At the end of The Rogue King, the first book in the series, I was caught off guard by the revelation of Skylar and the fact that you could already see fireworks between her and Ladon, so I was very much looking forward to this book.

I’m always a fan of enemies to lovers because of the drama and tension it causes. I have to say though it was great with a character as sassy as Skylar involved, she always has the right witty retort to wind up a situation and I loved it. Set against the backdrop of unrest between the dragons it actually made it all a little more high stakes which was interesting, but I maybe would have liked if it was drawn out a little longer.

As with The Rogue King, I was glad that the romance aspect of the book wasn’t the only focus, there was still the action and adventure as Brand and Ladon try to take back the Gold throne, and work out who they can trust. I was glad that Brand and Kasia were still very much part of the story, and that there were characters that I was curious about in the last book that I got to see more of in this one.

I already mentioned that I admired Skylar’s sass but she was also very stubborn and determined which of course made the chemistry between her and Ladon sizzle even more. I loved that she was willing to give up everything to protect her sisters and that she would make choices based on others rather than herself.

Ladon was intense, I knew there was a lot more to him than the glimpse we got in the first book, but it was nice to see that even with his tough exterior he could be a little vulnerable. It made for some entertaining reading that Skylar and Ladon were both stubborn and wanted to make sure the other was safe, and the lengths they would go to to get back to each other.

Abigail Owen sure has a thing about a surprising ending, once again I am left desperate for the next instalment, I am really intrigued to see where this story goes next.

These books are great! They have romance, paranormal mayhem, action, adventure, and family all rolled into a larger story that builds with each book.

This book revolves around Skylar, aka the crazy one. She's been the unofficial defender of the family until the sisters were thrown to different sides of the world. Unable to track any of the others down, she jumped at the chance to sneak into the stronghold where her sister is rumored to be. Things aren't as she predicts, though. Her sister hasn't been kidnapped and coerced into mating a dragon king - she actually loves him. Also, it appears that the "blood king" of the dragons is still in the market for a phoenix mate.

Ladon is ruling because he has to do it for his people, not because he has a relentless drive for power. Unfortunately, it looks like they won't be able to take down the big bad if he doesn't mate a phoenix. Lucky for him, his dragon appears to agree (strongly) with his choice of Skylar. After some negotiation, the two make a go at it and head off to war, essentially. Pieces move around, bringing the larger group of sisters into play, which will make for some interesting next few books. I enjoyed the book's twists and turns, and was always left guessing who was good, who was bad, and how far it would go. Bring on the next one!

The Blood King
by Abigail Owen


In the closing of book 1, in the Inferno Rising series, we find that it’s the beginning of the next book. In this continuation, where Skylar interrupts a strategic meeting bringing to light the fact of a second Phoenix.

Skylar, is the sister that was hidden with her Uncle Tyrek and a group of rogue dragons. Wanting to rescue Kasia, she had no choice but to give herself away as a Phoenix. In doing so, she has given the Blood King another chance of obtaining a Phoenix for himself.

Like a typical Neanderthal, the Blood King, Ladon immediately verbally claims her. But, that’s not how it works. The Phoenix must choose! And he’s prepared to court her and be chosen this time.

Now Skylar, wants nothing to do with the man referred to as the Blood King, and has no problem proving to him she can fend for herself. Besides, she can always charbroil him if he tries to force the mating.

So, it’s on! With just a spark of interest from his little Phoenix, he feels he can convince her to come to an understanding. But, can he get her to stay?

It’s was a great read, I enjoyed the continuation of this series and will be looking forward to the next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley

Will her fear to love hinder her first grab at love ...

As my first read in this series, while the story stand alone in itself, I will recommend to read the first one before as it gives more insights about the background plot and the author’s world setting.
Why I had to get a crash course about this fantasy world.
From the four sisters, I am not certain Skylar is my favorite, her characters has some good traits but also some failings.
I thought her a coward at time for refusing to acknowledge her true feelings, hiding herself behind her past issues to excuse her backtracking.
After she is tough and stubborn, never letting circumstances impede her path. She is the kind of woman who takes no prisoner.
Ladon did not usurp his nickname, he is ruthless and cunning but he is such with his people’s welfare in mind. It is not greed or power hunger that drive him but only to assure his clan peace and rest.
He is also the first to accept the shift of his sentiments, not afraid to feel but fearing to be rejected by the one woman he needs more than air to breath.
Their journey to one another is not a smooth ride as trust is not given easily on Skylar’s side, plus her independent side does not sit well with the mating state. Up to her to see past her own preconceived ideas and get to know the real Ladon.

4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I really liked The Blood King. I loved getting to know the four sisters better. Skylar was amazing, strong and brave. I loved her personality, fun and snarky at times. The evil Pytheios was mean as ever. Ladon Ormarr, gah...hot and horney dragon! Skylar and Ladon, they make an amazing couple. Plenty of action and a great ending. Looking forward to Samael and Meiras story.

I give The Blood King 4 stars for its adventurous read!
I would recommend this book to Paranormal Romance Fans
#TheBloodKing #NetGalley

This is the second book in this series and you do need to read that to get the full feel for this series In the first book The Rogue King the eldest Amon sister Kasia married rogue dragon Brand Asterot (he should have been the gold king) he was tasked with bringing Kasia to the blue king Ladon Ormarr but on realising she was his mate he kept her Now the second Oman daughter Skylar is determined to rescue her sister from what she thinks is a forced marriage this puts her in contact with Ladon and he immediately claims her as his own. Skylar is one tough cookie a warrior in her own right who won't easily be controlled by Ladon who has his own problems trying to defeat the evil red king. can they form a relationship and do they have a future together You will have to read to see This is a wonderful world that just builds with every story I can't wait for the next installment The Warrior King the story of the third sister and the black kings enforcer

What a breathtaker! Abigail Owen's has done it AGAIN!

The Blood King follows Skylar Amon (one of 4 phoenix's in the world). Before her there was only one phoenix that roamed the Earth. When a dragon shifter mated a phoenix he would become high king of all the clans. However that was ripped from her mother's dreams when Pytheios came to slaughter her mother and father. When her mother got away she was pregnant with her 4 sisters.

We follow Skylar on a whirlwind of a tale where the thinks she is rescuing her sister Kasia from a Gold Dragon Shifter King. When Skylar arrives she finds out not only was she wrong about needing to save her sister but her sister was in love with the shifter.

Skylar now found herself at odds because Pytheios was coming after her and without her being mated she was at risk. In comes Ladon Omarr who was the Blue Dragon Shifter King. He concocts a plan to mate with Skylar (and hopes he doesn't die) and save her from Pytheios.

This story started off with bumping heads and stubbornness. You follow Skylar along her journey and fall in love with not just her character but Ladon's as well. Such a good book that shows you can't run from your fate.

I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series!!!

F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C

You ever read a book so good that you immediately started reading it again...yup...this is one of those books. Because I was all like..no, no, no...don’t end now, I need more. First things first...eta of next book please...because I need it nowish.

The Blood King aka Tarzan 🤣 and Skylar aka bat sh*t crazy are a match made in heaven, these two were made for each other, they are like the exact same person and so in sync.
Both badasses
Both ruthless
Both take no crap
Both fearless
Both loyal
And they are crazy about each other...even though they don’t want to admit it, see twins. The heat between these two, hot, hot, hot….did I mention these two were so hot. I know, I know dragon shifter and Phoenix, but this was more due to their chemistry, the mental side of it.

The storyline was fantastic, a huge game of chess, and who can out maneuver who. I could not put it down, and I didn’t want to. So good. I am such a huge fan of Abigail Owens, and I can’t say enough about her dragon shifter series...both of them.

Safe read, with two hot af take no crap badasses who are so loyal to each other and their loved ones. One a sassy Phoenix, the other an intense Blood King...pretty sure you know how he got his name...earned it, and Skylar I am sure will earn herself a title as well since she is absolutely fearless. Next book please.

I was happy to hear more about the sisters. Can't wait to see what goes on with the other two. Skyler is only there to rescue her sister. She couldn't have willingly mated herself to a dragon shifter. When she sees how happy her sister is, how can she tear her away from her mate? What she didn't expect was Ladon. Ladon is a reluctant king and he is arrogant, but he isn't cruel like she thought he would be. She agrees to be his mate, but plans to walk away when things calm down. The more she is around him, the more she comes to respect and admire him. He is willing to walk away from being king if it means that she will stay with him. How can she leave him now?

THE BLOOD KING is a fantastic paranormal romance with plenty of steam and teasing. Skylar Amon is one of four sisters who were born to a phoenix. Considering the dragon mythology around phoenixes, they have been hunted, ever since they can remember. There is only one phoenix at a time, and whichever dragon mates that phoenix becomes the dragon king. After their mother's death, her powers should have passed to one of them. At the same time, she sent the four away to disparate places.

Skylar is on the way to save her sister from the dragon who has captured her. However, when she arrives, her sister tells her that this was her choice, and that she loves the dragon she is mated to. Skylar also notices an instant connection with the blood king, so called because of the way he took control of his clan. Ladon immediately knows she is his mate and wants her to stay more than anything.

When the terrible dragon king, Pytheios, finds out that there are now two phoenixes, he is on his way to mate her. Instead, she faces the option of mating Ladon before he arrives. Although she would like to get to know him first, she agrees to the plan. However, now, the other two sisters are in danger, and Skylar will do anything to save them.

This is really nicely paced with plenty of steam and teasing. Although there is the instant connection of mate, they do take some time (after doing so) to get to know each other a bit, so I was on board. There's also something great about these immediate bonds, and I really enjoyed Ladon and Skylar's story. Their relationship takes the focus of the book, with some extra tidbits about the intriguing dragon politics and battles that are also ongoing. I really appreciated this, as while the overarching story is fun, I'm really here for the current couple. This is a great series, and I really look forward to the next installments.

Overall, this is a strong paranormal romance that would be great for fans of Donna Grant. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

t is about a year since I read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, The Rogue King, so I was really looking forward to reading this sequel and I wasn't disappointed. It is an enthralling page turner, a fast paced paranormal adventure featuring dragon-shifters, five phoenix and many others. It was thought that the dragon who mated with a phoenix would be their High King but that was when it was thought there was only ever just on phoenix at a time . . . what happens when there are four? Could this be the opportunity to oust the tyrannical Red King who has murdered and used witchcraft to make himself the High King or will the Red King endeavour to gain one as a mate to enhance his powers?

This story has the feisty Skylar Amon trying to resist her attraction to Ladon Ormarr, the blue dragon King who overthrew the Red King's puppet to reclaim and protect his people but it isn't just about their relationship. It explores what happened to each of the quadruplets after their mother died and sent them each to safety. It is a fascinating story, one in which the world building is so beautifully done it is easy to slip into the scenarios and escape our current reality. It has well developed characters, each with their own quirks. The dangers, peril and drama - as well as the lust, love, romance and magic, are skilfully portrayed in this fabulous story, one that has left me eager to read the next book in the series and hoping that it won't be another year before I can do so!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after eagerly choosing to read it and finding just as enthralling as The Rogue King. I have no hesitation in highly recommending both books to anyone who enjoys action packed, paranormal, romantic suspense.

The Blood King is book 2 in Abigail Owen's Inferno Rising series, directly following (as in the last scene of book 1 is the first of book 2) The Rogue King. Though you could slog your way through and understand the premise of the series as well as gather the events of the last book, this series really should be read in order. They would not standalone well as they are essentially telling one story from the four sisters' perspectives. Besides, Rogue King was phenomenal-you should read it.

The book is done in third person omniscient style (for those whom that matters *cough:me:cough*) and from multiple characters, though mostly the leading two. The tone of the book was very different than that of Rogue King in that our two leads' personalities were so vastly different than Brand and Kasia. It carries on the serious undercurrent of the world situation, but Ladon and Skylar are far more the doers than the dreamers; guardians and fighters more than planners and leaders.

Ladon, the Blood King himself, is a hard as nails, die hard warrior who has known nothing but fighting for his cause (freeing the blue clan and all dragon shifters from the oppression of the rotting king) in his half a millennia of life. He is dedicated and driven to a fault, and the addition of Skyler to his life throws him into a tailspin like he's never known.

Skyler, for her part, is the daredevil of the quadruplets. The 'crazy one' as she herself puts it with a heaping helping of daring and a dash of recklessness thrown in for good measure. She's a perfect match for Ladon's stubbornness and determination, that's for sure. That very similarity causes them both headaches as well as provides middle ground.

The pairing is an interesting one for me: far from opposites attract, this is a fine example of rock meeting hard place and finding a kindred spirit instead of an obstacle. Don't get me wrong, they were definitely their own obstacles and their relationship was hard won, but they did finally win. Unlike with Brand and Kasia, the bonding happens early in the book and the story is much more about the pair finding their way to making that bond whole and real and becoming a true partnership. The opposite of the first book, but well done and done in such a way that it felt right for our couple.

I enjoyed the book and found myself very happy that the two of them found each other and made their own way in the end. I don't think I loved either as much as Brand or Kasia, but we all have our favorites. ;) I am dying for the next installment (Meira's book) and will hate waiting a year or more to see it! The overarching story progresses significantly (great points to the author for managing to spread it out well and not leave a book lacking in that arena) and we find more reasons to hate the Rotting King, as well as meeting new allies and interesting persons. Also: more lovable hellhound time. Who doesn't love that?

If you're into contemporary parallel worlds (happening alongside modern times, though in secret), stubborn characters with more pride than sense sometimes, steamy romance, great sibling relationships, powerful dragons, amazing paranormal creatures, and a story that will leave you begging for the conclusion to come sooner, this is definitely a book for you.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unlike what seems to be the vast majority of readers, I do not like characters like Skylar. I don't mind a strong woman, but I hate it when they have the attitude she does. It aggravates me to no end when these characters think that because they can fight a little that they can take on the world by themselves and don't need to listen to anybody else.

Needless to say, I didn't much like Skylar. At least in the beginning. I was sort of getting mad at how she wouldn't even listen to Kasia about what was going on, instead she assumed that she knew everything and there was no way that her sister would ever willingly mate a dragon. Really, she refused to listen to anything anyone there had to say. Fortunately, she eventually calms down enough to open her eyes and ears to pay attention to what's really going on. Unfortunately, Ladon is practically trying to claim her from the moment she came into the room which only feeds her desire to fight him.

Ladon already has a lot on his shoulders and now a crazy phoenix has also landed in his lap. He knows that he must mate her before the rotting king can find out, but that isn't the only reason he wants her. Her spunk and fight having him wanting nothing more than to claim her. But we know that a phoenix chooses their mate as well and there's no way she's going to do that willingly. Or maybe there is.

Skylar is willing to let Ladon show her that not all dragons are like the one who killed her mother and that he is truly doing everything for his people and not for the power. He doesn't want to mate a phoenix in order to be the high king, heck, he doesn't even want to be king. But he wants to put an end to his people's suffering and the unfair claiming of mates by those in higher power. If he can show her this, she's willing to mate him. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she is incredibly attracted to him.

Their time table gets pushed way up when certain things happen and they need to mate ASAP. Skylar acts like an aloof bitch, but deep down she actually is afraid she's going to kill him. Lucky for everyone, she does not. Quite a bit happens after that. Ladon and Brand find an ally in another king and together they plan to reclaim Brand's thrown. The rotting king has found out about the sister with the wolves, so she needs to be found and protected. And when Skylar ends up being kidnapped, we meet an interesting new dragon who's been locked up his whole life and that I really want to learn more about.

I'm having a hard time pinning down the red king's brother though. He's an odd one, to be sure, but apparently also a genius. What has me going back and forth is when he does things to help his horrible brother, but then does something to thwart him.

Like I said, I really disliked Skylar at the beginning. So I was glad when she did manage to change for the better a little bit after she mates Ladon. She still has that attitude I hate so much from time to time, but she does start to learn that she isn't always right or the strongest and that if she works together with people a lot more can be accomplished. So yay for that.

The couple I am most looking forward to getting is Meira and Samael. We only just meet Samael, so we learn little about him, but I am already liking him. And as for Meira, we find out that she was sent to live with gargoyles. Which is kind of cool. But the reason I'm looking forward to their book is because of what we're told of Meira's personality. She knows she's not a fighter, and she admits to wanting a male who will take care of her and to protect her. I'm pretty sure their book is not next as Samael is not a green dragon, but I still hope we get more of them.

The Blood King (Inferno Rising, #2) by Abigail Owen ... I'm loving this series..The first book THE ROUGE KING was great and this book is also. They can be read as a stand alone but I suggest you read them both. This is dragon king Ladon Ormarr and Skylar Amon's story. This book has everything..danger, angst, evil, goodness, action, attraction, and steam all getting us to a HEA. But wait there will be one more book and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Steamy Scary Funny Tear-jerker Easy-to-read Happily Ever After Action-packed Page-turner Romantic Entertaining Great world building Wonderful characters

Perfect read for fantasy/paranormal lovers.
It is a fast read that I highly recommend to everyone, it was a literal pleasure reading this book!
Can’t wait to read The Warrior King, I feel like the “Inferno Rising” series is going to find its place in the top tier of fantasy books.

3.9

Thank you to netgalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to review an arc of The Blood King. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book, and the first one as well... The Blood King is a sizzling hot romance between Alpha male Landon Ormarr king of the Blue Dragons who wants to do anything to protect the dragons under his rule, and Skylar Amon a kick ass Phoenix with a stubborn streak a mile wide who will do anything to protect her family. The first moment Landon lays eyes on Skylar when she bursts into his fortress trying to save her sister he knows he wants to mate her. He happens to say so... out loud.. in front of her and lets say she definitely wasn't having any of it..
Landon wants to mate with Skylar like now, but she doesn;t like dragons at all, and only reluctantly with the help of her sister decided to mate with him in order to keep her safe from other dragons and help him win the war against the King of the Red Dragons. Who happens to be a super evil dude that wants to capture a phoenix to either mate with, or drain of their life force so he can stop falling apart. Literally.
We get to see Landon and Skylar have immediate chemistry that is Sizzling, learn to trust each other, and eventually when they least expect it realize they love each other. All while in the midst of planning on winning a war.
From the beginning of the book this enemies to lovers paranormal romance is full of action, and some super hot sexy times.
This series has quickly become a new favorite of mine, and I can't wait for more in this series.

How fast can this author write book 3? I must have it NOW, no yesterday! I loved revisiting Brand and Kasia from the first book and seeing the story of Laden and Skylar unfold. Great characters, both main and supporting, and lots of action and some romance too. What more can I ask for? Each book is a standalone but with a larger story arc connecting them, my favorite kind of series. Definitely a must read!


This is my honest review of this advance reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.

i am pretty much obsessed with the inferno rising and fire's edge series, so have been looking forward to the latest release. the blood king basically picks up from where the rogue king left off. and the stakes for these characters only continues to get higher.
skylar amon thinks she's going to save her sister from an unwanted match when she shows up in the upstart blue dragon king's enclave. except kasia is happy and in love, and revealing her presence just made her a pawn in the political games that abound in the dragon shifter world.

ladon omarr makes no apologies for the things he's done and the things he has to do to cement his power. he's not doing it because he wants it, he doing it because he needs to. because he's the only person willing to stand up and make the difficult choices it takes to be a leader.

both skylar and ladon have protective streak a mile wide. and as they get to know each other, the fact that they are destined for each other becomes more apparent. their bond doesn't start out auspiciously, but the truth of how perfect they are together is quickly revealed, especially as the world around them falls apart.

**the blood king will publish on august 25, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Before I begin my review for The Blood King by Abigail Owen, I would like to personally thank Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest opinion.


Return to the epic Inferno Rising series by Abigail Owen, with a new steaming mateship. The second instalment, The Blood King, is flaming hot with a sassy, kickass female, a hulking mass of impassive dragon shifter, sizzling sexual tension, humorous comebacks and non stop excitement.

The Blood King features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Dragon shifters
○ Phoenixes
○ Royalty
○ Battles
○ False King
○ Smut
○ New Adult Fantasy
○ Kickass, sassy protagonist
○ MPOV
○ Mates
○ Enemies to lovers

My overall rating for The Blood King is…

4 stars!

This book was incredibly exciting! I loved the enemies to lovers trope with a kickass female and alphahole dragon. The sexual tension was infuriatingly hot and the overall storyline was engaging and unpredictable.

The Blood King is the second book in the Inferno Rising series and we continue with Skylar and Ladon's story. I would definitely suggest you read this as a series as parts of this story pertain to book one. Also, you would miss out on Brand and Kasia's brilliant story if you didn't read book one!

Abigail Owen has managed to write a story that focuses on the main characters whilst also giving you updates on those you already know, plus giving new information on characters yet to share their story. This is, without any doubt, Skylar and Ladon's book and yet we're kept up to date with Kasia and move forward with Angelika and Meira - whose books I CANNOT WAIT FOR!!!

The settings and individual characters remain absolutely brilliant. I loved how this story wove together Sky and Ladon, highlighting how good they are for each other even though neither of them expected it. The story moves along at a fair pace and the overall story arc is just getting more interesting!

A fun, hot, and gripping book that I have no hesitation in recommending.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!