Review: The Diabolic by S. J. Kincaid

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this. It was not what I was expecting at all. The Diabolic is about a girl named Nemesis. She was created to be a protector and essentially sold to the highest bidder. Diabolics are neurologically bonded to their charge to do whatever it takes to protect them. They are essentially treated like animals, caged and rewarded with treats until they learn and act appropriatly in accordance with their creation and duty. Upon purchase a Diabolic is bonded to their master and will live and die to protect them. Nemesis lives to protect Sidonia, aka Donia, the heir to her father's seat in the Senate. Donia's father hasn't made many friends, as he has spoken out against the ways of the empire, which are a little outdated. As punishment for his insubordination the Senator is ordered to send Sidonia to the Chrysanthemum, the hub of the empire. Sidonia's mother devises a scheme to send Nemesis in Donia's place to protect her only daughter from the dangers of the empire and the Emperor. Nemesis will do anything to protect Sidonia even if it means impersonating her.  No one has actually seen Sidonia in person, as everyone interacts with avatars virtually, unless they are physically in the same place.  Sidonia has never left the safety of her home planet.

Upon her arrival at the Chrysanthemum, Nemesis is overwhelmed with the political games and alliances surrounding her. She is built for protection, strength, and action while everything around her is led by emotion namely jealousy, self-preservation, hatred, and other emotions she doesn't understand.  Nemesis must navigate the actors and actresses, determine who she can trust and who is out to undermine her every move, and understand what is real and what it means to be a Diabolic.

Overall, I really enjoyed the mix of characters. The romance wasn't too much, and the story stands on it's own. I felt like the plot moved along at a decent pace and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.  I understand there may be more books coming, if there are I'll definitely be interested in seeing where the story goes, if not I felt like this ended and stands on its own and doesn't need anything to follow it up.

I'm using this book as my Popsugar reading challenge prompt: A Book about an Interesting Woman.

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