The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid aka The Roman Empire in Space

Book Synopsis

Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator's daughter, Sidonia. There's no one Nemesis wouldn't kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia.
She must become her.
Now one of the galaxy's most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corruption and Nemesis has to hide her true abilities or risk everything. As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns that there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she's been told she doesn't have - humanity. And, amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire... The Diabolic - Goodreads

My Opinion

4/5 stars.

Cause of Science, I took one star. I will explain later in my review. Let's start with the positive, shall we? ^_^
This book was something. It got me intrigued from the very first chapter. It combined the very things I love most to read about space and Roman Empire. Two ingredients that should not work together like salt caramel ice cream or chocolate and salted pretzels but they do and they were so delicious to devour. 
The story is unpredictable. You think the plot is moving in one direction then the next thing you know... Surprise! You just got spun 180 degrees with the narrative moving in the opposite direction than you initially thought. 
There is an amazing cast of characters which keeps the action moving forward besides the politics rich driven plot. It was interesting to read how the Emperor tried to keep his place on the throne like a dictator by killing and suppressing progress. He was like a futuristic version of Nero. But let's not forget about the Queen mother. She was... worse than the Emperor himself. If you ever watched Game of Thrones, then you should be very familiar with Cersei's character and how vile she can be. Well, the Queen mother is Cersei's mirror image.  
Aside from the whole political drama, there is also the Diabolic mythology. Designed bodyguards ripped off of all their humanity and trained killing machines destined to protect only one person at all costs. They are feared by everyone and paradoxically enslaved by the very same people.
Watching Nemesis rediscovering herself was beautiful and frustrating. Beautiful because she tried to understand her feelings and humanity, a side of her she never got a chance to explore. And frustrating because there is me, the reader, attempting to understand Nemesis' inhuman ways and pointing the obvious while she needed time to see past those ways.
Like I said in the beginning, I took off a star mostly due to the science and, next, due to the very rushed ending. First, the science. The story tells us that Diabolics do not have lacrimal glands because they were designed not to cry. My question is: Then, how do Diabolics keep their eyes moist, clean, and infection free? So far, science says that the primary role of tears is not crying. They are just a tool used by the brain when showing distress to gain more sympathy from others. (Do not quote me on this but it's something like that :D). The author could have stick to the brain manipulation thing. It would had been more plausible in my opinion. I know. I know. By the end of the day, this is still a work of fiction but I still want my simple science to be accurate. ^^' The perks of being a science lover.
Second, the ending was a bit rushed and somewhat anticlimactic. I believe this was due to the uncertainty if it is going to be a standalone or a series. Which  it is understandable because the author wanted to give us a resolution just in case we are not going to get another book. And for that, I am also grateful.
All in all, I recommend this book if you are fond of space, ancient times, and politics. This was my cup of tea. Oh! The romance is good too. It fits perfectly into the narrative.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^   

PS - This is a wrap!

I hope you enjoyed this long promised review. Let me know what are your thoughts, feelings, and opinions in the comment section down below. All the images from My Opinion can be also found either on my Instagram or Deviant Art accounts.

Until next time, feel free to check out my latest posts I am back, readers! -->HERE<-- and Tarnished Crown Mini Book Review -->HERE<--.

Gemina Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff, Marie Lu (Illustrator) - Spoiler Free Book Review

Illuminae #2

Book synopsis - May contain Spoilers

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed. The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault. Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion. When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands. But relax. They've totally got this. They hope. Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless. Gemina

My opinion

4.85/5

If the first book was crazy, then, this one was super crazy. Dr. Who style. This book had the craziest mix of all.
Ninja - checked
Mafia - checked
Drug dealer with a conscious - checked
Spies - checked
Terrorists - checked
Hackers - checked
Space - checked
Predators - checked
Sh*t is about to go down - checked
It was intense. The twist it had. Man, Was I shocked? Yes. Was it good? Oh, yeah! Go read it! Just DO IT!
In Gemina, we get to know our characters better than in Illuminae. Also, there is more descriptive writing than pictures/conversations/lists (physical book). The audiobook is still amazing with a huge cast. Although, compared to Illuminae, not all the sound effects from the physical book were present in the audiobook. It is not a big deal, so I would not worry about it.
I will recommend reading the book while listening to the audiobook because it is an amazing experience.
I got to see characters from Illuminae. Yay! Especially a certain... being. Wink-Wink. I know I am weird like that, but I cannot help it. When a character is complex, I root for it.
I cannot wait for the third and final instalment of this trilogy. The end was explosive!
No spoilers!
Go read it!

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

Feel free to check out my Illuminae review!

Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Romance
Language:  none because censured, mild innuendoes
Sexual content: mild
Violence: heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: moderate (especially drugs)

*More mature themes than in an usual YA

Black Moon by Romina Russell - Where all your questions get answered

Zodiac #3

At least, most of them...

Book synopsis

May contain spoilers

Book 3 in the breathtaking sci-fi space saga inspired by astrology that will stun fans of the Illuminae Files and Starbound series.
One final secret stands between Rho and the enemy. But will the devastating truth be enough to destroy her first? Rho, the courageous visionary from House Cancer, lost nearly everything when she exposed and fought against the Marad, a mysterious terrorist group bent on destroying balance in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now, the Marad has disappeared without a trace, and an uneasy peace has been declared. But Rho is suspicious. She believes the Master is still out there in some other form. And looming over all are the eerie visions of her mother, who died many years ago, but is now appearing to Rho in the stars. When news of a stylish new political party supported by her best friend, Nishi, sends Rho on another journey across the galaxy, she uses it as an opportunity to hunt the hidden master and seek out information about her mother. And what she uncovers sheds light on the truth–but casts darkness upon the entire Zodiac world. Black Moon (Zodiac #3)

 

My opinion

4.5/5 stars.

Awesome world building! The images pictured by the author are amazing! This book has it all. Character development. Big reveals. Or should I say HUGE! :)) Ok. Ok. I am gonna stop the jokes. We finally get some answers regarding the Zodiac's origin. Now we finally know what happened with the thirteenth house. The big bad villain if finally revealed. And I am glad that some of my brain-storming theories were right.

Unfortunately, we have some deaths and betrayals. Good part is that we also have some alive and coming back to life characters too. Hint-Hint! There are twists and turns in this book... Man! I literary throw my iPad aside screaming "What!?!"
That ending thou! Clap-Clap!
How could you, Romina? How could you?!! Now I have to wait... let me see... until August. Well, it is better than December.
I love that the author brings into question a lot of the ethical problems we go through in real life. And the characters' response to them reflect the ones you, me, your friend, or a person X will give. It makes you think. You learn to see from a different perspective. The author does not present only the good option. She also offers the bad one. And... It feel more realistic that way. Opinions were not forced on me. That, dear reader, is what I love in a book.

SPOILERS Section 

- I want to say that the ending is impossible to be true because we still have narration post facto. Sooo... You who read this book get what I mean. I am glad to see our character struggling to accept their heritage, who they really are, and what they want. I am talking about Rho, Mathias,  Hysan, Rho's brother, Nishi. I wished there was more of Hysan in this book.

The master is revealed! And, why he/she has to be from my people? :))

The Zodiac gets more united!

We have a great prophecy about the Zodiac!

We get to see Aquarius, Scorpion, and Pisces! Even though I loved reading about it, the book spends too much time on Aquarius than I expected. I thought there is going to be more action on Pisces considering the pandemic issue. -

End of SPOILERS

One last note, this is a slow-ish paced book. Make sure you are in a mood for it.

This is my sole opinion. ^_^

Also, feel free to check out my other two reviews on book one and two, Zodiac and Wandering Star.

Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild to moderate (kissing and the notion that two characters have sex)
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: mild 

 

 

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

The Illuminae Files #1

Book synopsis

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again. Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes. Illuminae

 

My opinion

 

5/5 stars. A MUST READ!

Illuminae is not your regular type of book. It is basically a case file full of documents and recordings from the spaceships. Yes, the whole story is told through files and reports. I know it sounds crazy. I know some people might be skeptical about this. Trust me. It works. Some people might complain that there is no character development and character depth due to the lack of description. Personally, I was not bothered. I saw the character development even without description and long narrations. The way I read this book was by listening the audiobook while following along with the physical book in front of me. By doing this, I had the sensation I was watching a Si-Fi movie unfolding in my head. The visuals in the book were awesome. It had blueprints of the spaceships, drawings, lists, imagines… It was amazing. Oh! Let’s not forget about the audiobook. IT HAD AN ENTIRE CAST!!! Different voices for different characters. Sound effects. All you want! It was…I do not have words to describe it. That awesome it was. So, I highly recommend listening the audiobook while reading the actual physical book. Each, character becomes unique and it is much easier to remember who is who and what he/she/it does. The story is action packed. When you think you solved one problem a million, more problems appear out of the blue. At some point, the book gets some freaky horror vibes. You know, Walking Dead (TV show) horror type of vibes. It is just sooo rich in the feels. Oh-Oh! Let’s not forget about the Terminator (movie) vibes too!

Small spoiler section

Is it wrong to say that my favorite character was AIDAN, the artificial intelligence software gone rogue? For a computer program, AIDAN was the most complex character in this whole story. I am so glad AIDAN appears in the next book too.

End spoiler

This is a survival story in space. How cool and tariffing is that! You do not need more information! Just go read it!

This is my sole opinion!

 

Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Romance
Language:  none because censured, mild innuendoes
Sexual content: mild
Violence: heavy
Drugs/Alcohol: mild

 

Alienated by Melissa Landers

Book synopsis

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.  Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket. Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking. But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet. Alienated

 

My opinion

3/5 starts according to Goodreads rating.

The book had an amazing story overall. It reminded me of that CW tv show, Star Crossed (I think). I loved the whole concept. The main female character was strong with an open mind, while the main male character was a pain in the bottom most of the time. He redeemed towards the end. 
This book did a good job showing how humans use violence when they fear and how powerful peer pressure can be. And lets not forget about stereotypes and misconceptions, they also play an important role. Lack of data and information lead to very bad things. On the other hand, it also approach how the people who want the greater good and with an open mind can be fooled sometimes.
The book lacked in description. The book was full of clichés, including the characters. The story took over the relationship and character development. There was not enough information to make me root for the characters and to understand their motives. For me the love felt forced, especially during the ending events. There is also no origin story. There is no depth to the characters and the plot. It felt too quick for me.

This book had a lot a potential and it did not live up to it. Plus, I had high expectations too since I love space/aliens stories. Thus, I fell slightly disappointed. It was more of an high-school-save-the-world-soap-opera than I expected.
Despite all the no-no's in the story, I still want to see how this trilogy ends. Although, this depends on how I feel about this story line in the future.

If you like space/aliens/high school stories, you should give it a try.
Also, the story is told from dual point of view.

 

Original review: Alienated - Goodreads Review

 

Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Language: mild
Sexual content: moderate (at one point in the book quite steamy, nothing explicit thou)
Violence: moderate to heavy (nothing too graphic)
Drugs/Alcohol: none to mild (I do not remember exactly)

 

 

 

Wandering Star (Zodiac #2) by Romina Russell

Book Synopsis

Spoiler Alert! This is the second book in the series. You have been warned! Read on your own risk.

  A breathtaking sci-fi space saga inspired by astrology that will stun fans of the Illuminae Files and Starbound series.

Orphaned, disgraced, and stripped of her title, Rho is ready to live life quietly, as an aid worker in the Cancrian refugee camp on House Capricorn.

But news has spread that the Marad--an unbalanced terrorist group determined to overturn harmony in the Galaxy--could strike any House at any moment.

Then, unwelcome nightmare that he is, Ochus appears to Rho, bearing a cryptic message that leaves her with no choice but to fight.

Now Rho must embark on a high-stakes journey through an all-new set of Houses, where she discovers that there's much more to her Galaxy--and to herself--than she could have ever imagined.

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24930075-wandering-star
 

My Opinion

Once again, this review contains spoilers.

 4.5/5 Stars according to Goodreads ratings.

The book overall was amazing. It was better than the first one due to the faster pace (understandable the first one had a lot of world building). I connected with Rho even more in this book. She felt real due to her flaws (I was a little annoyed with her in the beginning when she did not take in consideration Ophiuchus’ advertisement earlier). For me, she was more like a teenager who learns from her journey. She is clever in this book. Some people might consider her a hypocrite because she cannot open to Hysan and on the other hand she wants free choice and unity. To be sincere, I understand her. She is suffering a lot of changes in her life. She needs time to rediscover herself in this “new” life (I was [sort of] in her place once, nothing drastic like a war or becoming a galactic guardian, chuckle, chuckle.)

I like that the boys are not perfect “gods”. Yes, they are real breakable handsome guys. (Thank you, Romina Russell for not killing that character from the first book, wink-wink.) Hysan is not ready to admit that he is the real Libra Guardian even though he is the best judge in the Zodiac (Again Rho, really, really? Take in consideration all the possibilities and opinions next time, especially when it comes from Hysan, wink.) MAJOR SPOILER ALERT: Mathias is alive people. He is alive! He is alive and tortured and mentally broken but down to earth in the same time. In the first book I preferred Mathias over Hysan (Hysan seemed suspicious and intriguing, chuckle, chuckle.) while in the second book I felt the other way around, Hysan over Mathias. For some reason, I like them both. I will feel like Rho, if I have to choose between them – confused.

The action was like in a major Doctor Who episode with lots of twists. The enemy becomes ally and the ally becomes enemy. We see more breathtaking worlds in this book and meet new characters. We also learn more about the master. And because I am an Aquarian and I use my logic and I suspect everybody of mischief (chuckle, chuckle), I have my own crazy theories.

I do not think that the Guardian of Scorpio (I forgot his name) is the master or if he has a major Marad connection. He is too obvious. He is rather one of those old guys who likes power and the way the system is. Or I can be totally wrong. I feel like the master is hidden in plain sight or it might be a character we keep hearing about (like Rho’s mom who probably [spoilers] became an Aquarian/Riser). Or Rho’s mom might just play a key role in all this, not as the master of course. Another master possibility might be that first Sagittarius Guardian, or he might have a key role in the 13th House chaos. Anyway, I cannot wait to see how the story ends and to learn what really happened with the 13th House.

Also the map of the Helios system helped with the spatial arrangement of the houses.

This is my own opinion and you can either love it or not love it. And, I recommend this book to the space lovers.

PS: I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. <3

Original review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1312594406

Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild to moderate (kissing and the notion that two characters have sex)
Violence: moderate (attacks on large groups of people, mention of torture)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild to none

Zodiac by Romina Russell

The book synopsis

Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.
When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.
Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.
But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821306-zodiac

 

My Opinion

3.5/5 stars according to Goodreads ratings.

I liked the book and the idea behind it. The action happens in space. Each zodiac sign has its own planet/planets, culture, and technology. In other words, the zodiac houses are unique including the people who live in them. For me, this was the most interesting aspect of the book because people so different had to work and cooperate with each other.
The author does a good job describing the world. At times, I was a little bit confuse about the planets and the houses and their organization in space. That might be just me. Everything gets clear because in the following book in the series there is a map. So, no major worries there. Since this a world-building-first-book in a series, it had a slow pace sometimes.
The main character, Rho, rushed making decisions, especially with THE BOY/S and with the bigger threat. I admire that she understood her role as the protector of Cancer but she was just focused on one thing. She did not stopped and analyzed thoroughly. That is why I cannot wait to read the next book and to see her development.
The two love interest are also complex characters. The romance is not overwhelming and the love triangle is not - for the lack of a better term - annoying.
The book also combines science with spirituality (the inner energy of the mind) which was another unique aspect.
I recommend this for those who love space and science fiction.
This book deserves more credit than it gets.

Original review on: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1309804930

Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Language: mild
Sexual content: mild to none (kissing mostly)
Violence: moderate (attacks on large groups of people but not graphic)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild to moderate (some drug use)