5⭐️ — A new god-tier series unlocked.I haven’t connected with an FMC like Dianna in so long. She’s sassy, brave, morally grey…and underneath it all, driven by this deep urge to save and protect.And Samkiel?? Sexy metroman with emotional depth?? Obsessed. Every moment with him and Dianna had me annotating my kindle like an insane person. His backstory and the portrayal of PTSD and depression were so well written, it’s absolutely so raw and real.This book also nailed the enemies-to-lovers arc. The slow-burn tension had me melting. The mouth on Samkiel?? And the MAGIC SHADOW (ish) HANDS??!?!? Houston I am deceased. Plus, the urban fantasy setting was the perfect blend of magic and modern, it made me want to read more of the genre!!I highly recommend this book… just be warned: it comes with a side of emotional damage.Some overall vibes I noticed in the book:Tomb Raider meets soulmate angst➡️Jungle ruins, ancient relics, morally grey missions… and one emotionally damaged himboSuperhero x soft hearted chaos gremlin energy➡️He’s brooding and badass, she’s the mouthy menace that teaches him how to feel“Let me teach you how to live again” romance➡️She teaches him the rules of her world, he breaks every one of his to protect her
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️#angstSo here is the thing - I knew I was going to love this book. I went into it with that high expectation that this was going to ’tickle my fancy’. It also 1000% succeeded in that regard. I devoured this book. I enjoyed the world building, pacing, and magic system. It was both refreshing, while also maintaining some classic fantasy themes. Samuel and Dianna top-tier fantasy coupling.Dianna reignited my bisexuality. When I tell you there is absolutely nothing I love more than a bad b//tch FMC, who is stunning, powerful, mean, and above all, angry - I mean it. She is the self proclaimed villain with a heart of gold. She will sacrifice anything and anyone for those who’ve earned her love and loyalty. And she’ll leave a path of destruction and blood along the way.”Do you know where the vile, vicious, and vindictive women like you are now? They are d//d.” “Oh, baby, I doubt you’ve met anyone like me before.”The angst between our villainous FMC and golden boy god king MMC is 🤌🏻perfection🤌🏻. I wanted them together so badddddd, but at the same time they’re so mean to each other that I couldn’t stop eating it up too. And when they start simping for each other…LORRRRD.The ending I saw coming and it still didn’t soften the blow. I have a feeling I am going to love this series from beginning to end.slow-burndark-fantasy-romancemortal-enemies-to-loversforced-proximitymental-health-reptouch-her/him-and-☠️villain-FMC
I could not put this book down. The world she builds and the characters that you meet and fall in love with are so surreal. I cannot wait for the next in this series.
I already heard that this book was an absolute five star read, but did I expect it to actually live out It’s expectations? absolutely not. I mean talk about tension, talk about enemies to lovers, talk about true fantasy and pain and anguish. I’m of course going on to read book 2 immediately after this, but I’m still wrecked right now. I’m not sure I’m going to fully recover from this ending. I’m honestly scared because I know there’s three books in total and if this is my genuine reaction to the first one ending? I’m terrified to see how my reaction will be to the third book ending.
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️Plot⭐️⭐️This book was a Houdini trick and a half. It was such a slow start and god knows I almost DNRd it after four chapters of not knowing what was going on. After you get past the ungodly amount of off the wall banter between FMC and her background characters it actually turned out really good.The fmc Dianna is a turned creature who was raised by an elder vampire after turned. Her goal in life… to make sure her sister lives. After her parents death that’s the only person in her life. Till she ran across a myth legend god named Liam. Who also is her enemy. But after her vampire king turned against her Dianna finds herself on the opposite side of the war with an allegiance to Liam. During her travels with him trying to find the book of Azreal she learns more about herself and less of the monster she was turned into.
Read it. Pick it up, open it, and read it. Get past the first 15 chapters or so, because that’s world and character building (but super important!) and then the talons are secured and you’re hooked for the next book.
Alright, bookish friends, let’s talk about The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole. This one isn’t a casual weekend read. It’s an experience. You know those books that demand your full attention, the ones you have to sit with and really absorb? That’s exactly what this is. Normally, I can fly through a 500-page book in a day, but this one made me slow down, take my time, and honestly, I needed that. It’s dense, layered, and beautifully complex. By the end, I felt both exhausted and completely satisfied.At its core, this book is about sisterly love, mental health, and morality, with a side of slow burn enemies to lovers tension. If you’re here for a full-blown romance, you might be a little let down. It’s there, but it’s not the main event. The chemistry between the leads is fantastic, though, and the emotional build-up is worth it. There are a couple of spicy moments, but they’re quick and not the focus. This book is more about the journey, the stakes, and the weight of the world these characters carry.One of my favorite things is the way mental health is handled. Both male and female characters struggle in ways that feel real, and the book doesn’t just explore these struggles. It offers coping mechanisms and genuine insight. That level of care in storytelling is something I really appreciated. Also, the mix of old world gods and modern concepts is brilliant. Watching an ancient, all-powerful being try to understand something as simple as a pinky promise was both hilarious and unexpectedly heartwarming.Now for the tough parts. The world-building is huge, which is incredible, but it comes at you in massive chunks. There were moments when I had to stop, go back, and reread just to keep everything straight. I love a richly built world, but I wish the history had been woven in a bit more naturally instead of being dropped in all at once. And the character count? Whew. There are so many names to keep track of. Every few chapters, someone new was introduced, and while I get that this is part of creating such an expansive universe, it did make things harder to follow at times.Then there’s the fact that this is book one of seven. That’s a commitment. The ending left me intrigued, but I couldn’t just jump into the next book. I needed time to process. And with such a long series ahead, I do wonder if the story will stay engaging or if it will start to drag. Only time will tell.Final thoughts? The Book of Azrael is ambitious, immersive, and completely unique. It’s not a light read, but if you’re in the mood for something deep, layered, and outside the usual tropes, this is worth picking up. Just don’t expect a straightforward romance. This book is so much more than that.
I really enjoyed reading this story, in spite of having less sex than I'm used to lol. That's how gripping it was! And sexy nonetheless! Awesome plot and building of intimacy between the main characters
I've had The Book of Azrael on my TBR for quite some time and I can't believe I waited this long.This book is so good. The world building is excellent, the villains are truly vile and the 'heroes' are broken ANF battered and reluctant and just so well written.Dianna will do and has done anything to protect her sister, even becoming a mythic monster with a cruel master. Liam is a broken god from another world barely holding the universe together. They are both threatened by her vile master and and find they have a lot more in common than they thought. Kaden seeks destruction and chaos and they need to stop him though he seeks to destroy Liam and possess Dianna. The book holds the key but disaster could just tear their fragile world and growing feelings and relationship apart.SO GOOD!
Honestly I’m in between with this book…Don’t get me wrong this was a true slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, romantasy story in every sense. The story revolves around demons and Gods, different worlds, etc. and I mean how much more fantasy can you get than that lol. The romance was definitely slow burn, and truly enemies to lovers. It wasn’t like most of today’s enemies to lovers stories where the MCs are enemies and one chapter and humping the next lol, you actually saw every situation and feeling they experienced in the time they went from enemies to lovers. Definitely a slow burn in the sense that we didn’t get any legit romance between the two until the last few chapters.Now what I didn’t particularly enjoy was how certain parts of this story just felt unnecessarily stretched out at times.. like certain scenes just dragggeddd and made it a bit hard to get through. The plot has soooo much potential but I honestly had to put the book down a few times because at some points the pacing just made it feel so long. I think the fact that the first maybe 20-30% of the book focused on world building (which is fine) but it felt like it dragged forever.But overall, I enjoyed the book! I may tune in to the next one because the cliffhanger did kind of get my attention at the end.
This book took me quite some time!It was dense at the beginning but it did pick up at the end, now I am committed in the series lol.
I went in blind and mainly read this because this is one of the books everyone talks about, and it was a fun ride.Monsters Vampires and Found Family but set in present times.
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️ (very limited & slow burn)𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Can be confusing at first. Gets easier.✨𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤✨I love Amber’s writing style so much. I found her characters to be relatable and their romance paced perfectly. Each book in this series leaves off on a huge cliffhanger so be aware!
I enjoyed this book. The ending broke my heart in the most emotional way. I loved the push and pull to become better, more. Dianna is a great female lead, she isn’t broken on the outside but on the inside she’s this amazing protector. Samkiel oddly enough is the same.
Way to rip my heart out of my chest Amber Nicole!! Wow...where do I begin with this one...this book started out with a BANG. Within the first chapter I was reeled in with action and quick wit. I absolutely loved that instead of a Shadow Daddy we got a Shadow Mommy! Dianna is such a bad ass and so sarcastic and crass that I couldn't stop laughing at her comments throughout and wishing I was as funny and lovable as she is. I love that she was with the bad guys and shared her POV with them, shared her inner monologuing of holding on to her humanity despite being created as a "monster". Her self sacrificing drove me insane but only because I grew to love her so so much and wanted more for her just like her friends and sister did. Samkiel started out cold and brutish to me and although I understood his reasoning for his actions, I still didn't really like him at first. Once he came out of his shell and warmed up to Dianna I understood the appeal in him as a whole. I also did not like that he had preferred to be called Liam over Samkiel until i read WHY he chose the name Liam. Then I was 100% behind the name change. Throughout the majority of this book I never ever saw these two characters coming together. This was a TRUE enemies to lovers story line where you are left wondering who the hell will fall in love and how. The world building was absolutely breath taking. I felt as though I was on Rashearim when it was whole and broken and in these other worlds traveled throughout. The mental health representation in this book was exceptional and greatly appreciated as I am one who has dealt with mental illness myself. It was poetically written and when first mentioned, not right in your face as to what it was. The magic system was so thought out and easily explained that I didn't have to scratch my head or tuck that information away to pretend I knew what was going on, I could envision every bit of magic being wielded throughout. I absolutely adore the fact that the celestial beings wore rings and that was their source of their weapons, that was such a unique aspect of this book that I cant stop thinking about. This book has a villain that you absolutely LOVE TO HATE because there is literally no one worse than him. No one compares to the evil Kaden. No one!The last 20% of this book had me staying up late, holding my breath with my shoulders so tense. I am currently running to the second book now because I need to know what happens next. This book absolutely blew me away and I highly recommend it!
Overall this book had me on my toes from page one. Honestly, the whit, banter, sarcasm is so far up my alley I questioned if she was me or I was her. Granted I’m just a mortal but that’s small details. This love story is a slow burn as it should be but with so many hidden gems of signs there was more burning for each other. There’s also little nuggets of what maybe to come throughout the whole plot line. Oooh I cannot WAIT to dive into the next book. I think Gods and Monsters might have my heart. But just don’t hit me with another ending like that. The gasps, tears, rage, and longing at the end…has me at a loss of how to cope!
I picked this book up because the title screamed trouble—the kind I like. But whew… it took its sweet time getting there. The slow burn was glacial in the beginning. Dianna came off more arrogant than confident—like she walked into every scene ready to win a battle no one started. At first, I didn’t like her. But the scenes with her sister, Gabby? That’s where she softened. That’s where I started to care.Now Liam... that man. He’s emotionally unavailable with smoldering tension simmering under every interaction. The hate is hot. The banter is hotter. When they finally snap? The spice level hits like a freight train. No fade-to-black here—just full, sweaty surrender. You’ll know exactly who falls first, and it’s delicious watching the walls crumble.The book dragged in parts, but the payoff? Steamy, emotional, and worth it. I had to take breaks—not because I was bored, but because the tension was that thick. Could the pacing be tighter? Yes. But when it delivers, it goes all in.
What did I just read? I absolutely loved this book from the beginning. There was few slow parts especially in the beginning but not enough to not give this 5 stars. I just finished this book and now I feel like I have a book hangover. I don't know what to read next. I just know whichever one I do, I am going to have this book on my mind. The FMC and MMC are enemies to lovers in this book. I loved the FMC Dianna from the very beginning. The MMC Liam, I had to grow to like. The side characters in this book are incredible. This author really did a great job bringing these characters to life. It was almost like you could actually see them in person. I see this is part one of a series. If the first one is this good, I cannot wait to see what the others are like.Without giving to much away for the ones that are wanting to read this book. Don't expect the ending to be wrapped up in a nice tidy bow. I was thinking it would be kind of wrapped up. I was so wrong. Finally for the people that are thinking of reading this, stop thinking and just go for it. You will not be disappointed.
I’m a voracious reader and slog through a lot of books, it’s not often I stumble onto a book series that I feel is truly worth the hype. This book lived up to all the five star reviews.A high fantasy/dystopian read that almost feels a bit science fiction… world setting isn’t Earth but there are humans living among creatures and other worldly beings after an event that changed the planet many years in the past.No spoilers of the story in my review, just wanted to give praise to this book! It’s well written with a complex story line, complex damaged main characters that grow and change throughout the book. The main female character Diana is a fierce creature, funny, steadfast and optimistic, a slave to a baddie yet manages to hold onto her humanity with love for her sister while doing some truly despicable things (morally grey FMC here).No happy meet cute here, it’s literal torture when the two main characters cross paths.This book has friendship, love, betrayal, trauma, a world ending fight on the horizon and ends on a big cliffhanger. And I am here for all of it! I can’t wait to move on to book two and I highly, highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good high fantasy!• Gods & Monsters• Enemy to friend to lover• Slow burn• Morally grey FMC• World Ender• Touch her &• Traumatized FMC & MMC (they have some issues)• Other realms
This would have been a five star read, but I feel that Diana and Liam not really getting together until you’re at the 90% mark is too late in the book. This book is close to 500 pgs!Some spoilers/questions:I don’t understand how he can create portals or a vortex and not be able to communicate with his celestial’s in the cave?Why would they not go to his rescue or aid if they see all of those world events happening?Why couldn’t he create a portal to get them out of the cave?Why not travel to those places, as the World Ender, it would’ve been so much more interesting to showcase his power.I get that they’re hiding but come on, it was kind of lame.Pro’sCharacter buildingWorld buildingMagical PowersThe biggest pro and reason for the 4 ⭐️’s is Dianna, what an absolute bad ass she is. Thank you for giving us a heroine that is not weak, a virgin, a 21 year old that cries and needs to be rescued!! She was strong, forceful, a killing machine and such a badass mercenary.
