The Diabolic

October 24, 2016
In a far future with space travel and a ruling class living mostly on orbital stations, engineered human servants called Diabolics are trained to be the best protection money can buy. Diabolics also have their brains manipulated, so they only care about the person they have been hired to protect. When the emperor outlaws Diabolics, Nemesis doesn't count on her liege, Sidonia von Impyrean, persuading her parents to hide Nemesis, rather than destroying her as ordered. More surprises come when the emperor orders Sidonia to attend him at court, intending to keep her hostage against her father's political maneuvering. Nemesis travels to the imperial court, the Chrysanthemum, in Sidonia's place, where she has to contend with sleazy politicians, attempted assaults, murder, and a mad prince. Fans of over-the-top futuristic fare like Jupiter Ascending will love the set pieces and glamour of the court, but Kincaid's (Insignia) flashy story falls short in other areas, including fairly flat villains and a romantic plot that plays out predictably. Ages 14âup. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary.

A genetically engineered killing-machine bodyguard must impersonate her charge in a dangerous galactic court.A Diabolic is specially bred to be the ultimate bodyguard, then bonded with the one person that it will serve. As this results in the ruthless killing of any perceived threats, Diabolics have been banned--retroactively. Sidonia Impyrean, heir to an important seat in the Senate, cares so deeply for her Diabolic, narrator Nemesis, that her family fakes Nemesis' death. When Sidonia's heretic father angers the Emperor, Sidonia's ordered to the Imperial Court. To protect Sidonia from being taken hostage or executed, they send Nemesis to impersonate her. Nemesis must keep her killer instincts in check to maintain the family's treasonous deception. Expanding her worldview beyond Sidonia--whom she loves unconditionally--Nemesis falls into a world of contrasts: elites versus the masses; religious dogma versus science. While depicting a post-Earth society in which skin and hair color are malleable, the book critiques power and class structures. In a strong emotional storyline, Nemesis faces revelations about whether she has a soul (as Sidonia is convinced) or is just a killing machine, "either a perfectly acceptable Diabolic or an abomination of a human being." In her internal crisis, she finds unlikely allies--especially a political animal she doesn't know if she can trust in the face of such complicated intrigues. Philosophical, twisty, and addictive. (Science fiction. 13 & up) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-Nemesis is a Diabolic. More important, she is Sidonia's Diabolic, trained to protect her at any cost. Diabolics are engineered to bond with one person and to spend their lives guarding them. They have no emotions, needs, or desires except for keeping their charges safe. Sidonia, a senator's heir, is at great risk, since her father is considered a heretic. In a galaxy where the Emperor and his family rule through fear, Nemesis will do anything to protect Sidonia, even if it means impersonating her. When Sidonia is summoned to court, Nemesis must pose as her to keep her away from the dangerous members of court. In a place filled with lies, deceit, and greed, Nemesis tries to determine who she can trust and who is an enemy. However, pretending to be fully human is starting to affect Nemesis. She is beginning to care for people other than Sidonia, although she was not created to care. Could Diabolics possibly possess the ability to love? Kincaid has crafted incredible characters who readers can relate to and care for even if they range from privileged, bratty children to creations designed to kill. The imagery used in establishing these protagonists and the complex setting will thrill the YA audience. VERDICT Fans of Marissa Meyer's "The Lunar Chronicles" will enjoy Kincaid's latest. This story of friendship, love, loss, suspense, and galactic beings will grab the attention of sci-fi fans and general readers alike.-Jessica Strefling, US Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit Library

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