The Throne of Broken Gods by Amber V. Nicole

The Hand, a close-knit group of allies, includes Xavier, Cameron, Imogen, Logan, and Nevarra (the latter two are mates). Together, they’ve fought beside Liam, also known as Samkiel, in the ongoing battle to protect the realms.

Dianna, however, has fully embraced her role as a villain after the devastating death of her sister. Consumed by grief and bloodlust, she wreaks havoc across the realms, showing no allegiance to anyone. Liam eventually catches her and places her into a magical sleep until she can face her emotions. As Dianna awakens and begins to confront her grief with Liam’s help, she slowly starts to heal.

It’s revealed that Dianna is Azrael’s daughter, hidden away because she was destined to be Samkiel’s equal—a truth that would have made her a target for the gods. Meanwhile, Kaden, the story’s central antagonist, is working with Nismira, Samkiel’s former lover, who has taken charge of their efforts. The Hand faces a devastating betrayal when Xavier, one of their own, turns against them.

Dianna learns she is Samkiel’s amata (soulmate) only after his tragic death. She completes their bonding ritual, bringing him back to life, but the process doesn’t fully take—Dianna keeps the truth of his death from Samkiel, and he hides the fact that the bonding didn’t fully succeed. The act of reviving Samkiel also costs Dianna her soul, leaving her fundamentally altered. Despite the sacrifices, Dianna and Samkiel marry, though their union is shadowed by unspoken truths.

Elsewhere, Cameron plays a dangerous game. While supposedly loyal to Nismira and even serving as a commander in her army, he’s secretly in love with Camille. However, Kaden has “turned” Cameron, giving him an insidious connection that could make him a threat. When Samkiel and Dianna save him, they tread carefully, unsure of his true allegiances.

Logan, another member of the Hand, remains chained and broken, a shell of his former self. The team’s struggles take a toll on all of them, and as the book closes, many members of the Hand are beginning to consider retirement, leaving the future of their group uncertain.