An enjoyable read for the conclusion of the Inferno Rising series. 3 of the 4 phoenixes have mated with the kings of different clans who are fighting against the tyrant king, Pytheios. Angelika, the youngest of the phoenixes, has a secret...she has no powers. Her sisters each have their own powers, but she has shown nothing. Airk was imprisoned by Pytheois for centuries, which affected him greatly, especially the bond with his dragon. His dragon is feral and he had no control over him, and an internal wages within. Angelika wants Airk and tries to get him to agree to mate with him, but Airk is stubborn and has his own fears about mating. Pytheios and his allies are planning a final attack, to destroy all those who opposed him. His lies have confused many dragons. Angelika and Airk must show the truth to the dragons before Pytheios destroys and manipulates them further. But what can a phoenix with no powers and a dragon who refuses to shift do?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh. My. GOODNESS!!!! I just can't right now. I'm crying you guys!! I can't believe this is over!!!!! Years. It's been years of reading this amazing series (and it's spinoff) and this is quite possibly the best way for it to end. That being said, do you know how hard writing this review is going to be??!!!!!!!

Airk is still trying to "normalize" himself after being held for over 500 years by the evil High King. Now that he's living outside the confines of jail in Everest, reconnecting with his dragon and society are proving to be difficult to say the least. The only thing he knows for sure is that he seems to be calmer whenever Angelika is around him. But it's still too dangerous. Without full control of his dragon, he can't promise that she'll be safe. He can't even promise that he'll be safe.

Angelika is the last of the four phoenix' in this series. As you know, she's "dormant" and feels as though she needs to do something to help the cause, even if she doesn't possess the powers of her mother and sisters. So becoming a nurse, helping those who are injured seems like the best place to start, right? How about throwing the idea of mating Airk in to the mix? I know, where did that come from, right? That's exactly what Airk thought too. Until Angelika started to make sense and starting getting under his scales so to speak. I mean, it's not like the chemistry isn't there.

I have to be very careful with my next words....ending the series with these two characters was absolutely peer genius. Considering the amount of time Airk was imprisoned and the history of the phoenix' purpose, these two deserved their HEA more than any of the others...and that's saying a LOT!!!

If I continue with this review, I'm bound to give something away. Just know this, even if you haven't read ANY of the previous books in this series or connected to this series, this will still go down as the best book in my opinion.

This is one of the more unique dragon shifter series I've read. I love the idea of a a phoenix and dragon as mated pairs. It's not something I've read before and I enjoyed it that much more for it. I also really liked that the author saved the two most unlikely people to be the ones to save their people, although I won't spoil with details.

Airk is easily my favorite hero from the series. I have always had a thing for the strong silent alpha's that almost come off as cold. To me, that makes their bond with the heroine that much more special. You do get a lot of resistance from Airk, which I don't love, but I also recognize how it was necessary due to what he saw as his weakness to protect her.

The end was fantastic. An epic battle and much revealed to explain the phoenixes. Based off this series, I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author has written.

This is the last book in this series. Two people who think they are damaged, finding love. I honestly don’t know what to say without giving anything away. Surprises, sex, and fighting. Dragons, shifters, and witches. If you liked the first three, then you’ll love this one.

Airk was supposed to be the King of the White Dragons but was captured and tortured for five centuries. His dragon was suppressed and the other Kings have him trying to get the other clans on their side. Angelika is one of the four phoenixes but has no power. She wants to mate with Airk but he doesn’t feel he deserves her. The High King wants control of all the clans but first he needs to get rid of Angelika and Airk first.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

Honestly, I was pretty bored with around the first 70% or so. It was really hard for me to get into this story then because nothing was happening. But the end part was much better and had me wanting to keep going. I disliked the very end though, which is why I didn't round up.

Angelika has always been the powerless sister that is protected. But she wants, more than anything, to be useful in this war. It doesn't matter in what way, just that she knows she can help somewhere. And that's what we get for the majority of this book...her trying to figure out a way to be a part of this war. Each way, seemingly revolving around being with Airk.

These two were already attracted to each other, but the more time they spend together the more they want to be with each other. Which wouldn't be a problem except that Airk doesn't believe he deserves Angelika and he's also terrified that the feral dragon inside of him will hurt her. After so much back and forth with Airk, Angelika has decided that she needs to move on. After all, he so obviously won't claim her and she has already been offered a mating by another powerful man that would be a great ally. It'll take a vision from her sister to finally get these two together.

While these two are working on finding allies in the white clan, the rest of Angelika's sisters and their kings are also trying to figure out a way to win still. Unfortunately, Pytheios has so many upper hands that they are on the verge of losing everything. And time is definitely up for them all.

When Pytheios descends upon the mountain where all the allies have holed up, we get our big final battle against the (no longer) rotting king and his army. And it was a good one. Many people get what they deserve, and we even get a couple more hell hounds. Which was cool, but would have been cooler if they had done more. When Pytheios attacks Angelika, Airk is devastated. But that dragon should have known what happens with phoenix and ashes. Thanks to Angelika's new power, Airk is able to take on Pytheios one on one. Obviously he wins. I could have done without Pytheios's big about face after he learns of a truth, but it is what it is. And I also did not like what happened with all the sisters. I get it, I really do, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. But now the dragons can start rebuilding their society.

The epilogue took place many months later and we learn a little about the changes that have already been made. We get Airk's corronation and hear how all of the kings plan to rule from now on. Which makes what they do at the very end make no sense.

As the final book for two series, I was okay with it. I just wish I had loved it as much as most everyone else has so far.

Airk, poor tortured Airk. He finally gets his story told. Angelika is the perfect match for him. Some mystery in this one as to what Angelika truly is power wise. We learn more about Airk and his past as well as meet some people from then. I think Airk and Angelika had to work the hardest to get their HEA. Story is fast paced with lots of action as well as some twists. Overall a great finish to the series.

This book is a very dramatic conclusion to a story arc - but I hope not a conclusion to the series (I love this world!!). Angelika is the fourth sister of quadruplet Phoenixes and the last one unmated. Her sisters have all found mates among the kings of the various dragon clans. But Angelika hasn't - she has been hiding with werewolves and has none of the powers her sisters have manifested. She is however, determined not to hide anymore and help bring the dragons and others together to resist Pytheios - the big bad of the overall story arc.

Airk was rescued from hundreds of years of captivity when Angelika's sister escaped from Pytheios in an earlier book. In all those years, he has never let his dragon loose. He's held tight to his control and hasn't allowed his dragon side to be released - ever. As a result - he is terrified of what might happen if he loses control. So - even though he should be leading the white clan, as a shifter who can't shift - he is determined to not get close to anyone.

Overall - there is a LOT going on in this book. Which I think is common for books that are the end of an arc or a series. There are a lot of things that need wrapped up here. I think it fell a little short of my dreams and expectations. Not for Angelika - she was bold and tough and the leader everyone needed. I adored her and her willingness to take all the steps necessary to help people. Airk drove me a little batty tho (and I know Angelika felt the same). It really knocked this down from a four star read to three - just because of the length of time his hot/cold behavior went on. But the ultimate resolution and path forward for the dragons and all of the supernatural world was great. There are still so many stories I am interested in learning about!

I would not recommend this as a starting point for this world or this series - but for fans of the series (like me) you will find this very satisfying!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

This is the final book in this epic series and I believe the best was saved till last This is Angelika and Airk. She is the youngest of the four phoenix sisters and has always struggled with her place in life after all no one wants a dormant phoenix. Airk has his own problems he has been kept captive for the last 500 years but never killed for myth says that he who killed him would die in flames the only problem is that his dragon has gone insane in that time unable to change or fly. Now the two of them must work together along with our three previous couples to rally support to finally take High King Pytheios. As the two of them travel together to rally support will he learn to trust again and maybe build a future with Angelika You will have to read to see

I was given a copy of this book but this is a true and honest review

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Wow, I loved this series and have read each book from the start and so while I enjoyed the grand finale, I am sad to say goodbye to these characters!

I do not know how Angelika could keep being so happy and kind and forgiving after all the things she has been through and the times that Airk keeps turning her down. Good thing it wasn't me!

Most of the story lines are wrapped up and it was such a great final battle and had a bunch of twists and turns that I did not see coming which makes it even better! I don't want to give away any spoilers and ruin the book so I will just say that when I started it, I could not put it down and had to read it straight through. There was drama, intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, romance, and so much love.

I wish that I could give it more than 5 stars because I really really loved this book.

I loved this dragon shifter romance! It was fast paced, full of spice and a great plot. I was sucked into this story of warring dragon clans and their phoenix mates. I loved the slow burn romance of the main characters. Who doesn't love a brooding main man? There were great plot twists and a lot of action which had me unable to put this book down!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Ms. Owen for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Cursed King.
I'm always equal-parts excited and nervous to read a series finale. Obviously, excited, because I have so many questions and need to have everything answered and settled and happy endings for all my faves, etc. And nervous, because the stakes are SO high in a series I've enjoyed so much.
This series had some pretty high stakes. I've really enjoyed every installment in the Inferno Rising series and clearly there was some big action headed my way in book #4. The main characters were also (arguably) the highest-stakes pair, too: a broken King who's been tortured for centuries, and a powerless phoenix. I really, really liked that the author gave these two characters such major flaws. It's a big pet peeve of mine when each new character basically "powers up" from the last one. Airk and Angelika had a lot to overcome and an uphill road to travel.

I had to think about that a LOT when I was frustrated (which was often) with Airk and Angelika’s whiplash -inducing push-pull relationship. That woman had the patience of, well, her namesake. I would have given him a MUCH harder time. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it, he's been tortured for literal centuries; he has capital-I Issues. It would be difficult for someone so emotionally and mentally beleaguered to turn around and form a healthy romantic relationship. BUT!, dammit, I can't wait any longer! Ahem. I mean, I was feeling some definite impatience for him Airk to JUST MATE HER ALREADY.

In other exciting news the action really ramped up with Pytheios. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting but that particular ending wasn’t it. Not to say I’m complaining; I definitely thought Ms. Owen pulled it off in a surprising and satisfying way. Frankly I was expecting something a little more straightforward PNR-style. I really liked the way that Ms. Owen twisted the power-situation at the end. Very fitting and very creative. There were plenty of cameos from previous Inferno Rising characters as well as some characters from the author’s other series; room was also left for spinoffs. And I’ll be right at the head of the line for them when and if they come out.

So glad to have a conclusion to this series.

I definitely didn't see the end coming.

This was full of angst as Airk switched gears so many times. I don't think I would have been as patient as Angelika was.

Definitely recommend this series to any dragon shifter fans!

Angelika is the final quadruplet to get her story. But unlike her sisters, Angelika has no powers of her own. She appears to be completely human but that won't stop her from taking on Pytheios.

Airk has only recently been rescued from centuries of torture. He is fearful of his dragon, he has never really been able to let him out and he is terrified he won't be able to tell friend from foe and just scythe his way through all who are near him.

He wants to do his bit to help turn the White Clan to the side of the allied kings but will they listen to the dragon who doesn't trust himself? Even when Angelika ally's herself to his mission, can the powerless phoenix and the non-shifting dragon really make an impact?

Gaaaaaah the end of another great series. I enjoyed Angelika and Airk's story so much. They both think they are broken and powerless when they both actually have a well of strength they can tap into. Together they can, and do, take on all enemies.

My heart broke a little when we met the "hellhounds" who came to help in the final showdown and the twist to how there are 4 phoenixes - superb!

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher via Netgalley

I've really enjoyed this series as the four sisters and their mates buck the established world of dragons and breathe fresh air to antiquated notions even as they stand up to the false king Pytheios to expose his evil to the world of dragons. 
The true heir of the white dragons, Airk has been held a prisoner most of his life enclosed in a small cage high in the Himalayan Mountains. A cage which wasn't big enough to hold his dragon, driving his dragon feral. Now freed he's feared and hated because he can never claim his birthright. 
Angelika Amon is a lame duck in her own way. She's a phoenix in name, a phoenix without powers. As the last unmated Phoenix she's set her heart on mating with Airk and finding a way to bring the white dragons under the joined banners of her sisters and brothers by marriage. The biggest hold out to her plan is Airk himself. While he finds Angelika extremely attractive, he's afraid of what will happen if he gives in to his deepest and darkest desires. 
Their story is a fitting finale to the series. They both have to conquer and find their hidden strengths and have the courage to do what is right and necessary for their people.  This books ties together the series, bringing in characters from other series as necessary to provide a satisfactory conclusion, some parts of which will blow readers away.

It’s always the sweet ones…am I right?
Angelika and Airk, remember he is the dragon that Skylar broke out of Pytheios, the red king’s prison. Angelika is definitely the light to Airk’s dark, the calm to his storm. She suggests they mate to join together and unite, but Airk shoots that down. Having been in isolation and imprisoned for 500 years, his dragon is feral and he spends a lot of energy containing him….until he doesn’t.

This is the last book of the series, and it was everything I had hoped it would be, and more. This has been just one huge chess match the entire series, with Pytheios always one step ahead. This storyline was fantastic, there were so many shocking moments and revelations, that honestly I’m not sure which ones shocked me more. And Pytheios, his treachery and heartless nature knows no bounds, just when you think he can’t possibly get any worse…surprise, he totally does. He is probably one of the most despised villains, at least for me, a total nightmare.

Safe read with two of the sweetest characters, Angelika is like a breath of fresh air, and Airk needs her to breathe. They fight…actually he fights their attraction, but fated mates are fated for a reason. Fighting is useless, but sometimes you have to find that out the hard way. All the Almon sisters and their mates were in this one, and they bring in as many allies as they can, because this is probably one of the biggest wars that this world has ever seen. Everyone is involved, nobody is left out, because it’s a war for justice and freedom. Alasdair, and Delilah from Try As I Smite, Brimstone Inc. series, are also in this too, along with some of our favorites from the Fires Edge series. Like I said, everyone is needed in this war. Every emotion that you could feel, you do, all the emotions, laughs, tears, love, they are all in this book. Ya’ll this is the last book in this series, I know, I know, I should probably start an emotional support group so we can all sob together. She had just released the last book in her Fire’s Edge series…I am so sad, they will all be missed so much. Two of my favorite series😭. But there are babies…hint, hint. I know, I am always so subtle. This was a fantastic end to an equally fantastic series that I will miss so much.

Wow! This story of the remaining phoenix sister Angelika was quite a tale. And we finally get to see Arik have his happily ever after. As details unfolded and new knowledge unveiled, I was hooked into this until I finished. Not sure if the author intended for this to be the final king story, but if so it was wrapped up nicely.

The Cursed King by Abigail Owen is the fourth book in the fast-paced and exciting Inferno Rising series and another well-written and intriguing tale. So much happens in these stories that you must pay attention or be left behind, as the pace is constant, and the events are gasp worthy. The cursed King is another fabulous addition to this series with its edge of your seat suspense and the strong and captivating characters who are portrayed throughout. Make sure to read every book, as they are all thoroughly entertaining.

Oh my heart!! Talk about going through so many emotions reading the finale to the Inferno Rising series. Angelika is the youngest and the last of the phoenixes without a mate. My heart went out for her so many times throughout the story. She is the only sister without any powers so we feel her thoughts of her worthlessness. But her determination to do whatever she can do to help beat and take down the false king was truly awe-inspiring. One of her plans was to offer herself as a mate to Airk Azdajah, the true King of the White Clan for political leverage. Her being a phoenix, albeit a powerless one, would be an advantage. But once again my heart just dropped with the rejection from Airk. But even with all these heartbreaking moments, Angelika’s true beauty shines through and is able to project hope and positivity that people just gravitate to her.

As for Airk, there were so many moments I just wanted to smack him over the head with him seeming to toy with Angelika’s feelings towards him, but then I remember all the pain he too has endured. He had been imprisoned and tortured for 500 years!!! He has been freed, but what resulted from his torture was a feral dragon that he has to keep subdued, which in turn keep his human side from feeling any love or affection. This is exactly what he gets from Angelika, so to keep her and those around them safe, he needs to stay away from her. But he was no match from this dormant phoenix who is willing to give her life to protect her people.

Like in the previous books, there are epic fighting scenes but in this book it went beyond epic. I was at the edge of my seat, I gasped, I cried, my heart stopped and then beat again. So many twists and turns and I can’t stress enough, so many emotions!

I have to say this book is my favorite out of all of this series and the accompanying Fire’s Edge series. A fantastic conclusion to this awesome series.

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

**I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.**

The Cursed King by Abigail Owen

This is the fourth and final book in the Inferno Rising series and while I'm sad it's ending this was a fantastic wonderful page turner from the chapter 1 to the final page with non-stop action. I wish that I could give it more than 5 stars because it was totally worth it. I would highly recommend reading the previous 3 books though so that you'll understand that those characters make many appearances in this book.

Angelika Amon knows that she doesn't have any Phoenix powers like her sisters but when she rescues Airk Azdajah from the dungeon of Everest that he's the rightful King of the White Clan. When she goes with him to find and convince allies for the upcoming battle against false High King Pytheios but convincing him that he's more than a former prisoner and that his dragon won't hurt her is going to take a lot. He'll need to release his dragon if he's going to fight against the corrupt clans but without any powers can she tell their White Dragon clan that what they were told by Pytheios were all lies?

Because a battle is coming and it's going to take everyone to fight against the false King, Rhiamon and his false Phoenix and it's going to be one epic battle to the finish. I'll leave this here because everyone should read this book to get the full story.
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As far as last books in a series goes, this one is definitely one of the best ones I have read in a while.

This series, this world, is one that I have loved for a good while now and will always go back to and re-read.

Angelika is the phoenix I wanted to read about most because of her predicament. I wanted to see inside her head and see what it is she felt when she has 3 sisters who came into their power and always sidelined her because she was dormant. Sure it was for her safety but there is nothing worse than feeling like you’re not worthy enough to help because someone sees you as a liability.

In comes Airk, the dragon that everyone seems to be afraid of or as least highly wary of. Angelika sees him for what he is and has a belief in him that not even he feels he deserves.

They really were a perfect match for each other and if you don’t see it already then you definitely need to read this book!

It was beautifully written and didn’t downplay anything one bit.
The final battle with Pytheios is exactly how it should have been and I couldn’t be more happy with the way it ended.