Fans of Eric Van Lustbader’s Evan Ryder series will enjoy OMEGA RULES, the third and latest installment. It builds significantly on the two previous adventures, THE NEMESIS MANIFESTO and THE KOBALT DOSSIER, so reading those first is advised in order to follow the current plot and understand the characters’ complex relationships and how each individual relates to the others.

Evan Ryder originally worked as a field agent for the Department of Defense in an off-the-books division 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, her job to eradicate Omega, an ever-expanding global group working to undermine and ultimately destroy democracy, continues. This mission is ongoing from her earlier exploits and has cost her personally.

"Although OMEGA RULES is not a quick read, the timeliness of the subject matter will appeal to readers of complex thrillers that are relevant to today’s world."

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. 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. The book switches off between each of their storylines, sometimes jumping around so quickly that it is hard to keep up with what is happening.

As the hearings for the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol continue, 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: “You provide hope, and just as important, an outlet for their rage. You give them everything they need to express themselves, to reassure themselves they still matter. The result: a sense of belonging is more important than facts. Because facts contradict this sense of belonging, which is all they have.”

Although OMEGA RULES is not a quick read, the timeliness of the subject matter will appeal to readers of complex thrillers that are relevant to today’s world.