The Book of Azrael

This was such a strong start to the series, and I was hooked from beginning to end. The worldbuilding was immersive, the plot never dragged, and the characters kept me invested the whole way through. Dianna was a fantastic FMC—morally grey, fierce, and layered in all the right ways. Samkiel, the God King, is her opposite in so many ways, but their enemies-to-reluctant-allies-to-lovers dynamic was executed perfectly. The slow burn and gradual progression of their relationship was chef’s kiss. Also… Samkiel (Liam) is so hot, and his struggles with PTSD added a lot of depth to his character. The villains were written so well that I genuinely hated every single one of them—and that ending! Even though I half-expected it, my heart still shattered for Dianna. Kaden especially… I cannot stand him, and I’m desperate to see her get her revenge in the next book. This series has all the makings of a new favorite, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book!!

The plot is good. The FMC is a shadow-wielder and the MMC is the lightning-wielder. She is the villain, he is the hero. Both characters are morally grey. The book is about monsters and gods. You have every mystical being under one book. Multiple betrayals, death and gores, powers, royalty, power play, … They have everything

Wow...! I am speechless. The Book of Azrael just reminded me why I love reading Fantasy so much. I was in a major book slump and I have to say this book just pulled me out of it with a bang. I wrote this review at 5 a.m in the morning, as soon as I finished reading it, because once I picked up the book, I couldn't put it down. It was engrossing, I was completely enamored and I loved it. I love that Dianna is so sure of herself. She is gutsy, ballsy, fearless and a total badass, but a huge softie with her sister. Liam is the tortured all powerful hero who was shaped so much by his past. I loved that they both were not modest about their abilities or their powers. They both were strong and knew their strengths. They both had traits that made them hard, a little on the edge and a little scary. I loved that this book is a slow burn. They both took their time to get to know each other and to develop feelings and it was amazing and just what they needed. The whole story and their bonding went at a pace that was believable. It truly made the story stand out. I loved the world building, the premise, the secondary characters and everything. I have so many questions and answers I need. Some unexpected twists towards the end made my heart clench, but I guess it was necessary. The book was truly refreshing in the sense that the hero and heroine didn't rush into anything and the world the story is set has so much potential. They took time to get to the point where they felt deeply about each other. But it's still a growing bond and I cannot wait to see where it goes. Every layer of their character was unraveled slowly and I have to say it was worth reading it. I can't wait to read the next book after the cliffhanger and fingers crossed it comes out soon. Recommended.

The story and the characters pulled me in right from the start. Dianna is one of the most interesting leads I have read... I immediately ordered the next 2 books and the whole series is highly recommended (of course it is only 3 books so far but the good news is that 4 more are to come). Great world building and plot. But what stands out most is the emotional intensity and how the author has touched upon so many aspects that are difficult to weave in...like grief, anger, regret, change. Definitely one of the best series in recent times in this genre.

I admit the starting was a little draggy and I was doubtful whether this book was going to pick up the pace and have some real action but I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and keep reading. I am not disappointed. I have 100 pages left and I can't stop reading it. I have already bought the 2nd book and cant wait to see what happens with their story! It's a unique storytelling with lots of twists and turns and I'm totally enthralled. (I'm a bookworm and I read A LOT of books, typically one book a day kind of reader!). So when I say I really like a book it has to be good!

It's been so long reading a fantasy book that made me feel so much (last was Zodiac Academy series... definitely recommend reading that) ..... I am so glad I found this book. It was thick! And, I didn't even feel it. I needed more in fact. So, of course, I am jumping into the next one right away. Tropes that you will find that are one of the best in this book: Slow burn romance, Mortal enemies to reluctant allies to friends to lovers (touch her/him and get unalived), mental health issues, past trauma, nightmares and more.

After spending a whole year on my TBR, it was finally time for this one. The beginning was a bit hard to grasp, but it picked up as I kept reading. The world-building was intricate, and overall it felt like a slower read. Some things did get repetitive at times, but the banter between Dianna and Liam? Ridiculously hilarious. That ending though—I’m one step away from ordering the sequel. It was a wild ride and totally lived up to the hype. If you’ve been putting it off for the same reasons I did, definitely give it a shot!

Great novel