First of all I absolutely interest with the description. It is unique premise and different than well established NA PnR. Sadly I had hard times to get through the writing style.
I stumbled alot in early chapters with all names, places, abilities and background. I wished for proper explanation about this promising world building and lores blended smoothly into the story.
I like enemies turn lover trope and both main characters not disappoint me. Their growing interactions is natural and pleasing to follow. The banter also fun with chemistry readers can felt and trust. Promising story to become new PNR favourite

Thank you Netgalley and Rose and Star Publishing for let me read this copy. I am grateful but my thoughts are my own. The Book of Azrael published at 26 June 2022

First, I'd just like to say how refreshing it was to see an FMC that was over a thousand years old when, in fantasy, we so often see an MMC that's lived practically forever and a female love interest who's *much* younger.

I really loved the dual POV, the high stakes, and the amount of lore and otherworld creatures there is to explore. Liam's backstory was compelling and the pace at which it was revealed felt natural, but I hope we get more from Dianna in the sequel - at times, the driving force behind her actions felt a bit one-note. The world-building did trip me up some in the beginning, but I enjoyed it once I was more familiar with everything. That ending though - wow. I'll be looking forward to reading the next one.

I really liked the description of this book and was very excited to read it initially. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I had a hard time getting through the writing style which felt as though it could have gone through a few more rounds of editing. I do think that the premise was a good one, though.

Copied from goodreads
"Thank you to netgalley for this arc!
I requested this book from netgalley because I saw other people had liked it and I am so glad I did. This book is absolutely incredible and is definitely one of my favorite new releases so far for this year. If you like NA fantasy that isn't heavy world-building and has a lot of romance in it, this is a book you have to pick up! I generally don't like to compare books but if you love other popular fantasy books like ACOTAR, TOG, CC, or FBAA this book needs to be on your radar.

Fantasy can be hit or miss with me sometimes because I get tired of the conflict from the first book being dragged out over multiple books. While this one ends on a cliffhanger, the original issue gets resolved by the end which causes another issue to arise (which makes me beyond excited for book 2). This is so refreshing and I love the unknown conflict that book 2 will bring. This book also has incredible pacing, not once did I get bored or want to stop reading. Not only does this book accomplish world building, the original conflict gets resolved, but we also get a medium/slow burn romance that is absolute perfection. The banter between them had me actually laughing because they have so much chemistry together. I also love the respect Dianna and Liam have for each other and they help each other through the struggles that the other has to face. Another aspect I absolutely loved is the blended aspects of regular fantasy and urban fantasy. You know what makes this book even better? They have adult meaningful conversations throughout it. Which is something that a lot of NA, romance heavy, fantasy books lack. It just adds that much more depth to their relationship.

I truly can't recommend this book enough and I don't know how I am going to wait for the second one to come out, especially with that cliff hanger. Small finger promise me you will go read this book (also so you can understand this reference)."

Okay...
I'm sorry to say this is a DNF for me.
I wanted so badly to love this book, everything about it pointed to it turning into a new favorite but the execution just didn't work for me.

So much of this book was unnecessary and I feel bad saying this... but i think it should have been edited better.

And the language used in this makes no sense based on the world building ... i didn't expect the dialogue to be as modern as it was ... using them just made me too aware that i was reading and stopped me from actually being able to take it seriously. (I would like to point out again that i didn't read this completely so i don't know if it improves as the book goes on.)

The romance part works though,the parts that i read with the MCs ...i actually liked their dynamic.
The FMC is well written too.(as far as i read.)

But i just couldn't get over the writing...

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this!!!!!

This was intense from start to finish!
It took me a little while to settle into the world/s that our characters inhabit, but the sheer amount of PLOT more than makes up for that.
Dual POVs with one of the best female MCs I’ve read recently - she’s powerful, aggressive and complex. This is peak enemies-to-lovers with an expansive world history and an epic scope.
This is urban dark fantasy and doesn’t pull any punches - can’t wait for book two!

I absolutely loved the concept of this book, along with the world itself. By the second chapter, I was already hooked. The slow burn and enemies to lovers in this book is so well done. The world building was accomplished in a way that doesn't leave you muddled and confused. It was exactly what was needed!

The main character was so refreshing and different from the recent books I've read. She can handle herself and has really done some dark things, all while at war with what she thinks is right. I absolutely loved that there were such dark and greedy characters throughout the book. I can not wait to read the next book, especially after the ending of this one.

The only con is how long some of the chapters were. I usually struggle to stay focused when a book has longer chapters. Although after pushing through, this book was really worth it.

I highly recommend giving this book a try, as it was such a different story from the usual.

Not usually a fantasy reader, but this book caught my eye and interest. I immediately felt comradery and connected to the main character, Dianna. Dianna was turned into what she is now by the powerful Kaden who she is forced to work for now. Kaden has control over her since Dianna's full capabilities are yet to be realized.

Dianna is forced into one of Kaden's missions where she ends up meeting Liam who is has been in hiding since his realm was destroyed. Liam and Dianna try to kill each other before realizing they must work together to save the world itself.

Loved the enemies to lovers trope, but wish there was a bit more spice. I absolutely loved powerful heroine Dianna. Highly recommend if you're looking for an epic story.

“The world doesn’t need more of them. It needs more of you.”

Amber Nicole asked me what my perfect book would have, what would it be, how would the story unfold. Then she wrote The Book of Azrael. Well, this never happened, of course, but it totally could have because she did write my perfect book. I almost feel v!olated as if she ripped open my heart & mind and took what she needed for this book.

Can you imagine reading a book and thinking “I hope this happens,” “I hope she does that,” “I hope he says it” and it does, she does, he says it. All the things you keep wishing for and dreaming of… and all wrapped in this amazing fast paced plot.

A quest to keep war at bay. A quest to keep the world safe. A story of Gods & Monsters. Of old ways that were as wrong and they were d€adly. Two (im)mortal enemies who see themselves joining forces to stop her former master. Two unlikely allies that crossed paths when a simple action changed her course. One decision that made sure nothing would ever be as it was.

This is how the world ends.

The Book of Azrael is perfect for those who, like me, love:

🖤enemies to lovers
🖤slow burn
🖤forbidden love
🖤one bed
🖤she smiled, he forgot how to breathe
🖤morally gray MC
🖤touch her and you d!e

Adult. Yes! You need this. 5 (million) stars ⭐️

Enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, witty banter, dual POV, chef's kiss world building and a morally grey badass female main character.... need I say more?

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis:

A thousand years prior, Dianna gave up her freedom and her life as a mortal to serve a monster named Kaden in order to save her dying sister's life. She does everything he asks her to turning herself into a monster in her eyes. He wants to open the Realms and let the beasts of the Otherworld out to rule the world, but he needs to find the Book of Azrael to do so.

Enter Liam, The World Ender. The King of the Realms, and the saviour of the people. After the God's War had destroyed his realm, he had retreated into his own purgatory to punish himself for what he viewed were his failings. Now with Kaden searching to open the Realms and putting his people in danger, this threat on those he sees as family has escalated enough to bring him back to a realm he never planned to return to, to team up with someone long seen as an enemy to save the world and protect the realms.

Review:

This fantasy novel had everything I wanted and more. As a major fan of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, this book hit the spot for me. It was very slow burn; and I don't typically like slow burn, but the tension and banter had me hooked. I couldn't stop reading, but at the same time didn't want it to end. As a debut fantasy novel, Amber Nicole did a phenomenal job.

At the moment I'm a sucker for the whole Gods vs. Monsters storyline. The idea that two people from very different backgrounds, and thousands of years as honest to god full fledged enemies that hated each other vehemently could work together for the greater good always warms my heartstrings. And who doesn't love a badass female main character, especially one that starts almost as a villain but ends with a redemption arc.

The twists and turns and betrayal throughout this book had me enthralled. I honestly didn't have the slightest clue what was going to happen next. The ending still has me in a chokehold, and I can't wait to read the next book.

Fans of Throne of Glass, Flesh & Fire, The Dark Elements, and Crescent City should check this series out ASAP.

Thank you NetGalley and Rose and Star Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 1/2 stars

I want to start this by saying, I am a novice in fantasy novels. I love them and feel enthralled, but they're not usually my first choice.
Now, with that said, this book is everything and more! I felt pulled in from the very first page and it kept going in till the very end. I cannot praise this author enough. The pacing and world-building were immaculate. The author didn't give you any info dumps that left you bored, which is usually a problem for me in fantasy novels. The pacing also kept you enthralled and did not drag or feel too rushed.

Now, the characters. The way the author writes these characters in a way that even made me want more of the villain Kaden. All of the characters just made you want to know more and more about them. They were all so well fleshed out, and again without any info-dumping, that it just made the book more enjoyable every step of the way.
The two main characters Dianna and Samkiel had the Perfect true enemies to lovers. They had all the tropes you needed: slow burn, forced proximity, only one bed, and fierce enemies to lovers. I could not get enough of them. I only want more.

This book exceeded all expectations I had and then some. It is hard to believe this is the author's debut novel, but this makes me even more excited to continue reading her work. I cannot wait for the sequel and if you can, pick up a copy of this book because you surely won't regret it.

Tropes to convince you to read this asap!
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Multiple POV
✨One bed trope
✨SLOOOOW burn
✨Strong independent fierce female lead
✨Forced proximity

Listen I am OBSESSED with this book!
My enemies to lovers needs were beautifully met with the premise of two mortal enemies having to work together against a powerful and ancient evil - The Book of Azrael.

This enemies to lovers actually BURNED, I’m talking pure hatred. Excited yet? This was not your normal small banter but secretly in love, this was real despisement that only in the WAY end turned into a glorious admittance of attraction. The tension- oh my goodness, it will have your toes curling and knees buckling.

Wonderfully, as much as I am all about the romance, there was a lot of world building and character background given so you wouldn’t feel lost while questing with these characters. So many unique fantasy creatures were mentioned and the entire scene set was just so unique and fresh. The urban fantasy element made me think a lot of Cresent City, and I loved it.

Dianna is the definition of a badass independent female, and being confident in her feelings and being vulnerable when needed. Liam is just a damn dream boat all the frieken stars for him. I want one.

Overall- drop everything and read this RN.
This will be a book that BLOWS up bookstagram and booktok soon!

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for my honest review.

4 1/2 stars

First off, I absolutely adored the world building and characters in this story!
I appreciate that the story unfolded at a steady pace, it didn't drag or wasn't too rushed. This also applies to our two main characters and their relationship from enemies to lovers. With other books, it can seem forced or rushed but was built up really nicely in this story.

We get to meet our two main characters, Dianna and Samkiel, as well as our villain Kaden and side characters.
All of them were really fleshed out and you become attached to them all (no info dumping needed!)
You're always left thinking because there are so many different plot twists, the story was so refreshing and I appreciate it even more because this is a debut novel for this author.
Now I just need to read the next book already because the cliffhanger has me wanting more!

So bloody good!!!
Gods and monsters and mortals oh my! I adored this book and can’t wait for the next in the series.
The world building, the action, and the steamy parts were just so well done! I loved Liam & Dianna as a dynamic duo fighting bad guys, hunting down the rumoured Book of Azrael.
Definitely pick this one up to read!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amber Nicole, & Rose and Star Publishing for a copy.

Honestly the only thing I can say about this book is that I can't wait for the next one. This book hit the spot with enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and the one bed trope. I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend!

I actually cannot wait for the next instalment of this- hooked from the first few chapters! Found myself googling the release date and was so disappointed that I need to wait until next year! Would happily binge read a trilogy of this in one go!

I love a woman in her villain eta, particularly the ones who can kick ass and outwit most men. Dianna does not disappoint even in the midst of being isolated to keep her sister safe. The plots and world-building were done really well, I just wish the pacing had been a bit faster but thoroughly enjoyed the story. The romance had me cheesing at simple gestures (IYKYK)

Tropes to look forward to:

Fantasy Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forced proximity
One bed


Ends on a major cliffhanger that keeps you panicking for the next book.

The only thing I don't love about this book is that the second book in the series isn't out already. It made me get 3 hours of sleep one night because I kept needing to read more.

I was really intrigued by the synopsis, but overall this book wasn't for me. It felt rushed in parts and I felt like major things were skipped or glossed over, and the ending was too much of a cliffhanger. The relationship between the characters was really good and I thought her trauma and responses were well written, but other parts fell short for me.

Enemies to lovers with a morally grey FMC. I wouldn’t call her a villain per say but the author tries to portray her that way. I loved the magic system and the world building, the role PTSD had throughout and that it was filled with interactive dialogue vs inner monologue. That said, I feel like this book is extremely bloated and wordy. I do appreciate that the time line isn’t over just a few days where the MCs fall for each other which was refreshing. There was a lot to like about this book but constant rehashing of the same monologue, sometimes within the same paragraph, took away from the vibrant characters the author created. I truly liked the FMC, the premise and the journey but be prepared to maybe gloss over some areas. However there are some wonderful quote worthy lines so don’t gloss over too much. I think this will be a be a hit or miss with book. That said it’s left with a major cliffhanger and I’ll be reading the second one since it’s piqued my interest just enough. Just remember, sometimes less is more.
I’ll give the author another go for a sequel to determine if I’ll be an avid follower of her work and I have certain people within my book groups that would enjoy this.