The Nemesis

Gr 9 Up–In this book, Nemesis lives. That’s what the Excess cries when they are mistreated by the Empire. Nemesis, the Diabolic and former Empress, is still alive, but she doesn’t want to be a rallying point for the mistreated and downtrodden in the Empire. She simply wants to hide from her husband, the mad Emperor Tyrus, and heal fellow Diabolic Anguish. However, when Tyrus declares himself a god—the Divine Emperor—she has no choice but to stop him. She failed to kill him once; she won’t fail this time. Joining forces with the Partisans, the same ones who tried to kill Nemesis in the past, she creates a plan to finally overthrow the Empire, if her love for her husband doesn’t get in the way. The riveting conclusion to “The Diabolic” trilogy is action-packed and full of twists and turns. Kincaid continues to build a world blending the political intrigue of ancient Roman history with futuristic space, science, and technology. The characters are well developed, and even the most villainous are engaging and sympathetic. Some readers may feel the last third of the narrative drags as the plot shifts from relentless action to political power games, but the conclusion is satisfying and worthwhile. Readers should read The Diabolic and The Empress to fully enjoy the trilogy.