The Diabolic

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a human teenager that has been bred and enhanced to act as a companion and bodyguard for a wealthy owner.  In this instance her owner is Sidonia, the daughter of a powerful and radical member of the ruling elite.  The world they inhabit is an Empire of numerous planets, ruled over by a despotic imperial family; a cruel Emperor and his even more evil mother.  When the Emperor feels threatened he orders all of his elite/aristocracy to send their heirs to the capital, in reality as hostages.  In order to save her mistress, Nemesis is moulded into a replacement for Sidonia and sent into the Imperial court with all of its intrigues and dangers.   As she tries to negotiate the deadly web surrounding her she catches the attention of the heir to the throne; a seemingly mad young man called Tyrus, but is he what he appears to be and what does he want from Nemesis?

It is extremely rare for me to give a book 5 stars and I approached this book with some trepidation and the hope that this would not be just another dystopian novel.  Well, I had nothing to worry about.  This is a true science fiction novel which pays homage to Roman history and particularly I, Claudius with the background elements of the book.  Right from the start it grabs you and keeps you hooked to the last dramatic moments of the story.  Nemesis is a totally flawed heroine.  She has been raised as a killing machine and has to learn empathy and how to relate to others as well as acting like a human being.  The author has succeeded brilliantly in creating someone that we dislike but then gradually begin to understand and relate to, even her name, Nemesis, reflects her purpose; she is an instrument of retribution and lives but to serve her beloved mistress Sidonia.  This feels like one of those books that will be a highlight of the year and I look forward to having lots of discussions in the future.