The Book of Azrael
Gods & Monsters
Urban Fantasy; Dark Fantasy; Romantic Fantasy
Rose & Star Publishing
July 19, 2022
Paperback, Audiobook, and E-Reader
562
World Ender meets Ender of Worlds...
A thousand years ago, Dianna gave up her life in the deserts of Eoria to save her dying sister. She called upon anyone who would listen, not expecting a monster far worse than any nightmare to answer. Now she does what Kaden asks, even if that means securing an ancient relic from the very creatures that hunt her.
A King thought long dead and long forgotten.
In the old world his name was Samkiel. In the new world it is Liam, but one title remains true throughout time. He is the World Ender, a myth to his enemies, a savior and King to those loyal to him. After the Gods War, he locked himself away, hiding from the world. He denied his crown and responsibilities, leaving the very ones who needed him most to deal with the fallout of the death of their homeworld. Now an attack on those he holds dear sends him back to the one realm he never wished to visit again and into the sights of an enemy he thought imprisoned eons ago.
Now enemies older than time must put aside their differences and work together in hopes of saving both their world and every realm in between.
The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole was my favorite book I read in 2024!
It features a perfectly flawed female villain, a genuine hate-to-love romance, witty banter, and has touch her and die vibes.
The Book of Azrael pulls the reader in from the first pages. As you begin to learn our FMC, Diana, you realize that she is morally pitch black but has good reason to be and doesn’t apologize for what she has to do. Am I the only one who loves an unapologetic, stabby FMC? I love Diana’s character development so much. She doesn’t stray from her goals but tries to grow within the constraints of them. She is perfectly imperfect, and I think we need more flawed female leads like Diana.
“A monster is still a monster, no mater what pretty shell it wears.”
The MC, Liam, surprisingly, is dealing with depression/anxiety and is emotionally complex. I appreciated the twist on mental health rep, which so often falls on the female lead. And while the MC and FMC genuinely despise each other at the start, their witty banter steals the show. Along with the unexpected flip of the MC is the hero, and the FMC is the villain these characters are simply *chefs kiss*
Diana: “It’s honestly surprising how I can even sit in this convoy without being suffocated by your massive ego.”
Liam: “It is not ego. It is merely a fact.”
It will come as no surprise that as the story progresses and they overcome challenges together, they begin to see each other differently. It is a slow burn that gets spicy, with the promise of more in future books. I will say, Liam has a dirty mouth… take that how you want to.
“I didn’t remember how long we talked, but somewhere amidst her laughter and smiles, I decided I would rip the world apart for her.”
The book ends on a CLIFFHANGER. There were tears and anxiety, and I couldn’t sleep after. I was gutted, and I’m pretty sure Amber V. Nicole laughed about it. Unlike me, you won’t have to wait to read book two, and I highly suggest you get them all now. Book 4 is coming Fall 2025!!!
You won't want to put this one down
Overall
5
I am a Libra, who advocates for rescue animals, loves to buy people gifts, travels as often as possible, and has an OBSESSION with special edition books. It all started with HP, Holly Black, and Cassandra Clare and has ended with a personality made up entirely of Romantasy and Dark Romance stories. I am married with 2 dogs and a grumpy cat. I love shiny things, glitter, gems, and foiled covers with metallic edges. I’m a proud feminist but also like my husband to put gas in the car. Lastly, and most importantly, I’m always down to get Greek food, attend a book con, go on a trip, or make new book besties.
