Review: The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

The Diabolic

by S.J. Kincaid

November 1, 2016

416 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

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

I first noticed The Diabolic because of all the hype surrounding it. It was everywhere. Everyone was talking about it. I had my hesitations but after reading the book in one day, I can say The Diabolic deserves all of the hype.

I love a fast-paced book and that's exactly what The Diabolic delivered. Whether it was playing up political mind games or diving into action sequences, the story kept moving forward. I loved every moment in this glorious world. Ms. Kincaid paints a very dazzling stage in space for the story to play out on. There was so much to it I loved learning every bits and pieces. Some shocking twists and turns definitely had me speechless.

Despite being a humanoid, Nemesis displayed an assortment of human emotions throughout the book. She struggled against her deadly nature, against doing the right or wrong thing and against her own doubts and hesitations. I greatly admired her and the tremendous growth she managed to do in the book. All of it while under constant pressure and scrutiny. Nemesis was complex and dare I say more human than most of the other characters.

Tyrus- that crazy mad boy. He had my interest peaked from the moment he appeared on the pages. I don't want to say too much about him except that he is deeper and truer than any of the other characters in The Diabolic (with the exception of Nemesis). Watch out for him ;)

There is a romance and I ate it all up. The development between Nemesis and Tyrus gave me all the feels. Their relationship grew from wariness to respect to awe to love. Every step developed naturally. The fact that their relationship was absolutely forbidden and a total taboo added that much more sizzles whenever they're together. A power couple I'd bow down to.

I got chills from the ending. It's an unknown yet certain future. A most excellent way to finish things up while leaving hopes for a sequel. I love that while this is a standalone I can still clearly see the possibility for more. This world and its characters definitely has more to offer.

I very highly recommend The Diabolic. I'm super happy and relieved the hype didn't chase me away from this book because the hype is true. The Diabolic is powerful and will suck you in. Read it!

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.