Title: The Diabolic (The Diabolic #1)
Author: S.J. Kincaid
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 416
Source: ARC provided by Simon & Schuster Canada
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Overall: 5 STARS

SUMMARY

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 THOUGHTS 
I can't believe it took me so long to finally read S.J. Kincaid's YA sci-fi novel The Diabolic. Thrilling. Daring. Unpredictable. The Diabolic was everything I'd hoped it would be and more. With corrupt officials, scheming ladies, and court politics—the book actually reminded me of the Chinese historical dramas I'm addicted to watching. I absolutely loved it! There were some truly diabolical moments that made gasp aloud and then grin wickedly in admiration.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a genetically modified humanoid created to protect Sidonia, daughter of Senator von Impryean, at all costs. A Diabolic is trained to be ruthless and kill their master's enemies. They lack empathy, and they're the ultimate bodyguard for the elite imperial families across the galaxy. And now Nemesis is one of the very last ones. The Emperor, fearing their singular loyalty to their masters, has recently banned Diabolics and ordered them all to be executed.

But the Impryeans defy the order and keep Nemesis alive anyways, faking her death. To Sidonia, Nemesis has always been her closest friend and confident, especially since the family lives in isolation on a fortress that orbits an uninhabited gas giant. Kindhearted Sidonia may consider Nemesis an equal, but Nemesis has never forgotten her true purpose. When Senator von Impryean offends the Emperor, Sidonia is summoned to court as a hostage. Now, Nemesis must impersonate Sidonia in the Imperial Court to protect her.

Rebellion is brewing and the Senate is divided into two factions: ardent Helionics and those who wish to return to scientific pursuits. The imperial royals cling to any power they can, even if that means killing their dissenters. Sidonia would never survive such a cruel place, but Nemesis has a chance if she treads carefully. She can be just as cunning and lethal if need be. Yet as unlikely as it may seem, it's actually her compassion that will keep her alive. I loved seeing Nemesis slowly realize that her life had greater meaning than just devotion to Sidonia, that she could be selfish or caring or even fall in love. 

Danger and intrigue. Unexpected twists. A fierce and deadly heroine. Even a dash of romance! I couldn't get enough of S.J. Kincaid's addictive The Diabolic, reading and finishing the book in one sitting. And now I absolutely can't wait to see where the story will lead us next in the sequel. If you're a YA science fiction fan, don't miss this one! Or bump it to the top of your TBR if you've put it aside. I think you'll love The Diabolic too!