Monster Hunter Nemesis (Monster Hunters International Book 5)

I really enjoyed reading this installment of the Monster Hunter series. It was nice to get to understand the background of Agent Franks and as usual Larry Correia did a great job detailing everything.

I laughed, I cried, I stood awestruck by the uber-awesomeness of it all. Larry Correia at his all-out, no prisoners taken, best. The only problem with the book is it ends too quick and now I start banging my head against the wall in wait for the next.

A really enjoyable book to read. Interesting information about some of the characters is revealed. It's fantasy so I didn't expect all of it to be 100% logical. It's too bad Larry had to go all political about the Hugo awards. If he'd confined himself to just writing good fiction I would have happily bought more of his books. Sorry Larry, I avoid paying money to zealots of any kind or political leaning.

This is the first Larry Correia book I have read. I started with this one because I was provided with a free advance reader copy so that I could review it. As such according to the publisher the final edition may vary from what I read. I have read Larry Correia's writing before; from the THR thread that became Dead Six to the first few chapter of MHI that is on Baen's website. That said, the book was gripping and action packed from the start to the finish. I read it in less than two days and I enjoyed it all the while.

The action scenes are top notch and they flow so well that I wonder how Mr. Correia knows so much about supernatural combat because he writes it as if it actually happened. His characters are engaging and complex and it was especially interesting to see Agent Franks thought process and to see him learn more about humanity and to experience a hint of emotions from time to time. I imagine many writers would have a hard time writing a believable and likeable main character devoid of feeling and who cares only for his mission, but he pulls it off here.

The story seems like a typical secret government agency conspiracy thriller but with monsters, demons, a little Mormon theology and of course Agent Franks. The book is written in a lighthearted tone that softens the gut ripping, blood spattered hand to hand combat scenes. The dry, ironic and dark humor elements make for some light moments in an otherwise action focused book. The dialogue and characters seem fitting with the alternate universe the author has created and his attention to detail with weapons and special equipment is appreciated. The historical flashbacks help develop Agent Franks history without adding unnecessary detail. The author is adept at taking the reader inside the minds of other characters, namely the bad guys but without giving away too many surprises.

This story picks up where the last book left off and it leaves room for the next sequel so don't expect too much resolution in this book. I would have liked to see a little more wrap up after the final battle scene regarding who survived, what happened to the secret lab/base and how the Monster Control Bureau is going to deal with the mass release of information on the internet and with their internal struggles. I suppose I just have to wait for the next one to come out while I catch up on the first books in the series. This book deserves five stars for its well written story, enjoyable characters and engaging action scenes.

Just a heads up, I bought the book directly from the publisher, so I have read it. That said, onto the review.

Yet again, Larry knocks one out of the park with Nemesis. If you look up Page Turner, there will be a 3x5 glossy of the MHN cover next to it. Now hang on while I edit Wikipedia to make it so. Anyway, not much to say that doesn't spoil anything. You'll learn a whole lot about the legendary pile of spare parts and bad-a$$itude that is Agent Franks. Watch as he intimidates idiotic bureaucrats, beats monsters into a pulp bare handed and, miracle of miracles, uses complete sentences! Plus a whole lot of characters from the rest of the series make an appearance, from gangster gnomes to a certain redheaded werewolf.

Now, throw money at your computer screen so Larry will hurry up and write the next book in the series! Trust me, it will be worth it.

Another solid entry in the Monster Hunter series, focused on the character of agent Franks. Franks is a recurring figure in the MHI books and in Nemesis we learn a lot about his background, his deal with Ben Franklin and why he works for the government. You won't see much of your other favorite characters like Owen or Earl but you do see another stage unfolding toward the "something big" we have been promised. With Nemesis Franks moves into more of a central role in MHI rather than just a grouchy and often violent supporting character.

One amusing side note is that Larry Correia , who is a mormon, incorporates the rather goofy mormon "pre-existence" story of the "war in heaven" into the story. If you aren't familiar with mormon theology, such as it is, you might just think it is a sci-fi/fantasy plot but it is obviously based in mormonism (although Frankenstein's monster being a fallen demon doesn't appear in mormonism), and even as modified as he makes it, it really isn't less plausible than orthodox mormon teaching on life before creation. All in all a very fun book like the rest.

I expected more after all the rave reviews. Granted, I haven't read the other books in this series, and a story from Frank's point of view may be an atypical detour from the rest of the series, but this wasn't my cup of tea.

I now realize this book comes from a sensibility of what I suppose is "gun fiction", where men (and women) are lionized for their fighting ability, everyone else is worthless, and the action is heavy on tactical combat. I've done more reading in paranormal fiction or urban fantasy or what-have-you. So I don't know if it's a by-product of that genre, but although the book has plenty of page-turning action, I found the characters mostly flat and the world they inhabit not as fleshed out as I hoped.

Maybe it's the Franks character - he seems like great supporting character in small doses but a bit monotonous as the main voice over an entire novel. As an unfeeling murder machine, he certainly propels the action in the novel, but he's kind of a stiff as a companion for the reader.

By comparison, I don't have that problem with Richard Kadrey's Sandman Slim, or Stephen Blackmoore's Joe Sunday. Both of those characters are tough S.O.B.s, but they and the worlds they inhabit are more compelling and engaging.

4.5 Stars (Note, this review is based on the E-arc so there may be some changes for the final release). Review with some plot elements / spoilers is below:

This is a fun addition to the series and is told largely from the POV of Agent Franks. We learn more about his origin and background as a "man of many parts" and that he is certainly MORE than the parts he is assembled from. Other characters from the series make guest appearances, though only Red and Earl have significant storylines.

We also learn more about Stricken, who is in my opinion one of the best "evil villains" to show up in fiction in recent years. Really, having an amoral murdering monster (and I am NOT referring to Agent Franks) in charge of a powerful shadow government operation....makes real life seem more explicable.

All the positive being said, this book does not stand alone from the others and is best read after the other entries of the series. While the book gave me respect for Franks, I did not quite make it to the level of "sympathetic". While there is plenty of action, the feel of this book is darker and has less of the "maniacal glee" of the earlier books -- thus only the 4.5 star rating.

**Disclaimer** I'm a biased reviewer, since I know, and like, Larry. He's good people.

I've been reading Larry's stuff since before he got published (long story, there). That said, I hadn't picked up on Monster Hunter until shortly before a con that we'd both be attending. Got the e-books, and then when I got to the con I hunted down the paperbacks at a bookstore, because you can't get e-books signed.

The MHI series is good. Monster Hunter Nemesis is a masterpiece. Start with a book whose viewpoint character is Frankenstein's no-kidding Monster (never mind that he was created by a different occupant of Castle Frankenstein). Then, actually develop a sociopathic, violent, demon-haunted beast into a real character. Throw in lots of guns, explosions, a couple of hand-to-hand fights with really badass werewolves, and the in-jokes we've come to love ("Oh, $#!+, it's FRANKS!"), and you have a rousing story indeed.

I actually read this a couple of months ago, courtesy of the crack dealers in Baen's marketing department. I'm eagerly awaiting my shipment of a signed copy. Aside from food and other metabolic necessities, I finished it in close to a single sitting. Now, I want my next fix.

Just when I'm sure the series can't get any better, Larry Correia proves me wrong... this time with a little help from Franks. Talk about a man with a past! Talk about a man with no future! Talk about a man whose story is gut wrenching. Talk about all these men and you're talking about Franks. My feelings for him rank right up there with my undying love for Zsadist, and that's a high rank.

That's a nose-bleed high rank.

Monster Hunter Nemesis is non-stop action, non-stop adventure, and non-stop intensity of emotions. Start to finish Franks stole the story and took me on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions and I didn't want that ride to end.

If you're looking for something different, something like little else in the genre, you absolutely must give this series a try. Book 1, Monster Hunter International, is often free, so please grab it and give it a try.

*I received a free copy of this book for review from [...]

The Monster Hunter series is a guilty pleasure of mine. I like fast paced, action packed adventures. I also have a particular taste for fantastic creatures; mythical deities, medical monstrosities, or mystical conjurations, they all pull me in. Mix those aspects together, blend in good writing and creative world-building; you get Monster Hunter International (MHI). Larry Correia takes all your favorite monsters from history, folk lore, and mythology and puts his own spin on them, inserts them into our world pits them against everyday people. Well, seemingly everyday people.

I was really looking forward to Nemesis as it focuses on Agent Franks of the Monster Control Bureau (MCB), and I was very excited to learn more about the mysterious and imposing character. This is exactly what I was hoping it would be. You learn more about Franks’ origins; how he lived deemed a “monster”, how his contract with the United States government came to exist, even some of his past he didn’t know about. Most importantly, however, we find out exactly why he is so adamant about stopping Project Nemesis.

Stricken, the sadistic leader of Special Task Force Unicorn – a team of monsters working for the government in exchange for a PUFF exemption – is planning a coup and Agent Franks is his only obstacle. With few allies, and the majority of the MCB working to quell the events in Las Vegas, Franks goes after Stricken only to find he’s not the biggest threat. He must find a way to stop something that should never have existed in the first place, but he’s going to need some help from Monster Hunter International.

Oliver Wyman took on narration duties yet again for this series; as usual, he did a great job. I have listened to a lot of books narrated by Wyman and he gets better with every single one. Every book he seems to get a little crisper, his range a little wider, and there’s never any background noise. He’s a talented voice actor whom I will continue to follow.

If you read this review, there is a good chance you have listened to or read most of the previous installments and you’re on the fence with this purchase, don’t be. It is what you expect and presumably enjoy about the series; action, banter, and even a really cool fight scene that you have probably been hoping for.

Originally posted at Fantasy Literature. We review SFF, horror, and comics for adults and kids, in print and audio daily.

There is no way that any review I write about Monster Hunter Nemesis is going to have any sort of effect on anybody’s decision to read it. If you’re a fan of the extremely popular MONSTER HUNTER series, then you’re going to read Monster Hunter Nemesis, the fifth book. If you’re not, you won’t. And if you’re not in one of those two camps, you have no reason to be reading this review. But still I have to write it, because that’s my job.

So, for those of you who ARE fans, what you can expect here is exactly what Correia has given us so far: great characters, a fascinating story, witty dialogue, and brutal violence. This particular installment features my favorite character: AGENT FRANKS! He’s a huge indestructible man(?) who works for the U.S. Monster Control Bureau, a government agency that fights monsters and sometimes works with or against Monster Hunter International. In Monster Hunter Nemesis we get his backstory. How old is he? Where did he come from? Why does he work for MCB? Why is he so loyal to the United States? How is he indestructible? You’ll find out in Monster Hunter Nemesis as Agent Franks takes on a bureaucrat who’s also a mad scientist. I have to say that I was completely surprised by the revelations and what they may mean for the ongoing MONSTER HUNTER story.
Fans will be happy to see a little bit of our old friends at MHI, the gangsta gnomes, and Heather the werewolf. Several new intriguing characters are introduced, too, and I look forward to seeing them in future installments. One main character is tragically killed and there is a delightfully promising plot twist at the end.

For those of you who haven’t yet started the MONSTER HUNTER series, I can highly recommend it if you love monsters, guns, engaging heroes, tons of action, clever plotting, and just the right amount of humor. I must warn you that it’s gory and violent (a little too much for me, honestly) and that Larry Correia’s libertarian views are occasionally on display, especially when he disrespects the government and the president of the United States (who is obviously President Obama).

If you’re going to try MONSTER HUNTER, start with the first book (Monster Hunter International) and continue in publication order. I also highly recommend Audible Studios’ versions which are brilliantly narrated by Oliver Wyman who totally “gets” this series and gives us a perfect performance for each character, and especially for Agent Franks. If you’re not an audio reader, this one could definitely change your mind.

In Monster Hunter Nemesis this latest in the Monster Hunters International series, the MHL as a whole plays a very small role. It's mainly about Franks AKA Frankenstein if you're a classics buff although, in this case, he is something different. Although created in a lab at the Frankenstein castle, he is not what he seems. A couple of hundred years and a Revolution ago, Franks signed a contract with the newly formed United States to protect it. But now another secret government agency STFU or Unicorn for short has created more like Franks without understanding the true nature of these creations which is a violation of this contract. Worse, they have attacked Franks and, although they didn't succeed, he is blamed by almost everyone for the violence of the attack. Now, Franks has declared the contract null and is on the run with the aid of the very few who believe in his innocence, determined to wreak havoc on those who were really responsible.

I have often wondered if anyone has done a study on what a person's reading habits say about them. Monster Hunter Nemesis by author Larry Correia is the fifth in a series and, let's be honest, it's gunporn with monsters and, in this case, just a smidge of gun-totin' Christian theology so here's the thing - I'm a middle-aged atheist Social Democratic voting Canadian who has never touched a gun so how to explain my love for these books. And if I'm still being honest I'd have to say damned if I know but I do.

It certainly doesn't qualify as great literature. The characters are all one dimensional and that one dimension resides somewhere only psychopaths dwell. They're all uber-violent regardless of race, creed, gender, or monster affiliation and they all love it. They're pretty much all super freedom loving survivalists even those who work for the government or at least some super secret part of it - in most cases, it's more about the love of the kill and less about any love of country. It's non-stop heart pounding adrenaline pumping action from beginning to end; it's urban fantasy at its most violent with characters we should hate but somehow are made to like; it's guns, God, and gore and, as much as I hate to admit it, I love every blood-soaked minute of it. So does that make me a bad person?

Monster Hunter Nemesis is a well written and engrossing installment in Larry Correia's series, dealing with and told from the perspective of Agent Franks, also known as Frankenstein's monster. His story is a fascinating one and the action is, as usual, thrilling and involving. I only had one problem with the novel, which is why it's not a 5 star review: again, Correia is stepping away from the characters that drew me into the Monster Hunter books to begin with, and those are Owen Pitt and the other hunters at MHI. This book could easily have been told from the point of view of Pitt as he discovered Franks' past rather than as exposition in Franks' head. I think it would have worked a bit better for me, as well as keeping me more invested in the characters. Franks is a very complex and interesting character, but he just doesn't give me much to identify with.
Aside from that one complaint, however, the book was very well done and I look forward to the next one.

Monster Hunter Nemesis (2014) is the fifth Fantasy novel in the MHI series, following Monster Hunter Legion. The initial volume in this sequence is Monster Hunter International.

In the previous volume, Owen and his team were attending the first annual International Conference of Monster Hunting Professionals. They had been tied up on a mission in Mississippi during the rainy season and were not expected to attend the conference. Then they found the vampire and cleared the case just in time to fly to Las Vegas.

ICMHP was sponsored by someone wealthy and powerful. MCB and other federal agencies had permitted the conference, so it was classified Top Secret. Government and private monster hunters from around the world were coming to share their experiences.

The conference was scheduled the same time as the SHOT shooting industry show. Most ICMHP attendants were also registered for SHOT and spending time looking over the weapons, ammunition and other goodies. Milo was in hog heaven, especially with the killer robots.

The conference was being held at the Last Dragon, a new hotel in Las Vegas that hadn't yet been officially opened. Soon after arrival at the hotel, Owen headed down to the buffet. The Last Dragon buffet had been highly rated on the web and Owen rounded up a few teammates and others from MHI to try the food.

In this novel, Franks is an agent in the Monster Control Bureau who works for Stark. He seems indestructible, but the bureau just replaces his damaged parts.

Johann Conrad Dippel was an alchemist. He created an Elixir of Life, but it was too strong for the living. He built a body from dead parts and tried the Elixir on it.

Owen Zastava Pitt is a man of mixed blood and cultures. He had been a CPA, but now is a monster hunter. Owen is now married to Julie.

Julie Shackleford is a monster hunter for MHI and is too brave for her own good. Her mother Susan is a Master Vampire and her father -- Ray Shackleford III -- was turned by his wife. Julie is now married to Owen.

Dwayne Meyers is a senior agent in the Monster Control Bureau. He had worked for MHI before he became a Fed. He had been head of the bureau, but was recently demoted to a lesser position.

Cursed is a Fallen Angel. He was given the name by the Creator after the fall, but humans changed it to Kurst.

In this story, ten days after the battle in Las Vegas, Franks is interrogated about his origin and history. Franks finally tells his interrogator about the demons waiting for Dippel to finish the body. Kurst wanted it, but Franks stole it from him.

After escaping Dippel, Franks wandered around the place of his creation. He got the name Franks from that place name. Then the Creator made a deal with Franks.

Franks could kill evil supernatural and alien beings for pleasure. He was not supposed to kill normal humans. Franks more or less kept the bargain.

Much later, Franks replaced a sacrificial virgin and was carried out to sea. Cultists were raising a leviathan from the depths. When it came time for the sacrifice, they found Franks instead of the virgin.

An attack submarine fired torpedoes at the huge monster while Franks finished off the Cultists. The demon leading them was stabbed in the hand to attach it to the deck. While Franks was taking care of the Cultists, the demon gnawed off its arm.

The demon tries to make a deal with Franks. It mentions that Kurst is back. Franks thinks about that as he stabs the demon through the mouth to shut it up and reattaches it to the deck.

The leviathan starts smashing the boat and splatters the demon. The beast breaks the keel of the boat and it starts going down. So Franks abandons ship.

The President is furious with Franks. He orders him held in custody and sends an interrogator to learn the facts. Franks tells the interrogator almost everything.

This tale interleaves the past with Franks' actions as a rogue. Meyers never believes the story put out by Special Task Force Unicorn. Several MCB agents believe his story about the STFU. Even Owen and Julie believe him.

Franks doesn't get mad; he just gets even. The next installment in this sequence -- Monster Hunter Guardian -- has not yet been announced on the store.

Highly recommended for Correia fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of paranormal monsters, political intrigue, and a bit of romance. Read and enjoy!

-Arthur W. Jordin

This is the fifth book in the Monster Hunter International series and it's another like Monster Hunter Alpha where we step away from the main group and the main character and focus on others. The main focus of this one is Agent Franks, but several POVs are represented.

As always, I love how Corriea handles third person POV. His characters' voices are unique to each individual which is refreshing. I often find other authors' characters sound so much alike that POV switches are more confusing than anything. Upon hearing he was going to make Agent Franks a main character in a book I cocked my head like a puppy and thought, "how's that going to work?" Answer: splendidly!

Corriea has a gift with characters. I care about them. Sometimes they die, so I care even more. But they are always given a good death. Heroism abounds in his books.

I can't say much without giving a bunch of spoilers. Franks is a character that was introduced in the first book and that has played a strong role in all but MH Alpha. He's an enigma, a monster, a government cog, and everything in between. But now we know he's so much more.

There's a lot of pew!pew!pew!, "grawwwww", "nooooooo!", fists going through walls (steel, stone, wood, drywall, whatever), necks snapping and bones protruding through flesh. Weaponry! Lots of weaponry! Bad guys! Really evil bad guys! There is almost no part of a body (human or otherwise) that doesn't gush blood at some point or other in this story. In short, it's action-packed.

Correia doesn't put out a new MHI book every year. It's more like a year and a half which is painful. He's got a lot of other projects in the works and he's really prolific, but you do have to wait a bit for series installments. Not to worry, IMO it's worth it. :)

But what am I going to read now? :-/

I picked up the first Monster Hunter International novel as an experiment and because I liked the premise, and ever since I have had a great time with the series.

Generally this is a step back into form after Monster Hunter International: Legion which, while very interesting and well written, was a little bit of a divergence after the over the top excellence that was Monster Hunter: Alpha. I loved the shift in perspective and the introduction of different monsters and the high stakes of this entry.

Franks is a great character and I worried that it would reduce him as a character to spend more time with him as a perspective character. However, I was very wrong about that initial assessment. Franks remains a very intimidating character and the additional depth that was added was every bit the quality that he deserved. I loved the action and the introduction of other perspectives as well. Overall a great book that deserves a read if you like monsters or generally just well written hardcore sci-fi/horror.

Monster Hunter Nemesis
Larry Correia
Baen, Jul 1 2014, $25.00
ISBN: 9781476736556

In Vegas, a week and a half has passed since the Top Secret first annual International Conference of Monster Hunting Professionals and the SHOT shooting industry show converged into open combat. Part of the neon lights urban warfare, rogue Monster Control Bureau Agent Franks cooperates as he explains his invincibility origins to an agent assigned by POTUS to interrogate him.

He explains that alchemist Johann Conrad Dippel created the Elixir of Life that worked well on the dead but not on the living. When he escaped Dippel's hell, he made a deal with the Creator to kill the evil but to leave humans alone though he admits to interpreting their contract rather loosely. Franks further clarifies that he replaced a virginal sacrifice and destroyed the cult but lost an arm to a demon he ultimately pinned to a ship deck until the leviathan destroyed this malevolence.

The fifth MHI urban fantasy (see Monster Hunter Alpha, Monster Hunter International and Monster Hunter Vendetta) is a pleasurable thriller that ties very closely to the recent events in Monster Hunter Legion; so much it behooves the audience to read that tale first. Although no major threads are climaxed and more seemingly begun, the insight into this enigmatic rogue with his different value system (than that of the majority of humans) is action-packed fun.

Harriet Klausner

Monster Hunter Nemesis again steps away from the Monster Hunter International crew to focus on a key player in the supporting cast. Moving into the spotlight this time is the indestructible unstoppable force that is Monster Control Bureau agent Franks.

As the albino secret task force leader Stricken begins his power play, which is to culminate with him in charge of a whole army of next-gen super soldier like Franks, he first has to get the original out of the way by making it look like Franks has gone on a rampage and slaughtered a bunch of his fellow agents at MCB. Creating more like Franks is strictly forbidden, so now Franks needs to wipe out the interlopers, while on the run from his own agency.

With Franks in the lead, Monster Hunter Nemesis is even more action packed than ever and we finally get a good look into Franks surprising backstory - he is much more than the Frankenstein's monster he was revealed to be a while back. I enjoyed this, though I did miss the old MHI crew even though they do have cameos here. This is actually the first book in the series that I've 'read' and like the others, I think it would be a lot of fun in audio.

So, good (bloody) installment with some events which open some interesting possibilities for the future of the series.

Complementary copy Via Netgalley

No bones about it: I am a slow reader. Worse, I am a serial book buyer and starter, and years can pass after I buy a book before I actually start it, to say nothing of finish it.
Except for anything by Larry Correia.
Somehow, Correia has figured out the secret combination to writing novels that are fun, satisfying, and one hundred percent engrossing. If you’re going to interrupt me while I’m in the middle of one of his novels, the house better be on fire. Not because I won’t come otherwise, but because I may not notice the interruption at all. Correia hasn’t not win any literary awards for his prose (at least not from the over-cultured classes of literary fart sniffers), but he’s going to win the award that matters most: eyes on pages and dollars in the bank.
Monster Hunter Nemesis is the fifth installment in the Monster Hunter International series, and like others in the series, the story can stand alone (although it does tie in to an arc that connects the entire series).
Nemesis turns to the infamous Agent Franks, a reoccurring character in the previous novels. He is the US government’s last resort for all monster related disturbances. If there’s a monster sighting–be it vampire, zombie, or demon–Franks is sent into the field to, literally, crack a few heads, obliterate the monster, and restore order. He’s the absolute worst combination of the best and the worst you can expect from the federal government: a very effective bureaucrat with single-minded purpose and no sense of morality, but the execution of his duty.
As a personality, there’s always something just a little off about him. Other characters treat him with a mixture of fear, respect, and hate, and Agent Franks does nothing to dissuade them of these. And, you can’t really blame them. He’s mean, he’s ruthless, and he has all the personality of a low functioning sociopath. Franks’ job is to fight the existential and supernatural threats to humanity, and it’s not his fault that he lacks all the sympathies, qualities, and emotions that makes humanity redeemable.
In short, he hasn’t got many friends. It makes him an easy target when a shadowy rival government agency set out to replicate, and replace, Agent Franks. A big target, but not an easy one, I should say, if Agent Franks has anything to do with it.
The thing is, the supernatural attacks are getting worse. As has been foreshadowed in previous Monster Hunter books, something is trying to break through, enslave the Earth, and harvest its inhabitants souls. Call it Cthulhu or shaggoth, it’s a threat reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft, and it’s a danger to everything under God’s creation. Indeed, God might have a word or two to say about making sure his Creation can avoid enslavement by other dimensional beings.
With Nemesis, Correia takes this uncharitable and unlikable character and puts him at the center of the story as the protagonist.
And boy does he protag (as Howard Tayler would say). This is Franks’ origin story, and with it, Correia spins him into a sympathetic character, showing him competent and effective and active in controlling his destiny. The pages fly by, thick with action.
If you’re looking for an emotionally charged, literary soap opera, this is not the place to look. There are no weighty, emotionally charged passages about social inequality and unfairness. Rather, its escapist, pitting Frankenstein’s monster, werewolves, assault weapons, and humans in the middle of the fight between heaven and hell and–
Oh, yeah. Did I mention that the bad guy in Nemesis really is one of the original the Bad Guys that figure prominently in Milton’s Paradise Lost? One of the best things about Correia’s Monster Hunter International world is that no mythology, legend or religion is really out-of-bounds. From H.P. Lovecraft to modern Christianity (with a hat-tip to Mormonism, too, if you’re paying attention), Correia works it in to his world. The boundless limits of his story telling gives him broad latitude, creates resonance that the tough-guy exterior of the novel belies, and carries nuggets of depth at unexpected moments.
That’s right. Monster Hunter Nemesis might make you think.

It appears that I am out of fresh Larry Correia material and I have to settle in for the long wait once again....

Monster Hunter Nemesis takes the series down a side street of the overall story development. In a manner similar to Monster Hunter Alpha, this installments focuses on one character and reads more like #4.5 than #5 in the series. This was not the best in the series, in fact, it is my least favorite. That said, it is a still a darn good book and worthy of your time.

Plot summary

The story focuses on everyone's favorite government enforcer, Franks. After the fallout from the previous novel, the hunter finds himself the hunted. While running for his own life, he finds that he is the only obstacle between the secretive and deadly nemesis project and the destruction of mankind. At least there is no pressure. As the story unfolds we learn the true nature of Franks and the details and nature of the nemesis project are finally revealed. Old friends from earlier novels pop by for a visit and we are given clues to the true endgame of the creepy Stricken.

The Good

Bang, Squish, Boom

You haven't read this far in the MHI series if you don't like gun fights, dead monsters and explosions. While the tale that Correia spins is a departure from the previous installments, he retains enough of the elements we have come to love so that we do not feel lost.

This is the second book in the series that focus mainly on one character. In doing this, Correia does and excellent job in developing the characters and building the mythology of one of our favorite characters.

The Bad

Missing a Piece of the Puzzle

This installment is quite different from the previous novels as it is the first to focus on a non MHI character. While it retained the much of the monster killing and general action elements, it felt more like a spin off novel. While is was good in its own right, I like it less than the previous books.

If you follow Larry Correia on Facebook or Twitter (I would suggest you do so. It is quite entertaining) it becomes abundantly clear he is a political person, is NOT a "social justice crusader" and he undoubtedly for smaller government. These ideals were on full display in this novel. While "right wing" themes (anti gun control, small government, exposing government corruption) run in all of his novels, this book featured these themes more prominently. At some points, the book felt like message fiction, which I always assumed was the domain of the liberal writers...but I digress. While I don't mind a message that isn't "in your face" ( see my review of a book that does message fiction right The Windup Girl ) I felt that at time the message got in the way of the story. While I may have agreed with most of the message, the message should flow naturally from the story but not feel like a vehicle for a message. That said, it really is a minor complaint.

Final Thoughts

I have now read the entire Monster Hunter International series and the Grimnoir Chronicles. With the exception of this book (which I was lucky to obtain as an Advance Reader Copy), I have listened to the audio versions of each book. EVERY Larry Correia book I have listened to has been of exceptional quality. Sadly, I think I enjoy his books more as audio and will likely return to that format for his next novel.

This book was a departure from the rest of the series. There was just less of everything you expect. Less action, Less Monsters, Less Gore, Less Guns but more Franks. While it was lacking compared to the rest, it is an excellent book and a good addition to the series.

Content Advisories

It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.

Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest

Sex - 1.5

None to speak of. Some discussion with a hooker/Succubus and few off hand comments about sex. As usually, Correa shies from any graphic content.

Language - 3

It seems the author muzzled the mouths of his characters this time around. The language is less that his other novels. There seems to be an ongoing decline in the adult language used in his novels. Either that or I am becoming desensitised.

Violence - 3.5

Don't worry. Monsters go boom. Unfortunately there are less dead monsters than normal. Fortunately, the monsters in this novel are much stronger than in the other. This results in some excellent battle scene with some major monster powers. The violence is less but the violence is more epic than earlier novels.

I got an eGalley of this book to review through NetGalley. This is the fifth book in the MHI series and follows a side character rather than the MHI crew. I really enjoyed it, it was action packed and incredibly engaging.

This book follows the story of the mysterious Agent Franks. Franks is sworn to protect humanity as part of a mysterious contract, the government only has to comply with stipulation...never create another being like Franks. Then project Nemesis is revealed and Franks’ contract is off. Now Franks is a wanted man trying to fight against an ages old enemy.

Most of the book is told from Franks’ perspective. We do hear some from other characters as well. The story is mainly a showdown between Franks and the head of Unicorn. Each chapter starts with a flashback to a time in Frank's past, which was incredibly interesting.

I really enjoyed learning about Franks, we find out a lot more about what he is and how he came to work for the government.

Our normal MHI crew is absent for most of the book. Although we do see some of Earl's girlfriend, the werewolf Heather. Still Frank's story does tie in with the overall story of the Old Ones and the prophecies surrounding Owen Pitt.

As with all of this series there is a ton of action and tons of guns and violence. A lot of the violence is very explicit...so just FYI if that bothers you. The whole story is very well written, easy to read, and incredibly engaging. I loved this book just as much as all of the other MHI books.

Overall I strongly recommend this whole series to those who love action-packed urban fantasy with a bit of a horror theme to it. These are really fun and exciting reads. They are very well written and incredibly engaging. I love that they all have a main story that is resolved and this story ties into a much larger story. Highly recommended to all urban fantasy fans.

I've been waiting for this book since I devoured the first four in the series earlier this year. I have a mixed set of feelings about it: it isn't my favorite book in the series to date (I can't decide whether my favorite was just MHI or MH: Alpha), but it's definitely a necessary book in the story arc.

As many reviewers have commented, and as the title suggests (to anyone who paid even passing attention to the hints dropped in MH: Legion), this is about Franks. The story is well written, as usual (Thank you, Mr. Correia), well paced, and Correia has a nice sense of humor, and fluid command of English I find lacking in many recent American authors. As usual, he spends a bit of time lovingly describing various firearms in the pagent of tools of destruction that characterize the Monster Hunter series, and his characters' consistent personalities and personal growth hold the series together so that each volume leaves the reader able to accept the players as living breathing persons. This volume fleshes out the enigmatic Franks, who has so far been little more than a foil (and looming threat) for most of the other characters. It also sets him up for significant change and development as the series moves toward the next apocalyptic crisis.

And for the record, I greatly appreciated how MHI dealt with Franks. Again. They showed significant wisdom in their choices. Including the arm.

I love the arm.

Book number five of a five book series. There are also novellas and graphic novels available too. The series has definitely more books to go with several collaborations in the works with David Weber, John Ringo, etc. I wonder if he will voluntarily shut it down at thirteen books?

I never really understood how Frankenstein could come to life with just a large jolt of electricity. Now that I know that one of the Fallen inhabited him, things are much clearer. Please note that the Worldcon passing on this book was a travesty even if Correia did decline the honor of the nomination, definitely the best book from 2014 that I have read so far. I definitely enjoyed the significant and serious religious tie-ins mentioned through-out the book.

I wonder if Baen is getting tired yet of their little moniker "New York Times best selling series" on the front cover yet?

My favorite of the MHI universe books yet ! The character of Agent Franks , who has been present in every book except Alpha and Siege , finally gets his own book and it is AMAZING ! There is no way I can give you a summary of the book that does it justice , but I can sum it up by saying that it is like a distillation of everything I have loved about Larry's writing . The character's were all brilliantly 3 dimensional . The protagonists are flawed and far from paragons , and Franks is just incredibly funny to read . I loved the villain as much as the heroes , and the books only failing was I wanted to read more . READ IT NOW , but read the other books first .

This not only tells the story of Franks as he is the legendary Frankenstein, but it tells the story of fallen angels as the spirit within Franks is that of a fallen angel who is repentant. The director of one of the Govt. agencies has a special project which is illegal. It's called Nemesis and its purpose is to build many more Franks-like monsters. Into these monsters spill the spirits of demons. The Govt. has a contract with Franks that they will never allow replicas of him. It breaks his contract to serve and protect the USA from monsters. The contract is broken, Franks is set up, and he has to not only fight for his reputation and life, but kill these newer replica's of himself. This is a super series.

This is a great addition to a great series. It's a few years old now, but I just finished rereading it and was reminded again how much I like it. The characters draw you in--at least they drew me in. You feel what they're feeling and go through what they're going through. And since what they're going through involves fighting monsters and the forces of evil, it's a thrilling ride and an exciting read. All the books are well written. The plot is gripping, and it's developed a little more in each book. I'm looking forward to the next installment, and I recommend the series. Start from the beginning to enjoy it to the full.

Once again the wealth of Correia world building and cast of characters allows him to explore a character in the Monster Hunter world. This time it is Agent Franks who we have learned something about as to his nature, but here we get the full origin story which is rather surprising. In fact I found it to be an intriguing take in its theological aspects. While i missed more involvement from characters from Monster Hunter International, still there is a lot going on here and action galore. I especially enjoy his characters for being multi-dimensional and not just static. Characters who you come to dislike in previous books also grow and you grow to respect them. So another solid read from Correia.

This is part of Larry Correia's "Monster Hunter" series, normally about a private company that eradicates monsters and other things that go bump in the night. This is also the first book in the series that is not about Monster Hunter International but the personnel from the secret government agency that overseas monsters. Specifically, it's most brutal and efficient agent.

It's very different from the other books in the series. It's much colder, to match the perspective of the agent. Agent Franks is a brutal, killing machine, feared by everyone and everything. In previous books, he is feared but respected.This is a look into his origins, and it's a deeply fascinating read.

So, different and less light hearted than previous books, but excellent. Looking forward to more books in the series.

This book is all about Franks, from beginning to end. And I have to say, when I learned Franks' origin it blew my mind. I loved the way Correia went about masterfully creating Franks and demonstrating Franks purpose. And then there is a huge reveal at the end that will leave you wanting more about MCB's top agent.
Plus you finally get to see Franks and Earl beat down on each other! An epic monster battle!

A fun non-stop assault. Franks takes center stage in this installment.

The crew from Monster Hunter International make a supporting cast appearance.

Even though this is part of a series the story is self contained and can be read alone (but why would you?)

Recommended!

There is a reason this book has a five star rating. Its Larry at his best! I miss the days when he sold guns and taught firearms related classes, but I wouldn't want to see those days return if they cut into his book writing. So much lead flying and monster dying in this one it keeps you riveted! If guns are not your thing, nemesis will just keep you highly entertained. Probably even be able to put it down long enough to use the bathroom- maybe even eat a meal with your family or something along those lines. If you are into guns then this ride will just be pure bliss- gun porn at its best! Larry is right up there with Stephen Hunter when it comes to high octane firearms related mayhem, and his fiction rivals my all time favorite author F. Paul Wilson's stuff. I highly recommend it, and you don't even need to read the earlier stuff if you just want to start here, its that good! That said, for those of us who have been along from the beginning, it was good to learn more about the ever menacing agent franks and his origins. Now I cant wait for the next installment, so to Larry, if your reading this, don't take too long- I aint getting any younger! And thanks once again for the killer ride!.

A rollicking continuation of the Monster Hunter International saga. This book is all about Agent Franks, where he came from and where he is headed. And the poor fools who stood in his way.

Strickland manipulates Agent Franks onto the PUFF list. The bounty is more than enough to buy 10 new F-16's with plenty of spares. Many monster hunting outfits around the world decide (temporarily) it's a great deal.

Agent Franks is Professor Emeritus at the University of Hard Knocks. He generously teaches the contractors classes in Risk Management, Cost/Benefit Analysis, and Economics (specifically: Opportunity Costs). A great many of them attend post-doctoral classes in Comparative Religion.

Another fantastic story from Larry Correia. This time the MHI crew is largely out of the picture as we follow Franks on his one man mission to stop the Nemesis project. Gaining a new appreciation for Franks, I enjoyed this book immensely. As always I was impressed with the humor, and impressed it was there, since the character really doesn't lend himself to anything other than grim efficiency.

As always, the guns and tactics are well researched and brilliantly written. I am just hoping the next book will start with Franks killing a certain Succubus.

I have the Audible version of all the MHI series.
So, this is more of the review of the audio version as am used to hear Pitt, Harbinger(southern Texas twang), and Franks.
Storyline is superb, although pulls of sharply to the past and present confusingly. There is no seamless movement.
There are suddenly funny scenes, like when Franks blames paperwork as Hell for humans, and also when he kicks the Gnome out of the park (the scenes where other Gnomes try to "shush..." this Gnome is funny).
it is also sad many a time, and sometimes unbelievable. Franks is no Mortal.

This is the second “POV” MHI story. The first was MHI Alpha, about Earl. This time we get to see the world of monster hunting from the POV of one of the more interesting characters created by this author.

Franks is, well, a monster. Never stand in his way, and never (ever) break his contract.

Features several of the best action sequences of the series. The fight between Franks and Earl? Makes me laugh my evil laugh.

Story was fairly gory - I read it because I figured it
might contain things I need to know for the next MHI book in the series (it did).
I always liked Franks and this novel certainly gave him more depth but he is not in any way a sympathetic character.
Politics and religion aren't my thing and the authors views on both are clear in this novel.

Milton mixed with Mary Shelley. Gotta admit, I did not see that coming. Franks turns out to not be just an unstoppable flesh golem. Not sure if I bought it, but a surprise, anyway. Lots, lots, lots of action. Less gun porn than the previous books, and not every government employee was either an imbecile or evil, some were actual dedicated patriots, which I know was a big concession for Larry and Baen to make. Glad I bought it, but two things: Larry's books always seem to go a little too long, the narrative drive flags and its almost like he has to start things up again from zero in the last third or so of the book. Also, he's resorting to sound effects in his action scenes. I think he could do better with his descriptions than KA-BOOM. Its not a comic book. Though, come to think of it, it would make a good comic book series. Anyway, it was fun.

Larry returns us to the Monster Hunter Universe with a bang!
In a non-stop action-packed yarn that is impossible to put down, we follow anti-hero Agent Franks through a rollicking adventure that at long last reveals his origins.
The only downside readers will find to this book is that it ends at all, reading the last words will leave you eagerly looking forward to the next Monster Hunter volume!

Great read in a good series. I thought adding to Franks' origin might feel a little contrived, but it works great. This is the 5th Monster Hunter book and the series 3 main protagonist - and that might be the series only problem. Book 3 featured Earl Harbinger - Alpha Werewolf and this book features Special Agent Franks - Frankensteins Monster. The main protagonist of the series (books 1,2, and 4)- Owen Pitt - has turned into a whiny jerk. I look forward to more books headlined by anybody other than Owen Pitt.

Story actually includes very little of MHI. Main MHI characters are only seen in cameos. This book is much like Alpha…a book that is about a singular character from the MHI universe that doesn't move the MHI main story line along. Story chugs along at a fast pace and is a page turner of the first order.

This is the fifth Monster Hunter and in my view the best so far. The protagonist is Agent Franks, whom we know from the other books as an antagonistic minor character. His origins are at last revealed in this book. The prose is as clear and entertaining as we expect from the author, the pacing is swift (it moves right along), there is quite a bit of hilarious dialogue, and of course lots of action.

I devoured it in one sitting and can't wait for more!

Just finished it and wow. I am a bit disappointed that MHI was not more involved as I really like Owen and company. This was interesting because of the Fallen that inhabit the Nemesis bodies. Very well written and a great addition to the Monster Hunters series.

A rare five-star review.
This series is awesome.
Read it.
Read it NOW!
I loved that this book is about Franks. I always wanted to learn more about him.
Great writing, the pacing is amazing, and there was not one typo to be found (or if there were, I was so lost in the story that I didn't notice)

Fully fleshes out Franks as a major player. See what i did there? All in all a great buy, BUT you really do need to read these books in order. While this is a great standalone tale, reading the series front to back will explain many things you might not understand from the backstory. Great book, I bought the kindle version then got a hardcover copy signed!

I really enjoy the Monster Hunter books and I feel like this is another solid addition to Larry Correia's series. While I enjoy the stories which feature Owen and Earl more, it is nice to have Agent Frank's back story filled in with greater detail. This book, like the others in the Monster Hunter series, was a quick and fun read with lots of nods to nerd culture and monster mythology.

If you enjoyed the others in the series you'll enjoy this one too.

It was very difficult for me to put the book down last night and go to sleep. I just kept wanting to finish it. I finally did put it down, but finished it today. It grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let me stop. I wont' include any spoilers, but will let you know that you will get all of Agent Franks backstory.

To put it mildly, this story is COSMIC in scope, and so tightly plotted that it was hard to interrupt my reading to go to bed.

Congratulations, Larry, on an excellent addition to the Monster Hunter series.

Well deserved five star review. Larry fills in a lot of blanks with this one, and now we know the 'rest of the story' as they say. Well developed, and a great addition to the MHI series. The action is right, the weapons are right, and the politics is dead on...

Larry is an amazing story teller!!!
Everything he touches is gold - Monster hunter series, Spellbound series and dead six series!
This is yet another great installment that deserves praise for being a wonderful addition to the storyline thus far.

I completely enjoyed the previous books and jumped at this book. I saved the book for a recent trip and finished it shortly after arriving, like 2 days. My wife was also reading the kindle version and I remember her laughing at a MHI joke in the book. A great read and look forward to the next book.

I love Larry Correia's writting style. Being ex-military and a self proclaimed gun-nut his attention to detail and description of things in the story is perfect. He describes the guns to where I can picture them in my head and I can see exactly what the character is seeing in the story.

I'm a huge fan of the Monster Hunter series, as well as the rest of Larry's books. Nemesis does not disappoint. This book is told from a whole different perspective than the previous 4 books. Characters that you grow to hate in the previous novels (Franks, and a small number of MCB agents) become the protagonists, and you can't help but be drawn to like them, and see their side of the story. This story is very violent (in a good way) and quite original. There is one epic battle that has been long-awaited, and it couldn't have been done better! Looking forward to the next book in the series, it can't come too soon!

Great job for Correia. Loved it. I need to have more books that are this exciting. Need Z back, need Earl....Need Minotaur skin jacket. I read that the next book might have a lot of the old characters.....they really need Dresdin. He has great contacts for this sort of thing.

Told from the view of Agent Franks. It was almost impossible to put down this book.
This is a very worthy addition to the already excellent Monster Hunter series by Larry Correia.
Agent Franks has always been a surly killing machine, but this explains why he is a surly killing machine.
The point of view of an inhuman 'monster' is a new take on this world.