Review: The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

I have to thank the publisher, Simon & Schuster, and Netgalley for the privilege of receiving and eARC in exchange for an honest review.  I loved this book and I hope you check it out when it releases on November 1st!

 

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

Category: Young Adult, Dystopian, Sci-fi
Publication: November 1st, 2016; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Purchase: Amazon

Red Queen meets The Hunger Games in this epic novel about what happens when the galaxy’s most deadly weapon masquerades as a senator’s daughter and a hostage of the galactic court.

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.

 

Review:

[book rating=5/5]

I don’t understand the comparisons to Red Queen and The Hunger Games. I guess in terms of the shades of government ruling, MAYBE, but for the actual story I don’t find ANYTHING that makes them similar. Because The Diabolic is better than both.

Nemesis is a Diabolic. A lab created creature that is used to protect the rich, governing members of the empire. Her “ward” is Sidonia, daughter of a senator. Sidonia’s father’s beliefs have put his family in jeopardy and the Emperor requests Sidonia join him as what appears to be a hostage of sorts. But her mother isn’t having it and decides they will train Nemesis to take her place.

I have to be honest here — Sidonia’s character was BO-RING. A total snooze. I couldn’t imagine laying my life down for hers. But this is the nature of this world. Nemesis was such a fantastically written character. Flawed with a great arc, I found her to be one of the most interesting YA characters I’ve read to date. She shows so much growth from beginning to end, and let’s face it, not even the human ones are written that well at times.

Once she gets to the Emperor’s ship, things really take off. Watching the disguised Diabolic navigate the politics while trying to appease both her family AND the Emperor is a thing of beauty. She may try to act as the real Donia would, but shades of her own temperament are inevitable. And I loved them!

And man, I have to say that the Domitrians (the Emperor and ruling family) are downright evil and unlikable. Except the madman nephew, Tyrus.

There are tons of twists and turns throughout this story. The political games alone had my head spinning, but you really have to appreciate the mystery and scheming involved from ALL angles. Everyone wants to be Emperor, but at what cost?

If you’re looking for a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Dystopian mix-up, I highly recommend you read The Diabolic. When you add in a gruesome, ass-kicking heroine (and even some romance!), it’s a no-brainer. The world-building is well done, if a bit confusing initially. I found the reasons for the “war” to be really smart and unique. My one complaint is that it’s a standalone. I felt only somewhat satisfied by the ending. Honestly, I’m never one to push for MORE, but in this instance, I feel it’s a crime to leave so much unexplored. Even if there was just one more book for these characters, because something is definitely missing. Otherwise, the story is perfectly paced, the characters are relatable and wonderfully fleshed out, and the story IS completed to some extent. Highly recommend!