If you’ve spent more than five minutes on BookTok lately, you’ve definitely seen those stunning, often blood-splattered covers of the Gods & Monsters series. Honestly, calling Amber V. Nicole's work just "romance" feels like a bit of an understatement. It’s more like a visceral, emotional wrecking ball wrapped in high-stakes celestial politics.
Amber V. Nicole books have carved out a very specific niche in the dark fantasy world. She isn't writing about sparkly vampires or knights in shining armor. She's writing about "The World Ender" and "The Ender of Worlds." It’s gritty. It’s messy. It’s exactly what readers who are tired of "perfect" heroes have been begging for.
Most people come for the spice—and yeah, it’s there—but they stay because the FMC (female main character) is genuinely terrifying.
The Gods & Monsters Series: What’s the Hype About?
Let’s get into the actual meat of the story. The series kicked off with The Book of Azrael in 2022, and since then, it’s basically been a rollercoaster of trauma and redemption. The core of the story follows Dianna, a woman who sacrificed her soul a thousand years ago to save her sister. She didn’t get a miracle; she got Kaden, a monster who turned her into a lethal, soul-starved weapon.
Then there’s Liam. Or Samkiel. Or the World Ender. He’s the King of Gods who went into exile because he felt he didn’t deserve his own power. When these two collide, it’s not exactly love at first sight. It’s more "I might actually kill you if you look at me wrong."
The reading order is pretty straightforward so far, but the emotional damage increases with every page:
- The Book of Azrael (2022): The introduction to the war-torn realms and the messy "enemies-to-lovers" spark.
- The Throne of Broken Gods (2023): This is where everything goes nuclear. The cliffhanger at the end of this book left the community in a collective state of shock.
- The Dawn of the Cursed Queen (2024): Dianna fully embraces her darker side. It’s raw, it’s heavy on the grief, and it explores the cost of power.
- The Wrath of the Fallen (2025): The latest entry that deepens the "found family" dynamic while the world literally starts to unravel.
Why Dianna Is the "Villain" We Actually Needed
Kinda rare to find a heroine who stays "bad" for so long. Usually, the FMC has a change of heart by chapter ten. Not here. Dianna is petty, she’s violent, and she’s fueled by a type of feminine rage that feels incredibly authentic. Amber V. Nicole has mentioned in interviews that she was inspired by characters like Katherine Pierce from The Vampire Diaries or Klaus Mikaelson. She wanted to see a woman get to be that unhinged and still be the one we root for.
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It works.
The relationship between Dianna and Samkiel is fascinating because it’s built on a foundation of shared trauma. They aren't fixing each other. They’re just the only two people powerful enough to survive each other.
World-Building and the "Indie" Appeal
One thing you'll notice about Amber V. Nicole books is that they don't hold your hand. The world-building is dense. There are different realms, complex hierarchies of gods, and ancient wars that are only vaguely referenced until they suddenly become very relevant. Some readers find the first 100 pages of the first book a bit slow because of this, but once the momentum hits, it doesn't stop.
Amber started as an indie author before being picked up for various special editions (like those gorgeous Rose & Star or Arcane Society sets). That "indie" spirit is still there in the prose. It’s bold, it’s experimental, and it doesn't shy away from the "horror" side of dark fantasy.
What’s Coming Next in 2026?
We’re currently looking at a series that could span up to seven books. Book 5 is the big question mark on everyone's calendar for 2026.
The stakes are higher than ever after the events of The Wrath of the Fallen. We’re seeing a shift in the celestial balance, and characters who were once side-lined are starting to take center stage. If you’re a fan of the "found family" trope, this is where the series really shines. The bond between Samkiel’s elite guard, The Hand, and Dianna’s complicated past creates a tension that keeps the plot moving even when the main romance is in a "slow burn" phase.
Real Talk: Is It Too Dark?
Look, "dark romantasy" is a broad label. In these books, you’re going to encounter:
- Graphic violence and "battle foreplay."
- Heavy themes of grief, depression, and PTSD.
- Morally gray characters who do genuinely bad things.
- High "steam" levels (especially from book two onwards).
If you want a cozy read where everyone lives happily ever after by the end of the first volume, this isn't it. Amber V. Nicole writes for the readers who want to be "wrecked."
Actionable Steps for New Readers
If you're ready to dive in, don't just buy the first book and hope for the best.
First, check the content warnings. Amber is great about listing these, and they are necessary. Second, try to stick with The Book of Azrael until at least the halfway point. The first half is heavy on world-setting, but the second half payoff is what built the massive fanbase.
Third, if you’re into collecting, keep an eye on the secondary market or special edition drops. Because of the "BookTok effect," limited editions of these books—especially the ones with sprayed edges or alternate covers—tend to sell out in seconds and then quadruple in price on eBay.
Finally, join the community. Whether it's the dedicated subreddits or the author’s own social media, half the fun of this series is theorizing about which god is going to betray who next.
Grab a copy of The Book of Azrael, clear your schedule for the weekend, and prepare for a lot of internal screaming. You've been warned.