Bookish Blerd

Title: The Diabolic
Author: S. J. Kincaid
Narrator: Candace Thaxton
Published: 2016
Listen Time: 12:31
Page Count: 403
Read Date: August 28 - September 1, 2017
Description: Red Queen meets The Hunger Games in this epic novel about what happens when a senator’s daughter is summoned to the galactic court as a hostage, but she’s really the galaxy’s most dangerous weapon in disguise.

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.

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars
My Review: First off, let me start by saying I went back and forth between reading and listening.  The narrator had a voice that was very easy to listen to, and I could somehow truly picture Nemesis.

Second let me say that this book is told in first person, which can be very off-putting, especially if not done well.  This was done very well.  I don't want to give too much away, but the story is about Nemesis, who is a Diabolic, or a biologically engineered being.  Her sole purpose is to live (or die) to protect Sidonia.  When the only way to keep her safe means posing as her at court, Nemesis does so without hesitation.

Nemesis has been told for her entire existence that she is a thing.  Property.  She has no soul, she cannot feel or laugh or love.  Sidonia doesn't believe that and tells Nemesis so, but Nemesis just chalks it up to Sidonia's affection for her.  She has been her only and most loyal friend for most of her life, even if she is considered Sidonia's possession.

Nemesis' whole world gets turned on its head when she is at court pretending to be the heir of a high senator.  And that's all I'll say for fear of spoilers.  This book is filled with anguish and intrigue and so many feelings.  There were a few spots that were triggering for me, but only because of recent incidences in my life.  Had I read this book 6-7 months ago, certain scenes would not have been an issue.  I'm just mentioning it as my personal issue, I do not believe the book has anything so harsh that others should fear reading it.  There were so many ups and downs and plot twists!  Some you can almost anticipate, and some just take you completely off guard.  I'm very impressed with how the author weaved the plot to lead you in one direction and then take you by surprise.  It's not easy to do these days because everything has been done--in some cases overdone!

I am truly looking forward to the sequel!