Review: The Book of Azrael

The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole
My rating: 1000000000 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Excuse me, but The Book of Azrael didn’t just steal my heart—it obliterated it, ground the pieces into stardust, and then whispered, “You’ll thank me later.” Amber V. Nicole crafted an experience so rich, so immersive, that it transcends mere storytelling. I’m not exaggerating when I say this book changed me. It’s a masterwork of world-building, character depth, and emotional devastation, and I would give it all the stars in the universe if I could.

Let’s talk about the world-building. Immense doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s sprawling, intricate, and feels alive with its layers of lore and history. The universe Nicole creates is both fascinating and daunting, like being dropped into an alien world with no map—and yet, the discovery is half the magic. Just when you think you’ve grasped the rules, another twist hits, leaving you reeling. The surprises aren’t just cheap thrills—they’re deeply rooted in the story’s fabric, making every reveal feel earned and impactful. I had questions, so many questions, and watching the answers unfold was like watching a masterpiece being painted one brushstroke at a time.

Now, let’s gush about Dianna (FMC) and Samkiel/Liam (MMC). Their dynamic is everything I didn’t know I needed. Dianna is fierce, morally grey, and a breath of fresh air in a genre that often leans on brooding male anti-heroes. She’s the one with the darkness, the sharp edges, and the unyielding will to survive, and watching her journey was nothing short of exhilarating. Samkiel, on the other hand, is a beautifully complex foil to her. He’s powerful yet tender, haunted by his past but driven by something pure when it comes to Dianna. Their relationship isn’t just a slow burn—it’s a slow, agonizing inferno that consumes you in the best way.

The evolution of their bond? Flawless. Mortal enemies trying to kill each other? Check. Reluctant allies forced into uneasy proximity? Double check. Friends uncovering each other’s scars and learning to heal together? Triple check. And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, they become something so much deeper and more profound that it defies definition. The tension, the chemistry, the raw vulnerability—it’s all so visceral that I felt like I was living it alongside them.

Nicole’s writing is a symphony of emotion and beauty. Her prose strikes that perfect balance between lyrical and grounded, delivering gut-punch after gut-punch without ever veering into melodrama. There’s one moment, when she writes, "This is how the world ends," that instantly reminded me of T.S. Eliot’s The Hollow Men, my favorite poem. Whether intentional or not, the line resonated so deeply with me that it left me breathless. It’s not just a line; it’s a statement that reverberates through the entire story, amplifying its weight and significance.

Favorite quotes? Oh, buckle up, because these will wreck you:

-“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."

Are you kidding me? The devotion in this line alone could fuel a thousand love stories. And then there’s:

-“Her body coiled beneath mine, drawing me closer as if she were a wave upon the sea, and I was prepared to drown. My eyes met her hazel gaze, and I knew the moment would be branded in my memory long after I had turned to stardust."

If this isn’t the most achingly beautiful declaration of love and surrender, I don’t know what is. And of course:

-"I knew nothing of love, but I knew I wanted her, needed her, and dreamed of her. It was the most inappropriate and irresponsible thing I could ever want for myself. I just wanted to feel, and a single touch from her set my body alight. I wanted her hands on every part of me, and I wanted it more than I had ever wanted anything. It was the most selfish desire in the world, but I wanted her more than a crown, more than a throne, more than air."

Finally, the line that reduced me to a sobbing mess:

-“This is how the world ends," Roccurrem had said. "There will be a shuddering crack, an echo of what is lost and what cannot be healed. Then, Samkiel, you will know this is how the world ends."


But it was not this world.

 No, it was mine.
It was Dianna.”

The stakes. The heartbreak. The gravity of it all—it’s unforgettable.

If this book isn’t already on your TBR, let me save you the trouble of deciding: go. read. it. This isn’t a recommendation; it’s a demand. The Book of Azrael is dark, emotional, and utterly unique. It’s the kind of story that burrows into your soul and refuses to let go. Amber V. Nicole, you’ve set the bar impossibly high, and I am forever grateful for this masterpiece. My #1 read of 2024, hands down.

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/gods-monsters/

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