Evan Ryder returns in Omega Rules, the third and latest instalment. It is a continuation of her two previous adventures - The Nemesis Manifesto and The Kobalt Dossier - all by Eric Van Lustbader. So you’ll need to read these earlier two books in order to understand the characters’ relationships and how each individual relates to the others.
Evan who originally worked as a field agent for the Department of Defense in an off-the-books division or black ops and was cast aside when a new president was elected. She was then recruited to work for a quantum-computing firm called Parachute, whose reach far exceeds any governmental entity. In Omega Rules, she continues her job which is to eradicate Omega, an ever-expanding global group working to undermine and ultimately destroy democracy. This mission is ongoing from her earlier exploits and has cost her dearly personally. But she will not stop until she has torn out the conspiracy by its roots, no matter what the risk.
The assassination of a Parachute agent in Vienna sets Evan on a dangerous hunt for answers. At the same time, it sets her on a collision course with the powerful political and ideological forces that are wreaking havoc on the Western world. Will Even find the resolve and energy to stop this madness before it destroys her?
Evan has quite a backstory with her sisters, three of whom figure prominently here. Ana is a religious extremist who was killed by Evan's partner, Ben Butler. Lucinda married a white supremacist billionaire, Samuel Wells, who happens to be the founder of Omega. Meanwhile, Bobbi, who was thought to be dead by Evan, ended up murdering a woman so she could steal her identity and is now posing as a Russian spy with a new identity, Kata.
The book switches off between each of their storylines, sometimes jumping around so abruptly that it is hard to keep up with what is happening. And each chapter often ends with a cliffhanger that can really get to the readers. Especially for Evan, who seems to be like a cat living out her nine lives, literally. How she manages to survive all the tortures and pains inflicted on her by her enemies is truly unbelievable. Each time, you just dread to wonder if she will survive the crisis and tough spots that she got herself in. But come the next chapter, she not only surprises by turning the table on her antagonists to come up on top but also to continue the fight to uncover Omega.
With the recent attack on the US Capitol, Lustbader’s descriptions of Omega and its operations hit very close to home. The assault on democracy is ongoing, and groups like Omega continue to work to undermine freedom and promote extremist agendas. Wells chillingly explains why his propaganda appeals to certain groups of people today - by providing hope, and just as important, an outlet for their rage; then giving them everything they need to express themselves, to reassure themselves they still matter. The result is a sense of belonging that is more important than facts. Because facts contradict this sense of belonging, which is all they have.
Although Omega Rules is not an easy or quick read, the timeliness of the subject matter will appeal to readers of conspiracy thrillers that are relevant to today’s world. A book that touches you deeply and makes you feel for the protagonists.