Review: Alter Ego by Alex Segura

So, first things first. I made a mistake and didn’t realize that Alter Ego is the second novel in the Secret Identity series. Good news – I was okay using this as a starting point. Also, Secret Identity is on the way, as I have to read it now. Obviously.

Quirky Cat

April 7, 2025

1–2 minutes

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Series: Secret Identity #2
Author: Alex Segura
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Released: December 3, 2024
Received: Own (Aardvark)
Find it on Storygraph | More Thrillers | Aardvark

Book Summary:

Annie Bustamante has loved comics since she was a little girl. She grew up reading them and even began making her own at some point. Her favorite was always The Legendary Lynx, and she dreamed of bringing the character back to the forefront.

That dream is ages-old now. Annie made a go at being a comic artist, but now she’s thriving as a filmmaker. Yet she can’t resist the offer to make her dream come true finally – but is the deal too good to be true?

My Review:

So, first things first. I made a mistake and didn’t realize that Alter Ego is the second novel in the Secret Identity series. Good news – I was okay using this as a starting point. Also, Secret Identity is on the way, as I have to read it now. Obviously.

Let’s start with the obvious—I adored the comic book elements of Alter Ego. Alex Segura has the gravitas to write such a story, with a background that includes Spider-Verse, Star Wars, and more. (He’s also the mind behind the next Marvel Crime novel, Enemy of My Enemy, and I legit can’t wait).

Annie’s passion for The Legendary Lynx bled through the pages. It felt so real – anybody who’s ever been part of a fandom can relate to her passion. Yes, she has a deep personal connection to the story, but that doesn’t change things as much as one might expect. As an avid comic reader (but certainly not a comic creator!), a few characters came to mind every time the Lynx came up.

The murder/mystery elements were compelling, though I’ll admit that the time jumps back and forth were slightly jarring at times. I think I enjoyed present-day Annie’s story more, though her past explores her passion.

Highlights:

Mystery/Thriller
Comic Book Drama
Fandom

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