Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Alter Ego by Alex Segura!

I couldn't get into this one as much as I thought I would. It didn't have enough thriller for me, but I was interested in the quest to work in comics and it was well written.

In "Alter Ego" industry veteran Alex Segura delivers a slick and memorable mystery that is rooted in the world of comics and loosely connected to his previous work "Secret Identity", This book flirts with meta fiction, in that the protagonist is a comics creator and her work features prominently in the plot of the book. Of particular note are the crisp panels with black and white illustrations that feature the protagonist's work and punctuate the narrative in key places. The fast paced plot will also keep readers on the edge of their seats while providing a good look at the history and inner workings of the comics industry. This book is recommended for readers who love complex graphic novels and enjoy mysteries with a good many twists and convolutions.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Flatiron Books, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was good! I liked it but didn’t love it. I definitely see potential in it and look forward to seeing what else the author does.

Alex Segura delivers once again. I loved SECRET IDENTITY, and this is a deeply satisfying companion that expands the world and story while standing on its own as a self-contained, riveting piece of mystery storytelling.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

This was a really creative, original book. It was also really confusing - for me anyway. It probably would've helped if I'd read the book that came before it. As it was, I had a hard time connecting with the story and its characters. I appreciated the effort though and can easily see how other readers could be enthralled by the tale, especially if they had already read the first one.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

As a follow up from the previous novel, Segura continues to bring a wonderful amount of character and heart to their work along with a healthy does of addicting suspense and comic book love.

As a comics fan this was such an intriguing and thrilling ride. I really enjoyed the way this was crafted. I had not read Secret Identity and felt that it was not necessary to read this book, but now I might have spoiled some things for Secret Identity with this book (oops). The pacing of this was perfectly laid out. We get a thrilling start to hook us, followed by a build up to the real action of the plot as Annie navigates the truth behind the comic The Legendary Lynx, who truly owns the rights, and why do the owners of Triumph Comics want her on board to create the return of this character. The mystery hooked me and had me flying through this one.

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for my eARc. All thoughts are my own.

Alter Ego was a propulsive and well-written read. I liked the audio narrator. the character study was thorough.

I really wanted to like this one, as I've really enjoyed other work by Alex Segura, but Alter Ego failed to hit the mark for me.

Alex Segura follows up his acclaimed SECRET IDENTITY with a book tied to its predecessor but standing firmly on its own two feet. IDENTITY unfolds against the backdrop of the struggling comics industry in the 1970s, while EGO is set now, in the era of media consolidation and franchise fatigue. Annie Bustamante is a comics artists turned filmmaker whose latest production is mothballed by a Hollywood studio looking to save money. An unlikely lifeline is tossed her way: a chance to reinvent the Legendary Lynx, the character whose origin story is detailed in IDENTITY. To bring her dream project to life, she’ll have to tangle with a once-storied filmmaker facing a #MeToo-driven reckoning, shady business interests, and the still-unsettled ghosts behind the Lynx’s creation. As in IDENTITY, the action is punctuated with gorgeous graphic art of the Lynx’s adventures. Segura’s love of comics lore as well as his savvy about how the business has evolved over the decades comes through loud and clear on every page. The ending is somewhat conventional, but it doesn’t diminish the fun and fervor of this worthy successor.

Annie Bustamante is now best known for being an acclaimed director, but her latest project has been shelved for a tax break. As she is looking for new projects she is drawn back to one of her greatest passions in the arts, comic books. Her passion for the longest time has been to work on the Lethal Lynx comics, an old character that is now long out of print. Then she gets an offer from Triumph Comics, claiming to own the Lethal Lynx character, and offering Annie the chance to work on a new line of Lethal Lynx comics. But the offer has a lot of strings attached, including a maligned director trying to tie the Lynx into a new film series. Annie begins working for Triumph, only to discover that everything about the character's origin and Triumph's motivations may not be what it seems.

Full disclosure I did not read Secret Identity before reading this book, not fully realizing that it was a side sequel. That said the opening chapter did a good job covering the ground that I imagine Secret Identity covered before the book moves on to mostly new characters set in the same world (but it is a sequel, the book very much comes back around to the aftermath of Secret Identity in a very good way). Alex Segura seems to have a lot of fun writing about the background deals that help comics get made and the new interactions between the comics industry and Hollywood motivations. Annie is a fantastic lead, always questioning others motivations and fighting for who she cares about. Segura splices Annie's backstory into the character to create a fuller picture of the woman she became and why she is so passionate in her fight to save the Lethal Lynx. The book builds to a very exciting climax and has plenty of reveals to keep the reader invested. Between chapters there are also excellently drawn comics pages the help add to the story. A great book for comics lovers or those wanting to learn a little more about the comics industry, and a great thriller on top of that.

Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for a copy of Alter Ego in exchange for an honest review.

While I did not know that this was a sequel, I feel like it was executed well as a book apart from being a sequel, meaning the reader can go ahead and dive into Alter Ego without having to have read book 1. Not quite interconnected standalones, because there is quite a bit of context the reader misses out on, I think.

There are not many books out there that dive into comic artistry and that side of publishing, and while I don't generally go for thrillers, this one had me on my toes! Very well done and enjoyable. I recommended this to a few friends.

“Alter Ego” is a sharp and spellbinding mystery, set among the cutthroat world of comic book publishing. Alex Segura, author of the Pete Fernandez series of books as well as “Secret Identity”, the predecessor to “Ego”, has created an immersive environment with a tough-as-nails protagonist, Annie Bustamante.
Ever since she was a child, Annie has dreamed of creating her own comic books. A huge fan of “The Lethal Lynx”, Annie spends her days doodling and drawing up new plots for the series with her best friend, Danny. Years later, Annie is a single parent and a relative success in the movie industry, having left the comic book world behind. When the new owner of Triumph Entertainment, the company behind “The Lethal Lynx” reaches out to Annie to ask her to deliver a modernization of “Lynx”, Annie is over the moon. But she has been in the business too long to jump without doing her research and she soon finds out that anyone who has a connection to the Lynx, both now and in the past, is dead. Does Annie want to fulfill her childhood dream enough to risk her own life?
Segura’s “Ego” is the second novel, a follow-up to “Secret Identity”, however it isn’t necessary to read the first novel at all, as “Ego” focuses on different protagonists and a different plot and, in fact, even takes place in a different time frame (“Identity” took place in the 1970s whereas “Ego” is modern day). Although there is some overlap in background characters and the environment itself, readers can expect to jump right in with “Ego” and not feel lost. In fact, you don’t even need to be a comic book fan to enjoy Segura’s latest.
Annie is a powerhouse worth cheering for. A single mother and recovering alcoholic, she has made her mark in the Hollywood film industry completely on her own merit. She is the farthest thing from naïve, and she takes no prisoners, even if they are smarmy titans of the entertainment world. She is a woman of morals and values, and her bravery and strength mirror the admirable traits of her hero, the Lynx.
“Ego” is told in modern day, when Annie is raising her pre-teen daughter and is battling with the choice (and the Hollywood titans) to redo “Lynx”, and in the past, when we learn about Annie’s friendship over time with Danny, and how her love of comics grows hand-in-hand with her love for her best friend.
“Ego” is an in-depth look behind the curtain of the comic book industry, which on its own is interesting, but the dark secrets, and the bodies that pile up, made me want to continue turning the pages. Segura’s “Ego” is a unique experience that stands out among the crowd.

**Review: A Clever Dive into the Shadows of Creativity**
**Rating: 3.5/5**

Alex Segura’s *Alter Ego* is an engaging exploration of creativity, nostalgia, and the murky world of intellectual property, blending a love for comic book lore with a tense, character-driven narrative. While it shines in its commentary on the pitfalls of artistic ambition and corporate greed, the story sometimes stumbles under the weight of its lofty ambitions.

Annie Bustamante is a compelling protagonist—sharp, flawed, and relatable. Her passion for the Lethal Lynx resonates deeply, especially for readers who understand the cultural and personal weight of beloved characters. Segura captures the thrill of rediscovering a forgotten gem and the frustration of navigating the cutthroat entertainment industry. Annie's struggle to balance her creative vision with the compromises demanded by Triumph Comics is authentic and thought-provoking.

The novel’s pacing is uneven, however. The first half excels in setting up the stakes, particularly Annie’s skepticism about Carlyle’s offer and the intriguing anonymous warnings. But the second half occasionally bogs down in exposition and industry jargon, which might alienate readers less familiar with the comic book world. The mystery surrounding the Lynx’s rights and the “dark truth” Annie uncovers is satisfying, but it doesn’t deliver the jaw-dropping impact the buildup promises.

Segura’s love for storytelling is palpable, and his meta-commentary on the creative process—particularly the labels society places on artists—adds depth to the narrative. Yet, the novel’s emotional arcs sometimes feel secondary to its cleverness, leaving Annie’s personal journey somewhat underexplored.

*Alter Ego* is a strong read for fans of comic books, behind-the-scenes dramas, and morally complex protagonists. It’s not perfect, but it delivers enough intrigue, sharp dialogue, and heartfelt moments to make it worthwhile. For those with a love for superheroes and the creators who bring them to life, Segura’s novel is a thought-provoking tribute to both.

Another wonderful hit from Segura. An amazing follow up for fans of Secret Identity while not being a mandatory read to enter. Segura gives an amazing voice to his lead. Many moments in this book got very large reactions from me while reading. I hope for more from this world in the future.

Alter ego is the sequel to segura 2022 novel, secret identity. While the earlier novel was set mainly in the past, this one takes place in the present with a strong anchor to the past, Annie is a burgeoning film writer who left the comic book world to pursue this other career. However, she finds herself pulled back in after the death of her journalist friend and discovers many secrets that tie to the legendary lynx-a beloved comic from the 1970s.

This book is a love letter to comic books and comic book lovers. The timeline shifts all over from the 1970s to the early 2000s to present day and Annie is a fully developed character through these shifts. We see her heartbreaking relationships with her family and her best friend Danny and her battle to overcome alcoholism. I loved Annie and rooted for her. The shifts are a bit jarring at first so make sure you pay attention to what timeline you are reading. The chapters are short so moving between the timelines is like a jolt of whiplash,

While it is not imperative to read the secret identity it will help. I made the mistake of not reading it first and was somewhat disoriented by all of the callbacks. This again is a reader issue and not the writer issue.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Setting a thriller in the world of 1970s comic books was a winning combination for author Alex Segura’s 2022 novel Secret Identity. He returns to the modern world in his new sequel Alter Ego.

Alter Ego takes a critical look at the present landscape of comics, corporations, and IP, while plotting a new thrilling mystery involving the creation of comic "The Legendary Lynx."

This time the story focuses on Annie Bustamante, a revered filmmaker who cut her teeth in comics before leaving the medium behind. She’s convinced to return with an offer to work on her favorite obscure character, The Legendary Lynx.

When the company behind the comic’s revival begins to act shadily and fires Annie from the project, Annie realizes there is more at stake than just her story being published.

The character of Annie takes a little while to connect with on the page because the early sections heavily use shifting timelines to connect Annie’s past, present, and the murder of her friend, journalist Laura Gustines. As you get further along in the book the flashbacks flow better and Annie starts to feel like a more fleshed-out character.

Her origin in comics, her tragic relationship with her best friend Danny, and her life after motherhood all lead to the crossroads presented to her with the Lynx. Saving the Lynx’s legacy is Annie’s driving force — and source of danger.

Annie isn’t just an avatar for comic book fans who fall in love with older stories, she has a surprising personal connection to the comic that fuels part of the intrigue of the story. You'll be invested as she tries to unravel what really happened during the creation of the Lynx and why someone is now willing to resort to murder to hide the truth.

Although technically the novel provides enough details about the events of Secret Identity that you don’t have to read the first book to understand the second, having an existing connection to the Lynx’s origins will endear you more to the plot. It’s easier to understand Annie’s obsessions with these figures of the past if you’ve already spent time with them, though being a deep fan of anything can also help you relate.

It also allows you to focus more on the primary mystery of who wants to cover up the Lynx’s creation rather than making sense of the minute details of what happened during the creation. The details of those events is enough to be its own book and it was!

If you've read Secret Identity you'll also be familiar with the work of artist Sandy Jarrell, who has adapted her style to create "Annie's" beautiful pages sprinkled throughout the book. What fun is a book about comics if you can't include any artwork?

Like the original, the novel still borrows from the real world of comics for references and world-building that will speak to comic book fans while also relying on the history of the purely fictional Triumph Comics. The world-building expands further this time to also include Hollywood and a director figure, Arturo Spinoza, who feels like a hodgepodge of lauded directors, some of whom have been exposed for bad behavior.

The focus on the danger of AI and struggle for creator's rights will feel timely for anyone who follows any of the creative industries (and should be a flag to anyone not familiar to become aware of how it impacts the ethics of consuming entertainment).

For fans of mystery thrillers who love the world of comics, or who at least won’t mind the heavy dose of comic book enthusiasm in the pages, Alter Ego is a great pick.

I always enjoy a book that teaches me something, and I very clearly learned that I didn't know a lot about comics, or the timeline of their history, until reading this. I have not read Secret Identity, so I think there's some context I missed, but that did not make this any less of any engaging mystery and a character whose story I wanted to know, and that I wanted a safe resolution for.

Annie Bustamante is delightful. A mix of strong, creative, and working to heal her broken parts, she was a character I could respect even when I questioned her decisions. She had such good perspective on the people around her, the men and the women, and was aware of her biases even if she did not deny them.

Not to mention, the LYNX! What a character. What a parable within the story that helps explain why so many people were so attached to this comic, and wanted it to come back. I would love to read it, but I'm okay with it only existing in this imaginary world.

There were sometimes too many references - where 3-4 would've sufficed you get 7-10, even 15-20, and it started to feel more like a textbook than a fictional story. That's my only complaint though.

If you want a mystery thriller, with or without a love of comics, you will enjoy this.