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.