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The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid is the first in a young adult fantasy series by the same name, and right off the bat I have to say- The Diabolic is tied for my favorite fantasy read of 2016! (and it is so close I can't decide which is number 1 or number 2, this or Heartless) The Diabolic was an exciting and riveting read. I could not put it down. I carried this book with me everywhere, just in case I had a couple of moments to get in a page throughout my day. And I don't do that for too many large books. Normally I carry my kindle around for mid days quicky reads, but even though this one was over 400 pages, I couldn't resist. Also, if you will notice, I put this as the starter for a series. I don't technically know that is true or not, but the ending (which killed me!) kind of leaves it open for a follow up, and I am so badly wishing for one that I am putting it out to the universe as true. This is book one in a series! (please, make that be true.)

The Diabolic was awesomely complex, with all kinds of political intrigue and lies, and mind games galore. There was one things that gutted me, and I really wish didn't happen View spoiler here

The DOG WAS KILLED! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I seriously cried when I read this. WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??!! WHY?!

but, taking that out- because I am honestly pretending it didn't really happen, The Diabolic was a perfect fantasy read for me. And here is why. Nemesis kicks serious butt. I know she is designed to be a lethal killing machine with no emotions, which would seem to make her extremely unlikable, but I LOVED her!

She secretly starts developing emotions, which helps, but even when she was more unfeeling she was awesome.

She is awesome, and she really can kick some butt. Diabolics are designed to bond with one person, whom they desire to protect at all costs. And Nemesis and Sidonia really did love each other. I liked seeing them interact, but the real fun of the story begins when Nemesis is sent to the imperial court to secretly impersonate Donia so no harm can come to her.

I loved seeing this space world being fleshed out. I thought the world building was awesome. I think fans of fantasy novels mixed in with the political intrigue of court drama will love The Diabolic. It was so expertly executed. The best part of the Diabolic were the excellently constructed, and awesomely different characters. It is not every day you see a main character like Nemesis and a love interest that is so wonderfully complex like Tyus. He is so not your average nice guy, or even almost nice guy. I absolutely loved him, in all of his grey area-ness. He was so unique and different. I have not read a character like him in a long time. Seeing Nemesis and him interact was alsmost as great as seeing Nemesis interact with her dog.

Bottom line: the Diabolic will be a book that you cannot put down. Everything about it is awesome- except for that thing that shall not be named. From the world, to the complex and unique characters, to the plot. I really loved The Diabolic. And I so badly want there to be a sequel! This was one of my favorite books of 2016.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs