Hope Rises
- Judith D Collins
- Apr 14
- 6 min read
Walter Nash #2
By: David Baldacci
Narrators: MacLeod Andrews, Will Collyer, Shiromi Arserio, Christine Lakin, Larry Herron, Tim Lounibos
ISBN: 978-1538758021
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: 04/14/2026
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
Walter Nash began a journey down a dark path of seemingly no return, and now he finds himself questioning everything that got him there in this thrilling sequel to Nash Falls from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.
Walter Nash, working under the alias of Dillon Hope, is on the road to revenge after becoming an informant for the FBI against a global criminal operation headed up by Victoria Steers. Steers has ripped everything Nash held dear away from him. He has nothing left to lose and with long, rigorous training under his belt the gentle and sensitive Nash has transformed into something he never thought he’d be: a physically imposing man with lethal skills. And now he has only goal left in life: taking down Victoria Steers.
In order to succeed, he’s going to need to cross enemy lines and work the job from the inside. But Steers is shrewd and only brings those with her complete trust into her inner circle. Nash must rely on every ounce of his hard-earned skills in order to prove himself an ally to Steers if he’s ever going to get close enough to decimate her criminal empire.
Yet, despite hating the woman for destroying his life, Nash finds himself oddly drawn to Steers in ways that he never could’ve imagined. And what he ultimately discovers will turn all he believed upside down, forcing Nash to do something truly unfathomable.
So, will the truth set Nash free?
Or end him?
My Review
In David Baldacci's highly anticipated sequel to the gripping Nash Falls series, in HOPE RISES, readers are once again drawn into a high-stakes world filled with suspense and intrigue.
Building on the foundation laid in the acclaimed first installment, the second book delves even deeper into dark, complex themes centered on personal transformation and the moral dilemmas the characters face.
With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, HOPE RISES promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, fully immersed until the very last page.
Highlights....
Walter Nash, a transformed vigilante seeking revenge on the criminal empire of Victoria Steers, who destroyed his family; he goes undercover as Dillon Hope, navigating treachery and betrayal within Steers' inner circle, including a mission in Myanmar to rescue her mother, all while developing an unexpected, complicated connection to Steers, forcing him to confront shocking truths that challenge his mission and identity. The narrative follows a cast of characters entangled in a high-stakes game of revenge and survival.
Vibes...
~High-Octane: Perfect for the transition from the boardroom to the battlefield.
~Shadiness: The gritty, dark underground world of international crime Nash inhabits.
~Atmospheric: The vivid shift from the high-tech skyline of Hong Kong to the dangerous terrain of Myanmar.
Plot...
~Tightly Wound: Every detail matters/ The tension never lets up.
~Unpredictable: The uneasy alliance between the leads keeps you guessing about their true motives.
~Propulsive: A classic intense thriller; you can't stop turning the pages.
Characters...
~Reinvented: Walter Nash’s transformation into Dillon Hope
~Enigmatic: Victoria Steers—complexity without revealing her secrets.
~Formidable: Protagonist and the villains—not a one-sided fight.
My thoughts....
"HOPE RISES is a masterclass in pacing that takes the 'broken man' trope and turns it into a lethal game of chess. Baldacci expertly crafts a globetrotting adventure where the emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones. An electrifying conclusion to the journey that began in Nash Falls, both gritty and cathartic!"
As a huge long-time fan of David Baldacci, I anxiously await every new leading character and then fall in love with them. It is an impossible task to choose a favorite. Walter Nash ranks among the top. The author brilliantly explores the themes of vengeance, moral ambiguity, and the personal cost of justice
From the electrifying cliffhanger at the end of Nash Falls, the sequel builds on the first book through several critical plot and character developments:
~The Transformation
~Active Pursuit of Vengeance
~The Infiltration Strategy
~Shifting Allegiances and Secrets
~Continuation of FBI Operations
The atmosphere is gritty, uncovering the dark underbelly of global crime and private prisons with a high-stakes mission involving life-or-death risks in dangerous locations like Myanmar. The book has a 'cinematic vibe' as the action moves from the neon streets of Hong Kong to the dangerous terrain of Myanmar.
The first book established the stakes: Nash's daughter was kidnapped and murdered, his wife was placed in protective custody, and he was framed for crimes.
In the sequel, Nash shifts from a fugitive on the run to an aggressor, using his new alias, Dillon Hope, to infiltrate the inner circle of the woman responsible, Victoria Steers.
The sequel complicates the simple revenge narrative established in the first book. Nash discovers that Victoria Steers is not a one-dimensional villain; he uncovers secrets about her own tormented past with her mother. This builds on the moral complexity introduced in Nash Falls, as Nash finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the woman he is tasked with destroying.
The Audiobook...
I had the distinct pleasure of not only reading the book but also the audiobook, beautifully narrated by a stellar cast: MacLeod Andrews, Christine Lakin (favorites), Will Collyer, Shiromi Arserio, Larry Herron, and Tim Lounibos. Their performances breathe life into the narrative, drawing listeners into a world filled with tension and complexity. This fully immersive audiobook experience captivates the audience, inviting them to explore the intricate layers of morality and human resilience within the story. Highly recommend the audiobook!
The storytelling masterfully illustrates the deep-seated conflict between Nash’s relentless pursuit of justice and the Bureau's rigid official objectives. Both Nash and his antagonist, Steers, are profoundly shaped by their experiences of intense hardship, creating a compelling dynamic where the distinction between hero and villain becomes increasingly blurred.
As Nash and Steers spend time together, the book asks if either can find "spiritual salvation" or a path to redemption despite the violent and deceitful world they inhabit. The book skillfully examines whether seeking justice through revenge is worth the personal cost.
At its core, HOPE RISES explores what individuals are willing to risk when "everything they know collapses" and the sheer resilience required to navigate a "dark world" that has crushed one's original life. Both characters are searching for a form of "spiritual salvation" or redemption in a dark world. This mutual search for meaning in the face of their past traumas creates a unique emotional bond that complicates Nash's mission.
The Title...
The title carries multi-layered significance tied to the protagonist's identity, personal evolution, and thematic journey, signifying Nash’s literal and figurative "rise" from the events of the previous book, Nash Falls. Even when stripped of his former identity and family, Nash's resilience provides a new path forward.
Takeaway Message...
The takeaway message is a central thematic revelation that redefines the relationship between the protagonist and his target, revolving around the cycle of trauma and the blurring of moral lines.
At its heart, the book conveys that when "everything we know collapses," the human spirit has a terrifying capacity to adapt, survive, and even find a form of spiritual salvation in the darkest environments.
Recs...
I strongly encourage you to immerse yourself in "Nash Falls" before diving into "Hope Rises." This initial read will provide you with essential context and a deeper understanding of Walter Nash's character and his remarkable transformation into Dillion Hope. By exploring the nuances and backstory in "Nash Falls," you'll enrich your experience and appreciation of the journey that unfolds in "Hope Rises."
Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for graciously sharing an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Top Audiobooks of 2026
Walter Nash Series
HOPE RISES #2
NASH FALLS #1
Praise
"With its scorching action, unforgettable characters, and jaw-dropping finale, Hope Rises is as good as crime thrillers get."―Apple Books, for Apple Best Book of the Month Selection
About the Author
DAVID BALDACCI is an award-winning global #1 bestselling author and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.
