Based on the video game franchise Driver by UbiSoft, writer Alex Sharp further fleshes out this series with his latest novel, Driver Nemesis.  For the uninitiated, Driver has been around since 1998 and puts players behind the wheel of a variety of cars with protagonist John Tanner, NYPD detective and ace driver. The series has spawned a variety of games and to coincide with the latest Driver game, Corgi books have released an interesting crime novel.

Just like the video game, the novel centres around hero John Tanner, a wheelman who has an amazing ability to handle cars like its second nature. Tanner is also an undercover cop where he is once again called to duty in order to infiltrate a nefarious gang in New Orleans. Unfortunately for Tanner, things are never black and white.

This is the case for the gang that he is trying to infiltrate as its leader, The Indian has created a clever urban myth surrounding his character. According to the those in the underworld, The Indian uses voodoo against his enemies and whether this is true, remains to be seen. However, another element that is thrown into the mix is an enemy from Tanner's past, a hitman who wants his nemesis dead. This is the story of Tanner and just like the video game series, the novel is filled with over the top action and plenty of car chases.

In essence, Driver Nemesis is an action crime novel and before you think that this story is for kids, it's definitely not with violence and adult orientated themes. Sharp also has no qualms in giving his central characters a run for their money or even worse. Thankfully Sharp helps the viewer relate with Tanner.

Unlike the video game series that I have played, Tanner is a much more human and emotional character. Even so, he knows how to get the job done and years of doing undercover work across America has made him quite a tough character. It's also a novel that can be easily read and before you know it, you'll be wanting to know more about Tanner and whether he can liberate the city of New Orleans and more importantly, survive long enough to stop his Jericho, a vicious hitman that wants him dead.

Last words?

Driver Nemesis is a well written novel that would not look out of place in a Hollywood action blockbuster. Some of the characters are clichéd and over the top but considering where this story originated from, it's quite acceptable. It's a relatively short read by Sharp who manages to create an edge of your seat experience as you follow the exploits of this undercover cop! It's definitely one for the fans!