5 Stars.
Pros: Nemesis' growth as a character and in turn, as a person, a human, with feelings and emotions, is heart warming and exciting. Her realization that she can indeed, feel things, the good and the bad, is paced well and really makes the reader root for her/Tyrus is truly a charmer and though you're never quit sure you can trust him entirely, you want to because he's just that right amount of crazy that you want him to be a good guy and be on the "right" side of all this conflict.
Cons: The "Donia Problem" that presents itself halfway through the novel is dealt with, harshly but at the same time, it makes sense and it the catalyst the story needs to keep going. It wasn't a con per se, but I knew that Donia would magically appear again after the Convocation, thus adding to Nemesis difficulties in becoming her own person and trying to sort through her feelings for Tyrus/The ending, though fun and exciting, was all a bit contrite but hey, it made sense so not a con, but again, all a little convenient.
Full Review:
Nemesis is a Diabolic. A genetically engineered creation that will imprint on only one person and once they've imprinted, their only wish and want in life is to protect that person. Grande Von Imperyan and his wife purchase Nemesis to imprint on their daughter Sodonia.
The Galactic Empire consists of rich families, like the Von Impereyans and others while all the rest are "Excess" who must rely on aging machines to live their lives. Education in math and science are strictly forbidden, as the Helionic religion believes that is heresy. But Donia's father, and Donia as well, are fascinated by the idea of science. His acts are seen as treacherous and when the Emperor calls for Sodonia to be sent to the Chrysanthemum, her mother sends Nemesis in her stead.
While at Court, Nemesis has to do what she thinks Donia would do, while deep inside, her instincts as a Diabolic are constantly at war. There are times where she's rash and impulsive and then has to think of a way out of what she just did or said, and she actually manages to do it well. It's not until the Emperor calls a Convocation and she realizes that all the high families that are seen as "loyal" to the Emperor are there in person, while others, who are seen as somewhat treacherous, are not, that the Emperor shows his hand.
It's a damned cruel hand that he deals and Nemesis actions are justified. But she's stopped in her attempt by none other than the Succesor Primus, Tyrus Dimitrian, heir to the Imperial Throne. He's known in Court as a madman but it's all a clever charade. He figures out Nemesis' real identity and offers her a deal. She's at first, unwilling, but then, she eventually accepts, and they begin working together to try and take down the Emperor and shape it in the way they see fit.
It was all a bit contrite but even so, I enjoyed it thoroughly. A quick read, full of some truly surprising twists. What the Emperor pulled at the Convocation truly left me shocked. And what followed, it all made sense. Also Nemesis growth as a character, even as a human, to realize that she has feelings of her own, is natural and one that the reader is hoping for. It of course, all ends on the perfect note for a sequel, so I have that at the ready and am eager to see where the series goes. I hope it continues to be entertaining and surprising because far too often, the first book in a series is astounding and then the rest, can sometimes fall flat. But suffice it to say, I'm excited to see where this one goes.
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