The Book of Azrael (Gods & Monsters)
World Ender meets Ender of Worlds...
A thousand years ago, Dianna gave up her life in the deserts of Eoria to save her dying sister. She called upon anyone who would listen, not expecting a monster far worse than any nightmare to answer. Now she does what Kaden asks, even if that means securing an ancient relic from the very creatures that hunt her.
A King thought long dead and long forgotten.
In the old world his name was Samkiel. In the new world it is Liam, but one title remains true throughout time. He is the World Ender, a myth to his enemies, a savior and King to those loyal to him. After the Gods War, he locked himself away, hiding from the world. He denied his crown and responsibilities, leaving the very ones who needed him most to deal with the fallout of the death of their homeworld. Now an attack on those he holds dear sends him back to the one realm he never wished to visit again and into the sights of an enemy he thought imprisoned eons ago. Now enemies older than time must put aside their differences and work together in hopes of saving both their world and every realm in between.
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Community Reviews
The Book of Azrael had a fascinating premise, an expansive fantasy world, and a powerful heroine who was allowed to be angry, destructive, and morally complicated. I particularly enjoyed the reversal of the traditional hero-and-villain dynamic.
The central relationship had strong potential. Two powerful enemies being forced to work together created plenty of conflict, tension, and opportunities for their assumptions to be challenged. I also appreciated the exploration of grief and the way loss can transform someone into a version of themselves they no longer recognize.
However, the pacing felt uneven for me. Certain sections were immersive and emotionally engaging, while others felt longer than necessary. I wanted some character developments and emotional transitions to receive more depth.
There was still a lot to admire, especially the world-building, morally gray characters, and themes surrounding monstrosity and redemption. It simply did not fully capture me the way I hoped it would.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, villainous heroine, reluctant allies, immortals, gods and monsters, slow burn
Themes: Grief, revenge, redemption, loyalty, humanity, what makes someone a monster
The central relationship had strong potential. Two powerful enemies being forced to work together created plenty of conflict, tension, and opportunities for their assumptions to be challenged. I also appreciated the exploration of grief and the way loss can transform someone into a version of themselves they no longer recognize.
However, the pacing felt uneven for me. Certain sections were immersive and emotionally engaging, while others felt longer than necessary. I wanted some character developments and emotional transitions to receive more depth.
There was still a lot to admire, especially the world-building, morally gray characters, and themes surrounding monstrosity and redemption. It simply did not fully capture me the way I hoped it would.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, villainous heroine, reluctant allies, immortals, gods and monsters, slow burn
Themes: Grief, revenge, redemption, loyalty, humanity, what makes someone a monster
3.5 ⭐️ the pacing of this book was totally off. I almost DNF’d multiple times. Not every fantasy book has to be 500+ pages, and this book is a perfect example of that. 200 less pages would’ve made this book more tolerable. There were aspects that I liked, and I did really enjoy Dianna and Liam’s relationship and their banter. I appreciated the enemies to lovers. I will read book 2 at some point, especially after that ending. I just hope it’ll be a little bit more gripping.
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