How to Read Amber V. Nicole's Books
Amber V. Nicole (frequently stylized as Amber V. Nicole or simply Amber Nicole) has taken the dark fantasy and BookTok communities by storm. Her primary claim to fame is the epic, emotionally charged Gods & Monsters series. Unlike authors with sprawling, multi-series universes that cross over in confusing ways, Amber V. Nicole's catalog is wonderfully straightforward. The series follows a direct chronological narrative, meaning you should read the books in order of their publication.
To get the full experience of this dark romantasy saga, you must start at the very beginning with the debut novel, The Book of Azrael, and follow the characters through their grueling, high-stakes journey. Reading these out of order is not recommended, as each book relies heavily on the emotional fallout, plot twists, and world-building established in the previous installments.
Gods & Monsters Series in Publication Order
Here is the complete list of the Gods & Monsters novels in the recommended reading order, including details on the latest and upcoming releases:
1. The Book of Azrael (2022)
This is where the journey begins. The novel introduces readers to Dianna Martinez, a fierce and lethal protagonist who made a desperate bargain centuries ago with Kaden, an evil Ig'Morruthen creature, to save her sister Gabby's life. Bound to Kaden's will, Dianna acts as his deadly enforcer, tasked with hunting down the legendary Book of Azrael. Her path collides with Liam (also known as Samkiel, the "World Ender"), an ancient, grieving god who has spent centuries hiding from the scars of the Gods War. What starts as a lethal game of cat-and-mouse evolves into a tense, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers alliance as they work to prevent Kaden from unsealing the realms.
2. The Throne of Broken Gods (2023)
The second book picks up immediately after the shattering climax of the first. Dianna is pushed to the brink, fueled by intense grief, rage, and a desire for vengeance. As she begins a dark descent, Samkiel must step up to guide her, protect his people, and confront the ghosts of his own past. This installment is widely praised by fans for its raw emotional depth, heart-wrenching character development, and a deeper exploration of the cosmic magic system.
3. The Dawn of the Cursed Queen (2024)
The stakes elevate to a cosmic scale in the third volume. Dianna embraces her dark potential, claiming her power as a formidable force in the realms. The romance between Dianna and Liam faces its greatest trials yet, surrounded by forbidden magic, ancient betrayals, and massive battle sequences. The ending of this book left readers clamoring for the next chapter of the war between gods and monsters.
4. The Wrath of the Fallen (2025)
Released on October 28, 2025, this fourth installment deals with the devastating fallout of the previous book. With realms fractured and trust broken, Dianna and Liam must navigate a treacherous landscape of war, shifting alliances, and the terrifying consequences of their choices. The book continues to deliver the signature blend of horror-infused dark fantasy and high-intensity romantic tension that defined the earlier novels.
5. The Fall of the Crowned King (Expected November 2026)
The highly anticipated fifth book in the saga is scheduled for release on November 24, 2026. It promises to push the narrative toward its ultimate climax as the war between the remaining gods and monsters reaches its fever pitch.
What to Know Before You Start
Amber V. Nicole's writing stands out in the crowded romantasy genre due to several unique elements. Before you dive into The Book of Azrael, keep these key details in mind:
- A True Dark Romantasy: Unlike lighter fantasy romances, this series contains strong elements of horror, graphic violence, and intense emotional trauma. Dianna is not a traditional "good" heroine; she is morally gray, unapologetically violent, and operates as a monster to survive.
- Slow-Burn and Enemies-to-Lovers: The romance between Dianna and Liam is a true enemies-to-lovers arc. Do not expect instant romance; the tension builds gradually over hundreds of pages, making the eventual payoff incredibly satisfying.
- Creative Control: Amber V. Nicole publishes her work through Rose & Star Publishing, her independent imprint. This has allowed her to preserve her unfiltered creative vision, keeping the dark and edgy elements of her story intact.
- Cinematic Pacing: The author has noted that her love for anime and video games heavily influences her writing. This is reflected in the cinematic quality of the action scenes, the dramatic magic battles, and the expressive character dynamics.
Avoiding Common Author Confusions
Because "Amber Nicole" is a relatively common pen name, readers looking for the Gods & Monsters books sometimes run into confusion online. Here is how to keep things straight:
First, ensure you do not confuse Amber V. Nicole with the contemporary romance author who writes under the name Amber Nicole (who published the contemporary novella Bethlehem's Road in 2017). The dark fantasy author has no connection to those contemporary books.
Second, be careful not to confuse her with the actress and author Amber Benson (often listed as Amber Nicole Benson), who wrote the Calliope Reaper-Jones urban fantasy series. While both write fantasy, they are entirely different authors with distinct universes.