The Blood King is the second book in the Inferno Rising series and can be read by itself but would be so much better read after the first. Skylar is the youngest of four phoenix shifter quadruplets in a world were there is supposed to be only one. A little crazy and a whole big bundle of protectiveness, Skylar is a strong willed, likable character who goes all out for family. Dragon law saws whoever mates a phoenix is the high king but Skylar hates dragons because they killed her parents. When she hears her sister Kasia mated a Dragon King, Skylar does not believe it was willing and spies on the dragons where she is Inexplicably drawn to the Blood King. Ladon Ormarr finds an unmated phoenix in his grasp he wants her for his own. Circumstances beyond her control have Skylar agreeing to a mating out of convenience but things quickly escalate in a blinding rush of lust and violence that leaves the pair bound and trying for an HEA. Action packed and sexy, the story is a quick paced read full of villains you love to hate and heroes that will give you heat stroke. The stories do have a continuing storing arc even as each dragon king finds a small measure of happy for right now in each book. I cannot wait for the next installment. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Second in series about Phoenix and Dragons.
Skylar is a phoenix who is a protector to her sisters she goes to find and get her sister out of the dragon control but it turns out it isn't what she expects.
Ladon is a dragon who trying to protect his people when he meets Skylar and decides that she is his mate.
Skylar does believe in love or mates only that Ladon wants to use her and her sister.
Lots of drama,tension,actions and romance.
Great different shifter story.
Entertaining intriguing story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

This is book 2 in the Inferno Rising series and I would absolutely read the first book before reading this one or you will be confused as to what is going on in this one. Ladon Ormarr is trying to keep his throne and his people safe. In order to do that, he believes he needed to mate the phoenix. But he doesn't know that there is more than one. Skylar Amon thinks her sister has been brain washed, and she is going to save her. Even if it's from herself. She doesn't believe in destined mates, nor does she trust any dragon-believing they are all dangerous. But if sticking around Ladon and his dragons gets her close enough that she may take out the dragon who killed her parents? She will do what she can to help with that task.

I really liked this one although I think I liked the first one better. Skylar is definitely kick butt and take no prisoner's which I liked. She also loves her sisters something fierce, which I also loved. I just felt like she had a hard time looking beyond her prejudices to understand that not all dragons are bad just as not all humans are good. Ladon had always struck me as someone who was willing to mate someone not truly his mate just for power. It was nice to actually understand his reasons and understand where he was coming from in everything. As usual I loved the side characters and I definitely cried over some of them. I also loved the appearance of a new side character and would love to know more about him!! I will be honest, this series has me hooked and I need to know about all the sisters and the side characters as well!

**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing LLC, for an honest review**

Skylar is the second sister of quadruplets that is a daughter of a phoenix, which makes her extremely valuable to a Dragon King. With a phoenix at his side he can become High King, however there has only been one Phoenix at a time before.

Ladon Ormarr is someone we met in book one. This is part of a continuing story line and although can be read as a stand alone book, i would recommend that you read book one first to understand fully what is going on.

Skylar is a very strong character and is used to looking after her family members and doing anything to keep them safe, yet it is only Ladon that sees a part of her that known else has understood about Skylar before. Two fairly similar characters that have a good character, stand up to each other and push each other and understand the stress that the other is going through.

I really loved this instalment and cannot wait until 2021 for the next instalment.

The ending of this fight woh the dragon battle was epic! It was awesome to read about and I would say the highlight of the book, since it seem to involve everyone. Some parts in the middle with the old rotting dragon talking was boring and I just skimmed over them. By the end of this I was over her always putting up a fight against her mate. I mean he was trying everything to be kind and protective of her, he opened up to her and she was still pushing him away or putting up mental roadblocks to them getting or being together. It got old after a while. I loved the end and how she finally got to pilot a plane and we got to see her in action. Overall it was a good book and I am excited to read to next in this series. I enjoyed the first one and this one was full of action and adventure. Can’t wait to read book three.

THE BLOOD KING is an amazing mix of paranormal, romance, life and emotions. Neither Ladon or Skylar seem to believe in love, even when it slaps them both in the face.

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=71239

This is a continuation of the Inferno Rising series. It can be read as a standalone. This book focuses on the blue dragon King, Landon and the oldest phoenix, Skylar. The alliance brings many surprises and twists, that will have you wishing the next book was available now. Choose your sides now as we wind down to the final battles and books.

I loved the Blood King. Seriously, I’m so in love with this series! It took me a minute with that first book, but I’ve been a believer for a long time now. And can we talk about that teaser for the next book in the series!!! What’s gonna happen next? I hope the next book is coming out soon!

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

Fiery and fiesty is how Skylar arrives to save her sister from an evil dragon she's mated to. She's obviously wrong about her sister, as she's very happily mated to Brand (book 1 of series).

Landon is another dragon king, he is drawn to Skylar as soon as she arrives, but verbally claiming her was a bit forward lol

I do like a strong woman, one that appreciates her own strengths and isn't coy in the bedroom.

Landon and Skylar make an arrangement - a mating of convenience! Matings are not that simple and passion sizzles between them, even if Skylar tries to deny things are changing.

There is a battle going on in the dragon world, so expect a few grisly moments along the way.

I liked Skylar's introduction, but then found it a slower start, but it soon revved up and turned into an enjoyable read. Two fiery stubborn leads, lots of sizzle and of course some angst and danger mingled in to the storyline.

3.75 fiery stars

Book 3 warming up nicely in the last few pages

In the Blood King, the 2nd book in the Inferno Rising series, the story features some of the characters we meet in The Rogue King, Landon Ormarr the ruler of the Blue Clan and the 2nd Phoenix sister Skylar. To be honest I did not know how I was going to feel about this book. I didn't care much for Landon Ormarr in the first book, but in his and Skylar's story, we really learn how much his people and clan means to him and how far he will go to keep them all safe.

Landon definitely meets his match in Skylar, she is fierce and wants nothing to do with any type of mating, especially with dragons. Dragons were the cause of so much heartache in their lives, but Landon is determined and ruthless. Even though Landon was reluctant to take the role of King, he wanted to help his people and if being ruler of the Blue Clan was what was needed, he would do whatever he needed to to make that happen, even taking on a very stubborn phoenix.

As much as I love a strong heroine, Skylar did rub me the wrong way at times. I can understand her reasoning of why she was so dead set against mating with Landon, but it was too much at times. Even though she gave in to the mating she was not willing to stick around. They both were really not in the mating for love but the chemistry from the beginning was undeniable.

Overall, I did enjoy reading Landon and Skylar’s story, it was action packed, fast paced and very intense at times, especially the battle scenes. The steamy scenes with the two of them were off the charts. And once their true feelings were revealed to each other, their love for one another was all consuming. We also see glimpses of the two remaining sisters, I am looking forward to reading their stories.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Amara for giving me the opportunity to read this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I love these dragon shifters! I haven't really enjoyed shifter books in quite a while, but Abigail brought me back in like gangbusters! From the first one I read in the Fire's Edge series, I was captivated. And I have stayed that way straight through.

This one brings us Ladon and Skylar's story. Ladon is every woman's most enticing dream, and most horrendous nightmare. As a Dragon, he's magnificent. As a man, he's headstrong, closed off, appears lacking in emotions, and a born leader...who doesn't really want to be one.

Skylar, on the other hand, is headstrong, closed off, appears lacking in emotions, a born leader, and one of four amazing Phoenixes. As a woman, she's definitely every man's hottest dream, and scariest nightmare.

Match made in heaven...or hell?

I love these two. They butt heads, try desperately to not feel anything for the other, show incredible loyalty to those they love, and want only what's best for those they feel are under their care.

With Ladon, it's his clan, the Blue Clan, but so much more. The need to rid Dragonkind of the sadistic, deranged High King that presides over them now is dire. Ladon is doing all he can to bring that about, but so much is happening around him, so much to contend with.

Skylar, the oldest sister of the four Phoenix sisters, has been working to keep them all out of the clutches of what she sees as the evil Dragon Kings. She's so certain that it would be catastrophic for them to mate one of them, that she goes out of her way to attempt the rescue of her sister Kasia. Big mistake. BIG mistake.

Watching these two come together, and create storms wherever they go is such a treat. I had so much fun watching them fight the inevitable. And the surrounding storyline is so exciting, so engaging, that you can't put it down no matter who is being highlighted. Because, as much as I adore the Dragons and the Phoenixes, the entire storyline is so wonderfully written, that I can't pass them up.

Thank you, Abigail, for bringing me back into the world of shifters. And with Dragons, no less! My favorite paranormal creature ever! If you love shifter novels, and love Dragons, you're going to love these dual series, Inferno Rising and Fire's Edge.

So Excellently Done, Abigail Owen, so Excellently Done, Indeed!

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

DRAGONS!!!!!!! I. LOVE. DRAGONS!!!! Especially the strong alpha type who will do everything to protect their mates. So if you can relate, pick this up (well pick up the first one first, then this one) :P

In this second installment of Inferno Rising, we meet another Phoenix. Skylar. After hearing that her sister Kasia mated a dragon king (again, read the first book), she leaves her hiding spot to "save" her because there is NO WAY Kasia willingly mated a dragon king after the things her mother taught them. But when she finds Kasia, she quickly discovers that a lot of things have changed. One of those things may also involve the Blood King himself, Ladon, because she can't shake the pull she feels whenever he's around.

Ladon can't believe his eyes. There is NO WAY there could be more than one Phoenix. Yet Kasia and Skylar exist. His dragon can't help himself either, immediately claiming Skylar as his mate....in front of everyone. Not the best way to introduce yourself to your future mate, nonetheless, anyone. So you can imagine the uphill battle he faces in convincing her that they're destined for each other. Hopefully it doesn't take too long because he still has the High King to take down and can't afford the distraction.

Did I mention that I LOVE DRAGONS?!!!! Trust me, this is not one of those books where you barely get to experience dragons shifting and/or fighting. This is jam packed with supernatural beings, shifting, fighting, drama and of course lust. There are twists and turns that will shock you and there are moments when you know you're reading too fast because you NEED to find out what happens next and then after that, and then after that.

And that Prologue!!!!! Geez....way to pull me in for the next one. Although it wouldn't have been too hard....did I mention I LOVE DRAGONS?!!!! :)

The following review is scheduled to be posted to my blog on August 20, 2020 at the link provided and will also be cross posted to Goodreads on the same day.


My Rating:  4.5 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library paranormal romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story. 

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Number of titles I have read by this author: 3

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics: The Dragon King (H) / The Kick Ass Phoenix (h)

Physical descriptions: Ladon: tall and broad with deep blue eyes, cropped black hair, a long scar on his face next to his left eye, and a cleft chin ; Skylar: fair skinned, with dark hair and pale blue eyes (stature not really mentioned)

Sexual content: Some; romantic, “on-screen” and explicit

Triggers: Some extreme violence and gore

Grammar/Editing: My ARC had a couple of typos.

Review: Set primarily in an alt reality Scotland, with excursions to Scandinavia and Russia, this second book in the Inferno Rising series builds quite well on the world Owen has featured in her other dragon shifter novels. That being said, there is information present in the first book of this series that is not reiterated in this installment, so I would recommend reading the series in order (see my review of the first installment here [https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/the-rogue-king-by-abigail-owen/]). 

The main characters in this book are Skylar and Ladon (aka The Blood King). Both are bad ass, kick ass, reckless and stubborn as all get out. They're essentially both alpha, and they like each other better that way. Theirs is a relationship that begins of necessity for her safety (and wanted on an animal level by him), and gradually develops past that into something more. It was a highlight for me that Skylar doesn't turn into a fool after she mates Ladon (as is so common to see) - she stays strong and entirely true to herself, which I enjoyed.  In terms of supporting characters, some character development was a bit shallower than I would have liked, causing some lack of clarity around character motivations. However, I did like Arden's development, and the subplot romance that she has with Reid is intriguing. I was also very happy with the villain development - we really get more context for them than was given in the first book in the series.




Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Not my favorite of Abigail Owens. I enjoyed her Brimstone Inc series but found myself bored and uninterested with the dragons. I skimmed most of this.

I loved it! Skylar is a sassy, mouthy badass heroine. She takes no shit from anyone. Which makes for some very entertaining banter. She's also a bit batshit crazy which makes her even more fun. The Blood King or Ladon as he's called by his friends is serious and rough on the outside but don't let it fool you he's a fluffy teddybear on the inside who loves her deeply.
This story is action packed with steam and mystery. I'm on the edge of my seat and want to know who the spy is. I have a guess but it can be anyone which I love. Often authors will drop too many hints and take all the suspense away but not here. No. There are just enough hints that we know it has to be one of them but not enough to make it too obvious which one exactly is the spy. Also the twist with Merikh was brilliant and I truly didn't see it coming.

awesome book. i love these sisters. Such a teaser at the end. Skylar is such an alpha woman and perfect for Ladon. Neither back down from a fight and are fiercely loyal to their family and those they're entrusted with.

Phoenix mate is the ticket to securing his throne, but this fiery Amon sister detests Ladon, doesn’t stick to protocols, and regularly offends his warriors and advisers.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Abigail Owen is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book.

These books have been very popular in my area. This is the second book I have read from this series. If you enjoy very masculine, bossy men and stubborn women, fighting their attraction to each other, read this book. This book is another book about the phoenix sisters, and the dragon kings as they try to take down the evil high dragon king. The sisters still do not know who will be the next phoenix but with one already mated to a gold dragon king, hopes are up that maybe a new high king can be named before the evil king can take the immortality of the phoenix and rule forever.

The Blood King is the second book in the Inferno Rising Series by Abigail Owen. I was just recently introduced to Abigail Owen’s books with The Rouge King which is the first book in this series. And while I would recommend starting out with the first book in this series, it is not necessary to fully enjoy this book.

*Since this book isn’t set to be released until next month, I will be keeping my review fairly vague so I don’t give away the plot*

The Blood King follows the story of Ladon Ormarr, the King of the Blue Dragon Clan and Skylar Amon who is one of the quadruplet phoenix sisters. One of the things that I really enjoyed about this series is that it does not just revolve around only the main characters but has instead built a very in depth and detailed fantasy world to go with it.

To give you a little bit of backstory, in the Inferno Rising Series we have numerous clans of Dragon Shifters who all live under the rule of the High King. Typically whomever the Phoenix mates becomes the High King, but due to the evil dragon Pytheios all-consuming desire for power, Skylar’s father the rightful King of the While Dragons was murdered and her mother Serefina disappeared before he could try and force a mating with her. Typically, only one Phoenix is born but while in hiding Serefina gave birth to quadruplets. Pytheios, the Red Dragon king named himself the new High King and he put his supporters into power and made them the kings of the other clans.

The first book in this series The Rouge King focuses on Brand Asterot the rightful king of the Gold Dragon Clan and Kasia, the oldest of the Phoenix sister. Brand became a rouge dragon after his family was murdered in front of him and he began working with Ladon Ormarr the new King of the Blue Dragons in attempting to overthrow Pytheios from power.

The Blood King begins with Skylar attempting to save her sister Kasia after assuming she was forced into a mating with Brand. And from the very first meeting between Ladon and Skylar sparks fly. Ladon immediately attempts to claim Skylar, because he wants a Phoenix of his own to further his goals while Skylar wants nothing to do with him. But as the story progresses, we come to realize that both Skylar and Ladon are very similar, they are both alpha types, extremely stubborn, strong willed but fit together perfectly.

Skylar and Ladon’s relationship built slowly throughout the book and the chemistry between the two was out of this world. This book was so much more than just a romance its an epic fantasy world with strong supporting characters, kick ass fighting scenes and a plot that was anything but predictable.

I highly recommend this book and series for anyone who loves a good paranormal romance. Not only are the characters amazing but so is the entire story line. I absolutely can not wait for the next book to come out. I would rate it as 4.5 stars!!

*** ARC generously provided by Netgalley for an honest review ***

**I received a copy of Blood King from Entangled Amara and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions were not solicited in any way.**

Blood King by Abigail Owen is the second book in her Inferno Rising series. I highly recommend reading the first book as it picks up right as the Rogue King ends. This is Ladon Ormarr and Skylar Amon's book and with two more sisters left I can't wait to see who gets paired with Meira and Angelika.

Skylar Amon had always protected her three sisters so when she feels Kasia needs her she goes to the Blue Clan of Dragons little does she know that she'll find her future mate King Ladon who soon admires her tenacity and of the fact she's a Phoenix helps a lot. They will have to find a traitor, take on the White and Gold clans as well as Pytheios and his followers. There are epic mid air Dragon battles and a surprise ally found in a dungeon plus who can resist the families hellhound Maul. But will it be enough?

Ladon Ormarr knows that if he can mate Skylar it will help not only the Blue Clan but the others prepare for taking in Pytheios. But convincing Skylar will be a daunting task especially since she's guarding her heart making sure that he's her true mate. When she steps up when he needs her the most will it be enough for them to finally cement their bond as mates?

I truly can't wait for the next book in the series so I give the book a 4.5 star rating.