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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
It was a 3.5 because I couldn’t really connect with the main character due to the fact that she wasn’t a “person” some no but more of a “beast” I would say. The plot twists were at some points kind of irritating but in total I would say that I have never read a book with a setting like ;)
So,
This book was not what I was expecting. I honestly don't know what I was expecting so that has something to do with it.
And again, I did the audiobook so my take is slightly different than some of the other reviews. The actress reading did an okay job, though her voice was off-putting at first. However, as it went on, it actually fit the character pretty well.
As far as writing is concerned, I think (if I was writing this) I'd intentionally be dry. Nemesis isn't 'fluffy'. There's nothing soft about her until she becomes Sidonia and even then, she's supposed to have a little trouble with emotions and so, I feel the writing style fit and reflected our main character quite well.
The world was enchanting and I could understand how it could be likened to Hunger Games. The Grandioloquy were very Capital-esque though probably less innocent then those from the Capital. They are ruthless and the fact that their various adornments double as weapons was an excellent touch.
The romance didn't feel forced though I will agree it seemed a little fast-paced. I don't disagree with the choice to take it that direction for the mere fact that Nemesis literally takes a few minutes to be 'bonded' to Sidonia so why wouldn't an organic relationship with a Diabolic take a little faster. Her friendship with Niveny is just as fast. In my opinion, she takes to the girl faster than normal too so perhaps Diabolics just bond quickly to some trusted few very quickly.
The romance also didn't feel out of place. Granted, super obvious and kind of cliche but it worked. And the final tid-bit of the book explains their relationship perfectly. They are both kind of monstrous, both kind of not and so it works for them. It makes sense. Both lived under false pretenses in order to survive and both committed crimes that take a certain kind of person to commit.
I was not bothered by the lack of empathy for the death of characters because that was the world. No one cared. That was the point. No one in this world really cares. Which, again, I think was kind of the point. Here is this character convinced she's not at all human who manages to care more for those closest to her than others who are actually human. Aside from Nemesis, Tyrus, Sidonia, and Niveny, no one gives a fuck about anyone other than themselves. I think that speaks to the world Kincaid created.
As cliche as it was, there were definitely things I was not expecting which made the cliches more palatable. And over-all it was very entertaining. The only thing that could have made it 5-stars and not 4 would be the redirection of some of the cliches, I think. They could still be there, but done differently so as not to be so terribly obvious.
This book was not what I was expecting. I honestly don't know what I was expecting so that has something to do with it.
And again, I did the audiobook so my take is slightly different than some of the other reviews. The actress reading did an okay job, though her voice was off-putting at first. However, as it went on, it actually fit the character pretty well.
As far as writing is concerned, I think (if I was writing this) I'd intentionally be dry. Nemesis isn't 'fluffy'. There's nothing soft about her until she becomes Sidonia and even then, she's supposed to have a little trouble with emotions and so, I feel the writing style fit and reflected our main character quite well.
The world was enchanting and I could understand how it could be likened to Hunger Games. The Grandioloquy were very Capital-esque though probably less innocent then those from the Capital. They are ruthless and the fact that their various adornments double as weapons was an excellent touch.
The romance didn't feel forced though I will agree it seemed a little fast-paced. I don't disagree with the choice to take it that direction for the mere fact that Nemesis literally takes a few minutes to be 'bonded' to Sidonia so why wouldn't an organic relationship with a Diabolic take a little faster. Her friendship with Niveny is just as fast. In my opinion, she takes to the girl faster than normal too so perhaps Diabolics just bond quickly to some trusted few very quickly.
The romance also didn't feel out of place. Granted, super obvious and kind of cliche but it worked. And the final tid-bit of the book explains their relationship perfectly. They are both kind of monstrous, both kind of not and so it works for them. It makes sense. Both lived under false pretenses in order to survive and both committed crimes that take a certain kind of person to commit.
I was not bothered by the lack of empathy for the death of characters because that was the world. No one cared. That was the point. No one in this world really cares. Which, again, I think was kind of the point. Here is this character convinced she's not at all human who manages to care more for those closest to her than others who are actually human. Aside from Nemesis, Tyrus, Sidonia, and Niveny, no one gives a fuck about anyone other than themselves. I think that speaks to the world Kincaid created.
As cliche as it was, there were definitely things I was not expecting which made the cliches more palatable. And over-all it was very entertaining. The only thing that could have made it 5-stars and not 4 would be the redirection of some of the cliches, I think. They could still be there, but done differently so as not to be so terribly obvious.
SO FREAKING GOOD WHAT i really didn't anticipate finishing so fast but wow this was amazing. unsure about why it's a series bc the author could have finished the book with like 3 more chapters??
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book as quite frankly amazing, I’d highly recommend it to all. The premise alone is very unique and new. Further there is no instalove at all really. It’s been I while since I’ve read a book that left me positively stunned and giddy. I’m quite eager to read the second in the series.
It’s overall a whirlwind of insanity, showing the cruelty of religion and why it’s very very bad to have religion controlling those in power (a stark reminder of the importance of separation of church and state), and showing the affect classing someone as a monster or lower just cause of their creation/DNA has on people.
Now for a summary: The main character is Nemesis who is a diabolic. Diabolic’s are manufactured creatures made to serve and if needed violently protect one person. This one person for Nemesis is Sidonia. Sidonia is a sweet innocent lamb (as described by her mother) who is the daughter of a know heretic and cunning mother. Eventually, her fathers’ heresy forces Sidonia to be summoned but Nemesis goes instead to protect her by pretending to be her. In going instead we get many “a fish out of water” moments due to be diabolic’s being vastly different and quite terrifying to normal people. Uncharacteristically, For a diabolic, she makes a genuine friend tho she, characteristically for a diabolic, never really trusts her. This serves her well in fitting in and is all in all just a nice positive thing. Later due to particular spoiler events Nemesis makes an alignment and great questions of power, lies and if a Diabolic is truly a “person” come into play. The ending of the book is quite spectacular, glorious, poetic and fitting; I love it.
For characters, the hilariously insane clever Tyrus, the sweet cinnamon role Sidonia, and the overtly violent Nemesis; are the stars of the show and they play off each other fantastically. However within this book practically all the character are either some level of extreme or are borderline insane. And I have to give basically a “trigger warning” about there being two characters in the book who are flat out serial rapist, all the other characters know they are but do nothing about it. I also absolutely love that the main character is a violent and dangerous person, no soft weak girl that needs to be cared for to be found in her. On to the stars of the show firstly with Nemesis. Her personality is extreme, rash, often without emotion, and devoted. Her devotion is obviously shown frequently via her reactions to anyone being even slightly unkind or threatening towards Sidonia or towards her when she’s pretending to be Sidonia. Her extreme and violent nature, as a diabolic, is shown easily via how she will just flat kill some or snap at people. But these kills and snaps are darn near completely unpredictable to the reader. The mere idea or dream of Sidonia’s death causes completely rage and lashing out. Most of Nemesis’s interactions with Tyrus are either totally insane or completely adorable. All of Nemesis and Sidonia’s interactions are adorable and filled with devotion (to the point of hinting at being gay, as it’s very mutual devotion). Now Sidonia is a total sweetheart and just wants Nemesis to be happy and to believe that she is not just someone’s property. Sidonia is a lot less seen in the book so there’s not much to say about her. Tyrus on the other hand is a massive ball of insanity and complication which is impossible to explain without spoilers. But just like Sidonia, he helps (practically utterly unintentionally tho) Nemesis in seeing herself a person deserving of life. I find it quite hilarious to see the madman that he is, do literally anything in the book. Even when you think him might be sane he does something completely insane right after or during. Just to point out one action of insanity that isn’t spoiler worthy there is just outta no where a naked royal man. Just naked like it was nothing.
As for world-building: The book starts out running, barely giving you time to foot yourself in the world before treason and heresy come into play. Quite the rush. But it explains things that need be explained, like the hellonic religion, in proper time. Without it feeling like it was just there to be explication to the reading. The hellonic religion is a cruel and unkind religion that’s just plain ol’ bad, the book explains this quite well. This religion remains a driving force of the entire book behind many characters actions or inaction. The religion is extremely anti-science and oppressive of knowledge/information. But they also use their religion as a jab at the old religions that “worship human-like beings”. Studying math and science specifically is banned as it’s blasphemous. The build of Diabolic’s being less than humans and just being emotionless devout killing machines is harsh and feels cruel; as it should. While it also manages to be touching and hinting at the diabolic’s being more human-like than believed. Nemesis herself believes her kind to be monsters and without souls. Even the religion beats diabolic’s being monster in as diabolic’s can’t be blessed under the religion. The only way the reader knows that this all takes place off of earth and in basically spaceships. Is the occasional mention of things like starships and of the people who still live on planets. This separates the story from traditional sci-fi stereotypes and is warmly welcomed. This will also make the book more appealing to people who are less fond of the sci-fi genre.
Some other things: There are multiple points when Nemesis gets some hope for being an equal person/having a soul, but this is basically constantly crushed either by her or someone else. It’s crushing to read but fits the story and character typical to a Diabolic. The cover is unassuming but, just like the book it’s self, is clever and well thought out. Lastly, I find Nemesis to be highly relatable even tho she is framed as this emotionless inhuman monster.
If you’re in the mood for a book that’s quite stabby, is constantly on the high of insanity, and is very fantastical I’d highly recommend this read.
It’s overall a whirlwind of insanity, showing the cruelty of religion and why it’s very very bad to have religion controlling those in power (a stark reminder of the importance of separation of church and state), and showing the affect classing someone as a monster or lower just cause of their creation/DNA has on people.
Now for a summary: The main character is Nemesis who is a diabolic. Diabolic’s are manufactured creatures made to serve and if needed violently protect one person. This one person for Nemesis is Sidonia. Sidonia is a sweet innocent lamb (as described by her mother) who is the daughter of a know heretic and cunning mother. Eventually, her fathers’ heresy forces Sidonia to be summoned but Nemesis goes instead to protect her by pretending to be her. In going instead we get many “a fish out of water” moments due to be diabolic’s being vastly different and quite terrifying to normal people. Uncharacteristically, For a diabolic, she makes a genuine friend tho she, characteristically for a diabolic, never really trusts her. This serves her well in fitting in and is all in all just a nice positive thing. Later due to particular spoiler events Nemesis makes an alignment and great questions of power, lies and if a Diabolic is truly a “person” come into play. The ending of the book is quite spectacular, glorious, poetic and fitting; I love it.
For characters, the hilariously insane clever Tyrus, the sweet cinnamon role Sidonia, and the overtly violent Nemesis; are the stars of the show and they play off each other fantastically. However within this book practically all the character are either some level of extreme or are borderline insane. And I have to give basically a “trigger warning” about there being two characters in the book who are flat out serial rapist, all the other characters know they are but do nothing about it. I also absolutely love that the main character is a violent and dangerous person, no soft weak girl that needs to be cared for to be found in her. On to the stars of the show firstly with Nemesis. Her personality is extreme, rash, often without emotion, and devoted. Her devotion is obviously shown frequently via her reactions to anyone being even slightly unkind or threatening towards Sidonia or towards her when she’s pretending to be Sidonia. Her extreme and violent nature, as a diabolic, is shown easily via how she will just flat kill some or snap at people. But these kills and snaps are darn near completely unpredictable to the reader. The mere idea or dream of Sidonia’s death causes completely rage and lashing out. Most of Nemesis’s interactions with Tyrus are either totally insane or completely adorable. All of Nemesis and Sidonia’s interactions are adorable and filled with devotion (to the point of hinting at being gay, as it’s very mutual devotion). Now Sidonia is a total sweetheart and just wants Nemesis to be happy and to believe that she is not just someone’s property. Sidonia is a lot less seen in the book so there’s not much to say about her. Tyrus on the other hand is a massive ball of insanity and complication which is impossible to explain without spoilers. But just like Sidonia, he helps (practically utterly unintentionally tho) Nemesis in seeing herself a person deserving of life. I find it quite hilarious to see the madman that he is, do literally anything in the book. Even when you think him might be sane he does something completely insane right after or during. Just to point out one action of insanity that isn’t spoiler worthy there is just outta no where a naked royal man. Just naked like it was nothing.
As for world-building: The book starts out running, barely giving you time to foot yourself in the world before treason and heresy come into play. Quite the rush. But it explains things that need be explained, like the hellonic religion, in proper time. Without it feeling like it was just there to be explication to the reading. The hellonic religion is a cruel and unkind religion that’s just plain ol’ bad, the book explains this quite well. This religion remains a driving force of the entire book behind many characters actions or inaction. The religion is extremely anti-science and oppressive of knowledge/information. But they also use their religion as a jab at the old religions that “worship human-like beings”. Studying math and science specifically is banned as it’s blasphemous. The build of Diabolic’s being less than humans and just being emotionless devout killing machines is harsh and feels cruel; as it should. While it also manages to be touching and hinting at the diabolic’s being more human-like than believed. Nemesis herself believes her kind to be monsters and without souls. Even the religion beats diabolic’s being monster in as diabolic’s can’t be blessed under the religion. The only way the reader knows that this all takes place off of earth and in basically spaceships. Is the occasional mention of things like starships and of the people who still live on planets. This separates the story from traditional sci-fi stereotypes and is warmly welcomed. This will also make the book more appealing to people who are less fond of the sci-fi genre.
Some other things: There are multiple points when Nemesis gets some hope for being an equal person/having a soul, but this is basically constantly crushed either by her or someone else. It’s crushing to read but fits the story and character typical to a Diabolic. The cover is unassuming but, just like the book it’s self, is clever and well thought out. Lastly, I find Nemesis to be highly relatable even tho she is framed as this emotionless inhuman monster.
If you’re in the mood for a book that’s quite stabby, is constantly on the high of insanity, and is very fantastical I’d highly recommend this read.
Няма да крия, че много ме радват книги с жени със суперсили, но това не е достатъчно да ме зариби - а Създадена да убива има както отличен стил на писане (или превод?), така и малко екшън, много заплетена интрига, прилично количество философия и въпроси от типа какво е да си човек (но без излишно задълбаване в тях) и всичко това в модерния стил на вътрешен монолог на героя, който ми харесва.
Особено ме радва как героинята постоянно се бори с гнева си и си мисли как сега иска да откъсне ръцете на някого, да му счупи врата или да му отвърти главата - неща, които всички си мислим понякога, дори относно най-близките ни хора (сериозно, има психологически изследвания относно това).
Особено ме радва как героинята постоянно се бори с гнева си и си мисли как сега иска да откъсне ръцете на някого, да му счупи врата или да му отвърти главата - неща, които всички си мислим понякога, дори относно най-близките ни хора (сериозно, има психологически изследвания относно това).
Mash up I, Claudius with The Terminator and you'll have a decent idea of the plot of The Diabolic. Set in a universe where religion has displaced the science that led to intergalactic colonization. No longer are advances made and the aging ships and technology are no longer replaceable. Kincaid's novel presents a highly stratified society, with noble houses and wealthy families living decadence lives while controlling the Excesses (working population). Echoes of the Roman Empire abound. An understanding that their world is falling apart (literally and figuratively) because the religious zealots and those who use the religion to further strengthen their own position refuse to allow learning and science lead some to rebel.
Thrown into this subtle, political game is Nemesis, a Diabolic. The rulers and powerful citizens created Diabolics, physically advanced humans bred and raised to protect and bond with their owner at any cost. They are obedient, subservient, and blood-thirsty, willing to kill and die for the one they bond with.
Read the rest of my review at Ubookquitous.com
http://www.ubookquitous.com/review-the-diabolic-by-s-j-kincaid/
Thrown into this subtle, political game is Nemesis, a Diabolic. The rulers and powerful citizens created Diabolics, physically advanced humans bred and raised to protect and bond with their owner at any cost. They are obedient, subservient, and blood-thirsty, willing to kill and die for the one they bond with.
Read the rest of my review at Ubookquitous.com
http://www.ubookquitous.com/review-the-diabolic-by-s-j-kincaid/
This ticks all the boxes for me - fast-paced plot, some romance, a bad-ass heroine. Definitely reminds me of Red Rising in feel and even plot to some degree (hiding in plain sight, overthrowing the government, betrayals and twists and turns). I like the space aspects and what I took to be an allegory for climate change and immediately got the second book to keep reading...
So, a little warning, there is a rape attempt and victims of rape in this book
WHY OH WHY ISN’T THIS BOOK TALKED ABOUT MORE?
Nemesis: A Diabolic. This is basically a genetically made person who is programmed to protect a chosen person. They are stronger than anyone else, are trained to fight to win, and will die before they let said person ever get hurt. They are programmed to love them and only them.
Sidonia: Nemesis’ protectee; human. She is soft and sweet and sees Nemesis as her best friend more than her protector. She was raised for politics by her father and mother. Books, Art, Science and History are banned in this science-fiction world, yet she was raised on it.
“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.”
Her father teaching her science and letting her read books is the whole problem in the beginning of the story. The king believes that Sidonia’s father is trying to raise hands against him; so he orders Sidonia to the castle as his ward. Obviously, the senator and his wife see the trap so they devise a plan: send Sidonia’s Diabolic in her place.
See, Diabolics have also been banned. So they were already breaking the law.
Oh, and also, this is also a time where you can make yourself look like anyone or like anything you want with the advanced technology; so this was a plausible solution to protecting their actual daughter and still pleasing the king.
But how can a socially-blind, animalistic human who was only raised to kill and protect pull off being a human? Well, you’ll have to read this book.
Besides, Nemesis isn’t the only actor/actress on the king’s ship.
So, a little warning, there is a rape attempt and victims of rape in this book. I thought it was handled very tastefully (well, as tasteful as such a topic can be). People get what is coming to them, is all I can say. It was a real motivator in this story and I thought it was handled well.
This whole story was just unique and gobble-worthy. The love story had a unique twist to it, the bad guy isn’t the bad guy you are lead to believe, the lesson that just because someone isn’t like, doesn’t’ mean they don’t feel too is very prominent in this book. The narrator was phenomenal too. She did Nemesis’ voice just like I would have done in my head.
It felt like a stand-alone book; but apparently there is a sequel so.
---
This needs to be talked about more. So many things I have to say. RTC.
WHY OH WHY ISN’T THIS BOOK TALKED ABOUT MORE?
Nemesis: A Diabolic. This is basically a genetically made person who is programmed to protect a chosen person. They are stronger than anyone else, are trained to fight to win, and will die before they let said person ever get hurt. They are programmed to love them and only them.
Sidonia: Nemesis’ protectee; human. She is soft and sweet and sees Nemesis as her best friend more than her protector. She was raised for politics by her father and mother. Books, Art, Science and History are banned in this science-fiction world, yet she was raised on it.
“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.”
Her father teaching her science and letting her read books is the whole problem in the beginning of the story. The king believes that Sidonia’s father is trying to raise hands against him; so he orders Sidonia to the castle as his ward. Obviously, the senator and his wife see the trap so they devise a plan: send Sidonia’s Diabolic in her place.
See, Diabolics have also been banned. So they were already breaking the law.
Oh, and also, this is also a time where you can make yourself look like anyone or like anything you want with the advanced technology; so this was a plausible solution to protecting their actual daughter and still pleasing the king.
But how can a socially-blind, animalistic human who was only raised to kill and protect pull off being a human? Well, you’ll have to read this book.
Besides, Nemesis isn’t the only actor/actress on the king’s ship.
So, a little warning, there is a rape attempt and victims of rape in this book. I thought it was handled very tastefully (well, as tasteful as such a topic can be). People get what is coming to them, is all I can say. It was a real motivator in this story and I thought it was handled well.
This whole story was just unique and gobble-worthy. The love story had a unique twist to it, the bad guy isn’t the bad guy you are lead to believe, the lesson that just because someone isn’t like, doesn’t’ mean they don’t feel too is very prominent in this book. The narrator was phenomenal too. She did Nemesis’ voice just like I would have done in my head.
It felt like a stand-alone book; but apparently there is a sequel so.
---
This needs to be talked about more. So many things I have to say. RTC.