The Diabolic - A Space Sci-fi Fantasy Review
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Author: S.J Kincaid
Name: The Diabolic ( The Diabolic Trilogy)
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Space Sci-fi fantasy // Young Adult
SYNOPSIS
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.
This was a phenomenal read for me! I will try to break it up into sections and to review areas that I found to be the most interesting.
Unique futuristic dystopian science fiction setting. An evil space empire? Check. Evil emperors, scheming senators, and a whole lot of space drama? Check.
The plot explores the meaning of good and evil and what does it mean to be a human
Romance - not instant love. There are so many good relationships between characters in this book ( explored further in the review).
Fast-paced with twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I just wanted to read! This is the sort of plot that makes you want to forget you have a day job and a life and just sit back with a nice warm cup of tea and forget that everyone and anything exists apart from this book!
CHARACTERS
Nemesis is a believable character. Let me explain - she is a diabolic. Diabolics are basically genetically modified humans ( sort off?!) but she cannot feel emotions, pain and other ‘human things’. She is bonded to another character, Sidonia. She loves Sidonia fiercely and would do anything for her.
Nemesis acts like she is supposed to. She struggles with emotions because she is not programmed to feel them. She questions her purpose. Even the way that the book is narrated you could tell that this creature that is writing it is not fully human ( its first-person narration).
Sidonia and Nemesis have a great bond - their friendship is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. This book really explores the meaning of friendships and has positive role models for young girls of girl to girl friendship. No bitching, no drama. Just love as friendship. While we might argue that Nemesis is bonded to Sidonia using some chemicals ( why she loves her) there is just such a great dynamic between the pair that you can tell its something more.
The heir to the empire. He is a character you meet later. Nemesis meets him and you perceive him as having a certain ‘madness’. He is certainly an interesting character and you will grow to love and hate him at the same time. Nothing about him is as it seems.
The romantic interest - slow burn but just the romantic interactions are so positive. It really models some good interactions and just gives you a nice sense of happiness and positivity.
OVERALL
This book explores what it means to be human. Can diabolics be similar to humans?
It's relatively light for a sci-fi book. If you are looking to try sci-fi or have not read much of it and would like to explore the genre - this book is a good way to dip your toes into the genre.
While romance exists in this book, it focuses more on the main character of Nemesis. If you don’t want too much romance and want more action, this book will certainly be for you.
The best thing about this book? The series is complete! You want a series where you don’t have to anxiously wait for the sequel to come out - you have found it! #bingereadalert
Have you had a chance to read The Diabolic?
What do you think?
Let me know in the comments!
