The Diabolic

By S. J. Kincaid

‘Game of Thrones meets The Hunger Games in space with lashings of romance’ The Bookseller
 
A Diabolic is ruthless.
A Diabolic is powerful.
A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect. 
 
Nemisis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The girl who is as much as sister as a master. There’s nothing Nemesis wouldn’t do to keep her safe.
But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect her… she must become her; hiding her true abilities and pretending to be human.
As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she has been told she doesn’t have ­– humanity. A
And, amdist all the danger, action and intrigue, that might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire…
 
‘A thrilling, pacy, addictive YA read’ Amy Alward, author of The Potion Diaries
‘Nemesis is my kind of strong female character – she fights ruthlessly, she loves to the max and she even dances brilliantly. But is she human?’ Sally Green, author of Half Bad
‘Epic and electrifying’ Maximum Pop
‘Star Wars and The Hunger Games, this high octane epic will ensnare you in its web of intrigue right up to the nail biting finale. 5/5 Stars’ The South Wales Evening Post
 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Nov 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781471147166

S. J. Kincaid

S.J. Kincaid is the New York Times bestselling author of The Diabolic trilogy. She originally wanted to be an astronaut, but a dearth of mathematical skills made her turn her interest to science fiction instead. Her debut novel, Insignia, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Its sequels, Vortex and Catalyst, have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. She’s chronically restless and has lived in California, Alabama, New Hampshire, Oregon, Illinois, and Scotland with no signs of staying in one place anytime soon. Find out more at SJKincaid.com.

Reviews for The Diabolic

[mhanover10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such a great sci-fi book! I really liked the characters, the intricacies of the characters and how things could be adjusted like appearances with just an injection. Nemesis is a great character who was made for fighting yet she hasn't lost all her humanity and as the story goes along she gets more of it back. There is a lot of diabolical scheming. Not too much with surprises but a few times I questioned what I was reading. Did Tyrus really love Nemesis or was he only interested in being the Emperor? It's a really good book and is a fast read.

I received this book as part of the Jellybook test group.

[sjgirl-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nemesis, has been crafted in a lab, trained to kill, programmed to feel nothing other than her undying devotion for her master, a willingness to protect at all costs, but when circumstances require Nemesis to impersonate her master under dangerous circumstances, she begins to feel things that she never knew were possible, she begins to question whether she really is the monster she was always said to be.I don’t want to go much more into the detail of story because there are twists and turns aplenty, some predictable, others not, I will say that this book is violent at times, though it felt like any graphic scenes were necessary to illustrate Nemesis’s growth and also necessary for world-building, to establish just how cruel those in power are and why someone might risk everything to overthrow them. There is romance, sort of two (one is unrequited), I liked the chemistry, but more than that, I liked that the romance as well as the friendships and the interactions between Nemesis and a pet were so beautifully paced, how gradually she has these revelations about what’s right, about what it is to love, be loved and learn to love herself. As much as I found the sci-fi plot entertaining and exciting, what really captured my attention here is the gamut of believable real-world emotions Nemesis experiences, particularly in the moments of loss and the moments involving the corrals, when she’s forced to face the harsh treatment she and others like her have received. As action packed as this is, it’s emotion packed, too.

[jdifelice-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5/5 starsFirst book finished in 2017 :)"Have you ever observed a tiger? A true breed like the ones in the Chrysantemum. Not those kittenish sorts like those in our cloisters. They're all muscle and sinew, with jaws powerful enough to break the strongest man, yet if you see them stalk prey, if you see them hunt - the sheer strength gives them more grace than the most refined of delicate creatures. That's Nemesis."So. This book was actually really good. I enjoyed the characters and themes, and the concept was really cool. I liked how Nemesis's character developed and the questions she asked herself as she was growing and changing in ways she didn't know possible. The sci-fi aspect was interesting and I thought that the world building was done quite well - yet it was so hard to imagine a world where people stop learning, it seems so foreign to me. Some cons - the I can't be with you to protect you trope was used, and it annoyed me. Some of the twists were quite predictable (I still liked reading as they unfolded, but I knew what was coming)Overall, I quite enjoyed the reading experience and would recommend :)

[bethyacoub · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

~~~~DNF~~~~I tried...The fact that a slew of you LOVED this book kept me going as far as I did but I just can't do it. I made it to 56% but I couldn't scrounge up enough interest in all things Diabolic AND since there are so many yummmy books out there I'm moving on. There was nothing horribly wrong but there also wasn't anything terribly right either. The one character that did pique my interest was Tyrus. He was supposed to be crazy/eccentric but turned out to be mildly Mad-adjacent. It felt like he suffered from poorly crafted character persona instead of slowly percolating character development of Awesomeness. All of the other characters felt flat and I couldn't care less what happened to them. Even the world building was bland....OOOOORRRRRR maybe I am just itching to move onto some of the tasties out on the market right now. Either way I'm calling it... it flatlined for me BUT I still look forward to reading all of your reviews...especially reviews that praise the books I couldn't get into or vice versa.

[kevinjoseph_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Diabolic is the latest entrant into the hot genre of dystopian fiction geared for the young adult marketplace. Whether it will spawn a bestselling series and movie deal like The Hunger Games or Divergent remains to be seen, but as a stand-alone work of science fiction it earns the highest marks from this reader.Set in a galactic-sized milieu that's ruled by an Emperor and Senate drawn from a privileged class known as the Grandiloquy, the story features a compelling protagonist, Nemesis, who exists at the very opposite end of the social hierarchy. Nemesis is a Diabolic, which means she is a genetically engineered humanoid bred for a single purpose: to protect a member of the Grandiloquy. In Nemesis's case, her singular devotion is to protect Donia, the daughter of a senator whose scientific curiosity has drawn the Emperor's ire. The reason for the Emperor's distrust is that his power rests upon the teachings of the Helionic religion, which distrusts all things scientific and has left the planet-dwelling Excess class living in a primitive state and the spaceship-dwelling Grandiloquy reliant upon an unsustainable and decaying technological infrastructure.When Donia is summoned by the Emperor, presumably as a hostage for some ill purpose, her family decide to send Nemesis in her place. This takes some doing, as she needs to undergo physical alterations to hide her superior strength and etiquette training to allow her to blend in with the Grandiloquy. What follows is a fascinating sequence of political maneuvers, pitting the masquerading Nemesis against the corrupt Emperor and his evil and controlling mother, Cygna. Despite the subhuman status attached to Diabolics, Nemesis attracts the romantic attention of Tyrus, a member of the Emperor's family considered to be a madman, until he reveals to Nemesis that there's a brilliant method to his madness. Without revealing more, I can assure you that the Machiavellian schemes and counter-schemes to secure control of the galaxy will keep you flipping the pages and hoping for multiple sequels.-Kevin Joseph, author of The Champion Maker

[jrlibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nemesis and Tyrus are a powerful couple. The Diabolic certainly contained some thrilling angst-filled twists for me that I didn't anticipate. I think this will definitely be enjoyed by sci-fic fans everywhere.

[twink_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Okay, so you've finished all the latest trilogies and you've been waiting for a new kick*** heroine and a fantastic plot along. Uh, huh - you got it - The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid is all that - and more.Here's the premise - sometime far in the future and spread across the universe, an elite class has risen to rule, with an Emperor at the top of the pyramid. That ruling class all own Diabolics - genetically modified and trained killers with no emotion. The Diabolic's reason for living is to protect the person they were created for. Nemesis was created for Sidonia."We looked like people, to be sure. We had the DNA of people but we were something else: creatures fashioned to be utterly ruthless and totally loyal to a single individual."When the Emperor decrees that all Diabolics should be destroyed and then summons all the young heirs to the galactic Senate, Sidonia's mother knows that the Emperor is up to no good. She decides to send Nemesis in Sidonia's place.I was caught up in the first few pages. Nemesis was such a great lead character - she's ruthless, but ignorant of the ways of the court, the political machinations and human interactions with anyone but Sidonia and her family. She has to both imitate Sidonia and make her way through the minefield she's landed in. Kincaid does a great job with the tension, inserting one nail biting scene after another. The story is action filled and moves forward at a rapid pace. Kincaid's world building is laudable as well. Her society believes it has evolved to the highest pinnacle - unaware that they are simply repeating a history that has come and fallen before. The physical details of her settings are unique and well described. I loved all the 'future' technology Kincaid dreamed up."Human history, Tyrus said, is a repetition of pattern. Empires rise and fall into decadence and decay. Time and time again."The plotting is just as wonderful - a political cat and mouse game well played out. And of course, it would not be complete without a possible romance. But will it be a two sided affair? After all, Nemesis can't feel emotion - or can she? Will Nemesis find her humanity? In time to save humanity?The Diabolic was a really good read. Good enough that I devoured most of it on my day off and got up early to finish it the next day before I went to work. Take a second look at that cover - it's perfect for the story - sharpened steel sheathed in a beautiful guise. As well as the idea of the diabolic morphing into something perhaps a bit gentler.And speaking of kicking - I'm kicking myself - this is the first book I've read of Kincaid, but it won't be the last! The Diabolic is a stand alone - but I kinda wish Kincaid would do a sequel......

[readandfindout · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I honestly absolutely loved the first half of this book, which I would have given 5 stars on it's own. However, the second half was very 3 starish for me, so I've settled on 4.I really enjoyed Nemesis as a character, and hope to learn more about Diabolics as a species in the next one!

[titania86_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nemesis is a Diabolic created to protect the child of a powerful senator named Sidonia at all costs. Although they've grown up together, Nemesis isn't treated as a person as Sidonia is offered every luxury in life. Sidonia's father is something of a revolutionary and seeks to give forbidden knowledge to the lower class called the Excess. The power hungry Emperor hears of this and demands Sidonia's presence at the Galactic court. Since it's probably for nefarious reasons, Sidonia's mother creates a plan where Nemesis will go in Sidonia's place to face the consequences. Will Nemesis fool all of the officials and will she succeed in protecting Sidonia from the Emperor's violence?The Diabolic has a lot of unexpected science fiction and dystopian elements. A diabolic is an engineered person training from creation to be a killing machine. An artificial connection is made to a person who they protect at all costs against any foe even at the cost of their own life. Of course this doesn't work out well for some as they end up killing family members or friends when they are perceived as a threat. Nemesis is treated as less than human by everyone except Sidonia. She insists upon loudly acknowledging her as a person with a soul even when society looks down upon her and Nemesis fights against it. There are other artificial people that serve different functions and sometimes purposefully don't have full mental faculties like servitors who live to serve and When Nemesis goes to the Galactic court to pose as Sidonia, she's then treated and viewed as person, which changes her perception of herself, the way she acts, and the way she presents herself. It's kind of a reversal of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein which examined how a person treated as inhuman will become inhuman. In this, it's someone treated as inhuman and then by being treated as human becomes human. Nemesis' journey came with a lot of character development and surprising events. Looking through her eyes was different than other teen protagonists because she pushes the emotion she does have down and denies it, leaving the predatory thoughts at the forefront to protect her charge. The world building is impressive and takes place in the far future. Mankind built crafts to travel across the galaxy and live in space, but knowledge is suppressed. Only robots fix technology. No new technology comes out. Everything is falling apart. Ships can tear holes in space that eats everything around it. The upper class ignores it to keep their position of power. This is all motivated by their Helionic religion. They believe the universe and planets are divine and bestowed their spark upon mankind. Things mankind makes don't have that spark and thus don't have souls. Trying to learn about science is blasphemous and punishable by death, leading eventually to their demise since most don't live on planets anymore. This interested me and I definitely saw some parallels religious fanatics in the present.The Diabolic is an enjoyable science fiction novel that includes a lot of subjects that interest me: the definition of humanity, crazy zealous fanatics, artificial intelligence, and assassins. When the romance is introduced to the story, I thought it took away from the story since it took precedence for the last half of the novel. It made Nemesis act in uncharacteristic ways that I didn't appreciate. A love triangle appears out of nowhere and is dealt with predictably. I thought this was the opening to a series and I'm disappointed it isn't since the world is so well written. I recommend the book despite my annoyance at the romance.

[Mabe M. Al Azzouzi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

wow this book is exquisite in all angles from romance to character to worl building !! amazing loveit

[mrnattania72 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This started out fast and to the point, very shocking and very in the near future. It was romantic, funny, graphic and awesome. Total 5 stars : deception and deceit rule this near future sci-fi world.
Everyone's got a reason for something what they truly do, ulterior or not: love makes us do some strange things !!

[yonitdm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really interesting premise. I generally enjoy books that delve into what makes someone human, the contrast between humanity and creatures deemed inhuman who often have more compassion. There were a few rough spots in the story especially towards the end where things accelerated quite quickly and too neatly especially as far as the characters' emotions. Otherwise an interesting, exciting read.

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting twist for the dystopian-strong female protagonist genre. Nemesis (the Diabolic) is a genetically engineered bodyguard, bound to her mistress by brain chemistry and love. Her journey through the planet courts to protect and serve is an epic quest, through a wildly imaginative science fiction world. Solid story, and a surprisingly winning anti-heroine, surrounded by plots and lies.

Advanced reader's copy provided by Edelweiss.

[jessika.c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“Human history is a repetition of patterns. Empires rise and then fall into decadence and decay. Time and time again.”In a future where technology is so far advanced that humans have traveled through space and made an empire out of colonies out of planets and space territories, history repeats itself with tyrants and heretics. Nemesis is a bioengineered humanoid grown for one purpose: to protect her human Sidonia Impyerean. Knowledge is dangerous and disobedience is punished by death. The empire heralded by the Domitrian royals has made sure to squelch all hints of rebellion and keep the rest of the galactic Senators on a tight leash. But when Sidonia’s father Senator von Impyrean passes along forbidden information to the restless planet grounded Excess, it starts an empire-wide summons of children of important figureheads. Sidonia’s mother sends Nemesis in place of her daughter to save her from the tyrant Emperor Randevald. At first, Nemesis doesn’t fit in well with other real humans because as a Diabolic she has never needed to express true emotions if they had nothing to do with protecting her charge. But as she starts to channel Sidonia’s mannerisms and personality Nemesis almost convinces herself into thinking she might have a sliver of inborn humanity. Just as the book sleeve hypes, that humanity is just what might save her and the empire. At first, Nemesis was not a very interesting person. She was blunt, curt, and kind of heartless…as one would imagine an assassin would be. She didn’t have a personality. Once the Emperor sent for Sidonia and Nemesis took her place I was delighted to find something compelling. Her loyalty and I really liked how there were hints that it wasn’t just because Nemesis was bonded to Sidonia, it was a love built on trust and loyalty. Then as she started to correct her behavior and act accordingly to what people would expect of a “normal” person Nemesis began to pick up other feelings and traits. It was only then that I understood that a diabolic was supposed to be a deadly sack of potatoes. Her life’s purpose was to live to protect and when Nemesis was finally presented with the chance to do something well…let’s just say things got even more interesting.“I would be a Diabolic who forged a new future. Not just for myself, but for all the real people too. And in that way, I would have the truest revenge of all: I would make my life mean something.”So this world was being held back by a royal family and a religious order that considered anything outside of their norm a blasphemy. Emperor von Domitrian was a gambler and a petty ruler, he his mother Cygna murdered all family members that stood in his way to the throne except for his nephew Tyrus Domitrian a guy driven to madness after witnessing murder after murder. The villain of the story was cunning and truly the smartest of them all. I really don’t want to spoil the love interest because even though it didn’t take me by surprise it might be a nice thing for someone else to discover I was hooked by “Then choose me. Sidonia Impyrean is gone. You’re free to decide for yourself.”because it just sounded like a spark. The chemistry was so good and the trust built upon experience after experience had me swooning by their first real kiss.NEVENI MA GIRRRRRLLLL. I’m sorry but I just really like this girl. She deserves her own paragraph. She’s the anti-Sidonia but it’s not a bad thing at all. Sidonia is a dreamer, she’s kind and generous though incredibly smart and thirsty for knowledge. Whereas Sidonia wants knowledge to bring people together, Neveni shares her family’s desire to teach the masses so they can bring an uprise against the Emperor. Sidonia would never use knowledge and information as currency but Neveni would and does many times. She’s cunning and brave, smart and witty, her flaws are how rash she can be but Nemesis has to learn those types of things too. All these different human behaviors make people interesting and varied instead of cardboard cutout diabolics, exactly what Nemesis needed to avoid.After I finished this book I found myself comparing it to the likes of Scorpion Rules (but only the whole holding family members hostage and enhanced humans), and Red Queen (it started when I read Elantra’s name[Elara] but then the whole corrupt Imperial Court and looming but not really present rebellion…I swear I don’t hate this book.) The history of the entire stop of technological advancements was plausible enough for me to overlook how little it was presented in the book. What I would have liked to see a little more of is an explanation about how the humanoids are created. There was a tiny mention scattered throughout the book but I want to know their histories too. The thing that stops me from giving this a full five stars is the ending. I knew this was supposed to be a series so I forgave lack of information on some things. But the ending just sounded too satisfying. I would not have thought to pick up the next book if I didn’t know this was a series. plus it reminded me too damn much of how Mare wanted Cal to stop a war against the Red Dawn for her and I rolled my eyes so hard when that happened. I eagerly await to get my hands on the next book but I’m kind of holding my breath and hoping I don’t dread what’s coming next.

[thegenreminx · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I always dig any book where the story is set on another planet or in outer space. In this book, I have all that plus the planets are terraformed and colonized by humans who would rather have the hardships than be ruled by tyranny. The rest of society, the elite, all live on space stations built with all their needs in mind. Everything they need is cultivate or simulated. Ohh, the idea makes me jealous, living on a space station??! Yes, please!In addition to having all the luxury the elites are also able to modify pretty much anything about themselves that they wish with nanos. Sickness? Virtually unheard of, their technology takes care of everything. Leaving the elite to become self-serving, loathsome, back-biting narcissists who actually have no more scientific advances because they have outlawed the spreading of scientific knowledge and follow a religion that is all about worshipping the cosmos.Prior to the banning of scientific pursuits though, scientists had been tinkering with genetic engineering and had created the diabolics. A diabolic is considered a creature in this story. A creature made through genetic manipulation with a few things missing. In the beginning, they start off no better than feral animals. Taught to kill without remorse. They have no feelings beyond the basic primal feelings of hunger, fear, and rage.The idea behind the diabolics was that they were to be the ultimate bodyguards for the one person they were bonded with. In order to be bonded with their “person” they were put through a process that modified the connections within their brain in order to make them “love” their person so intensely that they would do anything to see them not come to harm. Nemesis had been created for her person, Sidonia Impyrean, her entire existence since they were children was to keep her safe from harm.This story is told from Nemesis’s point of view. I really enjoyed her thoughts on how she interpreted her situation before she was modified and how she felt as a diabolic after. Her total commitment to Sidonia was in part that she was created that way but also because Sidonia had treated her as more than a creature. How she was so callous and viewed the actions of those around her with such a singular focus was fascinating. I especially loved that the author was able to show that Nemesis was a diabolic but that there was something more there. She did not necessarily understand the world around her but to make Sidonia happy she tried to.Many years after the inception of the diabolics there were a number of incidents where some diabolics had been killing off perceived enemies of their person for the slightest reasons or because it was felt that their person would advance if the competition was eliminated. For this reason and more diabolics had been banned and were supposed to be eliminated. Sidonia begged her father, Senator Von Impyrean, not to harm Nemesis and he was happy to go along with her wishes as he hated anything to do with the Emperor. He thought it would be a simple matter but it brought the scrutiny of the Courts down on them.Later when Sidonia’s father made a fatal error in judgment and pushed the Emperor of the Imperial Court too far in his quest for the sharing of scientific knowledge, things took a disastrous turn and Sidonia was summoned to what was surely to be her death. Sidonia’s mother has always cleaned up the Senator’s mess but in this case, there is little she can do. Desperate not to lose her only daughter the Matriarch comes up with a plan that is treason, plain and simple. She decides that she will defy the Emperor and send Nemesis in Sidonia’s place.This is no simple task and I utterly enjoyed reading how Nemesis was transformed into a person passable for Sidonia. Nemesis had to study and train in order to fake being human with emotions and feelings. Nemesis was willing to do whatever it took to protect Sidonia and what really endeared me to this character was that she truly loved Sidonia for reasons beyond the bond but she had no way to understand that she truly loved Sidonia. I know that sounds weird but Nemesis believed that she was nothing more than a creature and it was just beautiful to watch her come to her own realizations and understandings of who she was throughout this story.Once Nemesis was taken to the Imperial Court she was schooled in court politics. No matter how prepared she was it was understanding human behaviors and emotions that were the most troublesome for her. I laughed a few times because she was so naïve and I could see the bad choices that she was making. She became embroiled in a plot that sounds like freedom for those who need it most but it could also be just another type of political manipulation. I spent most of the read not knowing who to trust and swearing at those that she chose to trust. I was definitely kept on the edge of my seat throughout this story and I absolutely loved every single second. Even when my feelings were tied up in knots.This story is amazing because it is about Nemesis finding humanity when she supposedly has none. She has no one to help her navigate her inner conflicts and seeing the conclusions that she comes to, very rewarding. I knew from the start that I was going to enjoy reading this story just based on the world building but the evolution of Nemesis was beautiful, heartbreaking, and rewarding. I highly recommend this book and I will absolutely be purchasing the next installment in The Diabolic series. I loved this book! Loved It!

[tottman_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In The Diabolic, S. J. Kincaid covers a lot of ground and does it all well. Nemesis is a Diabolic. A genetically modified “bodyguard” who is conditioned to be ruthless and bonded to the person they are to guard. They protect them from all threats and would willingly give their life to save their charge. When the Diabolics start to take preemptive action to eliminate threats to those they protect, the Emperor orders them all destroyed. Nemesis’s charge, Sidonia Impyrean, won’t hear of it and her parents defy the orders and keep Nemesis alive. Sidonia’s father, an Imperial Senator, holds heretical views at odds with the Emperor. When the Emperor orders Sidonia to Imperial Court in a transparent attempt to keep her father in line, the Impyreans scheme to send Nemesis in her place. The Diabolic creates a fascinating universe. A far future with incredible technology, populated with a people who have both forgotten how to create it and have created a religion which forbids the study of science and mathematics. They live in opulence, creating nothing, while the universe literally falls apart around them. Those that value knowledge and wish to study science are branded heretics and enemies of the Empire. The Imperial court is actually a group of connected spaceships in a hard to reach section of space. “Planetbound” people are considered second class citizens.The themes here aren’t terrible subtle, but they are well thought out and explored by characters you come to care about. Nemesis is a fish out of water, who with a crash course in court etiquette knows enough to get by, but lives in fear of being discovered, which would be a death sentence for Sidonia. If planetbound people are second class citizens, Diabolics and other genetically modified servants don’t even merit that much consideration. They are property, and disposable property at that. Sidonia views Nemesis as a person, even if Nemesis herself does not. By impersonating Sidonia, Nemesis is forced to explore what she truly is and whether she is different or just taught to believe she is.The politics at court are vicious and devious. Navigating the affairs at court and knowing who to trust can have deadly consequences. Kincaid pairs this compelling plot with complex characters and relationships. She takes you on a ride where you are unsure how it will turn out until the very end, if not beyond. Themes of science versus religion and those with privileges versus those without are interwoven throughout. The relationship we have with technology, as well as what happens on the day we create an intelligence equal to or greater than our own is also explored.The Diabolic gives you a lot to think about and explores it with characters that are fun to spend time with. The audio version is narrated by Candace Thaxton who does an outstanding job. The pacing is great and the characters are easy to distinguish. She does a particularly good job with Nemesis who starts as a character who feels more machine than human, and spends the novel exploring her humanity. Thaxton’s narration captures that transformation and enhances the story and the listening experience. Highly recommended.I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.

[virago77 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The DiabolicAuthor: S. J. KincaidNarrator: Candace ThaxtonPublished: 2016Listen Time: 12:31Page Count: 403Read Date: August 28 - September 1, 2017Description: 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 starsMy 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!

[akbouterse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a very good book! I had received a copy of this book a very long time ago in a subscription box. It had been so long since I even thought about the book that I really didn't remember anything about what this book was about which made the first part of this book very interesting to read because S.J. Kincaid really throws you right into this world and their customs.

I think Kincaid did a really good job with world building. I like that she didn't explain most of the customs of this world, rather she just had the characters perform actions that showed the reader how things are done in this world. I think this was really effective and cut down on whole sections of exposition that could have really slowed down the story. It really was a great demonstration of how much showing and not telling helps your story and doesn't confuse your reader.

I thought the characters in this book were good. I liked Nemesis and I liked her relationship both with Sidonia and her relationship with Tyrus. I thought there romance was well built, even if did progress maybe a little more quickly than an actual relationship would. The only thing that I thought might have been improved a little is that I personally did not think the people that were supposed to be evil characters acted that evil. Yes they did perform evil acts but nothing that evoked a super strong reaction in me, with a few exceptions. I just wish they had been a little more despicable.

I thought the plot was really good and it definitely kept me hooked. Like I said, I couldn't remember what the plot of this book was so everything was surprise to me. I thought this did start a little bit slow with the plot, especially during the time Nemesis is preparing to go to the Emperor, but after that the plot picks up a lot. I thought the ending was a little fast. There was so much action crammed into the last 5% of this story that it left me feeling a little unresolved at the end. I wish there had been a bit more room to breath after the last action sequence but that didn't take away that much from my overall enjoyment of this book.

I think this is one of those books that I heard a lot of excitement for before it came out and after it was released it felt like not as many people actually picked this one up. I would definitely recommend this one if you were excited about it before it came out and just never picked it up.

Spoiler section!
I didn't love the part at the end where Nemesis just accepts it when she is told that Tyrus is responsible for killing Sidonia. I think this was trying to establish how conflicted Nemesis is over feeling like she has to chose between the two of them and maybe trying to put doubt in the readers mind about what Tyrus and Sidonia may have discussed without Nemesis. However, we had just read that Nemesis thought she could trust Tyrus' love for her more than she could trust anything else. Because of this, it seems really out of character for Nemesis to do something so reckless as telling the emperor that Tyrus is plotting against him without even talking to Tyrus first. I know she was still trying to figure out what it meant to have human emotions but even given that, it still seemed out of character. This is my only major complaint with this book and I just with this part had been handled differently and maybe instead used as a way to show that Nemesis also trusted Tyrus completely and didn't believe he would kill someone important to her.

[xenoglossy_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Immediately upon finishing this book, what I was going to say about it was "A focus on heterosexual romance and a lack of even minor non-straight characters is not my favorite thing ever, but I'm prepared to accept it, especially while reading mainstream YA. But then, about two-thirds or three-quarters of the way through the book, it turned out there was in fact a non-straight character! Who confesses her unrequited love to the heroine and dies in her very next scene. Frankly, I would rather have no representation than that."

But then I remembered that there were, in fact, more non-straight characters in the book! In the form of a couple of depraved bisexuals who drug and molest naive young women who are new to the imperial court. (Well, the female half of the couple is bisexual, at least. I don't remember any mention of drugging and molesting naive young men.) So it wasn't as bad as I thought it was, after all. It was worse.

Really, the hell of it is that I don't think the author at all dislikes gay or bi people, and I feel like she probably patted herself on the back a bit for the inclusion of, at least, the non-evil one who dies. Gotta have diversity, right? But the author clearly hasn't paid enough attention to discussions of LGB representation in fiction to avoid rehashing some of the most shopworn (and widely complained-about) tropes and stereotypes there are.

[completely_melanie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I did not have high expectations going into this, but I really ended up enjoying it and I am so glad that I read it. I cannot wait to continue the series and see what happens next.

[nevong_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love when Nemesis makes the observation that everyone at the court has a hidden weapon but she doesn't need one because she is a weapon. I have read book two, Empress, as well, which has given me more insight into book one, The Diabolic. It makes the total world the refugees created hypocritical on so many levels. Science is forbidden but genetic manipulation is not? Let's not get into the class distinctions and slaves!I like Nemesis's cunning, resourceful nature. It's interesting to see her grow and become something aside from a "guard dog". I think the parents sending her as a replacement for Sedonia is an epic fail since "Donia", in my opinion, had the personality and temperament of wet paint. I know everyone can't be bad ass but...eh! There are so many plots and subplots among the characters you'll get whiplash trying to keep track. A cruel Emperor, his conniving, blood thirsty mother, an insane royal heir...I enjoyed this novel from start to finish.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book manages to cover all the right bases: young adult, set in space, includes royal plots, violence, genetically engineered humanoids, and a romance. There are also enough plot twists that kept me guessing where exactly the story was going and how it would conclude. Definitely fun reading.

[mrnattania · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This started out fast and to the point, very shocking and very in the near future. It was romantic, funny, graphic and awesome. Total 5 stars : deception and deceit rule this near future sci-fi world.
Everyone's got a reason for something what they truly do, ulterior or not: love makes us do some strange things !!

[jmoncton_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wow - what a fun ride! Strong world creation and a complete kick-ass heroine. I listened to this in audio, which was probably good for me, because if I read it in print, I would have had a hard time not peeking at the ending. Suspenseful, strong plot, innovative world, and fantastic characters. Can't wait to read more from this author!

[fionaanne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wonderfully done. Despite being the first in a trilogy, I don't feel bullied into reading the second by an annoying cliffhanger.

It was so well done that I chose to buy the second one when I happened across it on sale years later.

[viragoreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The DiabolicAuthor: S. J. KincaidNarrator: Candace ThaxtonPublished: 2016Listen Time: 12:31Page Count: 403Read Date: August 28 - September 1, 2017Description: 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 starsMy 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!

[theyodamom · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting take on the humanity in us, genetically engineered people and animals. Political back stabbing, familicide, rape, animal abuse, abuse mental and physical.The book directs you to look at what is love, or it tries too.The heroine was loyal to a fault at times, as she was designed to be.The who was really the snake fooled me to the end and I'm still wonderingI enjoyed the book but had some issues with bits.1) The love was too instant without any real reason for it. Why did he love her ? I never got it, it seemed just to be there. I needed some grounding on that.2) Her jumping from robotic like to emotional to robotic like did not flow right for me it felt broken 3) The big happening was too easy, the ending too neat