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rowanwolf13's review
i wasn’t super thrilled with the first book, but it ended on a cliffhanger so i picked this one up out of curiosity. i should have known better because all of the repetitive faults of the first book are just amplified in the second one.
the first half is just a retelling of the events of the first book. and while the characters grief is important the recaps through flashbacks are wholly unnecessary. I read a good couple hundred pages, got super bored with reading the same thing over and over again and then skimmed through to see if i could pick up any kind of forward plot movement.
the author also introduces so many new povs that the story is further convoluted and drawn out. the spicy scenes are super cliche and cringey. the story itself had promise. too bad it was such a chore to read. this book also ends on a cliffhanger. i won’t be picking up the next one.
the first half is just a retelling of the events of the first book. and while the characters grief is important the recaps through flashbacks are wholly unnecessary. I read a good couple hundred pages, got super bored with reading the same thing over and over again and then skimmed through to see if i could pick up any kind of forward plot movement.
the author also introduces so many new povs that the story is further convoluted and drawn out. the spicy scenes are super cliche and cringey. the story itself had promise. too bad it was such a chore to read. this book also ends on a cliffhanger. i won’t be picking up the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Toxic relationship, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Infidelity
brooketreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was conflicted on the first book, but this one I just felt mad a lot of the time.
I know others loved Dianna’s bad/villain streak in this book, but not me. She did so much work on herself in the last book, and to just show up with her emotions “turned off” and threaten Liam… no. I just wasn’t here for it. I’ve seen characters turn their emotions off in other things and I just hate that. For me, it also felt cliché. Like of course instead of facing her emotions she explodes and goes on a self-destructive path. Liam was being really strong and level headed through it all though. I wouldn’t have expected any less from him. Still, I didn’t feel Liam was as strong of a character in this book for some reason.
I thought the first book was too long, and this one was even longer… unnecessarily so. And again, just as book one, this one was doing too much too.
When Dianna saves Liam though. And yes, I’m going to keep calling him Liam still because I loved the reason for his chosen name in book one. It was everything. “…I want you to remember that I love you.”
Other things I hated besides the length and Dianna’s resurgence:
- Azrael being alive because of course he is…
- Azrael being Dianna’s dad because of course he is…
- The nickname Sami.
- The rename to Reggie… like why do people have to have multiple names.
- Vincent.
- Kaden obviously.
- The reveal of the actual villain… 🙄
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Blood, and Violence
Probably more content warnings than I listed, will update if I think of any to add.bangiebangs's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5*
- ends in cliffhanger
- spice 4/5 (very good spice!!)
I immediately jumped into this from Book 1, and I was not disappointed. The cliffhanger in Book 1 is less easy to predict than the one here, and I went in already mad about Book 3 not being out because I knew what was coming. Beware this book if you don’t like unfinished series, this will leave you hurting.
Spoiler for cliffhanger I thought it was pretty obvious that the price for resurrecting Samkiel would be something to do with their finally-admitted love. I’m expecting him to have lost feeling for her maybe in the next one, since she still seems to have feelings for him? Unsure, but I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m excited to see how that gets resolved, though, since I fully expect everyone to live and love again.
The world-building continues in this book, and at this length it gets pretty detailed. I’d argue it is close to being a bit too much in terms of characters to remember, side stories to follow, who feels or felt what and why. So many gods, so many celestials! Getting more info about Logan and Neverra made sense, but while I really really want Cameron and Xavier to also get a happy ending, I think their unadmitted love doesnt hit enough (yet?) to make the actions towards the end of the book make sense. In general, this whole “suddenly everyone’s the enemy” reminded me of the Hydra-takes-over storyline in the MCU which also felt like it came out of nowhere...
I did also like the banter a LOT and had some laugh out loud or big grin moments while reading it. It might be one I pick up again, though that also depends on Book 3… no release date yet afaict, so that’s super sad. But I heard that the author got a series deal, so hope springs eternal!
Recommend this book if you like big epic stories (some parts had a whiff of LOTR for me), deliciously spicy spice, lovely banter, hot flirting… and a journey out of depression and grief. It’s such a good book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Confinement, Blood, Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Stalking
katharina90's review
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
Enjoyed the characters and the plot was ok, the book was just way too long and dragged endlessly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Grief
Moderate: Kidnapping, Sexual content, Confinement, and Death
radiantgeode's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, Gore, Violence, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, War, Blood, Body horror, Cursing, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying and Vomit
overflowingshelf's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
CW: Death; grief; murder; confinement; violence; war; blood; fire; torture; injury
“‘This is how the world ends,’ the fate had whispered, and I was going to show them just how right fate was.”
Dianna has entered her villain era, and I am here for it!
The Throne of Broken Gods picks up immediately after The Book of Azrael and takes you for a wild ride. I expected lots of twists, turns, and emotional devastation, and Amber V. Nicole DELIVERED.
This book is a beast (it clocks in at over 700 pages in paperback), but it is well worth it as it’s a beautiful exploration of grief, love, family, and friends. Plus, it delivers a hot romance, unforgettable characters, fun action scenes, and some shocking twists.
“When I burn this world to embers, and you paint me as the villain, remember, I really did try to be good… once.”
Dianna is in her full-blown villain era and has some fun power upgrades to match. She’s out for revenge, out for blood for all those who betrayed her, and you best not stand in her way. As much as I fully loved her embracing her villainess side (and I truly LOVED it), my heart also ached for her. She is hurting so, so, so badly after what happened at the end of The Book of Azrael. All I wanted to do was reach out and hug her. The grief she felt was tangible, and I cried along with her at times. The softer, quieter moments with Dianna and her feelings stood out to me and were some of the most impactful. Dianna’s character arc was genuinely awe-inspiring in this book as we see her go through all the stages of grief. It’s a hard journey to join her on, but I love where she ended up. I truly think Nicole’s exploration of grief through Dianna’s character is fascinating, and one of the things I loved the most about this book
“I never once said that I was good…but sometimes a king has to be a monster.”
Logan is no more as he’s ready to own being Samkiel again, and I think that’s for the better. I feel we see a different Samkiel in this book as he’s really embracing his role as a God, as a leader. And just cause he’s a God doesn’t mean he’s all good. He’ll do anything to bring Dianna back to herself. He’s very much in his “touch her, and you die” era, and he would do anything for her. I liked this Samkiel more, as he had an air of confidence and strength. He’s juggling a lot as he’s cleaning up after Dianna, trying to bring her back to herself and stopping chaos from being unleashed on all the realms. I also truly adored seeing him spend time with the Hand and getting to know them better as a group and individuals.
“Yet he looked at me as if he would rip the world to pieces for me, and I knew I would do so much worse for him.”
We continue the enemies-to-lovers vibes from The Book of Azrael though it is much more layered and complex now. The flirty, snarky banter in the scenes of them fighting each other had me living. But their relationship is so much deeper than that. They have this deep connection – they both can see behind the monster/god to the individual and accept each other for their flaws, fears, hopes, dreams, and all. Their relationship continues to develop slowly over this book, but the payoff is worth it. We get some very rewarding sexy scenes in this, but also so much love. God, the love. Along with the exploration of grief, the exploration of the power of love and all the many forms it can take is another standout from this book.
“Let chaos reign.”
This book did feel a little long at times – there were a lot of flashbacks and a lot of points of view that I’m not sure were all necessary – but I honestly didn’t mind in the end as I was so engrossed in the story, in the drama. Boy, does this book go there in terms of the plot! I was a big old jumble of nerves and so stressed the whole last quarter of the book. I was literally gasping out loud and having to put the book down at times to process EVERYTHING that was HAPPENING. And oh my god, that ending! While I correctly predicted some plot points, others completed shook me to my core. I still am in shock thinking about some of them! I don’t know which character I hate more after everything. I cannot wait to see where Nicole takes this story and these characters in the last book as THAT ENDING.
“Remember that I love you.”
If you want to be emotionally devastated, this series is perfect for you. And I mean that in the best way possible. I cried, I laughed, I gasped, I loved – I felt it all while reading. If you love dark romance or are in your romantasy era, you will eat these stories up! You do have to read this series in order, so now is the perfect time to start, as The Book of Azrael and The Throne of Broken Gods are on KU.
I am now anxiously awaiting an update on book 3 and look forward to all the heartache and pain that Amber V. Nicole will bring us with that book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Grief, Murder, Violence, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: War and Confinement
avakh486's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
erendira's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Ugh this was even better than the first. I couldn’t put it down it was so fast paced. There are a couple points where I feel the writing falters a bit (mostly the dialogue) and there is one or two cringey moments ngl but the rest of the book more than made up for it. Highly recommend this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Murder
stephaniemcuervo's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abandonment, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, Sexual content, and War
Moderate: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Confinement
shannjae's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow!
Yous need to read this because holy me, oh, my!
I don’t even know where to start except I LOVED IT!
I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, it consumed my thoughts. There is nothing predictable about this book / series. It’s outstanding and truly creative. I love the mythology aspects, the worlds that have been created and the beautiful multiple POVs that give us extra depth into each character even Kaden!
The angst and heartbreak in this book is soul shattering, which leaves you begging for more!
“You led me out of my darkness, Dianna. Now let me lead you, or I can follow you into the dark, but there is no me without you. Not anymore. Do you understand?”
^^^
This line is pure perfection!
Amber has an impeccable talent of being able to write and portray that earth shattering, complex feelings of each character. She has written about complex situations such as grief in a tasteful way that delves into your heart and soul which leaves you feeling like it was you who lost a family member.
Don’t even get be started on that last 30% because them twist and turns in the story! Wow chefs kiss! I already need the third book. I knew after reading The Book of Azrael that this was going to be a brilliant series but boom two has surpassed all my expectations.
The depth of characters, world building, shocking twists and developments. It all incredible.
I think I may have a new rival for favourite author! 🖤
P.S. This series has been a slow burn where he falls first and the wait has been killing me but boy was it worth it 🌶️. It was spicy, hot and beautifully written.
Yous need to read this because holy me, oh, my!
I don’t even know where to start except I LOVED IT!
I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, it consumed my thoughts. There is nothing predictable about this book / series. It’s outstanding and truly creative. I love the mythology aspects, the worlds that have been created and the beautiful multiple POVs that give us extra depth into each character even Kaden!
The angst and heartbreak in this book is soul shattering, which leaves you begging for more!
“You led me out of my darkness, Dianna. Now let me lead you, or I can follow you into the dark, but there is no me without you. Not anymore. Do you understand?”
^^^
This line is pure perfection!
Amber has an impeccable talent of being able to write and portray that earth shattering, complex feelings of each character. She has written about complex situations such as grief in a tasteful way that delves into your heart and soul which leaves you feeling like it was you who lost a family member.
Don’t even get be started on that last 30% because them twist and turns in the story! Wow chefs kiss! I already need the third book. I knew after reading The Book of Azrael that this was going to be a brilliant series but boom two has surpassed all my expectations.
The depth of characters, world building, shocking twists and developments. It all incredible.
I think I may have a new rival for favourite author! 🖤
P.S. This series has been a slow burn where he falls first and the wait has been killing me but boy was it worth it 🌶️. It was spicy, hot and beautifully written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Death, and Violence