The Diabolic Series by S.J. Kincaid - Restarting April 3rd 2018

[T.J.]

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. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.

[C.P.]

Through chapter 4. I'm not entirely sure what I think at this point. Nemesis is an interesting character, and I like the concept, but certain things don't seem as fleshed out as I would like them.

[T.J.]

I'll try to start tonight -- we just got back home from a month-long trip.

[C.P.]

Hope you had fun on your trip, TJ!

[C.P.]

Through chapter 14. (view spoiler)[I feel like Tyrus is not nearly as crazy as everyone thinks. Sure, he's crazy, but there has to be more going on there. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Hope you had fun on your trip, TJ!"
It was great, thanks, C P!

I was going to start this book last night, but I discovered too late that I didn't have it on my Kindle -- forgot that most of S&S's books are epub. Got that converted just now and read the prologue. Looks interesting. The premise is intriguing.
(view spoiler)[
It reminds me a little of the film "The Island" with Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johansson. Have you seen it? They cloned people to have back up spare parts if necessary. This story seems similar. Nemesis has been bred entirely for the benefit of someone else. Her life has no meaning (supposedly) except to be of use to someone else.

I'm guessing (hoping) that Nemesis will learn to act for herself eventually.
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Did you convert it to read on your kindle? If so, how? I really don't like reading on my computer but have never been able to get it to work on my computer.

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Did you convert it to read on your kindle? If so, how? I really don't like reading on my computer but have never been able to get it to work on my computer."

Yes, I downloaded the free program Calibre. It can convert almost anything to anything. The converted-to-kindle versions are not always as aesthetically pleasing as a formatted .mobi file, but it works well enough. You can also get rid of the expiration date that some of the netgalley files have as well using Calibre.

[C.P.]

I have Calibre, but it won't convert them because they have DRM. :/

[Carrie]

TJ wrote: "Yes, I downloaded the free program Calibre. It can convert almost anything to anything. The converted-to-kindle versions are not always as aesthetically pleasing as a formatted .mobi file, but it works well enough. You can also get rid of the expiration date that some of the netgalley files have as well using Calibre.."

Interesting, may have to see how that works. I use the Blue Fire reader on my Kindle to be able to read them on there but I'm still not a fan of not having actual mobi copies that I can adjust the font etc better.

[Carrie]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ I love how this one has already dove right into the world and character building and already started on the action so early. Just from the opening we know Nemesis is deadly and now getting a good look at the world in which the story takes place.

My first thoughts on Nemesis were I'm surprised people would even buy a Diabolic, they get bonded to only one person so wouldn't that make even the rest of the family in danger and sure enough we jump right into where Diabolics are being banned. (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ I may be way off base but I'm wondering if Sodonia hasn't been summoned because of what her father did but because of Nemesis using her avatar. In which case it's probably her lack of etiquette that interested the Emperor's nephew so this whole training will be useless anyway. (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ I was picturing Nemesis going in Sodonia's place and falling for Tyrus even though she's a Diabolic. Not too sure now anyone could fall for Tyrus if he can just kill someone so easily but then again I question if he wasn't flippant about the servitor irritating him but killed her out of mercy since she was already dying. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Carrie wrote: "Chapter 10 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I feel like there is a lot more to Tyrus than meets the eye. I don't think he isn't as crazy as everyone thinks. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "I have Calibre, but it won't convert them because they have DRM. :/"

In that case I run them through a program called "ePUBee DRM Removal" -- it's also free. The files go to a folder called "Decrypt" and then I use Calibre to open them from the "Decrypt" folder.

Download here:
http://download.epubee.com/epubee_v3....

Then I convert them to .mobi and voilà!

It's actually a lot less work than it seems. I do it automatically every time I download a bunch of books from Netgalley. I just drag them from "My Digital Editions" folder into the ePUBee DRM Removal program. I have to do that so that they don't expire. Then I open them in Calibre so that I have all my books in one nice neat place. If I then need to convert, I can.

[T.J.]

Carrie wrote: "Interesting, may have to see how that works. I use the Blue Fire reader on my Kindle to be able to read them on there but I'm still not a fan of not having actual mobi copies that I can adjust the font etc better."

Oh, ya. Definitely give it a try, Carrie. Sometimes the spacing comes out a little strange, but for "The Diabolic" the conversion came out very nicely -- chapter listings and everything included.

[C.P.]

Thanks, TJ! I'll check that out.

[C.P.]

Through chapter 23. (view spoiler)[I knew Tyrus wasn't mad! Very smart of him. But I can't believe Donia is dead. I hope that Nemesis can come to terms with her own humanity. And kill the emporer. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Thanks, TJ! That worked wonderfully.

[C.P.]

Through chapter 31. (view spoiler)[I like seeing Nemises learning to feel. She was always taught that she didn't have emotion, but she does. I hope things go well with Niveni. I don't want her people kilked. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Through chapter 40. (view spoiler)[So Donia is alive. I'm not sure what will happen with that at this point. And Nemesis loves Tyrus, even though she doesn't want to. That was sad, when she pushed him away. I really like how her developing emotions are explored. (hide spoiler)]

[Carrie]

C P wrote: "Through chapter 23. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ It was pretty obvious I think that they would end up teaming up but the surprising part was that I never expected that the Emperor would kill the whole family so Nemesis is now alone. I still keep thinking like she was that eventually she'll find out it was a trick and they are still alive. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Just finished. Really enjoyed this. (view spoiler)[That was a crazy ride. It was sad that Donia lived only to die. And I'm really not sure which one of them was responsible. But I like Tyrus, so...I love how open the ending was. It could really go either way. And so could Tyrus and his power. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Thanks, TJ! I'll check that out."

Any luck?

Sorry I'm so behind. Life got in the way of reading this week. Being gone from home for over a month left me with tons to do here before my semester starts...

4 stars, C P? Nice! I'm looking forward to chatting.

I can't look at either of your spoilers yet, but I hope to read some tonight (if I don't fall asleep first ;) ).

Anyway here are some of my thoughts on the first 2 chapters:

Chapter 1-2 (8%)
(view spoiler)[
I really like Tyrus Domintrian and his "emperor's new clothes" nakey-tootie avatar thingy. Too funny. I also like that Nemesis connected with him. He gives me the vibe that he might be a rebel. Especially his warning (to Donia's father, I presume) not to be so blatantly rebellious, but to work more covertly.

I really, really, hope that Nemesis will discover that she does have a soul, morals, and her own personality separate from her breeding. I hope hope hope that people feel just too superior to see it, but that she is actually a human being with her own feelings -- she just needs to break away from the hypnosis or whatever brain-programming they did to her to attach her to Donia.

Don't get me wrong -- I really like Donia (and to a lesser extent her father), but I want Nemesis and Donia to develop a real friendship and not a bred/programmed attachment.

Donia's mother interests me as well. She's smart and cunning.

So, I'd better stop blabbing and get back to reading! :D
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

TJ, that DRM removal tool worked excellently, so thank you! It made reading this a lot easier and consequently more enjoyable, I'm sure.

I did really enjoy it! I haven't read the Insignia trilogy yet, but now I really want to do so.

[Carrie]

Chapter 44 (view spoiler)[ So Donia actually "loves" Nemesis. I never got that vibe but it makes sense too that she always stood up for her and wanted her treated equally. I'm getting the feeling that Donia is intending to sacrifice herself so Nemesis can continue under her identity though and that will also rip her apart again. :( (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "TJ, that DRM removal tool worked excellently, so thank you! It made reading this a lot easier and consequently more enjoyable, I'm sure."

Super! I had put off reading the S&S books because they weren't Kindle, but now I am catching up!

C P wrote: "I did really enjoy it! I haven't read the Insignia trilogy yet, but now I really want to do so. "

I'm really enjoying this book so far! It's really well-written and extremely exciting. I haven't read the Insignia series yet either, but I'll put them on my list. :D

[T.J.]

Carrie wrote: "Chapter 3 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[

Carrie wrote: "I love how this one has already dove right into the world and character building and already started on the action so early. Just from the opening we know Nemesis is deadly and now getting a good look at the world in which the story takes place.

I agree. I like how we get to know about Nemesis -- who she is and what's she about -- even before we learn about the the world, empire, etc. I already felt an attachment to her before I learned what's going on in the world around her.

Carrie wrote: "My first thoughts on Nemesis were I'm surprised people would even buy a Diabolic, they get bonded to only one person so wouldn't that make even the rest of the family in danger and sure enough we jump right into where Diabolics are being banned."

Too true. Donia's mother recognized that a bit late when Nemesis came close to killing her (and offered to kill her husband).
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Through chapter 4."
Carrie wrote: "Chapter 4 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
C P wrote: "Through chapter 4. I'm not entirely sure what I think at this point. Nemesis is an interesting character, and I like the concept, but certain things don't seem as fleshed out as I would like them."

I find Nemesis to be interesting too. So far I'm satisfied with getting bits and pieces of info as we go along...

Carrie wrote: "I may be way off base but I'm wondering if Sodonia hasn't been summoned because of what her father did but because of Nemesis using her avatar. In which case it's probably her lack of etiquette that interested the Emperor's nephew so this whole training will be useless anyway.

Oooooh. I didn't think about that, but it could very well be! The emperor's nephew (who I hope is a rebel) was clearly fascinated by her honesty, powers of observation, and insight. Maybe he pulled some strings to get her to court. But I think he wouldn't be surprised that she has learned etiquette -- that, after all, was his advice: not to be so obvious, keep people looking one way, while you are pulling strings discretely somewhere else.

This advice is what I suspect Tyrus is doing: making everyone think he is crazy, keep them all distracted while he pulls the empire down... (at least that is my plan ;) ).
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 7 (17%)
Oooooooh, this just got interesting! (I mean even more interesting)!

I am really enjoying this story so far. I find the concept original and the writing keeps it moving along at an exciting pace.
(view spoiler)[
I absolutely love that Donia pushed through her will (and showed that she is clearly no pushover). Now Nemesis will have to fight for self-preservation if she wants to keep Donia safe, and... I hope... (together with Tyrus) she will bring the empire down in the process!

I still have great hope that Nemesis, contrary to her own self belief, but in agreement with Donia's belief, will indeed discover her humanity and her ability to feel (and love) independently from her breeding and programming.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 10 (22%)
(view spoiler)[
I'm convinced more than ever that Tyrus is just faking crazy so that he can get away with stuff without anyone suspecting. I'm fairly certain that he killed that servitor to spare her any more suffering (and not just let her bleed to death).
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Chapter 10 [spoilers removed]"
Carrie wrote: "Chapter 10 [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
Carrie wrote: "I was picturing Nemesis going in Sodonia's place and falling for Tyrus even though she's a Diabolic. Not too sure now anyone could fall for Tyrus if he can just kill someone so easily but then again I question if he wasn't flippant about the servitor irritating him but killed her out of mercy since she was already dying.

Ha! Great minds think alike, Carrie! That's exactly what I was suspecting in my previous comment. I'm also hoping for Tyrus and Nemesis to get together. I hope/expect that Nemesis will develop/discover feelings apart from her breeding/programming. I really think they are there and have always been there, but she just doesn't know it.

C P wrote: "I feel like there is a lot more to Tyrus than meets the eye. I don't think he isn't as crazy as everyone thinks.

Ditto that, C P!
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

I'm glad you're enjoying this, TJ!

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "I'm glad you're enjoying this, TJ!"

Thanks, C P! Sorry I'm so behind in my reading schedule. I hope we can discuss it when I get further along... :D

[C.P.]

Definitely! I'll try and keep an eye on this thread. :)

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Definitely! I'll try and keep an eye on this thread. :)"
Great! Because this book is excellent! :D

[T.J.]

Chapter 13 (30%)
(view spoiler)[
My suspicions about Tyrus from the moment he first met Nemesis are being more and more confirmed.

He claimed to have had sex with that Exalted to save its/his/her life.

And like the masked warning he gave to Nemesis (who he thought was Donia) the first time they met, he is also giving Neveni advice not to speak so openly about her partisan tendencies. I'm pretty sure Tyrus is also a partisan, or at least a dissenter.

Neveni is great -- warning Nemesis and then coming to save her from the Domitrians and then covering up Nemesis's story. Very brave.

I wonder if Enmity will have any sisterly feelings for Nemesis. Here's hoping.

Now Gladdic. I have mixed feelings about him. He wanted to warn Donia about the Domitrians the first night, but he let Elantra cut him off. What a wimp. As a potential husband for Donia, I am not impressed. On the other hand, he is nice and honest, even in his wimpiness.

(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Through chapter 14. [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
C P wrote: "Through chapter 14. [I feel like Tyrus is not nearly as crazy as everyone thinks. Sure, he's crazy, but there has to be more going on there.

Yep. I don't think he's crazy at all (and I didn't from his first appearance). It's a guise.
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

TJ wrote: "Chapter 13 (30%)"

(view spoiler)[Tyrus is such an interesting character. I loved learning more about him. I also really like Neveni. She is brave.

Not a fam of Gladdic. He always really frustrated and annoyed me. He's a complete wimp. (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

This is really, really exciting!

C P wrote: "Through chapter 23. [spoilers removed]" (48%)
(view spoiler)[
C P wrote: "I knew Tyrus wasn't mad! Very smart of him. But I can't believe Donia is dead. I hope that Nemesis can come to terms with her own humanity. And kill the emporer"

I'm still hoping somehow that Donia is not dead... I know, I know... I'm forever the bleeding-heart optimist, but maybe her mother sent her somewhere on a hunch... (Her mother was pretty smart).

For the development of the story, however, it might be more interesting if Donia had died. Nemesis would actually have to choose her own destiny, learn to feel her own feelings -- which is what I have been hoping for since the very beginning (although I wanted it to happen without Donia dying :( ).

Ya, we both were on to Tyrus's game quite early. It didn't come as any surprise when he saved Nemesis. I knew it was him right away (I actually expected him to arrive on the scene at the last minute) and I knew he would take out Enmity, even before his name was mentioned.

The killing off of all those families came totally unexpected. I knew the emperor was gathering the heirs for a reason, but I thought he was going to take them out, or hold them hostage, or something... This twist of events came as a surprise (and a shock)!

p.s. I like surprises and shockers...
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Yes! Well, I'm sure there are more surprises coming your way. :D

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "Yes! Well, I'm sure there are more surprises coming your way. :D"

Ooooh, yay! So good to know!

[T.J.]

Chapter 44 (85%)
(view spoiler)[
I think Tyrus and Donia's private discussion was about protecting Nemesis. I think they both plan on Nemesis keeping up the role as Donia. I wonder what they decided Donia should do. Perhaps play a subservient role? I doubt Nemesis will go for that.
(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 47 (92%)
(view spoiler)[
No no no no no no noooooooo! Don't believe Cygna! She's behind Donia's death, I know it! Trust Tyrus! Don't do anything you'll regret!

(hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Chapter 48 (94%)
(view spoiler)[
Okay, so Tyrus didn't completely trust you -- he left the electrodes in. Not cool. But then again, you don't trust him either -- you think he killed Donia! After all you've been through, doesn' t Tyrus deserve the benefit of the doubt?
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

TJ wrote: "Chapter 48 (94%)"

I know! (view spoiler)[I get both of them on this though. He did lie to her about the electrodes, but with good reason. He didn't know her at the beginning. But then he's such a good actor, how could you not question him at least a little? (hide spoiler)]

[T.J.]

Finished -- exciting climax!

[T.J.]

C P wrote: "TJ wrote: "Chapter 48 (94%)"

I know! [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[
C P wrote: "I know! I get both of them on this though. He did lie to her about the electrodes, but with good reason. He didn't know her at the beginning. But then he's such a good actor, how could you not question him at least a little?"

I get them both too. And I get why Nemesis would be suspicious of Tyrus. I just expected her to confront him before jumping to conclusions, considering Cygna's motives are even more questionable...

I just kept reminding myself that Nemesis is new to this feelings and emotions game -- she doesn't have much experience in putting things into perspective.
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Very true. Glad you enjoyed it!

[Abi]

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Reading from the 18th of September 2017

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