The Book of Azrael

“The fabled World Ender. The legend. The Son of Unir. Wielder of the Blade of Oblivion. And where is he? […] Exactly. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since their home world, Rashearim, blew up. Destruction that was caused by him, correct? Isn’t that how the story goes? He is the boogeyman of the Otherworld. Tales to keep you all in line.”

The first mention of Samkiel, or Liam, comes from Kaden, who mocks him as a legend fabricated to frighten the Otherworlders into submission. Kaden weaponizes the myth of the “World Ender” to reinforce his authority, portraying Liam as a destructive figure whose actions led to the annihilation of Rashearim. This manipulation of Liam’s reputation reflects Kaden’s use of fear as a control tool while revealing his reliance on propaganda to maintain control—one side of The Duality of Power that the novel explores.

“Better to die by what you think is right than to live under a lie.”

Drake encourages Dianna to escape Kaden’s rule by prioritizing personal conviction over survival: He suggests that sacrificing oneself for a righteous cause is sometimes a noble choice. However, Drake fails to recognize that while Dianna is willing to sacrifice herself, she will never be willing to sacrifice her sister, Gabby. This tension between personal sacrifice and loyalty to family becomes a driving force in Dianna’s actions, complicating her path toward freedom.

“‘No one owns you.’

[…] ‘He does, and in every way. We can pretend that these last two weeks are real and that we are the perfect sisters […] But the absolute truth of it is that we are not. We both died centuries ago in that damned desert. Whether you want to admit it to yourself or not, we’re different. I’m different.’

My sister didn’t flinch. She wasn’t afraid of me and knew I would never hurt her. ‘You can’t blame me for wanting you to be happy. I want something normal for you—something besides the bread crumbs he feeds you to keep you in line.’”

This conversation between Dianna and Gabby highlights the tension within their relationship and the power and control that Kaden exerts over them. While Dianna is willing to sacrifice anything for her sister, she fails to recognize that her own unhappiness also affects Gabby, who sees that Kaden has control over Dianna and desires something more for her. This dynamic underscores the emotional complexity of their bond and the broader theme of control.

“‘You are perfect the way you are. Do not worry about them. They will have no choice. You are my heir. My son […] My only.’

‘You force them, and they will retaliate.’ […]

‘I have made enemies for less. Old and powerful enemies. I fear no wars.’

[…] ‘I will never be a leader like you.’

‘Excellent. Be greater.’”

Liam’s conversation with Unir highlights the power imbalance in their relationship. Despite Liam’s reluctance, Unir insists that Liam is his heir, demonstrating his authoritarian control and unwillingness to acknowledge his son’s autonomy; ironically, his very insistence that Liam assume a position of power underscores Liam’s powerlessness. Liam’s recognition that the other gods will resist Unir’s decision further emphasizes the tension between individual will and imposed power. Unir’s response, urging Liam to be “greater,” reveals his dismissive attitude toward his son’s desires, reinforcing the oppressive nature of their relationship.

“‘We were talking about monsters and how looks can be deceiving.’

‘Ah, yes, but a monster is still a monster, no matter how pretty it is.’”

Unir’s comment reflects the deceptive nature of appearances and The Struggle Between Good and Evil. While Unir asserts that monsters are defined by their nature, regardless of their outward appearance, he fails to explain what truly makes a monster. Despite this ambiguity, Liam internalizes these words and, influenced by them, questions Dianna’s humanity. This dynamic underscores the novel’s exploration of how perception and prejudice shape actions and relationships.

“Everyone thought I had killed him, and I let them. It had earned me immunity from Kaden and his horde. They saw me as a threat, and now so did Samkiel and his people. Little did they know those memories haunted me. The look on Zekiel’s face as he plunged that knife into his chest was one I was all too familiar with. I had seen it on Gabby’s face and my own as I fought to save her life. It was the look you got when you’d lost all hope.”

Dianna’s reflection highlights the deceptive nature of appearances and the consequences of assumptions. While The Hand believes she killed Zekiel, Dianna reveals that she did not and instead carries the grief of his death. The celestials’ willingness to accept her guilt without proof suggests that they are not as innocent as they seem, as they are quick to judge without understanding the truth. This quote also emphasizes Dianna’s humanity as she mourns Zekiel’s loss—something that even Liam, who was his friend, fails to do. It shows that beneath her reputation as a ruthless killer, Dianna still experiences the deep emotional burden of her actions.

“But I am curious, World Ender. What do you fear? […] is it what you see in the mirror?”

Dianna’s taunt develops the theme of good versus evil in its questioning of Liam’s identity. Dianna suggests that Liam’s greatest enemy may not be external but internal—that he is most afraid of his own flaws and darkness. This moment highlights the complexity of Liam’s character, showing that despite being seen as the “World Ender” and a potential hero, he may not fully embrace the role others expect of him. It reveals the tension between self-perception and external expectations, emphasizing Liam’s inner conflict.

“They may look at you as a savior, but I know the truth behind those lovely eyes. Your hands are just as bloody as mine, Samkiel. You are no savior. You are a coward who hid away. At least I fight for something. Paint me as the bad guy all you want, but I’m not the one they call World Ender.”

Dianna’s words reveal the novel’s exploration of the struggle between good and evil, showing how perception shapes these labels. Liam has likely killed far more than Dianna, yet the celestials see him as a savior while they and others brand Dianna as the villain. Moreover, while Dianna continues to fight for something, striving to protect Gabby, Liam isolates himself from the world, avoiding responsibility. Through Dianna’s confrontation, The Book of Azrael challenges the reader to reconsider what defines morality.

“You saved my life. I know that, and I am not unappreciative, but at what cost, D? I’m moving all the time. The secrets, the bloodstained clothes, the monsters, and what about your life? Your happiness? […] This isn’t living, not for me and not for you […] the price of my freedom is to watch my sister become a⁠ […] a monster.”

Gabby’s words reflect Dianna’s actions’ emotional and psychological toll, revealing the cost of protection and the sacrifices made to pursue survival. While Gabby acknowledges Dianna’s efforts to save her, she questions the long-term consequences of this protection, emphasizing how it strips away Dianna’s happiness and humanity. Gabby’s fear that her sister is becoming a “monster” highlights the theme of the struggle between good and evil, as Dianna’s attempts to protect her loved ones lead her down a dark path. Gabby’s quote highlights the tension between love, sacrifice, and the loss of self, illustrating the painful choices that both sisters face.

“Are we brothers? Are we family, or just dispensable casualties to you now? You were always so afraid you would become as emotionless as your father. Well, look at you now. I don’t see Samkiel anymore. I only see Unir. You are no better than him.”

Vincent’s words to Liam highlight the deep emotional rift between them, revealing Liam’s transformation and the corrupting influence of power and control. By accusing Liam of becoming like his father, Vincent emphasizes Liam’s struggle with his identity and fear of losing his humanity. The comparison to Unir, whom Nicole portrays as cold and calculating, suggests that Liam’s actions are increasingly defined by the same lack of empathy that he once feared inheriting.

“I knew why he was so abrasive and so closed off to everyone, even those he claimed were his friends. He was consumed with grief and overwhelmed with pain. Liam was mourning.”

Dianna’s insight into Liam’s behavior reveals her understanding of his emotional struggles, as she recognizes that his abrasiveness and detachment stem from grief rather than a fundamental flaw in his character. This realization shifts her perception of him, highlighting the complexity of his emotions and the weight of his past. By acknowledging that mourning consumes Liam, Dianna empathizes with his pain, suggesting that his actions, often seen as cold or distant, are rooted in profound loss. This moment highlights the novel’s exploration of hidden suffering and how grief shapes a person’s identity and relationships.

“Gabby taught me not to live in the past. […] She said it’s pointless, because nothing grows there. You’ve seen a thousand plus worlds and have lived a thousand plus lives. I can only imagine what you’ve done and what you’ve seen. […] It’s okay to not be okay, Liam.”

Dianna’s words to Liam reflect her growing understanding of the importance of moving forward and healing from past trauma. By referencing Gabby’s advice, Dianna emphasizes the futility of dwelling on past mistakes, encouraging Liam to accept his pain but not let it define him. Her acknowledgment of his complicated past suggests deep empathy for the emotional burden he carries. This moment highlights the theme of personal growth, illustrating how acceptance and vulnerability can be pivotal in overcoming grief and finding inner peace.

“His father had not given him a choice before laying the burden of protection on his shoulders. Regardless of the need for a guardian or whatever other bullshit they had fed him, it had isolated him. They had laid the fates of worlds at his feet and given him no support, except what he had created.”

Dianna’s reflection on Liam illustrates the complicated relationship that they each have with power and control, emphasizing Liam’s unwanted responsibility as the protector of worlds. His father’s decision to place this burden on Liam without offering support illustrates the cruelty that power can engender. Liam’s sense of abandonment reflects the destructive nature of imposed duty, where leadership comes without guidance or solidarity. His reliance on what he has created to cope with this burden shows how individuals have to forge their own paths when left unsupported by those in power.

“His anxiety was another presence in the car, and I had learned enough about him to know it wasn’t out of fear for himself, but of what he could do if he lost control.”

Dianna reflects on Liam’s internal struggle with his immense power. Dianna’s observation suggests that Liam’s anxiety stems not from personal danger but from the threat his abilities pose to others. This deep-seated fear reflects his vulnerability, as he knows his power could cause harm to those he loves. The passage highlights the theme of power and control, illustrating that for Liam, the true danger lies in his capacity for destruction rather than external threats.

“If I had the choice, and I had to choose, I would want an equal. A partner in every aspect of my life, like what my father and mother shared.”

In this brief moment of vulnerability, Dianna asks Liam about his ideal partner. In response, he reveals a side of himself that contrasts with the heavy burdens he carries. His desire for an equal and confidant reflects his longing for genuine connection and mutual understanding rather than the imbalanced power dynamics that have defined his relationships. His reference to his parents’ bond reveals his yearning for a love rooted in partnership. This moment underscores the internal conflict that Liam faces, as he struggles to reconcile his desire for intimacy with the responsibilities and isolation imposed by his role as the “World Ender” and king of the gods.

“Not able to bear the sight of her so alone in the dark, I reached out and took her hand the same way she had done mine during my night terrors. It had comforted me, and I wanted to do the same for her.”

In this moment of empathy, Liam’s action toward Dianna reflects his deepening understanding of her pain and his desire to offer the same comfort she once gave him. By reaching out to her, Liam acknowledges their shared emotional vulnerability, breaking through the isolation that often defines their relationship. This gesture highlights Liam’s growing compassion and his struggle to balance his own turmoil with the need to support those he cares about. It also signifies a shift in their dynamic, as he begins to take on the role of emotional support, mirroring the kindness that Dianna previously showed him and thus suggesting that they are becoming the “equals” Liam spoke of.

“That this is how the world ends.”

This phrase becomes a motif in the novel, illustrating Liam’s internal conflict—his subconscious fear of his own destructive potential and the inevitable consequences of his actions. The repetition of this line emphasizes the weight of his destiny as the “World Ender,” suggesting that his role in the unfolding events may lead to catastrophic outcomes, whether intentional or not. This mantra serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between creation and destruction that Liam must navigate. However, it also reflects the deceptive nature of appearances, as Liam is not the one to usher in the end of the world.

“Stupid fucking mortal heart.”

Dianna’s mortal heart is a symbol of her vulnerability, resilience, and empathy. While it leaves Dianna physically weaker than the Otherworlders around her, it also represents her enduring humanity amid brutal circumstances. Her mortal heart reflects her capacity for compassion and love even after enduring profound pain and betrayal. In this moment, however, she resents her mortal heart, which compels her to love Liam despite his treatment of her, highlighting the inner conflict between her strength of character and her lingering emotional wounds.

“Don’t you know? Love is the purest form of destruction there is.”

As the novel delves into themes of power and control, love emerges as both a treasured ideal and a potent weapon, particularly among the Otherworlders. While love is highly valued, as symbolized by the mark of Dhihsin, it can also cause harm. For instance, Dianna’s love for Gabby drives her to commit actions she would never contemplate otherwise, illustrating love’s intense and sometimes dangerous pull. Drake’s observation about love further reveals the contrast between love’s outward allure and its destructive allure, illustrating the deceptive nature of appearances.

“Thick black-and-purple smoke oozed from the weapon. The sword was not silver or gold, like the spear my father and the gods kept. Mine was the absence of all color, absorbing all light. It was a true death blade. The Oblivion blade was the one I’d made during my ascension. The legend of it had been passed down through time. A story told of how I ended worlds and the weapon that made it possible. Even the old gods feared it, and I had promised myself I would never summon it again. I had thought there was nothing that could force me to break my vow, but the way these creatures had mocked Dianna, her pain, and her fate had proven me wrong. Dianna was worth it, and I would risk it all for her.”

Liam’s reflection showcases his internal struggle with power and control, morality, and his willingness to break his own principles for Dianna. The Oblivion blade, a symbol of ultimate destruction, represents the darker aspects of Liam’s identity and his legacy as the “World Ender.” Given his vow never to summon the blade again, his decision to wield it in defense of Dianna highlights the depth of his feelings for her and his rejection of passivity in the face of her suffering. This moment illustrates the theme of sacrifice, as Liam risks embracing the feared and destructive part of himself to protect someone he values above all else.

“We were both blinded by willful ignorance. There are things I have done that make me wish I could claw the memories from my mind. But we grow, we learn, and we do better. I am not making excuses for you or myself, but I know how far you will go to protect your sister. I know what Kaden has forced you to do. You seem to think I am this pure, good being, when the old gods taught me how to end worlds.”

Liam’s comment reflects the nuances of the struggle between good and evil by emphasizing the moral complexity of both his and Dianna’s actions. Liam acknowledges their shared capacity for darkness, shaped by past mistakes and external pressures, such as Kaden’s manipulation of Dianna. His admission that even he, a being revered for his power, was taught to “end worlds” challenges the dichotomy of hero versus villain, suggesting that circumstances and perception often dictate morality. However, the book does not fully embrace moral relativism. Rather, the quote highlights a central theme of the novel: that redemption and the choice to “do better” define true goodness even in the face of past atrocities.

“She had sacrificed herself for me, for the world, and I’d resurrected her without a second thought. My own father would not bring back my mother, the one person he had loved with every atom of his being. Yet I’d brought back a smart-mouthed, ill-tempered, caring woman. I was as selfish and weak as they claimed, because I hadn’t brought her back for the world, or even for her. I brought her back because I didn’t think I could exist without her. ‘A god does not think of his own wants or needs, but of the needs of others, the ones he protects.’”

Liam reflects on his internal conflict and the moral complexities of his choices, illustrating the theme of selflessness versus selfishness. While he acknowledges his divine duty to prioritize the needs of others, his decision to resurrect Dianna stems from personal love and dependency, not altruism. By contrasting his actions with his father’s restraint, Liam highlights his vulnerability and humanity, exposing the flaws in forcing him to occupy the role of a god. His reflections raise questions about the balance between love and responsibility and the struggle between good and evil.

“You are the key that connects the ones seeking revenge. There must always be a Guardian. Unir perceived the end, knew the consequences, and took action. Realms were locked—and your death will open them all. It is foretold. Chaos will return, and chaos will reign. You have seen a fraction of it […] The prophecy remains. One falls, one rises, and the end begins. It was foretold and will remain. One carved from darkness, one carved from light. The world will shudder.”

As retold by Roccurrem, this prophecy encapsulates the novel’s themes of destiny, duality, and the struggle between chaos and order. The dichotomy of “one carved from darkness” and “one carved from light” reflects the struggle between good and evil, as well as the interconnected fates of the characters. The inevitability of Liam’s death unlocking chaos emphasizes the burden of prophecy and the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth. This quote challenges the characters to confront whether they are truly bound by fate or if they can alter destiny through their choices.