The Diabolic
ISBN13
9781471147142
Review published
21/01/2017
By Reviewer
Alison
Star Rating
By Author / Illustrator
S J Kincaid
Age range(s)
11+
Review
This is a YA sci-fi fantasy with a dark heart. Mankind has colonised the galaxies - elite families live a pampered life in luxurious spacestations waited on by genetically modified humanoids and ruling over the Excess who toil away on the planets. To protect themselves the ruling familes create Diabolics - humanoids of super strength designed to be heartless killing machines. Nemesis is a diabolic created to protect Sidonia - daughter of a powerful Senator. Unfortunately because of his heretical beliefs the Senator has made an enemy of the Emperor. Sidonia is ordered to attend court but, realising it's a trap, Nemesis is made to go in her place. The story really picks up when she arrives at court. She may be a born killer but she's certainly not the only monster. While she tries to keep a low profile she's drawn into the power struggle between the Emperor and those who oppose him. To complicate matters even further, Nemesis begins to suspect she's more human than she realised. She's forced to take sides, but can anyone be trusted when the stakes are so high? This is a real page turner with plot twists and turns aplenty. There are scenes of violence and some romance - nothing beyond the realms of YA - and would appeal to sci-fi, dystopian and fantasy fans. It would be perfect for fans of Suzanne Collins, Marie Lu and Sarah J Maas. 416 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Alison Ustan, school librarian.
