The Book of Azrael

Book Review: The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole

Series: Gods & Monsters, Book One

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Paranormal Romance

My Rating:

★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)

I just wrapped up The Book of Azrael and had to sit with my emotions for a moment before writing this. Amber Nicole took my heart, crushed it, and handed it back—still broken, by the way. This book was an intense ride, and I loved (almost) every second of it.

Let’s start with Dianna. She’s everything I want in a protagonist: fierce, bold, emotional, and unapologetically feminine. It was so refreshing to read about a female lead who’s not only powerful but also deeply rooted in her love and loyalty for others. She doesn’t have to hide her softness to be strong—and that felt like such a win. Watching her fight, not just for herself but for those she loves, was empowering and emotional.

Now let me warn you—there’s a part of this book that will absolutely tear your heart out. I won’t spoil it, but just know… I’m still recovering. There’s a hollow spot in my chest now, and I don’t know if it’ll ever be the same.

The world-building? Chef’s kiss. It’s rich, dark, and full of intrigue. You really get a sense of the ancient forces at play and the scale of what’s at stake. I felt immersed in the setting and loved the tone and atmosphere Amber Nicole created.

That said, I did have a couple of hang-ups. Some of the character development felt a bit uneven. Liam, who’s introduced as this all-powerful, god-of-all-gods figure, didn’t always feel as commanding or complex as I expected. I wanted more from him—more presence, more depth, more… godly energy.

Also, there’s a repeated plot device where characters sense something is wrong, brush it off, and—surprise!—it actually is something. It happened one too many times, and by the end, I was mentally yelling, “Listen to your gut already!”

Despite those small frustrations, I highly recommend this book if you’re into dark fantasy, slow-burn tension, strong female leads, and a little emotional destruction (in the best way). This is book one in the Gods & Monsters series, and I already can’t wait to dive into the next one. I need more Diana. More angst. More chaos.

Have you read The Book of Azrael? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s cry together.