The Book of Azrael: 1 (Gods & Monsters)

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This story is filled with fast-paced action, an in-depth world, and a romance that goes from simmer to boil. I loved where these two ended up together emotionally it really shouldn’t have worked, them being at first glance so different but it just did.

Similarly, there should have been way more to the dynamic between Kaden and Dianna – he is a completely evil being with extreme and unknown power, yet he wasn’t really involved in the story in a meaningful way. Despite being a god, Liam also known as Samkiel, suffered from crippling depression and PTSD after his world/realm collapsed thousands of years ago. She claimed everyone was staring at me, but I had noticed every eye that lingered upon her since we entered this obnoxious place. Fun fact - I found this stepback at a little free library in the middle of my sister’s bachelorette party last year.You'd imagine that in a book so long, you'd have the chance to learn things little by little, but that wasn't the case. Moreover, I really like the tension between Dianna and Liam, especially the banter at the beginning. As they race against time to find this book, Dianna realizes she may have to reevaluate her loyalties if she truly wishes to save her sister. The Book of Azrael ended with an absolute bang and I don't know how I'm supposed to wait until book two. I love Ruthie's narration and how it brings the book alive I can't wait for the second one to come out!

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why the writing wasn’t good other than that it just felt on the low end of mediocre. The world-building in this book was decent, but it does take a while for all the pieces to start to fit together. If it underwent some much-needed in-depth editing, I would be more than happy to reread it and alter my rating. She’s not a villain, unless you consider Rhysand or any of the SJM characters villains because they’ve killed others.Dianna and Samkiel are enemies older than time, but they must put aside their differences and work together in the hopes of saving both their world and every realm in between. Still, she’s not, so I bet Gabby, her only reason for doing all this will get killed, which will be the catalyst for Dianna becoming an actual villain. It feels balanced – for every big action scene, we get an equal amount of quiet, softer scenes focusing on the characters, their relationships, and their emotions. she is cruel, sassy, strong, completely selfless and the most perfect morally grey fmc i have ever encountered, but she hides behind a façade of sarcasm and snark. But as soon as you get into it, the complex world building is absolutely well written and pulls you in.

This is dual POV our heroine Dianna is definitely the protagonist and very much when this begins she’s the evil villain of the piece as this progresses you realise the reasoning behind everything she does and it does then paint her in a different light, shades of grey rather than truly bad because are you truly a monster if what you do is all for the benefit and safety of another person and you yourself are not the beneficiary of your heinous actions. They are the polar opposites - one is full of life and fight, the other has shut down from the world. Dianna gave up herself to save her sister and is now a dangerous weapon who does not hesitate to use her powers even if they are used for wrong deeds. As much as I was happy to meet Liam, Liam was not happy to meet me or anyone for that matter (see aforementioned emo vibe).Some guy comes up to hit on her, and she says, and I quote, “But I was here with Gabby, the sister I rarely got to see.

So Dianna and her sister died or were dying in a desert at some point, and Kaden showed up to save the day. TL;DR – A fantastic fantasy fiction with a unique world of Gods and Monsters, swoon-worthy and lovable characters, a profound relationship development, and action-packed with an unpredictable plotline and an unexpected cliffhanger.she would go to any lengths to protect her sister and would do absolutely ANYTHING for her, including giving up her mortal life to an evil king (kaden) just to save her sisters life thousands of years ago. It sets up the next book beautifully though, so I guess I’m okay with having my heart ripped from my chest?