After the first book, it should come as no surprise that I decided to continue the series. I needed a little time to recover because “The Book of Azrael” shook me up in every way. If you haven’t read the first book yet, you should stop here because this review may contain spoilers.
Book Review: “The Throne of Broken Gods”
- Series: Gods and monsters #2
- Author: Amber V. Nicole
- 619 pages, Kindle Edition
- First published May 18, 2023
What to expect?
- Unique and original world
- Antihero, hero villain
- Trauma of loss
- From enemies to lovers
- Slow burn romance with sex scenes
- Twists, betrayals, unexpected, unfinished ending
- Dynamic action that keeps you engaged
Emotionally Heartbreaking
“When I burn this world to embers, and you paint me as the villain, remember, I really did try to be good ……once.”
Most of the book is devoted to the emotional growth of the characters. The action begins immediately after the end of “The Book of Azrael”. Diana is heartbroken and goes into a very serious emotional crisis. If ever I had to complain about a character being overly dramatic, it’s not with this book. Amber Nicole did a great job of portraying all the emotions her characters go through. I was overwhelmed by Diana’s grief, felt her all-consuming rage and her desire to get revenge on everyone involved in the betrayal. We’re not just talking about a hero who lashes out and rages, we’re talking about a hero whose actions are justified and in order. We’re talking about a hero whose last remaining loved one was taken from him before his eyes. Incredibly skilfully described emotions and feelings by the author that made me shudder again and again.
For how far can a man go when everything has been taken from him, when revenge is the only thing that gives him direction and meaning?
What limits will he cross and is it forgivable?
Storyline in he Throne of Broken Gods
Amber Nicole manages to expand on the world she introduced us to in her first book. In “The Throne of Broken Gods”, the story is told from the point of view of different characters. We get the opportunity to get to know Samkiel’s warriors, whom he calls “The Hand”, better. The relationship they have with each other, the events that have made them a family, and the meaning they have for Liam. We get to know them for ourselves, and they are no longer the fearsome warriors who have conquered worlds, but people with normal passions and dreams.
The reader learns a lot about the mystery of Samkiel’s past and his world. The author has a very captivating way of writing and sprinkles a bit of truth into each chapter, which the reader has to piece together to form an overall picture. It’s a guessing game and a build-up that keeps the reader guessing. You’re thinking and theorising almost the whole time, in what I’d call pathetic attempts to predict what’s coming next. Nothing is what you expect it to be, and that’s the best part of the whole story. Amber Nicole managed to surprise me, and I came to love the characters and the world even more.
Dynamic action
Once again we are dealing with a dynamic book, which we must realise is full of violent scenes. The rhythm and dynamics of the plot are well thought out and leave no time for boredom. The plot is very interesting and full of twists and surprises. When I wasn’t preoccupied with Diana’s revenge, I was certainly imagining how the relationship between her and Samkiel would develop.
The many points of view are apt, the introduction and build-up of the secondary characters is very well done and, as you will realise by the end of the book, quite purposeful. Be prepared for Amber Nicole not to do anything superfluous. There were details that seemed to be inserted completely at random that later turned out to be a very important part of the story.
Rating
From start to finish, this book is filled with a dose of humour, devastating action scenes, fast-paced action, romance, sexual tension and betrayal. The ending of “The Throne of Broken Gods” didn’t ruin me emotionally like that of “The Book of Azrael”, but it still hit me with full force and left me numb for a while. After everything I experienced with this book, I see no other option but to declare Amber Nicole and her “Gods and Monsters” series my discovery of the year.
“Then, Samkiel, you will know this is how the world ends.” But it was not this world. No, it was mine. It was Dianna. The world quakes in fear as the last shred of Dianna’s humanity is ripped from her. As it should. Grief consumes Dianna, burning away any semblance of good within her and threatening the budding relationship between her and Liam. Now, Liam must pull her back from the brink of complete damnation before time runs out.
