The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

Posted on by Casey smurph

26836910

Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator’s daughter, Sidonia. There’s no one Nemesis wouldn’t kill 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 Sidonia.

She must become her.

Now one of the galaxy’s most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corruption and Nemesis has to hide her true abilities or risk everything. As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns that there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she’s been told she doesn’t have – humanity. And, amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire…

This book started off very mediocre and I wasn’t too invested in the world but the second half of the book really picked everything up. As all the things started happening at once I couldn’t stop turning the pages, I just wish I had this feeling from the begining.

Nemesis was created and raised to believe she wasn’t human, at a young age she was engineered and trained as a killer to be purchased by a royal family for their daughter and heir.

Donia treats Nemesis well and tries to get her to care about more than protecting/killing anyone that threatens herself. Nemesis’s training/conditioning was to well done and she doesn’t think about her own well bing or feelings, only her job to protect. When Donia is called to the Galactic court under the pretence of punishment for her fathers actions Nemesis under goes a transformation to take on her identity, ready to battle court life to keep Donia safe at home.
The world building was lacking for me, I loved the concept, the future setting and how anigif_enhanced-32423-1449072731-3the royals were set up but I wanted more and felt it could have been really amazing if I just had some more descriptions or ships and planets but again I’m a big sci-fi fan and love description of tech that others usually find tedious xD.

Nemesis has a lot of internal struggle trying to come to facts with herself and change the beliefs she’s held all her life. Her character growth is slow but towards the end of the book I loved her strength and choices.

Nemesis is a great character and I loved her growth, in the beginning she’s very detached (as you probably would be too if you thought you were only a creature engineered to kill) which made me detached as well. I didn’t feel stressed about her actions or the dangers because she didn’t and I didn’t really care for Donia so the threat to her didn’t get my invested in the story. Nemisis had no real personality at the beginning because she was so brainwashed. It’s not until the second half that everything started happening and I really couldn’t put the book down: Plans, over throwing royalty, assassination attempts, murder, slightly more PERSONALITY, ALL THE THINGS I WANTED FROM THE START! Better late than never I guess.

I can’t wait for the next book and to see how the events start to unfold.

3.5/5 stars

Have you read The Diabolic? What did you think of the love interest and dynamic between Nemisis and Donia? Is it on your TBR?

I loved the relationships and think Tyrus is an amazing character.

 

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for allowing me a free copy in exchange for a honest review. 

19 thoughts on “The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid”

  2. Yay I’m glad you enjoyed it! I rated it 4 stars, so a bit higher than you, but I definitely agree with the detachment at the beginning. I didn’t mind that, though, it added to the significance of the growth later on! I like them as more of a duo, rather than love interests, but did really enjoy the character interactions!! 😀 Whew, great review!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. They make a good duo, I think I just like how Ty survived his messed up royal family and how conniving he is, also the whole ambiguity around what his real intentions are. This book set up the next really well though and I think(hope) that’ll be an awesome read 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. He’s so messy! I love how I dont know if he’s actually a good guy or not and all the messed up family interaction are awesome XD I can’t wait for the next book i think I’ll enjoy it more than this 😀

      Like

      Reply

    1. babhahah I’m already starting to forget details XD I do plan on reading the next one though but I’ll just read spoilers before hand so I can remember what happened xD

      Like

      Reply

  6. This book really sounds interesting. I’ve been meaning to get into sci-fi again and wondering if this book is the one to start with. I was just wondering whether I should order it or not because slow beginnings make me lose interest in books completely.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I would start with Illuminae by Amie Kaufman if you’re looking for an amazing Sci fi but here’s good to XD It was fairly easy to read so I didn’t bother putting it down but I get like that to with some slow beginnings

      Like

      Reply
  7. Pingback: June Wrap Up and Haul – adoptabookaus

  8. “This book started off very mediocre and I wasn’t too invested in the world but the second half of the book really picked everything up. As all the things started happening at once I couldn’t stop turning the pages, I just wish I had this feeling from the beginning.”

    Baaaahhhhh don’t you HATE this?! SOOOOOO often the first half of a book is sub-par, then the second half ends up being a 5 star read, but then how do you rate it?! Such a shame 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. YES! It happened to me with Three Dark Crowns and Red queen, can someone tell these books to step up the beginning XD I’m hoping the next book is fast paced all the way through and doesn’t do this again!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Pingback: Reviews By Title – adoptabookaus

Leave a comment