Member Reviews
The Book of Azrael is an amazing read with lots of action, funny banter and tension between the FMC and MMC. Dianna is a badass and she’ll burn the world down for her loved ones, while giving Liam to love and live. I can’t wait to see what happens next and because that cliffhanger was heartbreaking!!! 5 stars!!!!
Thanks to Netgallery, Amber Nicole, and Rose Star Publishing for the eARC. These opinions are my own.
Let’s get right in to it.
I liked the world building in this book, I think it has potential. This is the authors debut book but it doesn’t really read like one, the story has good bones to it. Two orally grey characters being forced together to question everything they know in order to save the world.
But the copy I was given was littered with typos as well as grammatical errors. I’m hoping that the finished released copies are more polished. The editing errors took me out of the story and the moment and it was hard for me to get back into it. I’m not sure which copy I got since the one I was given wasn’t marked as a work in progress or a beta readers copy.
- Would I buy a physical copy of this book? No
- Will I read the next book in the series? No
- Would I recommend this book? Yes, I think that if paranormal, duel POV romance are your thing with morally grey characters jump right on in
Unfortunately I had to DNF this book, the writing was dull and there were multiple grammatical errors which made me stop and be like what - ruining the flow of the book.
The main issue I had was with the character Dianna. I thought we would get this dark, powerful female lead but she is so boring. She has no depth to her character and reads as a pick me girl. Just because she kills people doesn't make her a powerful character. I felt like there could have been more depth to her emotions at Kaden.
Due to the fact this was the first book I thought it would be easier to understand the story, worlds and build up but it feels like your really dropped into the plot without context and I didn't appreciate that.
Not for me unfortunately but grateful for the opportunity from Netgalley to read an advance copy.
This is such a great story and i will be honest and say I was a bit intimidated by the sheer size of it when I started but I needn't worry as I flew through it!
Great characters and a great story well worth the read you won't regret it!
Absolutely loved this book. I was pulled in quickly and it felt like the book never let up, which says a lot for a book that is over 700 pages. The dual POV from the main characters made the plot even more compelling (and at times heartbreaking). There is a wealth of well written side characters, and the world building is unique and well done. There were moments where it felt like the main characters growth or decision were a little suspect, but nothing that overall affected the book. I think it just reflects a debut work, and the author will continue to grow with the right editor.
I fell hard for all of these characters and I NEED the next book as soon as possible please.
I have one thing to say about this book: WHEN IS THE SEQUEL OUT!
This book had everything I need in a good read.
Dianna is the right hand woman of Kaden- an old evil power who rules over all monsters in this world. She sacrificed her freedom in order to save her younger sister and now lives under Kaden’s tyrannous rule.
Bring in Liam- The World Ender. Descended from the old gods who locked the monsters into their current realm, he is Diannas sworn enemy.
When the two come together with the mutual interest of stopping Kadens evil plans they go through every emotion possible with each other. The two enter a blood deal that Liam would ensure Dianna’s sister protection from Kaden.
This story is one of power balances, growth, betrayal and of following your heart. I hung onto every word and just can’t believe that a book would end in such a way. The world building whilst complicated at times doesn’t feel tedious to get through which I enjoy in a fantasy book. The characters are lovable and loathable at their own times throughout the book and this really allows for good character development.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
Vague spoilers.
This book honestly starts out at such a gruelingly slow pace. So much information is getting packed in and it honestly needs a glossary to keep up with it. The Main Female character is the worst kind of stubborn. I know we are meant to sympathize with her because of how she has been treated by another character. But, for me it was just ruined by her being too much of an absolute bitch. Also, the way the book drove down your throat how much she loves her sister, kinda ruined the shock of the end. I also just wasn't fond of her romantic interest, his own tragedy was overshadowed by his own grumpiness for me.
The pace only picks up once the enemies-to-lovers trope hit its mark. And then suddenly it's like it's a whole different book. The pacing is better. The story feels like it is ACTUALLY evolving. The only thing that was a surprise was an ally who turned out to be an enemy.
The cliffhanger of an ending, made me actually upset that I had slogged through the story only to be denied any sort of resolution? The worst.
I first heard of this book on TikTok and Bookstagram. Everyone was absolutely raving about it! AND FOR GOOD REASON! This book has all your favorite tropes, especially my absolute, will read anything as long as its in it, enemies to lovers trope. Seriously!! And who isn't in love with Liam?! Because I sure am. This is an incredible fantasy that will have you on the edge waiting for more- and I mean that in the most literal sense because there is a giant cliffhanger. You need to read this. Over and OVER!!
Thank you NetGalley for the review.
Oh my gods !!!!
This is the best Enemies to lovers I've ever read and also my top one favourite. Seriously, I don't know what to say. The author knew how to keep readers in a chokehold from the beginning till the end. Damn, that Cliffhanger?? I'm done. The book has destroyed me in the best possible way and I'm not regretting it. The author has put a lots of efforts and imaginations. The story was all combinations of lies, betrayals, pain, angst, distrust, duty, loyal, love, and actions. Wow, the actions are soo amazing and the world building are fantastic. I would describe this book in one word : Phenomenal.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the advance reader copy for my honest review.
*I read an Arc of this book and this is my honest review. *
It took me a while to get through the first chapters. It was a lot of information and I was to tired to comprehend everything. I took I brake and started again on my vacation. And wow am I happy I did! This book was amazing in so many ways.
✔️ Good plot
✔️ Great characters
✔️ Swoon worthy love
✔️ Enemies to lover
✔️ Strong female lead
✔️ Spice (not much, but it’s there)
The female mc is so amazingly strong. I love her! She has so much love and humor to give that you just can’t help liking her.
The way she helps our brooding male mc in his depression and ptsd is so beautiful. I loved how the bond and love grows between them.
Be warned, this is the first book in a new series and the ending was a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this E ARC!
I loved this book, it was perfectly gothic and dark with a right balance of Angst that kept me hooked on the book!
The Book of Azrael is a must read. Seriously, I cannot gush about this book more, I loved it so much and it completely consumed me from the first page. The Book of Azrael is filled with amazing lore, gods, monsters, action, romance, and more.
Dianna is the FMC and I LOVED her. She is so badass but caring at the same time, all she wants is for her sister to be safe. I really liked how sarcastic and snarky she was, I found myself laughing out loud at some of the things that she said. Her powers were so interesting and she is a really complex character and is written so well. And Liam, I cannot explain how much I love him. He is the definition of grumpy but he's also a protective, caring, badass god and I could not get enough of him. The relationship between Dianna and Liam is perfection, it's filled with delicious tension, a little bit of spice, trust, banter, and friendship. The book is written in dual POV and I really enjoyed being able to get both Liam and Dianna's POV.
The writing is seriously amazing, the book is beautifully paced and Amber wrote phenomenal world building and magic system. The world is so complex but I found it very easy to understand and I didn't find myself confused like I have when I start other fantasy books. And the magic system is extraordinary, it has every creature you could imagine and it was so interesting. The politics between the different creatures were really interesting, and I'm curious to see what will happen in book 2. I really liked the quest to find The Book of Azrael, it was so action packed.
The Book of Azrael ended with an absolute bang and I don't know how I'm supposed to wait until book two. I cannot recommend this book more, it is absolutely phenomenal and easily one of my favorite books I've read.
You would like this book if you like
✨Slow burn enemies to lovers
✨Morally grey FMC
✨Only one bed
✨Forbidden romance
✨Dual POV
✨Phenomenal world building & magic system
This was an incredibly fast paced opening book to this series! I loved the enemies-to-lovers trope that was weaved into this fantasy world. The world building, like any other fantasy novel, can feel a bit slow, but I loved how in depth we get with Dianna and Liam. We really get to know them as the book continues. This is the perfect combination of fantasy world building, action, friendship, and love.
This definitely ended on a cliffhanger, one I will be thinking about for a long while until the next book publishes. I can’t wait to read on in this series.
I loved the whole premise of this. A strong female lead willing to go to any lengths for what she cherishes. (I love a good martyr haha) and a damaged lone wolf love interest. A perfect mixture if you ask me. Throw in some enemies-to-lovers and it's really the perfect storm.
This book simultaneously broke my heart and kept it going. Sacrifices have to made in this kind of journey but that doesn't make them any less heart wrenching.
The only thing that I wasn't the biggest fan of was the constant mention and reminder of why Dianna is doing all this. After about the 10th time I was like, ok I get it. I understand it's all for your sister. So a few less mentions of that would have been nice.
The other thing I loved about this story was all the different monsters. I love worlds like this that are inhabited by supernatural beings because I love seeing how they have integrated and the societies they have built based around their origins. It's always so fascinating to me. All in all a very well written action packed book with enough emotions to drive it while not being dramatic just to be dramatic.
4.25 stars!!
Okay, WOW. This book was a RIDE. An enjoyable ride, though.
I loved the rep and the characters and the EXCESSIVE world-building.
For me, the book had a bit of a slow start because you couldn't place what and where 'what' was happening, but it was honestly QUITE QUITE good as we went deeper into the story.
The first chapter or prologue thing could use a bit more work, but I still liked it. Decent enough.
The buildup was very slow and gradual and not the hit-you-in-the-face types. You could see it coming, though?
The characters, Dianna and Liam especially, were good! Very on point, and how their mortal enemy-ness faded into love was pretty enjoyable.
My ONLY problem with the book was that it was just way too long. Without any background or anything, especially from a debut author, over 800 pages was honestly daunting. BUT I did manage to finish it in one day (with some glossing) so I guess it wasn't ALL bad.
Do you enjoy enemies to lovers romance? Think of every trope you can with that. Morally grey and the cinnamon roll? Touch her and die? Forbidden? One bed? Slow burn?
Then this book is for you
... If you don't mind sobbing over that cliffhanger ending, that is.
The worldbuilding and detail are done perfectly, I didn't feel at all overloaded. But the fleshing out of the characters is where this book truly shines.
Dianna is feisty and fierce, a true shape-shifting warrior woman (do you see a trend in the FMCs that I love?) and Liam is the moody yet soft cinnamon roll of a god with the traumatic past. Their romance is one of the slowest of slow burns and full of tender moments, and I loved that we also got to see Dianna's protective and gentle side as well with her sister Gabby. Sisterly bonding and being there for each other is one of my favorites.
I cannot stop thinking about this book, it lingers in my every day. Fantasy is my favorite genre and I find myself trying to find something else as I constantly make comparisons to The Book of Azrael.
841 pages was not nearly enough. Every day I find myself checking if we have any information on book two yet.
Thank you to Amber Nicole and Rose and Star Publishing, LLC for this ARC. Now about book two....
4.5 stars
This book is long, but amazing. Dianna is a strong woman who will do anything, and I really mean anything, to keep her sister safe. Liam is the World Ender, but is plagued by just as many issues as everyone else. Being immortal doesn't stop you from having nightmares and insecurities. I like both Dianna and Liam and love the personal growth throughout the story.
The world building was fantastic, and done in a way that didn't feel overwhelming. There's action, drama, some suspense and a little romance, but the emotions? I felt the pang from every sentence they uttered in anger but didn't mean, right in my chest.
I really need book 2 asap after that ending! A great read!
I received an eARC of The Book of Azrael by @author_ambernicole through NetGalley in exchange for a review and I LOVED it! This one is out now!
The Book of Azrael is an ultimate enemies to lovers slow burn with Gods, super scary dark immortal beings with a name I can’t pronounce, witches, vampires, and more. The world’s based on ours but with so many other elements it feels like high fantasy.
FMC Dianna owes her life and the life of her younger sister to Kaden who is the villain (and one of the scary immortals). To keep her younger sister safe Dianna has done Kaden’s bidding for centuries.
MMC Liam is a God who sent his people to Dianna’s world when his was destroyed. When one of his elite guard dies Liam comes to Dianna’s world to help. Circumstances force Dianna and Liam to work together to stop Kaden from getting The Book of Azrael. Their relationship is such an intense slow burn and I’m so here for it!
The book is dual POV which is something I always enjoy in romance books. There’s also mental health rep with Liam’s character which I really enjoyed seeing, especially in a male character.
While I’ve seen some call this book spicy I’d kind of disagree as in terms of quantity and content there’s not much going on because they’re enemies for a significant portion of the book then it’s all about the slow burn. Even when they get together they’re too busy searching for the book for much to happen. That said, the intensity and tension of the slow burn was everything! 🔥
Dianna is morally grey perfection and is now one of my favourite FMC’s which was a great surprise. I enjoyed this one so much I will definitely read the sequel especially after the exciting cliffhanger ending we were left with! I also feel the need for a physical copy in my life even though I have the ebook, it was just that good!
Read for:
• Mortal enemies to lovers & slow burn ❤️
• Wonderful world building 🌍
• Gods, dark immortals, and other supernaturals
• Family love AND found family
Rating: 4.5/5🌟
Steam level: 2/5🔥 but a 5 for tension levels!
#TheBookOfAzrael #NetGalley
The Book of Azrael is a fantasy novel that follows complicated gods and monsters. Aye! Reading this fantasy novel was so much fun. I love the world building and the morally grey characters that still have a sense of humanity in them. I love that the characters stood out with their different personalities and attributes, they fit so well with the plot of this novel. The pacing was great with interesting twists and turns. Excited for book 2!
4.5⭐️
Dianna was made a monster by Kaden, the king of the monsters, over a thousand years ago to save her sister Gabby's life. Now she serves as his right hand, taking down his enemies while he lords her sister's safety over her head. Kaden's current obsessive quest is to find the Book of Azrael, and he will do anything and punish anyone in order to get it. Liam, the notorious god and World Ender, returns to his subjects only to find his people once again threatened by the monsters they defeated so many eons ago. Both driven by the need to protect those that they love, Liam and Dianna are forced to team up to prevent Kaden from destroying the world as they know it.
I LOVED the characters of Dianna and Liam. Dianna is strong, sassy, independent, and fiercely protective of her younger sister. Liam is wildly powerful, but is caught up in grief and trauma, and needs love more than anything. Their relationship builds in a really natural and slow-burn type of way, and the enemies-to-lovers storyline was done so well. I also really loved that we got 2 POVs, so we could see the story building from both Dianna and Liam's perspectives. The worldbuilding was excellent and so detailed: there were some traditional fantasy creatures and others that were fairly unique, and the world and multiple realms were explained well. The only qualm I had about this book was that the world was definitely confusing at first, which is not uncommon for fantasy novels, but I had a hard time even understanding the main conflict until much of the worldbuilding was cleared up. Otherwise, this book was fast-paced, interesting, and full of dynamic characters (including the side characters) that made you want to live in their world forever. I cannot wait for the next one (especially after that cliffhanger)!
I highly recommend, especially if you are a fan of rich worldbuilding, romantasy, enemies-to-lovers, strong FMCs, and morally gray heroes.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rose and Star Publishing, LLC for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.