The Diabolic

By: S. J. Kincaid

Narrated by: Candace Thaxton

Red Queen meets The Hunger Games in this epic novel about what happens when the galaxy's most deadly weapon masquerades as a senator's daughter and a hostage of the galactic court.

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.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator's daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad emperor learns Sidonia's father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia - a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators' children. It's a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amid all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life - and the empire.

©2016 S.J. Kincaid. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Some overlying issues, but a beautiful story

First off, this story felt like a rollercoaster. An enjoyable one that had some sudden jolts. Like those jerks on the Mouse roller coaster at Lagoon. And still, I enjoyed them. I do not dislike this story.

Only a few plagued this beautiful story. There were some predictable outcomes and some.. Unfavorable ones that seemed forced. I can tell a forced plot device when I see it and it came up few times, though the story saved itself quickly after. The final hours of this book were the only shaky portions that truly made me feel less inclined to finish, but I'm so happy I did.

The only other issue I have is that the narrator did a poor job at times articulating a male's voice. Though, it honestly added to some characters due to their personalities. If I could give half stars, I would since this isn't a 5 nor is it a 4. A solid 4.5 is my final verdict.

I highly recommend this and already see myself downloading the next in the series.

Can't wait for more!

Excellent book and fabulous narrator. This book seems predictable at the start but once it hits the first "whoa!" moment it's a fabulous ride to the end. I had to force myself to pace it into a three day listen because it was that good. I'll definitely be checking out the author's Insignia series while I await the secret no Diabolic book.

The usual done in an unusual way

I often get tired of formulaic stories. This story makes me think that maybe it has to do with trying to break the mold and more with trying to master it. You know what's going, you know how it'll end because it is the old formula. Still, the author had a way of making me care anyway. Perhaps it's when the formula is done poorly that it gets boring, because I certainly wasn't bored listening to this.

Awesome story line

This is my.
Second time reading this book and it's just as good as the first time

Really good

I found the book very enjoyable and I believe that the narrator performed very well as well. I’ve read through the user reviews before buying it and has hesitant to buy this book because some reviewers had qualms about the narrator but looking back at it now they seem to be more nitpicks than valid criticisms. There were a few things that were in this book that left me somewhat disappointed but disappointment can be important in a story as well. Overall I enjoyed listening to this story unfold and am now going to buy the sequel once I finish this review.

9/10 Stars overall.

Political Intrigue & Unique Story

I really enjoyed this book. It is unlike anything I have read before. I loved the sci-fi elements combined with the political intrigue. The narrator did a wonderful job of portraying an animalistic character void of much human emotion but hungering for it.

So Thrilling as an Audiobook!

What did you love best about The Diabolic?

It's Originality as a story, and the well written Universe that our characters live in.

What did you like best about this story?

It draws you in. I've read the book and now listened to the audiobook, because it is an original story that keeps you invested and interested through your journey.

Which character – as performed by Candace Thaxton – was your favorite?

Ohhhhh that's a dirty question! I really don't have one. Candace Thaxton really made me lean forward and notice some of the things in the book that I missed the first time I read it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! It made me experience a very wide array of emotions.

Any additional comments?

An immersive Story in a beautifully written world. Worth every minute!

Very good story telling.

The story had twists I saw and those I did not see coming. Very well written.

Kept Me Up Late

Title says it all. The twists and turns in this book kept me wanting more, right until the very end. Great story. Great performance. Great buy!

An Amazing book!!!!!

I listened to this book because it was a book recommended for people that enjoyed the Scythe. The overall story was wonderful and the performance was just as good!