Follow Annie as she forges ahead to face fears and misgivings and find out what the real story is with Lethal Lynx! A steller thriller, valentines to comic book writing and an altogether exciting character study!
#flatironbooks #alexsegura #alterego

I usually don't read books like this, but this one sounded unique. It is okay and has some amazing parts, but I am not the right audience for it. I also think there is a book before this one in a series.

Alex Segura takes us on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns in Alter Ego, a nearly perfect sequel to his hit Los Angeles Times Book Prize novel, Secret Identity, that I simply could not put down.

Annie Bustamante is a cultural force like none other: an acclaimed filmmaker, an author, a comic book artist known for one of the all time best superhero comics in recent memory. But she’s never been able to tackle her longtime favorite superhero, the Lethal Lynx. Only known to the most die-hard comics fans and long out of print, the rights were never available―until now.

But Annie is skeptical of who is making the offer: Bert Carlyle's father started Triumph Comics, and has long claimed ownership of the Lynx. When she starts getting anonymous messages urging her not to trust anyone, Annie’s inner alarms go off. Even worse? Carlyle wants to pair her with a disgraced filmmaker for a desperate media play.

Annie, who has been called a genius, a sell-out, a visionary, a hack, and everything else under the sun, is sick of the money grab. For the first time since she started reading a tattered copy of The Legendary Lynx #1 as a kid, she feels a pure, creative spark. The chance to tell a story her way. She's not about to let that go. Even if it means uncovering the dark truth about the character she loves.

Secret Identity is a book that fell right in my wheelhouse. A book that crosses from the comic book industry into the world of mystery novel. While I am always interested in more from a book I enjoyed, I was super satisfied with how Secret Identity ended. However, Alex Segura somehow was able to author a followup novel that rivals the first in the series like very few can do. Alter Ego elevates the duology to new heights and explores the comic book world even more in depth.

The addition of Annie Bustamante, a complex and compelling protagonist who is not afraid to challenge the status quo, added depth to the overall narrative. As she navigates the murky waters of the comic book industry, readers are given a glimpse into the inner workings of a world filled with secrets and betrayals. Alter Ego is an examination of the tension between creativity and consumerism while dealing with such topics as creator rights. Segura gives us a duel between the art and intellectual property, and the tug-of-war between legacy and profit. Segura has a keen ability to craft a story that delves into real-life issues comic book creators deal with while adding a layer of fiction, suspense and mystery to the story.

While on the surface Alter Ego is a story about comic creators fighting for something they believe in, Segura masterfully weaves in themes of intergenerational trauma, the complexities of parenthood, and the quest for personal identity. As the story unfolds, we get a gripping novel that reads like a thriller set in the world of comic book creation. A truly innovative and masterfully crafted novel.

Segura's writing ability shines on each and every page, making for a novel we simply did not want to stop reading. The book is written for those die-hard fans of the inner workings of the comic book industry, while also offering an engaging and fast-paced story that any fan of mystery novels can enjoy. You don't need any real comic book industry knowledge to dive into Alter Ego, but knowing a bit more makes the journey that much more fun. Segura have a working knowledge and appreciation for the art form is evident throughout, adding so much more to the story.

Finding a novel that meets all of the items on your checklist can be difficult, but Segura seems to have made it a bit easier for me. Novels such as Secret Identity and Alter Ego allow me to enjoy my passion for comic books while also sinking myself into a great mystery novel.

Alter Ego is truly a work of art filled with suspense, intrigue, family dynamics, and the inner workings of the comic book industry. While I thought the story was tied up with a bow in Secret Identity, I could not be happier to have just finished reading Alter Ego. This novel is a love letter to those who love comics, but can be enjoy by anyone looking for a great mystery novel.

This book ended up being not for me. The blurb held the promise of a tale about a fiction creator connecting with that fiction so much that it was part of her, and that spoke to me. I was also curious to learn a bit more about the comic book industry, and pleasantly surprised by comic book panels included in the text. That said, in the end I found the mystery predictable and exaggerated, the main character engaging in too much of pathos-infused internal monologue and the idea of finding yourself banged on with such frequency and force that it lost all possible depth and meaning. My personal peeve is Annie’s daughter Margot - a pre-teen who is smart and empathetic and just so convenient all of the time that I kept thinking that in a real kid that would likely be a sign of trauma.

As for the story itself, it occurred to me closer to the end of the book that perhaps all those things I found to be simplistic and over the top were meant to be just that - like your classic comic book where the beats are necessarily loud and dramatic, the villains grotesque (I mean, Russian mafia, really?) and the big ideas semaphored across every second page. If so, well-done with transforming a visual medium into text as much as possible - still it was not my cup of tea.

I had no clue this was a follow up, so I definitely need to read that before diving back into this.
That being said, I will. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Thank you Netgalley

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book***
When I first came upon this book, I didn’t even realize that it was a sequel/prequel to the author’s previous novel, Secret Identity. I was a little bummed about that at first because I have read a lot of books since that one but I had enough of a grasp of things to remember most of the major players and plot points that are referenced.

This book continues the drama and controversy that surround the fictional comic book character, The Legendary Lynx. It is a fast paced mystery that reads even better if you are a fan of comic books and comic book movies.

I highly recommend both this book and it’s predecessor, Secret Identity.

Love that Alex is getting such a great publication for this book and his previous ones. I love how this one follows the first while being something completely different and of its own.