The Diabolic is the first book in a YA Sci Fi series and follows the story of Nemesis, a genetically engineered person bred to live and die protecting the person their bonded to. For Nemesis it’s Sidonia, the daughter of a galactic senator who has fallen out of favor with the Emperor. When Sidonia is called to the Emperor’s side, her family senses danger and sends Nemesis in her place. There, Nemesis must pretend to be a normal human girl among the political intrigue of a court on the verge of rebellion.

I quickly fell in love with Nemesis and her journey; both her trying to act human, and trying to figure out what that even means. Watching her navigate the moves and counter moves of the galactic leadership was fascinating. The excessive divide between the royal family and their subordinates was awful, and I really felt Nemesis’s anger in wanting to take them down. I also felt heartbroken at one scene in particular that involves an animal. Overall, The Diabolic is a fantastic first book in what is sure to be an epic science fiction tale.