Nemesis (Resident Evil #5) is a 2000 science fiction horror novel written by S. D. Perry serving as the fifth installment in the Resident Evil book series, but is the sixth in chronological order. It is a novelization of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis with the the plot following Jill Valentine who struggles to survive in a plague ridden Raccoon City while evading the relentless B.O.W., Nemesis.

Jill Valentine struggles to survive in Raccoon City which has been overrun by a viral epidemic that is causing its citizens to turn into flesh eating zombies.  If it wasn’t bad enough, a sub-plot follows Jill who is also being pursued by a tyrant creature known as Nemesis, who is relentlessly hunting her as well as other mercenary agents employed by Umbrella.  The story is exciting and does have a growing level of suspense as it continues.  The pacing is good, but the gradual reveal of the sinister forces in the shadows keeps the story gripping.  There is a great exposition on the deterioration of the city as things fall apart. (3 out of 5)

The main character is Jill Valentine.  She is a tough female lead and has a likable personality that helps to empathize with her situation.  She is a good person, as she does attempt to help other survivors and still plans on stopping Umbrella.  There is Carlos Oliveira, who is a pretty cool supportive character, the man’s got personality and actually likable.  There is this cool feeling of camaraderie between Carlos and Jill that grows from uncertainty as the two are from different sides; Jill working against Umbrella while Carlos works for them.  Carlos’ defining moment is when he goes in search of a cure for Valentine after she’s infected.  Nicholai Ginovaef is undoubtedly the biggest jerk (human character at least) and the flattest character. His goals are nothing but money and power, so when he gets his just due it is satisfying. Nemesis is the highlight of the story.  Not only is a terrifying force but completely relentless. (4 out of 5)

The Raccoon City setting is good.  The story is highly descriptive of the ruined city and it does prove to be as antagonistic a force as the monstrous experiments and other survivors.  Its deserted streets and dark atmosphere keep a high level of tension. The writing is good.  It’s most pronounced during the scary sequences where fear and tension is written rather well.  As an adaptation of a video game the writing completely supports the characters and setting. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict: In the end, Nemesis (Resident Evil #5) is a pretty darn good read.  Those who enjoyed the video game will most likely enjoy this novel.  It is well-written with good characters, a good story, and a tension filled atmosphere. Nemesis (Resident Evil #5) gets 4 out of 5.