The Book of Azrael

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

The Book of Azrael features complex world building, encompassing unique realms, species, cultures, and myths that deepen the narrative and immerse readers in its dark fantasy setting. The geography of The Book of Azrael is particularly intricate, consisting of multiple realms. These include Rashearim (the realm of gods), the Netherworld or Otherworld (home of monsters), the Etherworld or Onuna (home of mortals), and Asteraoth, described as “the realm beyond time and space where the dead [go]” (402).

Rashearim, originally the domain of the gods and celestials, was ruled by Unir, the creator and sovereign of all the realms. Celestials, created by the gods and imbued with a fraction of their power, were often treated as servants or cannon fodder. Unir’s demigod son, Samkiel, inherited his rule. However, his actions—such as forging the Oblivion blade, a weapon capable of destroying immortal beings permanently and thus of protecting celestials from the gods’ rule—led to a divine rebellion. In quelling the revolt, Samkiel destroyed Rashearim but later reassembled its remnants. He now resides in isolation on a crumbling estate surrounded by wilderness. Across a mountain range, the Council of Hadramiel governs the celestials from an unnamed city, also housing members of the elite group known as The Hand of Samkiel or The Hand.

The Netherworld remains enigmatic, known only as the original home of various beings now trapped on Onuna. These creatures include werewolves, witches, vampires, banshees, Baku (dream eaters), shades (shadow-like assassins), and Ig’Morruthens (immortal monsters). While considered monsters, not all these beings are inherently evil. For instance, some Baku assist mortals by consuming nightmares, and not all shades share the assassin role associated with Kaden’s command. However, many Netherworlders possess monstrous forms or feed off mortals, consuming their blood, flesh, energy, dreams, or thoughts.

Ig’Morruthens, created by the Primordials, are particularly fearsome. These beings are immensely destructive and capable of killing gods, though according to legends, they always maintain a bestial form, like Kaden’s Irvikuva (winged creatures he makes by mixing his blood with mortal blood). According to divine legends, the Ig’Morruthens seek conquest and pose a threat to all worlds. On Onuna, the Ig’Morruthens include Kaden, Tobias, Alistair, Dianna, and the Irvikuva. Tobias, also known as Haldnunen, is a necromancer and one of the legendary four Kings of Yejedin, a group of immensely powerful Ig’Morruthens who once ruled all the Netherworld creatures. The other kings—Gewyrnon, Ittshare, and Aphaeleon—are similarly formidable. Due to their shapeshifting abilities and unparalleled strength, Kaden and Alistair are also most likely kings, making Dianna a queen.

The story unfolds primarily on Onuna, a planet of vast continents, diverse landscapes, and rich cultures inhabited mainly by mortals. Seas and oceans separate these continents, creating natural divisions. Notable locations include Kaden’s volcanic island base, Nova’s Island, and Zarall, a vampire-controlled jungle continent. El Donuma, a mostly desert continent, is home to Camilla, the desert library where Dianna battles Zekiel, and an isolated mountain village where Dianna and Liam meet the parents of Peter, a celestial captured by the Ig’Morruthens. The regions of Aarin and Ecanus share a continent that houses celestial strongholds, including the Silver City and Boel. The Ipiuqin continent contains Arariel, a celestial fortress, and Eoria, the lost city where Dianna and Gabby once lived before its destruction by a plague originating from Rashearim’s remnants. Omael and Adonael, the site of Dianna’s betrayal by a witch named Sophie, lie within Aarin and are bordered by the sprawling Adonael forest. The climactic discovery of The Book of Azrael occurs on Nochari, an isolated continent dominated by jungle terrain and near the city of Ecleon.

Liam and Dianna’s journey spans the entirety of Onuna, exposing them to its diverse regions, cultures, and histories while uncovering the secrets of The Book of Azrael.