Reviews

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

Only show reviews with written explanations

lionessramping's review against another edition

1.0

A "basic" YA futuristic dystopian novel. Pumpkin spice romance with North Face misunderstandings and betrayals. An Ugg boot main character we have to constantly be told about because either nothing or the opposite is actually shown. Brunch friends that can't stand the least stress and are always secondary and/or broken by the romantic relationship. Leggings-as-pants subjugated girl rises to princess/"powerful" political position. Basic. Basic blandness with basic bland writing and no sense of freshness or originality.

saakah's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

There's something about strong female characters masquerading as someone else in a royal court setting that gets me every time. This story had the added bonus of a truly unique premise, being set in space, and a social outcast (with kickass skills and sense) as the protagonist. I always enjoy a love interest but I really appreciated the fact that the romance wasn't obvious from the beginning or forced and built slowly. Kincaid refrained from big info dumps and while I didn't understand a lot about the world in the beginning, the gradual information we did get was well-timed and very helpful, but blended seamlessly into the story. And despite it's thin appearance this was a relatively long and action-packed book which I couldn't put down! Definitely recommend.

royahellbender's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I really enjoyed the world building in this book. There are some very unique aspects of it. The author also does a great job writing such a complex not-quite-human character. However, I felt that the other characters weren't developed enough, and they didn't feel like real people to me. A lot of parts of the plot also felt too convenient.

crowinator's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

emameow's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Wow ok this book was amazing. SO MANY twists and turns, almost too many for a standalone w only 400 pages, but I can see past that. The only reason why I'm giving 4 stars and not 5 is because I hated the part where Nemesis rejected Tyrus's love, even though she loved him. It was just so annoying, I realize she didn't want to lose another loved one (like she thought she had lost Sidonia) but....*sighs* Also Sidonia was really annoying, I was mad she came back. However, I did like the fact that she loved Nemesis in /that/ way. Love being represented in scifi novels (also live4thegay)