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Gods & Monsters #3
Świt przeklętej królowej
Zapytaj ją, chłopcze. Zapytaj, o co błagała gwiazdy i co się za tym kryje. Zapytaj, co wyrwała niebiosom. A potem dopytaj, czy ją to obchodzi. W jej żyłach płynie stara krew.
Nismera i jej legion władają królestwami, gdy moc Samkiela wypełnia niebo. Teraz, gdy go zabrakło, bogini stara się umocnić swoją pozycję na tronie, nieważne, jakim kosztem.
Dianna zmaga się z ciężarem półprawd, kłamstw i zdrad. Wkrótce po tym, gdy przeszła przez to, co uważała za swoją najcięższą do stoczenia bitwę, dowiaduje się, że grozi jej utrata wszystkiego.
Samkiel usiłuje się uleczyć, ale ma na głowie jeszcze więcej niż wcześniej. Ręka została rozbita, królestwa ogarnął chaos, a jedyna osoba, której może ufać, trzyma go na dystans. Czy ta dwójka da radę poradzić sobie z tym, co ich różni, czy oboje polegną od ostrza bogini wojny?
Jedyny prawdziwy król powraca. Czy przyjdzie mu rządzić, czy to królowa obejmie władzę nad wszystkim?
Książka zawiera treści nieodpowiednie dla osób poniżej osiemnastego roku życia.
Nismera i jej legion władają królestwami, gdy moc Samkiela wypełnia niebo. Teraz, gdy go zabrakło, bogini stara się umocnić swoją pozycję na tronie, nieważne, jakim kosztem.
Dianna zmaga się z ciężarem półprawd, kłamstw i zdrad. Wkrótce po tym, gdy przeszła przez to, co uważała za swoją najcięższą do stoczenia bitwę, dowiaduje się, że grozi jej utrata wszystkiego.
Samkiel usiłuje się uleczyć, ale ma na głowie jeszcze więcej niż wcześniej. Ręka została rozbita, królestwa ogarnął chaos, a jedyna osoba, której może ufać, trzyma go na dystans. Czy ta dwójka da radę poradzić sobie z tym, co ich różni, czy oboje polegną od ostrza bogini wojny?
Jedyny prawdziwy król powraca. Czy przyjdzie mu rządzić, czy to królowa obejmie władzę nad wszystkim?
Książka zawiera treści nieodpowiednie dla osób poniżej osiemnastego roku życia.
864 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2024
11526 people are currently reading
85105 people want to read
About the author
Amber V. Nicole
15 books8,649 followersAmber V Nicole is a dark fantasy writer with a touch of horror added into the mix. When she is not writing new and fantastic ways to devastate her readers she is probably playing video games or obsessing over anime. Amber loves morally gray characters with their flaws and all and is always dreaming of far off places with dragons, magic, and swords. She loves a good villain and plans to tell many stories showcasing them in the spotlight.
You can find Amber active the most on her Instagram.
You can find Amber active the most on her Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,413 reviews
June 2, 2024
While the first two books were plot driven, I found this one to be more character driven. It was super amazing in the first half but the second half had some issues for me. It's over 700 pages and it could have easily been 500 pages.
I really enjoyed the action sequences and multi pov. Samkiel, Dianna, Cameron, Camilla and Kaden made the story interesting. I understood how they perceived things and why they did certain things. For some so many pov can be very frustrating to read and that is fine but I personally ate it up 🤭 The world building has always been the author's strongest feat.
Samkiel and Dianna's chemistry has always been amazing. The banter and the delicious spice just makes the romance even greater. I love how patient and understanding Samkiel can be with her. Basically, all of the things that Dianna lacks. Whereas, she provides more of a hands-on approach to things. She is a fighter and protector. The two balance each other out beautifully and truly are the better half of each other 👀
Yet this book won't get a five star from me as there were some issues I found. The second half seemed to drag with fillers, especially with a spice overload. I don't mind the spice but it just became a repetitive pattern. Another thing that irked me was Dianna in the second half. She became so insecure and put up repetitive statements and questions to Samkiel, which imo is very unlike her. The amount of times Samkiel had to reassure her just annoyed me a tad. Like I get that relationships can be like that in reality but bestie chill, what else will a man do to prove you he loves ya?! 😭
The ending again caught me by surprise. I genuinely don't know where the story is heading but am excited to find out. The cliffhangers are so good for this series 🤌
~•~•~
SO EXCITED TO START THIS AHHHHH 🤩🤩🤩 Also, love that it has a recap 🥹🥹
I really enjoyed the action sequences and multi pov. Samkiel, Dianna, Cameron, Camilla and Kaden made the story interesting. I understood how they perceived things and why they did certain things. For some so many pov can be very frustrating to read and that is fine but I personally ate it up 🤭 The world building has always been the author's strongest feat.
Samkiel and Dianna's chemistry has always been amazing. The banter and the delicious spice just makes the romance even greater. I love how patient and understanding Samkiel can be with her. Basically, all of the things that Dianna lacks. Whereas, she provides more of a hands-on approach to things. She is a fighter and protector. The two balance each other out beautifully and truly are the better half of each other 👀
Yet this book won't get a five star from me as there were some issues I found. The second half seemed to drag with fillers, especially with a spice overload. I don't mind the spice but it just became a repetitive pattern. Another thing that irked me was Dianna in the second half. She became so insecure and put up repetitive statements and questions to Samkiel, which imo is very unlike her. The amount of times Samkiel had to reassure her just annoyed me a tad. Like I get that relationships can be like that in reality but bestie chill, what else will a man do to prove you he loves ya?! 😭
The ending again caught me by surprise. I genuinely don't know where the story is heading but am excited to find out. The cliffhangers are so good for this series 🤌
~•~•~
SO EXCITED TO START THIS AHHHHH 🤩🤩🤩 Also, love that it has a recap 🥹🥹
July 2, 2024
4.45!
“Perhaps it was truly a funny thing not to realize how broken or damaged you were until someone came along and picked up every single fractured piece and showed you how just being you was enough.”
It's amazing how Amber wrote three 800 paged books and all of them delivered. According to Amber, this is going to be a 7 book series but she is only contracted for five and all of them are going to be around 800 books (hopefully) despite the length, they are so easy to read and so fun because I honestly was savoring everything that I was getting and not once did I feel like I was bored. It was 800 pages but I wanted more. Amber is easily among my auto-buy authors because if there is one thing that she can nail it's writing good books.
The characters had their amazing moments as well. Diana and Samkiel for the first time were together for majority of the book and the development for them was spot on. The patience Samkiel has tbh (I want) because the way Dianna was so insecure??? I didn't like Vincent Idgaf if he was complex or not I just didn’t like it. Cameron was fun to read as well but I feel like Camila was the side character who stole the show because I loved her pov's. We were deprives of Niverra and Logan. Kaden and Isiah were really good antagonists.
The romance and the plot weaved so well together. The plot was mostly dealing with the after effects of book 2 and it was the build up for book 4 and in many cases this can prove to be very boring but it wasn't, I had the most fun with this one and I feel like the way the things were being set up was really well done. The romance was given more screen time and it also because a large chunk of it was dedicated to the character development, especially for Dianna and Samkiel who finally got the time to do so much together and the scenes were actually hot besides them Vincent and Camilla's romance was well done as well and I'm something between Isiah and Imogen 👀
Overall, it was a spectacular addition to the series (sorry for the messy review I had 5 minute to write it)
___
Sneaking Amber into Arya Starks list because why is my family still not together😭🙏🏻
“Perhaps it was truly a funny thing not to realize how broken or damaged you were until someone came along and picked up every single fractured piece and showed you how just being you was enough.”
It's amazing how Amber wrote three 800 paged books and all of them delivered. According to Amber, this is going to be a 7 book series but she is only contracted for five and all of them are going to be around 800 books (hopefully) despite the length, they are so easy to read and so fun because I honestly was savoring everything that I was getting and not once did I feel like I was bored. It was 800 pages but I wanted more. Amber is easily among my auto-buy authors because if there is one thing that she can nail it's writing good books.
The characters had their amazing moments as well. Diana and Samkiel for the first time were together for majority of the book and the development for them was spot on. The patience Samkiel has tbh (I want) because the way Dianna was so insecure??? I didn't like Vincent Idgaf if he was complex or not I just didn’t like it. Cameron was fun to read as well but I feel like Camila was the side character who stole the show because I loved her pov's. We were deprives of Niverra and Logan. Kaden and Isiah were really good antagonists.
The romance and the plot weaved so well together. The plot was mostly dealing with the after effects of book 2 and it was the build up for book 4 and in many cases this can prove to be very boring but it wasn't, I had the most fun with this one and I feel like the way the things were being set up was really well done. The romance was given more screen time and it also because a large chunk of it was dedicated to the character development, especially for Dianna and Samkiel who finally got the time to do so much together and the scenes were actually hot besides them Vincent and Camilla's romance was well done as well and I'm something between Isiah and Imogen 👀
Overall, it was a spectacular addition to the series (sorry for the messy review I had 5 minute to write it)
___
Sneaking Amber into Arya Starks list because why is my family still not together😭🙏🏻
November 18, 2025
5 silver light stars ⭐️
“Perhaps it was truly a funny thing not to realize how broken or damaged you were until someone came along and picked up every single fractured piece and showed you how just being you was enough.”
Dianna, you are ENOUGH. I’m afraid you are also the problem 😭. Guys, my initial instincts were right - Dianna remains problematic whilst our good God King Samkiel tries to stop her killing and burning everyone, including himself⤵️
“Get off of me!”
“Promise you won’t try to stab me.” 😂😭
This book was INSANE. Almost too good to put into words so let’s just do some snap opinions:
• Samkiel is still the most gorgeous, purest, perfect fantasy book husband and we don’t deserve him.
• Dianna is still the chaotic Ig’Morruthen we love. And we get to understand her more and more. Her love knows no bounds and I’m not going to judge her anymore for fiercely protecting what she holds close.
• Dianna and Samkiel together are MAGIC. It’s the love story of love stories. More than fated mates, more than anything ⤵️
“He had picked up the pieces, bit by jagged, broken bit, and put them back together. Somehow, he had healed them and made me whole. So even if my love was a dark, powerful, brutal thing, it was still just love.” 🥹😭
•We get new characters, the most amazing one being MISKA 🥹❤️ cannot wait to see how she’s brought into the family more in the next book.
• The developed relationship between Reggie and Dianna is something so precious. I love how Reggie’s character has evolved - he’s not just an emotionless fate anymore and you can see that he loves Dianna and even the jealous Samkiel hahah.
It’s an 800 page book with MULTIPLE POVs. It can feel annoying in the beginning but push through!! Those new POVs we get contribute so much to the story and I got used to it quite quickly.
Excited for book 4, I NEED a family reunion. Don’t know how much of this I can take 😢
————————————————————————-
Time to read how my problematic fav, Diana, messes everything up just for Samkiel to forgive and stick by her anyway 🙄
“Perhaps it was truly a funny thing not to realize how broken or damaged you were until someone came along and picked up every single fractured piece and showed you how just being you was enough.”
Dianna, you are ENOUGH. I’m afraid you are also the problem 😭. Guys, my initial instincts were right - Dianna remains problematic whilst our good God King Samkiel tries to stop her killing and burning everyone, including himself⤵️
“Get off of me!”
“Promise you won’t try to stab me.” 😂😭
This book was INSANE. Almost too good to put into words so let’s just do some snap opinions:
• Samkiel is still the most gorgeous, purest, perfect fantasy book husband and we don’t deserve him.
• Dianna is still the chaotic Ig’Morruthen we love. And we get to understand her more and more. Her love knows no bounds and I’m not going to judge her anymore for fiercely protecting what she holds close.
• Dianna and Samkiel together are MAGIC. It’s the love story of love stories. More than fated mates, more than anything ⤵️
“He had picked up the pieces, bit by jagged, broken bit, and put them back together. Somehow, he had healed them and made me whole. So even if my love was a dark, powerful, brutal thing, it was still just love.” 🥹😭
•We get new characters, the most amazing one being MISKA 🥹❤️ cannot wait to see how she’s brought into the family more in the next book.
• The developed relationship between Reggie and Dianna is something so precious. I love how Reggie’s character has evolved - he’s not just an emotionless fate anymore and you can see that he loves Dianna and even the jealous Samkiel hahah.
It’s an 800 page book with MULTIPLE POVs. It can feel annoying in the beginning but push through!! Those new POVs we get contribute so much to the story and I got used to it quite quickly.
Excited for book 4, I NEED a family reunion. Don’t know how much of this I can take 😢
————————————————————————-
Time to read how my problematic fav, Diana, messes everything up just for Samkiel to forgive and stick by her anyway 🙄
June 1, 2024
6⭐️s. Sheer PERFECTION. Amber V. Nicole I am once again sending you my therapy bill because HOLY HELL! My mind is REELING!! This series truly just keeps getting better and better with each book and it is without a doubt one of my favorite series of all time. This world, these characters, hold such a special place in my heart, the emotional attachment probably isn’t healthy at this point and I don’t care. The chokehold Samkiel and Dianna have on me… I would quite literally protect them at all costs if given the chance.
This book was NONSTOP, to say it was an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement. Even though this is the 3rd book in what’s going to be a 7 book series, it was the further thing from a filler book! The plot pacing was perfection and my eyes were simply glued to every last word. Ambers world building continues to amaze me and I can’t even begin to explain how obsessed I am with this magic system.
On to our morally grey fucking QUEEN who just keeps on serving, Dianna! I will bow down to her every day of the week. By far one of my favorite FMCs of all time. We really got to watch her grow and accept the love she deserves in this book and it made me sob on multiple occasions. But don’t let that fool you, her rage is still at an all time high and she’s more lethal than ever! Her character is undeniably flawed but it the best way possible. Every day is a constant battle between her to inner demon and humanity and boy does she put up a fight in this one. Her possessiveness over Samkiel is everything to me and I adore the way she protects him and will go to the end of the earth to track down anyone that can potentially hurt him.
Don’t even get me started on my baby Samkiel. This man. This man. MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS. #2 book boyfriend and inching his way to that #1 spot. He is the standard. He has a heart of pure gold and is the light to Diannas dark. But even with the biggest heart this man is absolutely LETHAL, and will rid the earth of anyone who so much as looks at Dianna wrong or threatens the people he loves. And boy is it HOT. He is loyal, honest, trustworthy, communicative, and is unrelenting in the way he shows Dianna love and ALWAYS puts her first. Even when Dianna loses herself, he is always there to bring her back. I WOULD LITERALLY DIE FOR THESE TWO!!!!
I absolutely LOVED the new POVs and relationships we got in this book. You don’t just fall in love with the main characters, no, each side character is so well flushed out and adds so much value to the story that it’s impossible to not get emotionally attached to them as well. Camilla and Vincent were such a pleasant surprise, I absolutely ADORE them! As much as I hate Kaden and Isaiah, Amber KNOWS how to write a villain, and somehow managed to get me so invested in their stories despite them filling my body with rage. I love to hate them at this point. Don’t even get me started on The Hand, my heart hurts for them and my god are they going through it in this book, I’m so scared for what’s to come… but I cannot wait to see how their stories unfold because I just know we’re in for a wild wide with all of them.
I was in a constant state of “holy shit. what’s going on?! No no no no no. Giggling and kicking my feet. White knuckling my book. Heart falling out of my chest. Choking on my tears” the whole time I was reading and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The action and the battle scenes were perfect and made me feel like I was watching them through the characters eyes. THAT ENDING?!!! My mind is actually blown. I have so many questions!!! I simply don’t know how I can continue living my life as normal until this series is complete. For now I’ll settle with the gaping hole in my heart that no book will fill. But it’s fine. Everything’s fine.
This book was NONSTOP, to say it was an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement. Even though this is the 3rd book in what’s going to be a 7 book series, it was the further thing from a filler book! The plot pacing was perfection and my eyes were simply glued to every last word. Ambers world building continues to amaze me and I can’t even begin to explain how obsessed I am with this magic system.
On to our morally grey fucking QUEEN who just keeps on serving, Dianna! I will bow down to her every day of the week. By far one of my favorite FMCs of all time. We really got to watch her grow and accept the love she deserves in this book and it made me sob on multiple occasions. But don’t let that fool you, her rage is still at an all time high and she’s more lethal than ever! Her character is undeniably flawed but it the best way possible. Every day is a constant battle between her to inner demon and humanity and boy does she put up a fight in this one. Her possessiveness over Samkiel is everything to me and I adore the way she protects him and will go to the end of the earth to track down anyone that can potentially hurt him.
Don’t even get me started on my baby Samkiel. This man. This man. MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS. #2 book boyfriend and inching his way to that #1 spot. He is the standard. He has a heart of pure gold and is the light to Diannas dark. But even with the biggest heart this man is absolutely LETHAL, and will rid the earth of anyone who so much as looks at Dianna wrong or threatens the people he loves. And boy is it HOT. He is loyal, honest, trustworthy, communicative, and is unrelenting in the way he shows Dianna love and ALWAYS puts her first. Even when Dianna loses herself, he is always there to bring her back. I WOULD LITERALLY DIE FOR THESE TWO!!!!
I absolutely LOVED the new POVs and relationships we got in this book. You don’t just fall in love with the main characters, no, each side character is so well flushed out and adds so much value to the story that it’s impossible to not get emotionally attached to them as well. Camilla and Vincent were such a pleasant surprise, I absolutely ADORE them! As much as I hate Kaden and Isaiah, Amber KNOWS how to write a villain, and somehow managed to get me so invested in their stories despite them filling my body with rage. I love to hate them at this point. Don’t even get me started on The Hand, my heart hurts for them and my god are they going through it in this book, I’m so scared for what’s to come… but I cannot wait to see how their stories unfold because I just know we’re in for a wild wide with all of them.
I was in a constant state of “holy shit. what’s going on?! No no no no no. Giggling and kicking my feet. White knuckling my book. Heart falling out of my chest. Choking on my tears” the whole time I was reading and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The action and the battle scenes were perfect and made me feel like I was watching them through the characters eyes. THAT ENDING?!!! My mind is actually blown. I have so many questions!!! I simply don’t know how I can continue living my life as normal until this series is complete. For now I’ll settle with the gaping hole in my heart that no book will fill. But it’s fine. Everything’s fine.
September 6, 2024
“My akrai. My Dianna. My love.”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I still remember the day I randomly scrolled through NetGalley and I came across The Book of Azrael. I remember thinking: “Oh, that skull on the cover looks fun.” Then I read the title and the synopsis and I thought: “Oh, even more fun,” so I started reading it immediately, and I’ve been screaming in agony ever since. Obviously, I’m in love with this series.
To begin with, Amber Nicole sure knows how to keep us on our toes. The plot gets better and better with each book. Seriously, how is the story so good? I can’t get enough of it. I’ll need to be admitted if I don’t get book 4 soon. Also, the lore blows my mind the more the story progresses, and don’t even get me started on the plot twists and the devastating cliffhangers. I honestly think Amber Nicole wants to give us all a heart attack or at least drive us insane.
Moreover, I didn’t think I could love Dianna and Samkiel more than I already did, but I was proven wrong yet again. Firstly, nothing I say is enough to describe my love for Dianna. She’s such a complex and amazing character. Her morals are below minimum, she exclusively cares about her loved ones and no one else, and she’s basically a villain on the good guys’ side. She plays the role usually given to the dark and mysterious male love interest and she does it like a pro. She’s exactly what I look for in a female main character, which is why I love her so much and I’m dying to reach the end of her story.
Secondly, Samkiel is the heroic knight in shining golden armor, the one who would sacrifice himself for the greater good (and Dianna), and the king of our hearts. He protects his family as passionately as Dianna, he is righteous and good, a fair and just ruler, forgiving and understanding, and the greenest flag in literature. Seriously, the guy deserves a medal. He would go above and beyond to protect and care for Dianna and see it as the bare minimum. Do I even need to say more?
Furthermore, I particularly love the way Dianna and Samkiel’s relationship develops in this book. They are officially together now, and that would usually mean there’s very little if any development left for them especially when the couple is fated to be together. It’s as if it all comes naturally to them. It’s not that I hate naturally wholesome relationships in my romance books, I actually like them quite a bit but I do appreciate it more when the couple has to keep working on their relationship even after getting together. It feels more real. As in love as Dianna and Samkiel are with each other, there are still things they need to work on. They do so in such a realistic and emotional way, it was amazing seeing them learn how to be together.
In addition, Cameron was once again the highlight of the story. No matter what happens, his sarcasm remains as delightful as it has always been. I love him with my entire heart, and I love his friendship with Dianna even more. Unfortunately, I can’t say more about him or the rest of The Hand to avoid spoilers. They are adorable and menaces to society. Aside from Cameron, I also loved Vincent and Camilla’s storyline. It is as good as the last book promised and I can’t wait to get more of them. Besides, Vincent specifically has a lot to make up for still and I can’t wait to see how his redemption arc will develop in the next book. As for Camilla, she is perfect, loyal to Dianna in spite of everything, and she’s really setting Dumbass Vincent straight which he desperately needs.
Finally, as much as Amber Nicole (and everyone who has read this) tried to convince me, I just can’t bring myself to like Kaden. If I could punch that jerk in the face, I would. At the moment, I just don’t see myself forgiving him or forgetting about everything he’s done. His brother Isaiah, though, is very intriguing. 😙 I didn’t like him either at first but then I got to know him and now I’m kind of in love with him. It’s actually more of a reluctant crush at this point, I still need to see more from him. However, he’s done some pretty nice and considerate things about a character I really, really like, also he’s giving big dick energy and I’m super into it. I’m eager to see what kind of character development he’ll get and how his storyline will progress.
Oh, and as for Nismera, I hope Dianna rips her stupid little head off soon. That bitch is getting on my nerves.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I still remember the day I randomly scrolled through NetGalley and I came across The Book of Azrael. I remember thinking: “Oh, that skull on the cover looks fun.” Then I read the title and the synopsis and I thought: “Oh, even more fun,” so I started reading it immediately, and I’ve been screaming in agony ever since. Obviously, I’m in love with this series.
To begin with, Amber Nicole sure knows how to keep us on our toes. The plot gets better and better with each book. Seriously, how is the story so good? I can’t get enough of it. I’ll need to be admitted if I don’t get book 4 soon. Also, the lore blows my mind the more the story progresses, and don’t even get me started on the plot twists and the devastating cliffhangers. I honestly think Amber Nicole wants to give us all a heart attack or at least drive us insane.
Moreover, I didn’t think I could love Dianna and Samkiel more than I already did, but I was proven wrong yet again. Firstly, nothing I say is enough to describe my love for Dianna. She’s such a complex and amazing character. Her morals are below minimum, she exclusively cares about her loved ones and no one else, and she’s basically a villain on the good guys’ side. She plays the role usually given to the dark and mysterious male love interest and she does it like a pro. She’s exactly what I look for in a female main character, which is why I love her so much and I’m dying to reach the end of her story.
Secondly, Samkiel is the heroic knight in shining golden armor, the one who would sacrifice himself for the greater good (and Dianna), and the king of our hearts. He protects his family as passionately as Dianna, he is righteous and good, a fair and just ruler, forgiving and understanding, and the greenest flag in literature. Seriously, the guy deserves a medal. He would go above and beyond to protect and care for Dianna and see it as the bare minimum. Do I even need to say more?
Furthermore, I particularly love the way Dianna and Samkiel’s relationship develops in this book. They are officially together now, and that would usually mean there’s very little if any development left for them especially when the couple is fated to be together. It’s as if it all comes naturally to them. It’s not that I hate naturally wholesome relationships in my romance books, I actually like them quite a bit but I do appreciate it more when the couple has to keep working on their relationship even after getting together. It feels more real. As in love as Dianna and Samkiel are with each other, there are still things they need to work on. They do so in such a realistic and emotional way, it was amazing seeing them learn how to be together.
In addition, Cameron was once again the highlight of the story. No matter what happens, his sarcasm remains as delightful as it has always been. I love him with my entire heart, and I love his friendship with Dianna even more. Unfortunately, I can’t say more about him or the rest of The Hand to avoid spoilers. They are adorable and menaces to society. Aside from Cameron, I also loved Vincent and Camilla’s storyline. It is as good as the last book promised and I can’t wait to get more of them. Besides, Vincent specifically has a lot to make up for still and I can’t wait to see how his redemption arc will develop in the next book. As for Camilla, she is perfect, loyal to Dianna in spite of everything, and she’s really setting Dumbass Vincent straight which he desperately needs.
Finally, as much as Amber Nicole (and everyone who has read this) tried to convince me, I just can’t bring myself to like Kaden. If I could punch that jerk in the face, I would. At the moment, I just don’t see myself forgiving him or forgetting about everything he’s done. His brother Isaiah, though, is very intriguing. 😙 I didn’t like him either at first but then I got to know him and now I’m kind of in love with him. It’s actually more of a reluctant crush at this point, I still need to see more from him. However, he’s done some pretty nice and considerate things about a character I really, really like, also he’s giving big dick energy and I’m super into it. I’m eager to see what kind of character development he’ll get and how his storyline will progress.
Oh, and as for Nismera, I hope Dianna rips her stupid little head off soon. That bitch is getting on my nerves.
February 2, 2026
What was that? This book series just experienced the “blood and ash” curse, meaning it was the most horrible third book ever. Like what happened to a good plot? What happened to anything but the miscommunication trope? God and the multiple pov killed me. I just couldn’t read this. And this is coming from someone who absolutely adored the first book. I feel like the whole trajectory of the series was abandoned, trashed even. Why the unnecessary drama? I am so disappointed that I waited a whole entire year for this.
I felt like i was reading a bad soap opera where the characters suffered from a disease that made them undecided and a tiny bit bipolar.
I felt like i was reading a bad soap opera where the characters suffered from a disease that made them undecided and a tiny bit bipolar.
November 14, 2025
4.75 ★’s
₊⊹⁀➴ 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
It didn’t give that five-star feeling like I thought it would, but CLOSE ENOUGH!!! THIS IS STILL MY FAVOURITE FANTASY SERIES OF ALL TIME. ISTFG.
Firstly, this book is written in multiple povs. I’m not the biggest fan of those, like I was so frustrated—especially towards the end—when Amber V. Nicole kept giving us EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON’S. POV. EXCEPT the MCs, Samkiel and Dianna, when it came to the most crucial moments. Like GIRL?? I don’t really care about Reggie, just give me more Dianna pov. But nonetheless, I still ate it all up. 🙂↕️😋
₊⊹⁀➴ 𝐈𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧, 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧. 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.
I also wished for more interactions between the Hand (Cameron, Xavier, Imogen, Logan, Neverra) mostly because the found family was one of my most favourite things about The Throne of Broken Gods (the previous book), but I understand that probably wasn’t feasible considering the position they’re in…
But everything else? The plot, the writing, the pacing, and the world-building (that, especially) I thought were all done really well (as usual) and I loved that Samkiel and Dianna had time in here to mend their relationship. (Though I must say… I was a bit frustrated when Dianna kept trying to solve all her problems herself and kept so much stuff from Samkiel.)
Here is what Raven Kennedy said about this book (praise which was printed on the book cover):
‘Fast-paced action, an in-depth world, and a romance that goes from simmer to boil. If you like romantasy, read this!’
I couldn’t agree more. 🔥 This was filled with action, as they were hopping from mission to mission and place to place, faced with so many obstacles (Nismera and her soldiers 👀👹). While reading, I felt like there wasn’t time to breathe (in a good way though).
♡ Dianna. ₊⊹⁀➴ 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐦.
I have nothing new to say about her (other than the negatives at the start 👀); she’s the same fiery, badass QUEEN. One of the strongest fantasy FMCs I’ve ever read about. She protects those that she loves, and she does so fiercely.
♡ Samkiel. ₊⊹⁀➴ 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈‘𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨.
My hottie baddie like a daddie!! 🥵 I love how he can be tamed by only Dianna. 🫦 Like he is so down bad for her, and yet I love how he’s so caring towards her and how he would lit-ter-ruh-ly ‼️ ruin worlds to get to her. He’s the most powerful god, and though he is kind and always looks out for everyone, you can’t deny that he’d rip anyone who dared to hurt Dianna apart.
⌗ SamkielDianna. ₊⊹⁀➴ ❝𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒚?❞
THESE TWO!!!! UGHHH I LOVE THEM SFM.THEY ARE THE CAUSE TO EVERY ONE OF MY DAYDREAMS IN CLASS. Their bond is everything, and they, together, will be indestructible. The love they have for each other is TREMENDOUS, there aren’t the right words to describe it.
And—that scene when they told each other their last names?! I SWEARRRR, IT WAS SO FUNNY AND CUTE!!
If anything, ANYTHING, happens to this couple in the next book—I’m warning you now, I will RAGE.
… the others! I loved the new couples and people we find out in this book! Vincent… Camilla (👀 got me good, that’s all I’ll say)… Kabitch—sorry, my pen slipped—Kaden (HAHAH CAMERON SAID THAT IN THE RECAP) (ugh I miss Cameron and his jokes so much) (and lmfao how is Kabitch even still…??? 🤦♀️)… Isaiah (I’m actually glad that these two had each other) (and I hope he actually gets his girl)… and Miska!! I loved Miska. I smell a sisterly bond between them…
(Sorry I know what I just said was super vague but just read this book and come back here and you’ll get what I mean. 😊)
This series owns MY. WHOLE. HEART. If you haven’t read this yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? We can’t be friends. 😔🤚 (jk… but if you don’t soon…)
Coming back to this series felt like a warm, fiery? hug. 😌 Onto the next book!
#1 - The Book of Azrael: 5★
#2 - The Throne of Broken Gods: 5★
#3 - The Dawn of the Cursed Queen: 4.75★
₊⊹⁀➴ Everything changed with Dianna, and I mean everything. She didn’t just scorch a path of destruction across the world to avenge her fallen sister, but she burned so damn bright she revealed secrets buried within our family and ourselves.
₊⊹⁀➴ Something inside my chest flickered. It was as if a small light was switched on in the dark, dusty room. It was strange to hear that someone missed me.
₊⊹⁀➴ A thousand years I had with Dianna, and that damned part of me that still hoped and cared wished I had more. I thought I would have forever.
₊⊹⁀➴ Love to us was deadly, powerful, and, above all, something we would rip to pieces to keep.
₊⊹⁀➴ All I knew was that the world faded away when we were together, and I would burn anyone and anything to ashes to keep it. If the afterlife was perfect, I wanted mine to be this with him forever and ever, but this was not paradise. It was reality, and reality, like a cold-hearted bitch, snuck her way between us.
₊⊹⁀➴ He pulled me to him, his arms wrapping around me completely as if having me pressed against his body solved all his problems. Maybe it did help. Gods, I hoped it gave him at least a moment of peace. My hand pressed against his chest, feeling the solid, reassuring thump of his heart. His head rested atop mine, and I could feel the edge of his scar along my abdomen as he held me close. I swallowed, trying to steal a few more moments for us.
₊⊹⁀➴ “To admit fear is a sign of true strength. I hope you are aware of that. By saying it, you take that control back.”
₊⊹⁀➴ “Secrets have buried rulers faster than any blade.”
₊⊹⁀➴ Even with the thick walls separating us here, I still felt Dianna as if she were next to me.
₊⊹⁀➴ She is my everything. The words floated across my mind, a truth that lived deeper than my flesh and bone, one buried in my very atoms.
₊⊹⁀➴ “To be honest, we didn’t like each other at first, quite the opposite. I think it’s because we were too much alike. Stubborn. Hard-headed. Strong-willed. But we were forced to work together for a common goal. That closeness formed something stronger than dislike. We got to know each other and realized we had far more in common than not.”
I didn’t tell Frilla how being with Dianna made days feel like minutes, how time started to not exist the closer I had gotten to Dianna. After a while, against my better judgement, she was all I saw, all I thought about, and no matter how much I lied to myself in the beginning, she was all I craved. She lit a spark inside me, chasing away that harrowing darkness, and all it did was burn brighter the more I was with her. I never wanted it to go out, and I was afraid what lengths I would go to keep it.
₊⊹⁀➴ I smiled, knowing that even though we played and joked about her rewarding me, I already had the biggest reward life could have offered me. It was her. It was always her.
₊⊹⁀➴ Until Dianna, I hadn’t known jealousy, but I was jealous as I had been before with that damned vampire. I wanted all of Dianna‘s time, her smiles, her laughs, and above all, her secrets.
₊⊹⁀➴ “You, Dianna, my dark-haired, fiery vixen, are and will always be enough for me.”
₊⊹⁀➴ He looked at her as if she hung the stars.
₊⊹⁀➴ “But, Sami baby, there is nothing weak about you. I think we are both used to doing everything alone, even taking care of ourselves. So help feels strange. You know I’ll be here when you’re healthy and strong and also when you’re sick and need me to pick up the slack, all right?”
₊⊹⁀➴ I lifted the necklace, peering closely at the pictures of us inside. A small smile curved my lips, a small bright spot in this damned day.
₊⊹⁀➴ “Your love for a creature of death will be your demise.”
₊⊹⁀➴ “I’ve never loved or been so consumed by another, nor will I ever again.”
₊⊹⁀➴ “What does the King of Rashearim mean to you?”
“Everything.” I didn’t hesitate or pause. I didn’t have days to think about it, nor would I deny it as I had so many times before. No more would I run from what I felt and have the world suffer for it. I’d lost him because I couldn’t tell him, because I was too afraid to tell him, and I was about to lose him once more. “He is everything to me.”
— This isn’t everything. 🤡 These quotes are only from, like, 20% of the book because I got lazy of noting down everything in my document. There is so so so much more. JUST READ THIS SERIES. PLEASE.
₊⊹⁀➴ 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓.
✦ 𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕣-𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ✦
It didn’t give that five-star feeling like I thought it would, but CLOSE ENOUGH!!! THIS IS STILL MY FAVOURITE FANTASY SERIES OF ALL TIME. ISTFG.
𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊 𝖓𝖊𝖌𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖘…
Firstly, this book is written in multiple povs. I’m not the biggest fan of those, like I was so frustrated—especially towards the end—when Amber V. Nicole kept giving us EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON’S. POV. EXCEPT the MCs, Samkiel and Dianna, when it came to the most crucial moments. Like GIRL?? I don’t really care about Reggie, just give me more Dianna pov. But nonetheless, I still ate it all up. 🙂↕️😋
₊⊹⁀➴ 𝐈𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧, 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧. 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.
I also wished for more interactions between the Hand (Cameron, Xavier, Imogen, Logan, Neverra) mostly because the found family was one of my most favourite things about The Throne of Broken Gods (the previous book), but I understand that probably wasn’t feasible considering the position they’re in…
𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖘!!
But everything else? The plot, the writing, the pacing, and the world-building (that, especially) I thought were all done really well (as usual) and I loved that Samkiel and Dianna had time in here to mend their relationship. (Though I must say… I was a bit frustrated when Dianna kept trying to solve all her problems herself and kept so much stuff from Samkiel.)
Here is what Raven Kennedy said about this book (praise which was printed on the book cover):
‘Fast-paced action, an in-depth world, and a romance that goes from simmer to boil. If you like romantasy, read this!’
I couldn’t agree more. 🔥 This was filled with action, as they were hopping from mission to mission and place to place, faced with so many obstacles (Nismera and her soldiers 👀👹). While reading, I felt like there wasn’t time to breathe (in a good way though).
𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘
♡ Dianna. ₊⊹⁀➴ 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐢𝐦.
I have nothing new to say about her (other than the negatives at the start 👀); she’s the same fiery, badass QUEEN. One of the strongest fantasy FMCs I’ve ever read about. She protects those that she loves, and she does so fiercely.
♡ Samkiel. ₊⊹⁀➴ 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈‘𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨.
⌗ SamkielDianna. ₊⊹⁀➴ ❝𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒚?❞
THESE TWO!!!! UGHHH I LOVE THEM SFM.
And—that scene when they told each other their last names?! I SWEARRRR, IT WAS SO FUNNY AND CUTE!!
If anything, ANYTHING, happens to this couple in the next book—I’m warning you now, I will RAGE.
… the others! I loved the new couples and people we find out in this book! Vincent… Camilla (👀 got me good, that’s all I’ll say)… Kabitch—sorry, my pen slipped—Kaden (HAHAH CAMERON SAID THAT IN THE RECAP) (ugh I miss Cameron and his jokes so much) (and lmfao how is Kabitch even still…??? 🤦♀️)… Isaiah (I’m actually glad that these two had each other) (and I hope he actually gets his girl)… and Miska!! I loved Miska. I smell a sisterly bond between them…
(Sorry I know what I just said was super vague but just read this book and come back here and you’ll get what I mean. 😊)
𝖋𝖎𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖘
This series owns MY. WHOLE. HEART. If you haven’t read this yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? We can’t be friends. 😔🤚 (jk… but if you don’t soon…)
Coming back to this series felt like a warm
✦ 𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 ✦
#1 - The Book of Azrael: 5★
#2 - The Throne of Broken Gods: 5★
#3 - The Dawn of the Cursed Queen: 4.75★
𝖖𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘 ~
₊⊹⁀➴ Everything changed with Dianna, and I mean everything. She didn’t just scorch a path of destruction across the world to avenge her fallen sister, but she burned so damn bright she revealed secrets buried within our family and ourselves.
₊⊹⁀➴ Something inside my chest flickered. It was as if a small light was switched on in the dark, dusty room. It was strange to hear that someone missed me.
₊⊹⁀➴ A thousand years I had with Dianna, and that damned part of me that still hoped and cared wished I had more. I thought I would have forever.
₊⊹⁀➴ Love to us was deadly, powerful, and, above all, something we would rip to pieces to keep.
₊⊹⁀➴ All I knew was that the world faded away when we were together, and I would burn anyone and anything to ashes to keep it. If the afterlife was perfect, I wanted mine to be this with him forever and ever, but this was not paradise. It was reality, and reality, like a cold-hearted bitch, snuck her way between us.
₊⊹⁀➴ He pulled me to him, his arms wrapping around me completely as if having me pressed against his body solved all his problems. Maybe it did help. Gods, I hoped it gave him at least a moment of peace. My hand pressed against his chest, feeling the solid, reassuring thump of his heart. His head rested atop mine, and I could feel the edge of his scar along my abdomen as he held me close. I swallowed, trying to steal a few more moments for us.
₊⊹⁀➴ “To admit fear is a sign of true strength. I hope you are aware of that. By saying it, you take that control back.”
₊⊹⁀➴ “Secrets have buried rulers faster than any blade.”
₊⊹⁀➴ Even with the thick walls separating us here, I still felt Dianna as if she were next to me.
₊⊹⁀➴ She is my everything. The words floated across my mind, a truth that lived deeper than my flesh and bone, one buried in my very atoms.
₊⊹⁀➴ “To be honest, we didn’t like each other at first, quite the opposite. I think it’s because we were too much alike. Stubborn. Hard-headed. Strong-willed. But we were forced to work together for a common goal. That closeness formed something stronger than dislike. We got to know each other and realized we had far more in common than not.”
I didn’t tell Frilla how being with Dianna made days feel like minutes, how time started to not exist the closer I had gotten to Dianna. After a while, against my better judgement, she was all I saw, all I thought about, and no matter how much I lied to myself in the beginning, she was all I craved. She lit a spark inside me, chasing away that harrowing darkness, and all it did was burn brighter the more I was with her. I never wanted it to go out, and I was afraid what lengths I would go to keep it.
₊⊹⁀➴ I smiled, knowing that even though we played and joked about her rewarding me, I already had the biggest reward life could have offered me. It was her. It was always her.
₊⊹⁀➴ Until Dianna, I hadn’t known jealousy, but I was jealous as I had been before with that damned vampire. I wanted all of Dianna‘s time, her smiles, her laughs, and above all, her secrets.
₊⊹⁀➴ “You, Dianna, my dark-haired, fiery vixen, are and will always be enough for me.”
₊⊹⁀➴ He looked at her as if she hung the stars.
₊⊹⁀➴ “But, Sami baby, there is nothing weak about you. I think we are both used to doing everything alone, even taking care of ourselves. So help feels strange. You know I’ll be here when you’re healthy and strong and also when you’re sick and need me to pick up the slack, all right?”
₊⊹⁀➴ I lifted the necklace, peering closely at the pictures of us inside. A small smile curved my lips, a small bright spot in this damned day.
₊⊹⁀➴ “Your love for a creature of death will be your demise.”
₊⊹⁀➴ “I’ve never loved or been so consumed by another, nor will I ever again.”
₊⊹⁀➴ “What does the King of Rashearim mean to you?”
“Everything.” I didn’t hesitate or pause. I didn’t have days to think about it, nor would I deny it as I had so many times before. No more would I run from what I felt and have the world suffer for it. I’d lost him because I couldn’t tell him, because I was too afraid to tell him, and I was about to lose him once more. “He is everything to me.”
— This isn’t everything. 🤡 These quotes are only from, like, 20% of the book because I got lazy of noting down everything in my document. There is so so so much more. JUST READ THIS SERIES. PLEASE.
June 3, 2024
I just dont know how Amber has written three books all 600+ pages and all of them written so well!! AND THE FACT THERE WILL BE 7??? it just made ny day because I can't see Amber doing anything wrong!
__
Fuck it! I am reading this
__
Fuck it! I am reading this
July 19, 2024
Daddy- ahem sammy was so hot in this one and Diana was ngl annoying (so much for feminine rage, the only rage was me at her snobby attitude)
my slump was so bad that it took me almost two months to complete this lol but I liked it.
my slump was so bad that it took me almost two months to complete this lol but I liked it.
June 1, 2024
This was clearly a filler book. There wasn’t a lot of progression for the plot. There was a lot more world building and laying foundation for what’s to come but I needed more from this book. It didn’t help that there were over ten POVs. It stunts the story with that many new story lines going on at once that honestly, I didn’t care for as much as I probably should. The parts that were good though, I really liked. This could have been a really good 400 page book but instead it was a boring 800 page book with not enough to keep me excited.
P.s. no one can make me like you Vincent.
P.s. no one can make me like you Vincent.
July 8, 2024
“I didn’t worry for myself as darkness crept closer and my body slumped. My last thought was and always would be her. I feared for the world and what they’d unleashed.”
It took me exactly a month, but I did it! I finished this beast, and I loved every minute of it!! I was only reading so slow because I had my final exams but now, I am free. The world building and action sequences are clearly Ambers strongest points, and she did not hesitate to use them because this book though at times read like a filler successfully did its job by building up the things that happen at the end. Samkiel should be applauded for his patience because if it was anyone else, they would have left Diana and Diana?? she got on my nerves, but she made this book so much more enjoyable. I just wish we saw more of the gang and niverra and logan were missing for way too much. I loved the new point of views, and the romance was on spot!!
--->4.75!
“Perhaps it was truly a funny thing not to realize how broken or damaged you were until someone came along and picked up every single fractured piece and showed you how just being you was enough.”
It took me exactly a month, but I did it! I finished this beast, and I loved every minute of it!! I was only reading so slow because I had my final exams but now, I am free. The world building and action sequences are clearly Ambers strongest points, and she did not hesitate to use them because this book though at times read like a filler successfully did its job by building up the things that happen at the end. Samkiel should be applauded for his patience because if it was anyone else, they would have left Diana and Diana?? she got on my nerves, but she made this book so much more enjoyable. I just wish we saw more of the gang and niverra and logan were missing for way too much. I loved the new point of views, and the romance was on spot!!
--->4.75!
“Perhaps it was truly a funny thing not to realize how broken or damaged you were until someone came along and picked up every single fractured piece and showed you how just being you was enough.”
September 26, 2024
4.5 stars
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. WTF. WHAT IS HAPPENING.
Okay, so that ending was a lot. Let me get the last two brain cells left in my head after that and type this review.
NEARLY perfect. I do think the fact that it wasn’t for me is however my fault though because I waited so long to read this. Totally my fault.
I missed Dianna. Oh, and everyone else. Samkiel reeeeealllllyyyy stepped up his Godly mojo in this one and it had me side eyeing him like that meme of the guy holding this girlfriend’s hand and looking behind him at the other woman. Okkkkkay, World Ender, I see you.
Loved it. Terrified for the next book. Amber, be gentle with us.
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. WTF. WHAT IS HAPPENING.
Okay, so that ending was a lot. Let me get the last two brain cells left in my head after that and type this review.
NEARLY perfect. I do think the fact that it wasn’t for me is however my fault though because I waited so long to read this. Totally my fault.
I missed Dianna. Oh, and everyone else. Samkiel reeeeealllllyyyy stepped up his Godly mojo in this one and it had me side eyeing him like that meme of the guy holding this girlfriend’s hand and looking behind him at the other woman. Okkkkkay, World Ender, I see you.
Loved it. Terrified for the next book. Amber, be gentle with us.
August 16, 2024
This has become such a chore to read. It's just so long...............💀
June 2, 2024
have i actually thought a single book in this series was good? not really no. has that stopped me from reading every single one? also no.
May 7, 2024
“I love you," he whispered.
I smiled up at him, sliding my thumb along his lower lip as if I might touch those words as well as hear them.
"I love you," I said, and even to my own ears, they sounded like a vow.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️/5
Angst/Tension: 🔥🔥🔥/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75/5
What To Expect:
✔️Multiple first-person POVs
✔️Enemies-to-lovers
✔️Secrets and betrayals
✔️Dynamic and engrossing world-building
✔️An FMC that will cross any line for her man
✔️A MMC who is desperate to reclaim his throne
Somehow, someway, this book was even better than the first two. I will never, EVER, get enough of this series.
***POTENTIAL BOOK 1 + BOOK 2 SPOILERS BELOW***
Fk The Consequences FMC
”Ask her what she begged the stars for and what lives now. Ask her what she ripped from the very heavens. And then ask her if she cares.”
Dianna is yet again showing that she will do anything and everything to protect her man and those she loves. She is taking no prisoners in her fight to find and save her family that were cruelly captured and enslaved at the end of book 2. At the start of book 3, Dianna doesn’t know the ramifications of what she’s done by bringing Samkiel back (other than the loss of her amata mark; a secret which she is keeping from Samkiel). She is teetering on a knife’s edge through this book and it’s not long before we learn why…
I literally couldn’t love Dianna more if I tried. She is raw, flawed, vicious, passionate, and rules from her heart and not the head. Our “red-eyed girl” isn’t afraid of being the bad guy if it means protecting those around her and I fucking adore that. Long live the queen 👀
Touch Her And I’ll Destroy You MMC
”I realized what we were dealing with. We had dared to touch her, and now there was no mercy in the creature I faced.”
Samkiel might’ve once been considered the goodie-goodie hero character… but for Dianna? He’s certainly happy to become morally grey and I absolutely love that. Our zappy boy is back but not entirely the same. But, he’s desperate to save his loved ones, his people, and reclaim his throne from Nismera and her cronies.
I won’t give anything major away other than saying that he will certainly go to the same lengths that Dianna does for him, for her. He might not be as unhinged as she is and has a lot more control over his emotional reactions, but he’d burn worlds for her… 👀
"Move your hand and give me what I want," he demanded, the silver swirl of his eyes pinning me in place.
“You’re spoiled." I moaned
He yanked me forward, crushing his lips to mine.
"Spoil me akrai, give me what I want,”
I don’t know how she does it, but I swear to GOD Amber writes the hottest spicy scenes I have ever read in my life. Samkiel is fkn FILTHY in the best way with his words and I am so in love with him 🤭
All The POVs
So many new POVs in this book and I’m so here for it! Camilla is one of my new favs 🥹 I cannot wait to see where her story goes! I actually love Isaiah so much as well despite him being another villain 🙈
I can’t really talk much about the other POVs though without giving things away 👀
***
I legitimately cannot wait to read this book. This is my most anticipated read of 2024. May 28th cannot come soon enough 🙈!!!!
I have so many questions, and I need to know that my babies Samkiel and Diana are ok 😩🥲🙏🏻🖤
I smiled up at him, sliding my thumb along his lower lip as if I might touch those words as well as hear them.
"I love you," I said, and even to my own ears, they sounded like a vow.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️/5
Angst/Tension: 🔥🔥🔥/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75/5
What To Expect:
✔️Multiple first-person POVs
✔️Enemies-to-lovers
✔️Secrets and betrayals
✔️Dynamic and engrossing world-building
✔️An FMC that will cross any line for her man
✔️A MMC who is desperate to reclaim his throne
Somehow, someway, this book was even better than the first two. I will never, EVER, get enough of this series.
***POTENTIAL BOOK 1 + BOOK 2 SPOILERS BELOW***
Fk The Consequences FMC
”Ask her what she begged the stars for and what lives now. Ask her what she ripped from the very heavens. And then ask her if she cares.”
Dianna is yet again showing that she will do anything and everything to protect her man and those she loves. She is taking no prisoners in her fight to find and save her family that were cruelly captured and enslaved at the end of book 2. At the start of book 3, Dianna doesn’t know the ramifications of what she’s done by bringing Samkiel back (other than the loss of her amata mark; a secret which she is keeping from Samkiel). She is teetering on a knife’s edge through this book and it’s not long before we learn why…
I literally couldn’t love Dianna more if I tried. She is raw, flawed, vicious, passionate, and rules from her heart and not the head. Our “red-eyed girl” isn’t afraid of being the bad guy if it means protecting those around her and I fucking adore that. Long live the queen 👀
Touch Her And I’ll Destroy You MMC
”I realized what we were dealing with. We had dared to touch her, and now there was no mercy in the creature I faced.”
Samkiel might’ve once been considered the goodie-goodie hero character… but for Dianna? He’s certainly happy to become morally grey and I absolutely love that. Our zappy boy is back but not entirely the same. But, he’s desperate to save his loved ones, his people, and reclaim his throne from Nismera and her cronies.
I won’t give anything major away other than saying that he will certainly go to the same lengths that Dianna does for him, for her. He might not be as unhinged as she is and has a lot more control over his emotional reactions, but he’d burn worlds for her… 👀
"Move your hand and give me what I want," he demanded, the silver swirl of his eyes pinning me in place.
“You’re spoiled." I moaned
He yanked me forward, crushing his lips to mine.
"Spoil me akrai, give me what I want,”
I don’t know how she does it, but I swear to GOD Amber writes the hottest spicy scenes I have ever read in my life. Samkiel is fkn FILTHY in the best way with his words and I am so in love with him 🤭
All The POVs
So many new POVs in this book and I’m so here for it! Camilla is one of my new favs 🥹 I cannot wait to see where her story goes! I actually love Isaiah so much as well despite him being another villain 🙈
I can’t really talk much about the other POVs though without giving things away 👀
***
I legitimately cannot wait to read this book. This is my most anticipated read of 2024. May 28th cannot come soon enough 🙈!!!!
I have so many questions, and I need to know that my babies Samkiel and Diana are ok 😩🥲🙏🏻🖤
June 4, 2024
4 ★'s
This series continues to be one of my favorites.🖤 This book didn't give me that same wow-feeling the previous two books in this series gave however, but don't get me wrong I still loved it and am deeply attached to these characters.
For me this feels like an in-between book where there's a lot of building up for something to happen, but looking at this book in itself there was not much that pushed the storyline along.
It was a broader story in the sense that it introduced more perspectives, new characters as well as new worlds and I think this book set a very solid foundation for the upcoming book(s). I am extremely eager about the ending and setup for the next book.
Dianna did piss me off during a large part of this book though. She went from being my (one of my) favourite bad-ass fmc to just being a heap of insecurities in this book - which I do get to some extent, but also felt uncharacteristic of her.
Personally I had hoped for slightly more action and a bit less unnecessary relationship drama(see rant on Dianna above), but the more I get to experience of this world and Amber's writing the more I want, so countdown to book 4 anyone?
____________
Pre-read:
Planned to start this 2 days ago, but then I accidentally re-read the series and now I am even more eager to get into this.🤭 Amber no more pain for my babies tho? Please?
This series continues to be one of my favorites.🖤 This book didn't give me that same wow-feeling the previous two books in this series gave however, but don't get me wrong I still loved it and am deeply attached to these characters.
For me this feels like an in-between book where there's a lot of building up for something to happen, but looking at this book in itself there was not much that pushed the storyline along.
It was a broader story in the sense that it introduced more perspectives, new characters as well as new worlds and I think this book set a very solid foundation for the upcoming book(s). I am extremely eager about the ending and setup for the next book.
Dianna did piss me off during a large part of this book though. She went from being my (one of my) favourite bad-ass fmc to just being a heap of insecurities in this book - which I do get to some extent, but also felt uncharacteristic of her.
Personally I had hoped for slightly more action and a bit less unnecessary relationship drama(see rant on Dianna above), but the more I get to experience of this world and Amber's writing the more I want, so countdown to book 4 anyone?
____________
Pre-read:
Planned to start this 2 days ago, but then I accidentally re-read the series and now I am even more eager to get into this.🤭 Amber no more pain for my babies tho? Please?
October 30, 2024
You'd think the writing would improve at least a little after three books, but it's stayed exactly the same. The editing remains atrocious. The characters have yet to develop. The plot has crawled forward. This book could've been far shorter if we had just cut out all the unnecessary sex scenes, the unrelenting jealousy and insecurity between every single couple in this book, and the long-winded ramblings about things that have nothing to do with anything. If the book had just been edited by someone who understands contractions and, you know, editing in general, it would have been far more enjoyable. Like I've said about all of these books, I think I'd have rated them higher if they had been given more time to make them their best. Alas.
I usually just do super long rant reviews on these books, but I didn't really take notes like I usually do, and I'm too tired. So I'll gonna really say is that a whole lot of nothing happened in this book. Why are Dianna and Samkiel getting married and constantly fucking when his entire family is currently mindless zombies imprisoned by the enemy? Why aren't they doing everything in their power to find and free them? They do end up finding Logan and Neverra but it's because they accidentally stumble upon them by chance. They don't actively search for them at all. You'd think Dianna would be doing just that while Samkiel was healing with the people who were poisoning him. You'd also think Dianna with her super smell would've been able to scent out the poison.
The entire relationship with Camilla and Vincent appeared out of nowhere. We saw zero of their relationship when she was imprisoned on Rashearim and now I'm supposed to believe they've been forming a bond all this time? Vincent is the only character I actually like in this story and I would've been interested to read this story.
Isaiah randomly has formed an attachment to Imogen and is just keeping her around like a statue to stare at. She somehow believes this is protecting her and I'm pretty sure is about to fall in love with him. Which is bullshit. Kaden died way too easily. But was brought back to life five seconds later.
Nismera is built up like she's the biggest baddest scariest bitch but she doesn't do anything in this book. She pulls a Thanos and sends tons of armies instead and only when they keep getting decimated does she finally be like 'fine, i'll do it myself'. She just seems kinda boring to me. And like a rip-off of Hela. Honestly, this whole book is giving Ragnarok vibes. I've said from the beginning I thought Unir was Odin and was further proved right when Samkiel revealed his last name was Unirson. Weren't they legit speaking Spanish in the first book? Like he called his mom MAdre before Amber changed it to Merda and then realized that meant 'shit' and changed it to Mama. Why are we suddenly adopting Norse surnames?
There are lots of creatures introduced that are either not ever explained at all or if they are explained it's like 300 pages later. Ryphors? Didn't learn what they were until 400 pages in. Flying worms. Huroehes? 200 pages in and I find out that they are six-legged beasts. Apparently a wisp is identical to a dragonfly but it is never actually explained.
This is also a problem with characters that are introduced and I'm apparently expected to know who they are too when they've never been mentioned before or if they have it was in the first book and there's been no refresher since. Honestly, Amber needs to make a glossary of characters and a bestiary for her made up creatures. Still don't know what an aalxat is.
My last and final complaint. Every character in this book is dumb as HELL. They're constantly revealing their plans to EVERYONE and then instantly getting betrayed. You can see everything coming from a mile away. I'm bored.
And as usual, I hate Dianna. Goodbye.
I usually just do super long rant reviews on these books, but I didn't really take notes like I usually do, and I'm too tired. So I'll gonna really say is that a whole lot of nothing happened in this book. Why are Dianna and Samkiel getting married and constantly fucking when his entire family is currently mindless zombies imprisoned by the enemy? Why aren't they doing everything in their power to find and free them? They do end up finding Logan and Neverra but it's because they accidentally stumble upon them by chance. They don't actively search for them at all. You'd think Dianna would be doing just that while Samkiel was healing with the people who were poisoning him. You'd also think Dianna with her super smell would've been able to scent out the poison.
The entire relationship with Camilla and Vincent appeared out of nowhere. We saw zero of their relationship when she was imprisoned on Rashearim and now I'm supposed to believe they've been forming a bond all this time? Vincent is the only character I actually like in this story and I would've been interested to read this story.
Isaiah randomly has formed an attachment to Imogen and is just keeping her around like a statue to stare at. She somehow believes this is protecting her and I'm pretty sure is about to fall in love with him. Which is bullshit. Kaden died way too easily. But was brought back to life five seconds later.
Nismera is built up like she's the biggest baddest scariest bitch but she doesn't do anything in this book. She pulls a Thanos and sends tons of armies instead and only when they keep getting decimated does she finally be like 'fine, i'll do it myself'. She just seems kinda boring to me. And like a rip-off of Hela. Honestly, this whole book is giving Ragnarok vibes. I've said from the beginning I thought Unir was Odin and was further proved right when Samkiel revealed his last name was Unirson. Weren't they legit speaking Spanish in the first book? Like he called his mom MAdre before Amber changed it to Merda and then realized that meant 'shit' and changed it to Mama. Why are we suddenly adopting Norse surnames?
There are lots of creatures introduced that are either not ever explained at all or if they are explained it's like 300 pages later. Ryphors? Didn't learn what they were until 400 pages in. Flying worms. Huroehes? 200 pages in and I find out that they are six-legged beasts. Apparently a wisp is identical to a dragonfly but it is never actually explained.
This is also a problem with characters that are introduced and I'm apparently expected to know who they are too when they've never been mentioned before or if they have it was in the first book and there's been no refresher since. Honestly, Amber needs to make a glossary of characters and a bestiary for her made up creatures. Still don't know what an aalxat is.
My last and final complaint. Every character in this book is dumb as HELL. They're constantly revealing their plans to EVERYONE and then instantly getting betrayed. You can see everything coming from a mile away. I'm bored.
And as usual, I hate Dianna. Goodbye.
July 1, 2024
4/ 5⭐
3/5
Amber V. Nicole's "The Dawn of the Cursed Queen" is an enthralling addition to the Gods & Monsters series. Clocking in at over 700 pages, it was too lengthy and could have been a tighter, more impactful read at around 450 pages.
The series excels in delivering elements of dark romance and romantasy crave—secrets, revenge, and intrigue woven into a narrative that keeps you hooked. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, adding depth and tension to the relationships, particularly with the morally grey heroine who steals the show. Oh, Dianna! We LOVE, love you!
Samkiel, the dream man, shines brightly in this installment, embodying the ideal blend of strength and vulnerability. The ending, once again, catches you by surprise, leaving you on the edge of your seat and eager for the next book.
However, a small gripe persists: the nickname SAMI still doesn't sit well.
……………………………................................................................................................
Sweet baby Jesus - they better be the end game!!
3/5
Amber V. Nicole's "The Dawn of the Cursed Queen" is an enthralling addition to the Gods & Monsters series. Clocking in at over 700 pages, it was too lengthy and could have been a tighter, more impactful read at around 450 pages.
The series excels in delivering elements of dark romance and romantasy crave—secrets, revenge, and intrigue woven into a narrative that keeps you hooked. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, adding depth and tension to the relationships, particularly with the morally grey heroine who steals the show. Oh, Dianna! We LOVE, love you!
Samkiel, the dream man, shines brightly in this installment, embodying the ideal blend of strength and vulnerability. The ending, once again, catches you by surprise, leaving you on the edge of your seat and eager for the next book.
However, a small gripe persists: the nickname SAMI still doesn't sit well.
……………………………................................................................................................
Sweet baby Jesus - they better be the end game!!
August 6, 2024
HELLO?!?!!
first of all…. I know where you live,
Amber. I’m seeing you at the end of the month Amber.
Cameron and Xavier better be on the beach sipping pina coladas and making love at midnight by then, Amber!!!!!
But seriously, the uptick in the writing. In the story. In the characters. In the plot.
I felt like I have lived a hundred lives through this book alone. I love being friends with geniuses.
Anywho.
I am adopting Reggie as my step dad!!!! Xoxoxoxo
first of all…. I know where you live,
Amber. I’m seeing you at the end of the month Amber.
Cameron and Xavier better be on the beach sipping pina coladas and making love at midnight by then, Amber!!!!!
But seriously, the uptick in the writing. In the story. In the characters. In the plot.
I felt like I have lived a hundred lives through this book alone. I love being friends with geniuses.
Anywho.
I am adopting Reggie as my step dad!!!! Xoxoxoxo
July 21, 2025
⋆˚࿔ review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
4⭐️
This one was slower, so I found myself a little bored at times.
Reading Kaden and Vincent’s POVs felt like punishment, I was questioning what I did to deserve that. I didn’t want to read them, but I had to see the excuses with my own eyes… and they were weak. Vincent could tell the most traumatic story and I’d still struggle to care, because he’ll do something awful again the next second.
Kaden? Still irredeemable. Shocking 🙄.
Meanwhile, Samkiel remains the gold standard, my flawless man.
Dianna? My wife. She’s never wrong. I stand by her rights and wrongs.
Misha and Dianna together gave me life they were the light in all this mess.
Camilla… I’ll forgive your “love” for that man because your options are limited. Barely.
Isaiah is still on thin ice one wrong move with Imogen and it’s over.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I told myself I’d wait… but patience isn’t in my vocabulary apparently.
4⭐️
This one was slower, so I found myself a little bored at times.
Reading Kaden and Vincent’s POVs felt like punishment, I was questioning what I did to deserve that. I didn’t want to read them, but I had to see the excuses with my own eyes… and they were weak. Vincent could tell the most traumatic story and I’d still struggle to care, because he’ll do something awful again the next second.
Kaden? Still irredeemable. Shocking 🙄.
Meanwhile, Samkiel remains the gold standard, my flawless man.
Dianna? My wife. She’s never wrong. I stand by her rights and wrongs.
Misha and Dianna together gave me life they were the light in all this mess.
Camilla… I’ll forgive your “love” for that man because your options are limited. Barely.
Isaiah is still on thin ice one wrong move with Imogen and it’s over.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I told myself I’d wait… but patience isn’t in my vocabulary apparently.
December 31, 2025
i am feeling pretty confused on how to rate this. bc dianna was my least favorite part of this book and that HURTS.
from all the lying, to being mean to samkiel, to always doing things her way and then always being forgiven… blah. lowkey her character almost made me want to dnf at points. she’s the perpetual victim.
also, the excessive spice in the first half of this book was maddening to say the least.
however, everything else really popped off! the plot, the other character arcs outside of samkiel and dianna, and i loved that! vincent and camilla’s story had me so intrigued, and isaiah?! omg, need moooore. also reggie is probably my fav rn, lol. love him.
anywho, i think i’m going to leave my rating at a 3.5. i will be continuing to book 4 because i love everyone but dianna rn. can’t wait to see what comes bc i cannot predict where this plot is going!
from all the lying, to being mean to samkiel, to always doing things her way and then always being forgiven… blah. lowkey her character almost made me want to dnf at points. she’s the perpetual victim.
also, the excessive spice in the first half of this book was maddening to say the least.
however, everything else really popped off! the plot, the other character arcs outside of samkiel and dianna, and i loved that! vincent and camilla’s story had me so intrigued, and isaiah?! omg, need moooore. also reggie is probably my fav rn, lol. love him.
anywho, i think i’m going to leave my rating at a 3.5. i will be continuing to book 4 because i love everyone but dianna rn. can’t wait to see what comes bc i cannot predict where this plot is going!
November 5, 2025
The easiest 5 stars!! The scenes with Samkiel and Dianna in this book are so heartwarming. I’m unwell. FINALLY!! The slow burn paid off!!😌 rtc
pre-read
Guys I’m FINALLY reading this book a year later!! Since the wrath of the fallen comes out Tuesday I’m hoping I can read this before it comes out but we’ll see… 🫣
pre-read
Guys I’m FINALLY reading this book a year later!! Since the wrath of the fallen comes out Tuesday I’m hoping I can read this before it comes out but we’ll see… 🫣
June 29, 2024
Oh my god ????? I feel sick. How am I meant to wait patiently for the next book
November 24, 2024
This is so dramatic I love it
March 10, 2025
♾️⭐️ OMG
“You're supposed to protect the world, not me."
"You are my world."
FULL RTC!!
“You're supposed to protect the world, not me."
"You are my world."
FULL RTC!!
July 21, 2025
4,75/5
Spoilery do poprzednich tomów!
Nismera przejęła królestwo i rządzi żelazną ręką podczas gdy Samkiel i Dianna leczą się po bitwie. Ręka została rozbita i przeżywa swoje własne koszmary.
Ogromnie się cieszę, że w tej części dostaliśmy więcej perspektyw przez co ta spora cegiełka, zyskała na dynamiczności. Rozdzielenie mojej fav pary romantasy z resztą ekipy, pozwalało na powstanie nowych wątków (także romantycznych!).
Dianna i Samkiel to mieszanka wybuchowa! W końcu para korzysta ze swoich obecności w pełni, przez co, ten tom opiewa w więcej scen erotycznych - mogło być ich trochę mniej ale hej! należało im się sobą nacieszyć po tych wszystkich traumatycznych przejściach, tym bardziej że Dianna wykorzystuje swoje atuty, by trzymać w tajemnicy kwestię przywrócenia do życia Samkiela.
Choć Dianna znów jest krwiożerczą i zaborczą bestią, poznajemy też jej bardziej smutną i złamaną stronę. Pod koniec książki, byłam już wzruszona w którym kierunku poszła jej postać i dziękowałam autorce, że dała mały skrawek nieba naszym bohaterom po przejściach.
Ponownie Amber odkrywa przed nami kolejne barwne lokalizacje i potwory, stworzenia i nowe "kultury" znajdujące się w innych wymiarach. Idealnie wyważyła emocje czytelnika przechodząc przez wszystkie stadia, od ekscytacji, stresu, szczęścia i zdruzgotania, jednocześnie utrzymując w pełni moją uwagę.
Najbardziej jednak podobało mi się rozwinięcie historii bohaterów pobocznych. Zdecydowanie relacja Vincenta i Camilli zasługuje na wyróżnienie, bo jest to powiew świeżości i dodatkowa warstwa emocjonalna. Kocham ich historię, bo zakazany romans i napięcie między nimi, wprowadzało mnie w obłęd mimo że przesłanki co do ich pary pojawiły sie wcześniej, to tutaj gra jest o większą stawkę. Liczę że w kolejnych częściach przyjdzie nam bliżej poznać kolejne postacie.
Spoilery do poprzednich tomów!
Nismera przejęła królestwo i rządzi żelazną ręką podczas gdy Samkiel i Dianna leczą się po bitwie. Ręka została rozbita i przeżywa swoje własne koszmary.
Ogromnie się cieszę, że w tej części dostaliśmy więcej perspektyw przez co ta spora cegiełka, zyskała na dynamiczności. Rozdzielenie mojej fav pary romantasy z resztą ekipy, pozwalało na powstanie nowych wątków (także romantycznych!).
Dianna i Samkiel to mieszanka wybuchowa! W końcu para korzysta ze swoich obecności w pełni, przez co, ten tom opiewa w więcej scen erotycznych - mogło być ich trochę mniej ale hej! należało im się sobą nacieszyć po tych wszystkich traumatycznych przejściach, tym bardziej że Dianna wykorzystuje swoje atuty, by trzymać w tajemnicy kwestię przywrócenia do życia Samkiela.
Choć Dianna znów jest krwiożerczą i zaborczą bestią, poznajemy też jej bardziej smutną i złamaną stronę. Pod koniec książki, byłam już wzruszona w którym kierunku poszła jej postać i dziękowałam autorce, że dała mały skrawek nieba naszym bohaterom po przejściach.
Ponownie Amber odkrywa przed nami kolejne barwne lokalizacje i potwory, stworzenia i nowe "kultury" znajdujące się w innych wymiarach. Idealnie wyważyła emocje czytelnika przechodząc przez wszystkie stadia, od ekscytacji, stresu, szczęścia i zdruzgotania, jednocześnie utrzymując w pełni moją uwagę.
Najbardziej jednak podobało mi się rozwinięcie historii bohaterów pobocznych. Zdecydowanie relacja Vincenta i Camilli zasługuje na wyróżnienie, bo jest to powiew świeżości i dodatkowa warstwa emocjonalna. Kocham ich historię, bo zakazany romans i napięcie między nimi, wprowadzało mnie w obłęd mimo że przesłanki co do ich pary pojawiły sie wcześniej, to tutaj gra jest o większą stawkę. Liczę że w kolejnych częściach przyjdzie nam bliżej poznać kolejne postacie.
December 22, 2024
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 3⭐️
Themes: 3⭐️
Emotional Impact: 3⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 3⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 3.5⭐️
I went into this third installment looking for mainly one thing: Kaden's storyline. I am happy to say we get a lot of his background and character in this book, and then some. I really liked his POV and getting to see what the other characters in the new queen's (ahem King's) court are up to and how they are motivated. Camilla and Vincent are especially fun in this book.
Diana and Samkiel's story progresses in this book, but not by much. After the reveals in Throne of Broken Gods, their story definitely slows down, but you do get some great spice and romantic moments. I understand that Diana has severe trust and protective issues, and Samkiel needs certain assurances, but at this point, assuming they're endgame, I'm ready for their relationship struggles to resolve.
While I love this world and this story, some of my favorite reading is the found family, Samkiel's Court, and the unlikely allies and enemies they've encountered along the way. That said, if you're like me, you will miss some of the crew in this book. I think it's just the nature of this series being a planned seven books, that we won't get every character we know and love in each installment.
Overall, Amber has delivered some juicy and perfect moments here. And I was kicking and screaming and shouting at her in voice memo along the way, so I'm perfectly satisfied. But this one does rely heavily on the first two books and the promise of the rest of the series. On it's own, it is not as strong as the first two books.
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 3⭐️
Themes: 3⭐️
Emotional Impact: 3⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 3⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 3.5⭐️
I went into this third installment looking for mainly one thing: Kaden's storyline. I am happy to say we get a lot of his background and character in this book, and then some. I really liked his POV and getting to see what the other characters in the new queen's (ahem King's) court are up to and how they are motivated. Camilla and Vincent are especially fun in this book.
Diana and Samkiel's story progresses in this book, but not by much. After the reveals in Throne of Broken Gods, their story definitely slows down, but you do get some great spice and romantic moments. I understand that Diana has severe trust and protective issues, and Samkiel needs certain assurances, but at this point, assuming they're endgame, I'm ready for their relationship struggles to resolve.
While I love this world and this story, some of my favorite reading is the found family, Samkiel's Court, and the unlikely allies and enemies they've encountered along the way. That said, if you're like me, you will miss some of the crew in this book. I think it's just the nature of this series being a planned seven books, that we won't get every character we know and love in each installment.
Overall, Amber has delivered some juicy and perfect moments here. And I was kicking and screaming and shouting at her in voice memo along the way, so I'm perfectly satisfied. But this one does rely heavily on the first two books and the promise of the rest of the series. On it's own, it is not as strong as the first two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
– 3.75 stars
I have to admit it took me quite a while to get into this series, but I'm committed now and after a while these characters have really grown on me. Dianna is such a badass and it's so refreshing to see a female who hates everyone but the hero (& her sister). Dianna and Samkiel make such a badass couple 🔥
All the side characters little side story has my interest piqued as well.. Vincent and Camilla I'm watching you even though I still lowkey hate Vincent. Kaden still intrigues me very much and I'm all for the anti hero redemption arc even though I know what he did 🥴 but I'm a sucker for the villain redemption arc.
Thank god the next book in the series comes out soon, but the fact that I still need to wait two more years until this series is FINISHED FINISHED help me 😭
I have to admit it took me quite a while to get into this series, but I'm committed now and after a while these characters have really grown on me. Dianna is such a badass and it's so refreshing to see a female who hates everyone but the hero (& her sister). Dianna and Samkiel make such a badass couple 🔥
All the side characters little side story has my interest piqued as well.. Vincent and Camilla I'm watching you even though I still lowkey hate Vincent. Kaden still intrigues me very much and I'm all for the anti hero redemption arc even though I know what he did 🥴 but I'm a sucker for the villain redemption arc.
Thank god the next book in the series comes out soon, but the fact that I still need to wait two more years until this series is FINISHED FINISHED help me 😭
March 2, 2025
How incredibly disappointing...
I do not remember ever in my life being this exhausted and frustrated by a book, to the point of actually raging out loud. This is particularly sad because I loved the first book and have been singing its praises ever since I read it. "The Dawn of the Cursed Queen" was maybe a cursed book in itself, because it was an endless loop of stupid people making stupid decisions which the author explained to us with stupid excuses and loooots of suspension of disbelief, as if we, the readers ourselves, are the stupid ones.
Spoilers ahead
- Let's start with Dianna and Samkiel. My favourite characters from the first two books (obviously). Where were they in this book? Her, soulless but on the way to becoming a queen. Him, powerless and hurt, but trying to gain his power back. What did they actually spend 700 pages doing? Her: not truly doing anything to figure out her soullessness or own up to being a queen. Him: not trying to get his power back and heal. Make sense? Thought not. They spent the incredible vast majority of this book having the cringiest, most pointless and meandering conversations about loving each other fully and being open with each other, while she was hiding the most crucial pieces of information ever a secret (*because she's a vulnerable sad little baby* give me a break), and having loud, public sex as if that's not incredibly embarrassing. The author legit tried to convince us that they are having meaningful character development while they were doing anything but. I loved angry, morally gray, destructive Dianna in the previous two books, but what she was in this book was appalling. What do you mean, queen? What do you mean, she has a big heart? What do you mean, she's growing as a person? She shrunk as a person, is what she did in this book. And make no mistake, it wasn't her lack of soul that Amber V. Nicole is trying to sell us as the reason, it was the poor writing and character development which has been entirely stalled with the purpose of prolonging the series to stretch it to the 7 books the author so desperately wants to milk although she obviously doesn't have the material for it. Dianna and Samkiel literally did nothing meaningful that moved the plot in any way, besides the last 50 pages when Samkiel got his powers back with the power of ~love~. Instead of making a coherent plan, instead of being smart, instead of eliminating their enemies, instead of looking for their friends and allies, all they did was have sex. And the sex was so embarrassing and boring and repetitive that I had to struggle to not let my mind drift off. This, coming from a big fan of spicy romantasy. Even by the parameters of their stupid jealousy, their actions made no sense. So Dianna hates that male and female beings breathe around Samkiel, but she has no problem if everyone on the whole planet can hear what he says and does while they are having sex? And vice versa? Please. Really hate it when the author's personal kinks find their way into the story while contradicting every other piece of logic and character-building.
- The plot - where? What actually was the plot of this book? Samkiel and Dianna went on some pointless side quests that didn't even get them a single ally, because even the two they kind of made died? Literally all that happened in this book were 2 revelations at the very end which could have been revealed at any point of the book, because they weren't even tied to the timeline, some completely new characters showed up and revealed some secrets, and Samkiel got his power, which should have been the first thing that happened in this book. The whole book could literally be 2 bonus chapters and a prologue in another book if this book was completely scrapped and deleted from the world. Do you realize how insane that is? 700 pages of useless content which can be narrowed down to: Prologue (Samkiel gets his power back), bonus chapter one: Xavier. Bonus chapter two: Roccurem. Delete book 3 and jump to book 4. Done, solved it for you, Amber.
- The villain romances:
1. Kaden: why are we being brainwashed into liking him? What's more, why are some of you buying it? Imagine The Book of Azrael was WWII, and people are lusting over the top Nazis. Are you okay? Kaden is revolting. His entire plotline in this book is trying to use his stupid rape-knife on Dianna. Let me reframe that for you: some guy has been abusive toward you for ages, he's hurt you in any and every way possible because his toxic family encouraged him to, he's killed your sister, but then he has a sob story about his daddy not loving him, and suddenly it makes it okay that his plan is to use a knife which will make you forget he was your abuser, and make you enjoy him taking you against your will (i.e. rape), because he had made you forget what your will is? Let me tell you about date-rape drugs... It blows my mind that people can feel sympathetic to Kaden and want him to stay in the story and have happy ending. And you know, this is what the author is peddling more and more as the book progresses "Oh but he loves Dianna, he loves nothing more than Dianna", even Samkiel says it!!! What do you actually mean? That's not love!!!
2. Isaiah - same as above, but bonus points for not actually using the opportunity to force himself on Imogen, like his brother would have if it was Dianna. And another absolutely revolting, monstrous relationship happening right before our eyes - him and Imogen are actually shown slowly falling for each other (100000% will be soulmates) based on what? He prevented her from being assaulted and she now feels safe with him, and he was obsessed with her since he saw her. THIS is why people hate the mating trope. Isaiah is a POS who relishes killing and torturing people, and has no problem with the violence against anyone except for the woman he claimed for himself. I know this is considered hot at the moment, but let's reframe it again, say it wasn't a supposedly hot immortal dude from space, but a nasty Nazi monster at a concentration camp, who chose a favourite prisoner to keep as his own. Are you still thirsting?
3. Vincent. This one gives me a headache. He betrayed his entire "family" and has been working behind their backs for a millenia to ensure the only person who ever had his back dies, so that his abusive ex can rule and destroy the universe. He apparently sat in silence with a prisoner enough in the last book that they are now in love. She's fine with him being the head Nazi's sex slave and killing ruthlessly and remorselessly, as long as he cares for her, even though in the last book she was incredibly regretful for the evil she has fascilitated. Sure, yeah, that makes sense. He doesn't even need to try to make amends, it's enough that he "avoided the people he hurt, because that shows he feels bad." (Rephrased but a real quote) He didn't even lift a finger to try to help Imogen or Cameron or anyone, but we're once again being force-fed the notion that he's a misunderstood hero waiting to stand against the monster. At this point, my stomach is churning from disgust.
4. Cameron: oh, look, another traitor. He didn't even have to apologize. We're obviously supposed to feel bad for him for choosing to become bad. Like, what was the thought process: everyone knew the mind-control technique Kaden used, and as far as everyone was aware at the end of book 2, it was irreversible. Xavier was already mind-controlled, supposedly forever, so... what exactly did Cameron's "sacrifice" achieve? So he becomes Ig'Morruthen, and is entirely under the power of Kaden, and has no control over what's happening with himself, let alone with Xavier. Obviously Xavier was going to be kept away from him. Obviously he was going to be used to control him. How does his decision make sense then? Better die than become a puppet for the people who are going to still take that person away from you and probably hurt them, no? And despite how stupid his choice was, we were just supposed to feel bad for him. I don't feel bad for him, I just feel annoyed that the author is trying to copy/paste apply the Dianna and Samkiel formula even though it requires time to develop to make sense, and it is not a panacea to all the situations when she doesn't know how to move her characters from point A to point B.
And that's the main point here: we saw Dianna's descent into madness for the people she loves, and her many sacrifices throughout all 3 books, and suddenly every single villain is supposed to be a Dianna with her reasons to do what they do, but that just doesn't work. Let's start with the obvious - when she chose to become an Ig'Morruthen, she didn't know what that meant, Cameron did, so no, Cameron doing it for Xavier is not the same as Dianna doing it for Gabby. And then every subsequent time Dianna has lost it over Gabby and Samkiel, those have been relationships we've watched develop and grow over the span of 2000 pages by now, it can't just be replicated for every side hero whose motivations we haven't explored, whose relationships we haven't seen grow, so that we can reasonably feel their actions are justified. Not only is it not logical and sensical, but it cheapens Dianna's character growth over the span of a thousand years for people like Vincent, Cameron and Kaden who just yesterday realized that they backed the wrong horse.
And that's my other point: genuinely, what do the team Nismera people expect to happen when she's the ruler of the realms? She is obviously vicious and destructive, doesn't like giving power to others and has no problem destroying her allies. Once a ruler like that is done with the realms, who really expects the life there to be worth living? What does Cameron expect, he'll get Xavier and they'll skip off into the sunset? What sunset, Nismera's destroyed all the realms so much that the geographical landscape of this book changed from urban fantasy to medieval one. What about the Order for that matter? The dumbest and most pointless group of traitors whose motivation is only explained once with "power", what power? She would never give you power, why would you give up a life of peace and beauty with Samkiel for living eternally in fear under Nismera? What???
And here comes 5. Elianna, a.k.a. Kaden's future amata: what was her motivation, exactly? And why are we supposed to just accept her switching sides. Camilla seriously told her to go with her to Dianna? Like she wasn't one of the people who bound Samkiel and offered him to Nismera to kill? If anyone deserves a quick execution, it's her, yet that's not what's coming. Let me be Reggie for a sec and give you a book 4 snippet: Elianna goes to Samkiel and Dianna, Dianna bitch slaps her a couple of times, they stick her into the prison and in book 5 (I'm accounting for all the useless fluff and spice there will be in the next book, of course. See examples: Logan, Neverra, Cameron) they remember she exists and she gives a useful tip and she's forgiven.
- The Hand: so one of the main plot points of this overly-long and meandering book was that Dianna and Samkiel were supposed to save the Hand. Except... they didn't lift a finger, not a muscle was moved so they could find and help them. They stumbled upon Logan in the prison by chance, then stumbled upon Neverra by chance again when they were on a completely different mission, and then Cameron just kind of showed up by himself. They did not give a shit and have not found out in any way, shape or form where Xavier was, and only learned about Imogen's whereabouts by accident. Not only that, but out of the ones they did collect, they didn't actually try to do anything to help Logan and Neverra, and kind of made it sound like they will maybe, eventually help Cameron, but as we say to death, not today. So, not only was this another point that did not happen because Samkiel and Dianna were too busy fucking, but it also summarizes the state of their allies. Because that's it. That's all of them. 3 prisoners, a child and a demented fate (love ya, Reggie).
Just to think about Aelin Galathynius meticulously planning a whole war and collecting allies, and compare it to this. How incredibly sad.
And as if this frustration-, disappointment- and anger-filled review is not long enough, here's also a quick list of all the things that just made no sense:
- Azrael being Dianna's father, yet what's the meaning, was there a plotline here, or was it just an instant gratification surprise for all of two pages in book 2?
- Dianna saying she's not just a pretty face, right before leaving on a mission, learning her mission has changed, not telling Samkiel, and then removing her ring, so he can't even track her. Logic chases her, but she is faster.
- Isaiah should have been able to stop Dianna a thousand times during their battle, just like he did at the end of the battle. He... didn't. Right, gotcha.
- Samkiel and Dianna took 1400+ pages to truly own their feelings. Cameron took what, 2000+ years? Vincent, Camilla, Imogen and Isaiah, though, instant. They saw each other and were in love. Who knows, maybe those are the main characters and we'll only learn that in a book or two, because that kind of love sure seems stronger than Samkiel and Dianna's huh? The logic has once again fled the scene.
- The magic? Makes no sense, like at all? The rules just kind of change from book to book as the author changes her mind on what looks cooler? Samkiel spent his wedding making up their bedroom? He destroyed worlds when he got his powers back, how exactly? (The answer he gave was "I don't know and I don't care", by the way, so I guess we're supposed to feel the same way.)
- What the hell happened to Onuna and its citizens? I feel we kind of forgot that Samkiel "took care of them" in the last book, ma'am what does that mean?
This is the longest review I've written in years and I'm happy to have taken all of this off my chest. It's especially insulting how bad this book was (because, let's face it, this situation has turned into a cash grab) because I reeeeally, really enjoyed the first two books. I don't know if I'll read the next one, I might, out if curiosity, but if it's as infuriating as this one, that will be the end.
I do not remember ever in my life being this exhausted and frustrated by a book, to the point of actually raging out loud. This is particularly sad because I loved the first book and have been singing its praises ever since I read it. "The Dawn of the Cursed Queen" was maybe a cursed book in itself, because it was an endless loop of stupid people making stupid decisions which the author explained to us with stupid excuses and loooots of suspension of disbelief, as if we, the readers ourselves, are the stupid ones.
Spoilers ahead
- Let's start with Dianna and Samkiel. My favourite characters from the first two books (obviously). Where were they in this book? Her, soulless but on the way to becoming a queen. Him, powerless and hurt, but trying to gain his power back. What did they actually spend 700 pages doing? Her: not truly doing anything to figure out her soullessness or own up to being a queen. Him: not trying to get his power back and heal. Make sense? Thought not. They spent the incredible vast majority of this book having the cringiest, most pointless and meandering conversations about loving each other fully and being open with each other, while she was hiding the most crucial pieces of information ever a secret (*because she's a vulnerable sad little baby* give me a break), and having loud, public sex as if that's not incredibly embarrassing. The author legit tried to convince us that they are having meaningful character development while they were doing anything but. I loved angry, morally gray, destructive Dianna in the previous two books, but what she was in this book was appalling. What do you mean, queen? What do you mean, she has a big heart? What do you mean, she's growing as a person? She shrunk as a person, is what she did in this book. And make no mistake, it wasn't her lack of soul that Amber V. Nicole is trying to sell us as the reason, it was the poor writing and character development which has been entirely stalled with the purpose of prolonging the series to stretch it to the 7 books the author so desperately wants to milk although she obviously doesn't have the material for it. Dianna and Samkiel literally did nothing meaningful that moved the plot in any way, besides the last 50 pages when Samkiel got his powers back with the power of ~love~. Instead of making a coherent plan, instead of being smart, instead of eliminating their enemies, instead of looking for their friends and allies, all they did was have sex. And the sex was so embarrassing and boring and repetitive that I had to struggle to not let my mind drift off. This, coming from a big fan of spicy romantasy. Even by the parameters of their stupid jealousy, their actions made no sense. So Dianna hates that male and female beings breathe around Samkiel, but she has no problem if everyone on the whole planet can hear what he says and does while they are having sex? And vice versa? Please. Really hate it when the author's personal kinks find their way into the story while contradicting every other piece of logic and character-building.
- The plot - where? What actually was the plot of this book? Samkiel and Dianna went on some pointless side quests that didn't even get them a single ally, because even the two they kind of made died? Literally all that happened in this book were 2 revelations at the very end which could have been revealed at any point of the book, because they weren't even tied to the timeline, some completely new characters showed up and revealed some secrets, and Samkiel got his power, which should have been the first thing that happened in this book. The whole book could literally be 2 bonus chapters and a prologue in another book if this book was completely scrapped and deleted from the world. Do you realize how insane that is? 700 pages of useless content which can be narrowed down to: Prologue (Samkiel gets his power back), bonus chapter one: Xavier. Bonus chapter two: Roccurem. Delete book 3 and jump to book 4. Done, solved it for you, Amber.
- The villain romances:
1. Kaden: why are we being brainwashed into liking him? What's more, why are some of you buying it? Imagine The Book of Azrael was WWII, and people are lusting over the top Nazis. Are you okay? Kaden is revolting. His entire plotline in this book is trying to use his stupid rape-knife on Dianna. Let me reframe that for you: some guy has been abusive toward you for ages, he's hurt you in any and every way possible because his toxic family encouraged him to, he's killed your sister, but then he has a sob story about his daddy not loving him, and suddenly it makes it okay that his plan is to use a knife which will make you forget he was your abuser, and make you enjoy him taking you against your will (i.e. rape), because he had made you forget what your will is? Let me tell you about date-rape drugs... It blows my mind that people can feel sympathetic to Kaden and want him to stay in the story and have happy ending. And you know, this is what the author is peddling more and more as the book progresses "Oh but he loves Dianna, he loves nothing more than Dianna", even Samkiel says it!!! What do you actually mean? That's not love!!!
2. Isaiah - same as above, but bonus points for not actually using the opportunity to force himself on Imogen, like his brother would have if it was Dianna. And another absolutely revolting, monstrous relationship happening right before our eyes - him and Imogen are actually shown slowly falling for each other (100000% will be soulmates) based on what? He prevented her from being assaulted and she now feels safe with him, and he was obsessed with her since he saw her. THIS is why people hate the mating trope. Isaiah is a POS who relishes killing and torturing people, and has no problem with the violence against anyone except for the woman he claimed for himself. I know this is considered hot at the moment, but let's reframe it again, say it wasn't a supposedly hot immortal dude from space, but a nasty Nazi monster at a concentration camp, who chose a favourite prisoner to keep as his own. Are you still thirsting?
3. Vincent. This one gives me a headache. He betrayed his entire "family" and has been working behind their backs for a millenia to ensure the only person who ever had his back dies, so that his abusive ex can rule and destroy the universe. He apparently sat in silence with a prisoner enough in the last book that they are now in love. She's fine with him being the head Nazi's sex slave and killing ruthlessly and remorselessly, as long as he cares for her, even though in the last book she was incredibly regretful for the evil she has fascilitated. Sure, yeah, that makes sense. He doesn't even need to try to make amends, it's enough that he "avoided the people he hurt, because that shows he feels bad." (Rephrased but a real quote) He didn't even lift a finger to try to help Imogen or Cameron or anyone, but we're once again being force-fed the notion that he's a misunderstood hero waiting to stand against the monster. At this point, my stomach is churning from disgust.
4. Cameron: oh, look, another traitor. He didn't even have to apologize. We're obviously supposed to feel bad for him for choosing to become bad. Like, what was the thought process: everyone knew the mind-control technique Kaden used, and as far as everyone was aware at the end of book 2, it was irreversible. Xavier was already mind-controlled, supposedly forever, so... what exactly did Cameron's "sacrifice" achieve? So he becomes Ig'Morruthen, and is entirely under the power of Kaden, and has no control over what's happening with himself, let alone with Xavier. Obviously Xavier was going to be kept away from him. Obviously he was going to be used to control him. How does his decision make sense then? Better die than become a puppet for the people who are going to still take that person away from you and probably hurt them, no? And despite how stupid his choice was, we were just supposed to feel bad for him. I don't feel bad for him, I just feel annoyed that the author is trying to copy/paste apply the Dianna and Samkiel formula even though it requires time to develop to make sense, and it is not a panacea to all the situations when she doesn't know how to move her characters from point A to point B.
And that's the main point here: we saw Dianna's descent into madness for the people she loves, and her many sacrifices throughout all 3 books, and suddenly every single villain is supposed to be a Dianna with her reasons to do what they do, but that just doesn't work. Let's start with the obvious - when she chose to become an Ig'Morruthen, she didn't know what that meant, Cameron did, so no, Cameron doing it for Xavier is not the same as Dianna doing it for Gabby. And then every subsequent time Dianna has lost it over Gabby and Samkiel, those have been relationships we've watched develop and grow over the span of 2000 pages by now, it can't just be replicated for every side hero whose motivations we haven't explored, whose relationships we haven't seen grow, so that we can reasonably feel their actions are justified. Not only is it not logical and sensical, but it cheapens Dianna's character growth over the span of a thousand years for people like Vincent, Cameron and Kaden who just yesterday realized that they backed the wrong horse.
And that's my other point: genuinely, what do the team Nismera people expect to happen when she's the ruler of the realms? She is obviously vicious and destructive, doesn't like giving power to others and has no problem destroying her allies. Once a ruler like that is done with the realms, who really expects the life there to be worth living? What does Cameron expect, he'll get Xavier and they'll skip off into the sunset? What sunset, Nismera's destroyed all the realms so much that the geographical landscape of this book changed from urban fantasy to medieval one. What about the Order for that matter? The dumbest and most pointless group of traitors whose motivation is only explained once with "power", what power? She would never give you power, why would you give up a life of peace and beauty with Samkiel for living eternally in fear under Nismera? What???
And here comes 5. Elianna, a.k.a. Kaden's future amata: what was her motivation, exactly? And why are we supposed to just accept her switching sides. Camilla seriously told her to go with her to Dianna? Like she wasn't one of the people who bound Samkiel and offered him to Nismera to kill? If anyone deserves a quick execution, it's her, yet that's not what's coming. Let me be Reggie for a sec and give you a book 4 snippet: Elianna goes to Samkiel and Dianna, Dianna bitch slaps her a couple of times, they stick her into the prison and in book 5 (I'm accounting for all the useless fluff and spice there will be in the next book, of course. See examples: Logan, Neverra, Cameron) they remember she exists and she gives a useful tip and she's forgiven.
- The Hand: so one of the main plot points of this overly-long and meandering book was that Dianna and Samkiel were supposed to save the Hand. Except... they didn't lift a finger, not a muscle was moved so they could find and help them. They stumbled upon Logan in the prison by chance, then stumbled upon Neverra by chance again when they were on a completely different mission, and then Cameron just kind of showed up by himself. They did not give a shit and have not found out in any way, shape or form where Xavier was, and only learned about Imogen's whereabouts by accident. Not only that, but out of the ones they did collect, they didn't actually try to do anything to help Logan and Neverra, and kind of made it sound like they will maybe, eventually help Cameron, but as we say to death, not today. So, not only was this another point that did not happen because Samkiel and Dianna were too busy fucking, but it also summarizes the state of their allies. Because that's it. That's all of them. 3 prisoners, a child and a demented fate (love ya, Reggie).
Just to think about Aelin Galathynius meticulously planning a whole war and collecting allies, and compare it to this. How incredibly sad.
And as if this frustration-, disappointment- and anger-filled review is not long enough, here's also a quick list of all the things that just made no sense:
- Azrael being Dianna's father, yet what's the meaning, was there a plotline here, or was it just an instant gratification surprise for all of two pages in book 2?
- Dianna saying she's not just a pretty face, right before leaving on a mission, learning her mission has changed, not telling Samkiel, and then removing her ring, so he can't even track her. Logic chases her, but she is faster.
- Isaiah should have been able to stop Dianna a thousand times during their battle, just like he did at the end of the battle. He... didn't. Right, gotcha.
- Samkiel and Dianna took 1400+ pages to truly own their feelings. Cameron took what, 2000+ years? Vincent, Camilla, Imogen and Isaiah, though, instant. They saw each other and were in love. Who knows, maybe those are the main characters and we'll only learn that in a book or two, because that kind of love sure seems stronger than Samkiel and Dianna's huh? The logic has once again fled the scene.
- The magic? Makes no sense, like at all? The rules just kind of change from book to book as the author changes her mind on what looks cooler? Samkiel spent his wedding making up their bedroom? He destroyed worlds when he got his powers back, how exactly? (The answer he gave was "I don't know and I don't care", by the way, so I guess we're supposed to feel the same way.)
- What the hell happened to Onuna and its citizens? I feel we kind of forgot that Samkiel "took care of them" in the last book, ma'am what does that mean?
This is the longest review I've written in years and I'm happy to have taken all of this off my chest. It's especially insulting how bad this book was (because, let's face it, this situation has turned into a cash grab) because I reeeeally, really enjoyed the first two books. I don't know if I'll read the next one, I might, out if curiosity, but if it's as infuriating as this one, that will be the end.
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