The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Welcome, Readings customers, to my science fiction book of the year. The exquisitely crafted world of The Diabolic literally revolves around the Chrysanthemum, a completely artificial climate and gravity controlled floating city inhabited by a largely malevolent ruling super-elite. Idle and spiteful, they control the surrounding galaxy through punitive laws, rigid social hierarchy, veiled threats and a compulsory religion that abhors science and the pursuit of knowledge. It’s a dangerous place to be, and many of the galaxy’s more powerful inhabitants order ‘Diabolics’: genetically engineered humanoid killing machines designed to bond with one person and protect their life at any cost.
Enter Nemesis, our heroine and narrator. A Diabolic created to protect Sidonia, the sweet-natured daughter of a powerful senator, Nemesis grows up alongside her charge, certain of her purpose and her feelings. What she does not yet know is that the senator has put his daughter’s life in danger by reading and disseminating scientific knowledge through underground galactic networks.
When his act of treachery is discovered, Sidonia is summoned to the Chrysanthemum. Her calculating mother, refusing to send her daughter to almost certain cruelty and death, disguises Nemesis and sends her in Sidonia’s place. Unleashed into the larger world and freed from the servile role she was made to play, Nemesis’s feelings and behaviour slowly shift from Diabolic to human and her purpose from protecting one person to facing threats on behalf of the whole galaxy.
The Diabolic is simply a cracking read. Kincaid is a master world-builder and her imagination and attention to detail draw you in deep. I recommend it to anyone who likes speculative fiction, but the lead character being a murderous mutant does inject a strong dose of violence into proceedings so it is perhaps best for readers aged 14 and up.