The Diabolic by SJ Kincaid
Synopsis:
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:
This story is told from Nemesis’ point of view. She’s been programmed from a young age that because she was engineered in a lab, that she’s not human. But she certainly has all the same feelings as a human – though no one, including herself, believes she’s anything more than property and a weapon. The character development in this story is amazing.
The Diabolic is a fast-paced, roller coaster of suspense, drama, political intrigue, and a bit of romance. Young adults and adults alike will enjoy the fantastic characters and captivating story. This is one that’s nearly impossible to put down. I enjoyed the author’s previous Insignia trilogy. But I feel her writing reached a new level with this novel. It was incredibly fun to read, from the first page to the last. It’s a wonderful stand alone story about a selfless girl who is willing to do anything to save those she loves.