By S. J. Kincaid (author)
Paperback Not Available
View All Editions (2)
In a Nutshell: Intergalactic Identity Epic Action and intrigue abound in this high-stakes, high-concept sci-fi thriller from the acclaimed author of Insignia.
Nemesis is a Diabolic. They ‘look like us, but they aren’t truly human beings.’ They’re predators who must kill to protect the person they’ve been created for. Nemesis must protect Sidonia, sole heir of a Galactic Senator who will take his seat after he retires. When news of the Senator’s rebellious activities reaches the Emperor, Sidonia is summoned to his court, and so in a unique take on the Prince and the Pauper, killing-machine Nemesis goes in Sidonia’s place.
While the dangers and dramas of life in a corrupt intergalactic Empire will keep readers racing through the pages, one big question permeates the action as Nemesis becomes more deeply entrenched in danger: what does it mean to be human? With its seriously sassy heroine and darkly dystopian sci-fi setting, this adrenaline-charged standalone is ideal for The Hunger Games aficionados. ~ Joanne Owen
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.
Read the full description
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 inside her that is true and pure - more so than that of most humans she encounters. Amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life - and the empire.
Nemesis is my kind of strong female character - she fights ruthlessly, she loves to the max and she even dances brilliantly. But is she human? -- Sally Green, author of Half Bad
Think Game of Thrones meets The Hunger Games in space with lashings of romance The Bookseller, Ones to Watch
With an adventurous, high-concept plot and emotionally complex characters, The Diabolic is definitely one of the best YA books of the year Culturefly
We hope there will be further tales to come set in this richly conceived universe Cultbox
Epic and electrifying Maximum Pop
A thrilling, pacy, addictive YA read -- Amy Alward, author of The Potion Diaries
A potent mix of Star Wars and The Hunger Games, this high octane epic stand alone will ensnare you in its web of intrigue right up to the nail biting finale. 5/5 Stars. The South Wales Evening Post
Brilliantly jam packed with political manoeuvrings and intrigue...fast paced with action at every turn...the author deserves a lot of praise for writing such a masterful story The Bookbag
Full of intrigue and plot twists, great characters, some romance and loads of action, it's rightly billed as the next big thing in YA. Entirely gripping. -- Melanie Chadwick ReadingZone.com
A twisting tale of court intrigue, science fiction and what makes us human, full of action and feeling. I really enjoyed sinking into it. -- Craven Wild, blogger
I totally loved it and could recommend it to any YA reader -- Hannah Russell, blogger
S. J. Kincaid is a fully trained nurse who wrote six books before Insignia was picked up to be published. She originally wanted to be an astronaut, but decided to become a full-time writer after spending a year studying in Edinburgh and living next to a haunted graveyard. Her favourite place to write is her apartment, and she has reverted back to being a lover of print books after a brief flirtation with (and expensive destruction of) an e-reader. S. J. Kincaid lives in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA.
the best books for teenagers
Redemptor the sequel to Raybearer
Hot Key Books and 1 more
The Dark Artifices Box Set
A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Diabolic and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
The Diabolic features in the following genres: Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Recommendations, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for Young Adults
Paperback, Hardback. Not Available.
The Diabolic was written by S. J. Kincaid and published by Simon & Schuster Childrens Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster Ltd
The Diabolic has 407 pages
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.