The Rogue King, book 1 in the new Inferno Rising series by Abigail Owen is set in her Fire's Edge world, so if you've read The Mate, The Boss, or The Rookie then you've already got a good grasp of the world and some of the politics and habits of the people contained within. If you haven't, however, you will not be left behind. Though we meet and hear of some of the characters from those books, you won't be at a loss in the least.

The summary from Mrs. Owen is perfect and leads the reader to the true tone of the book. This is nice, because not all summaries manage that. Our main characters, Kasia and Brand, are both essentially outcasts that will come to find they have a common enemy. In this world, Phoenixes historically end up the destined mate of a dragon, with the relationship being mutually beneficial in that the dragon offers protection while the phoenix offers luck and an extended life span. Because of a power hungry dragon shifter, the entire world was thrown into a bit of chaos. Kasia and her sisters were raised to fear dragon shifters and avoid them at all costs. During the same time period, Brand lost his entire family and became a rogue dragon; which pretty much means he's hunted by his own kind and has spent his life fighting. Both have a past that makes my heart hurt for them, but also makes me root for them even harder.

Brand is friends with the Blue Dragon King, Ladon, who wants the phoenix for her legendary 'ability' to make her mate the High King of all dragons. As he is currently the only dragon king standing against their current high king and his pawn kings, this is important. Most of the book is Brand and Kasia's journey from Montana to Scotland. Along the way, we get to know the two of them as they get to know one another. We also, as readers, get to learn more about the political maneuverings of the dragons and what's been going on for the past 500 years or so.

The world Mrs. Owen designed is detailed and quite lush. It's full of interesting people as well as species both common and uncommon (shifters, vampires, spirits, hellhounds, etc). The perspective changes mostly between Kasia and Brand, but occasionally branches out to other important characters giving us inside views of the happenings outside our current focus. This helps to engender greater love or hatred for other characters, which I believe is a beautiful setup for the future of the series. I definitely look forward to the next books in the series.

This is most definitely a fantasy and also quite clearly a romance. There are steamy scenes as well as profanity and bloodshed present in the book. If you like shifters, paranormal creatures of various types, romance, action, and a dollop of world shaking political restructuring, this is a book you really shouldn't miss.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I was three chapters in and my body already needed the sequel!

The Rogue King is the first book in the Inferno Rising series by Abigail Owen. This is my first time reading from this author and boy am I glad I picked this up!!

We’re placed in a complex world of shifters where dragons and other creatures fight for power and peace. Everyone hoping that the rare power of the Phoenix can aid in their ambitions. I actually couldn’t put the book down. It was well-written with your lovable badass, independent and snarky heroine. Coupled with a brooding and lethal hero with a growing soft spot for the heroine. Aside from great main characters, I love a story with great supporting characters and villains padding the story with actions and motivations that leave you wondering how, when and who!

Like I said from the third chapter I wanted to read the sequel. There are several characters mentioned with very intriguing stories that we don’t get to delve into but the thought of them never drifts too far from your mind. The story also ends with not a cliffhanger, but you definitely know there’s more story to tell. AND I NEED ANSWERS!

I would definitely recommend giving this book a try if you’re into action packed paranormal tales with a beautiful romance as a cherry on top!

Abigail weaves a tale of romance and fantasy in her newest book. Brand is a rogue dragon who lost everything when the current gold dragon king Uther massacres his entire family. Kasia the phoenix; the only one some believe actually she is one of four born to her mother the last known Phoenix. She watched as the current High King murder mother right in front of her. Fate has a plan of its own as when she develops seizures and seeks helps but no other than Brand is thrown in her path. Kasia steals Brand's car. When Brand catches up to her he has a plan. Take her the last known Phoenix to marry no other than his friend Landon the King of the Blue Dragons. Sometimes the best-laid plan goes awry and the what is supposed to happen is better than our best-laid plans.
This was my first in to read in her Dragon Series and I have to say I was over the moon excited to open it after the first page and I did not put it down until the last page which meant reading into the night. The action and suspense never end with a few steamy scenes thrown in. There are plenty of sexy characters and enjoyable storyline to keep the staunchest critic of paranormal romance satisfied. You will find your self a character just for you with her real to life characters and very appealing personalities I wanted to take one home myself right out of the pages. If you are a true fan of dragons, paranormal and romance this is the book for you. I am excited to see where this series goes and I am waiting to pick it up as soon as it hits the stand.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was fast paced, engaging, and sexy.
The book starts out with backstory that is more interesting than most backstories. It transitions well into the main story where we meet Brand and Kasia. Their adventure begins and ends with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
I never felt that the events were predictable and was never 100 percent sure where Kasia and Brand would end up.
I will enjoy reading the other books in this series and world

Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/the-rogue-king-by-abigail-owen/)

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: 1

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics: The PI Dragon Shifter (H) / The Phoenix on the Run (h)

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

Triggers: Attempted sexual assault (of h, not by H); some extreme violence

Grammar/Editing: Aside from a verb tense error, this was a clean ARC.

Review: This is a very well-paced novel and I found it to be a very quick read, even considering the amount of detail that I had to retain while reading. The fantasy world that the author has very skillfully built falls within the real world. The different shifter societies have been well-developed and the author showed excellent observance of her own internal structures and laws within the novel.

Kasia and Brand have an instant attraction and bond that develops at a steady pace. Brand is a rather stoic figure but is also a tender protector. Kasia is intelligent and strong-willed with a strong protective nature of her own, particularly for those she loves. Together, they make a very compelling couple. The supporting characters are also well-done, although some are merely mentioned and not featured heavily in this book. I suspect that they will feature more prominently in subsequent books in the series, which I definitely intend to read. I particularly enjoyed Maul, the Hellhound.

Fire Sounds Version: Snap. Crackle. Pop. ROAR.



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

Action, political intrigues, mythical beings, romance, betrayal...this book has it all and in spades. The story has a great pace and is full of vivid imagery that painted a new world full of amazing creatures and cultures. The family relationships and dynamics between species was interesting and I loved finding out the strengths and powers associated with everyone. Great buildup to the fights and endings. The ending didn’t go the way I thought it would but I loved it and can’t wait to read more of this author and series!

Thank you NetGalley, Entangled and Abigail Owen for the chance to read this book and share my opinions.

Kasia Amon has been in hiding for five hundred years. As a phoenix recently come in to her powers, she is highly sought after by every kind of supernatural, but most especially the dragons. It takes a phoenix queen to make a dragon become the King of all dragons, but only if they are fated mates. When Brand Astarot, a rogue dragon who is a sort of PI and bounty hunter, is sent after her, Kasia must make some desperate choices. Brand has been waiting centuries for revenge against the dragon who took out his whole family ripping away his heritage as well.


While Kasia and Brand are on the run trying to make it to the blue dragon stronghold, their relationship sparks and burns deep. Brand knows with Kaisia as his queen, he could have it all, but he made a promise to bring her to another man and is honor bound to keep it. They have quite a few adventures on their quest. Kasia is witty, resourceful, and not about to let “Neanderthal” dragony men tell her what to do. She also has secrets of her own that Kasia would die to protect. Though they resist it mightily, Brand and Kasia cannot fight their destined fate or all will be lost.

This is a fine tale that fans of shifters, particularly dragons, and paranormal romance will quite enjoy. ROGUE KING incorporates a good mix of humor, action, adventure, and romance. Kasia is the type of fearless heroine who is a pleasure to read. Brand’s growly, fire-breathing self hides a heart as big as his dragon. They make a very good team together as well as with the secondary characters whom I enjoyed getting to know. I very much look forward to the next book in this new series.

Review copy from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All quotes used are from an uncorrected proof.

"A creature destined to mate a dragon king, making him the High King of dragon clans, and according to legend, bringing peace to their kind."

It has honestly been a good long while since I've read any kind of shifter book. And I am very happy to report that this was a great intro back. Also, I understand that this the first book in a spin-off series, meaning that this world had previously existed. I have to say I kind of suspected that from reading it even though I didn't actually find out until I had already finished the book. However, you don't have to read the other books to start this series. Everything is well-explained in this book. That being said let's dive in.

This book is about a phoenix-shift named Kasia, who is living in hiding from dragon-shifters, but is found when she is unable to stop her own powers from overtaking her.

Brand is a rogue dragon-shifter who was sent to find Kasia and bring her back to a Dragon King in order to help right all the turmoil happening among them. If he succeed, Brand gets a shot at belonging again, but that's not as easy as it used to be.

This is a pretty clear-cut fantasy romance, of which I don't read too much of? At least not lately? It's pretty up my alley genre that I just don't go for because they tend to come off as really melodramatic and kind of overdone in their histrionics. I might have poisoned my own well by ready a bunch of wattpad shifter stories in my youth, but they just have this stigma in my head that I can't seem to escape. When I started this book I was prepared for more of these dramatics and didn't find too many. I overall just really liked this book.

The best and most surprising part about this book for me is just how much of a solid read it is. I liked both characters and enjoyed reading from both their points of view, although the narrative is written is such a way that I couldn't always tell from which way the story was being told, it didn't really affect my reading since the book is written in third person anyways. I think I would have liked this book more if it was first-person, but I get that writing that way isn't for everyone. There were also these chapters from the villain's perspective that I could have done without. The idea is that this dude will eventually be the big-bad so the writing gives him chapters of set up, but considering that the characters don't interact with this bad guy at all in this book it felt kind of weird. The whole book can mostly be read as a stand-alone except for those chapters that imply future books.

I really enjoyed the romance here, is kidnapped romance a trope? I feel like I've read a bunch of romance novels with guys semi-kidnapping woman for various reasons and as they travel- fall in love. In any case, that's what this book is. I really loved how various tropes came into play and I really loved their banter with each other. I think Kasia, was especially comedic and kept it light through some pretty hard stuff. Her humor gave her a great personality and gave the romance some more depth. There was definitely some stuff that had me giggling and it was not the sexy time scenes, of which there were plenty and they were very good. No trouble in that department. This book had a pretty good balance, but I think it could stand to be just a bit more light-hearted. I wish more characters weren't so serious. I feel like for every cool character, there's two more characters that are just dramatic walls of grrrrr. Like, they don't do anything except be gruff. I still hold out hope though.

This book definitely works to set up future books and pairings. I counted at least three pairs of characters who are going to be starts of other books. I don't know how much other people like that kind of thing, but I kind of don't. Like, there are parts of this book that solely work to make in interested in the next books and it almost does the opposite for me? Like, yes I probably will read the next book, but I don't like advertisements inside a book just as a matter of principle? In any case, I probably will read the next books if I get the chance since this was very much a good popcorn read.

TL;DR This is a practically perfect in every way kind of popcorn read, I read it in a day and you probably will too. If you like dragons and hot dudes, go for it!

I first became aware of this book when I read the first-chapter excerpt at the back of one of Abigail Owens' Fire's Edge books, and right away it grabbed my interest. When I managed to get approved for a copy I was quite excited. I am glad to say that this one lived up to my expectations, and I have high hopes for this spin-off series. It is different enough to stand apart from the Fire's Edge books, There is enough action to keep things moving, and a really solid story to keep you interested. All in all, this was a very enjoyable read, and I am looking forward to more.

Owens is a new to me author I found on NetGalley and I am so glad I was browsing their ‘request’ section of ARC’s. After seeing the yummy cover and reading the enticing blurb I definitely wanted to give it a read. I will surely be adding Owens to my new author list of books to explore and definitely this new series – Inferno Rising.

This book was really great! I was hooked from the first page. My only complaint is that I would really like to get my hands on the second book now; this one really left me wanting more.

Appealing characters and an action-packed storyline full of suspense, danger, betrayal, secrets, bonds of brotherhood, dragons and other paranormal creatures, revenge, delicious chemistry, fun banter, and snarky comments are contained in the pages of this well-written story. It is entertaining from beginning to end with plenty of laughs to ease the pulse-pounding tension and sense of urgency that is carried from page to page. Brand and Kasia were made for each other and I loved them together and was pleased with how everything worked out in the end. There was never a dull moment in this story and I am looking forward to reading the next. And with the cliffhanger at the end, I cannot wait to read Landon and Skyler's fiery adventure.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

What an absolutely awesome read! Just when you think an author can’t possibly trump her previous works, along comes Abigail Owen with her new and exciting, fast-paced, action-packed, dragon adventure, The Rogue King. This is the first in her brand new Inferno Rising series, but is set in the same world as the Fire’s Edge books and the author has eluded that the stories will interconnect.

Brand and Kaisa are a wonderful pairing and captivate their audience with the depth of their bond and the length they will go to, to have each other’s backs. Kaisa is a fiery, take no prisoners heroine, and Brand is your typically brooding Alpha male, who believes he should save the world and protect his woman. The action scenes are flawless and written in Ms Owen’s usual crisp and flowing style, while the romance is off the charts scorching, and will leave you breathless. I can’t wait for the next thrilling tale in this dynamic world!

Kasia is the daughter of a Phoenix and a Dragon King. Her mother raised Kasia and her three sisters to fear dragons, after the Red Dragon King killed her mate. Running away and hiding, no one knows about her four daughters, until the Red Dragon King finds her and kills her in front of the four sisters. With her last bit of magic, her mother teleports the four sisters to different areas to keep them safe. But now the Red Dragon King knows there are more possible Phoenixes and he wants one, and he isn’t the only one hunting for a Phoenix.

Brand was the son of the Gold Dragon King and saw another dragon kill his entire family. Now Brand is a rogue dragon and he is seeking revenge for the deaths of his family. Getting the Phoenix to the Blue Dragon King is key to getting his revenge.

There were so many wonderful characters, and some truly evil ones as well. I enjoyed the world building and the interactions of the secondary characters. Kasia was funny, although not intentionally so. Brand was a true hero. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, she does have three sisters and I’m hoping they each get their own book.

This is a new author to me, but I am hooked on these characters and the world they live in. I mean, a phoenix! Also, dragons, werewolves, vampires, and a wide variety of supernatural beings.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

As much as I've enjoyed this authors Dragon stories I've never given a 5 rating until now and this book deserves it ! We have Brand a rogue Dragon desperate for revenge and loyal to the King of the Blue Dragons but unfortunately he is not trusted by many. His latest mission is to track down the impossible and that is the last Phoenix. Kasia saw her mother die because of a Dragon so has absolutely no reason to trust any of them but when her existence is discovered its Brand who fights by her side !
As I previously stated I am enjoying this world that the author has created and this story just further cemented my joy in discovering this author. Brand is the perfect hero compassionate, brave and loyal whilst Kasia was strong, determined and hilarious ( slight spoiler she steals his car ! ). For this reader the next book with the King of the Blues facing a whole new challenge cannot come soon enough.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43198991-the-rogue-king" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Rogue King (Inferno Rising, #1)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1557783718i/43198991._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43198991-the-rogue-king">The Rogue King</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6517455.Abigail_Owen">Abigail Owen</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2869238901">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
REVIEWED ADVANCE COPY THIS BOOK "THE ROGUE KING"<br /> Good Start to a new Dragon/Paranormal series by Abigail Owens.<br /><br />In this relm of fantastical paranormal creature this story centers around the Dragon Clans, Blue, Red, White and Golden Clans each has a King. Each King wants to be reign and become High King over all the kings and the clans. But first they must mate a female Phoenix Shifter. <br /><br />Kasia Amon is being hunted by the Kings of the Clan. Her mother Serefina was murder by Pytheios of the Red Clan Dragon Shifters. Before Serefina died she gave her powers to her daughters. They all go into hiding. <br /><br />Brand Astarot is more then a Dragon Shifter. He should be King. But he is sent to hunt down Kasia and when he finds her sparks fly. Can Brand turn her over to make with Ladon King of the Blue Clan or will Brands mating marks appear on Kasia.<br /><br />There is one problem I had with Kasia if she was running hiding all these centuries and she would start flaming and burning down stuff how did she have sex with whom ever she meet before her and Brand had sex? She tells Brand she is no virgin but yet he is the only one who can absorb her Phoenix Fire. Her character would have made more sense if she was a Virgin. <br /><br />This is a good start to a new series. Brand and Kasia have a pretty erotic relationship when runing and hiding.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6255709-edwina-i-lovebooks-deb">View all my reviews</a>

Kasia has been hiding all her life. But a year ago when her mother was killed, she sent each of her daughters away. Kasia is very special but the dragon shifters want her the most. Brand is a rogue dragon shifter and is looking for Kasia to take back to the Blue dragon king. Brand’s family was killed and another dragon took his clan. That’s the only way to get his rightful clan back. Ladon, the blue dragon will help him once he brings Kasia to him. Other paranormals try to capture Kasia but Brand will do anything to keep her safe. Even though he’s not the mating type but the chemistry is out of this world between them. Will Brand realize Kasia is his mate before it’s too late?
Shifters, secrets, steamy. I’d never read this author before but can’t wait for the next one in this series. A lone dragon shifter and a woman who is just coming into her powers. A little confusing at first but then it sucked me right in.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

Kasia is a phoenix, a revered creature, but believed to be gone forever. Brand is a rogue dragon, sent by his best friend, the King of the Blue Dragons, to bring Kasia to him. The two of them have strong chemistry right from the start.

Kasia was interesting and had a lot of problems to overcome related to using her abilities. Brand has a huge chip on his shoulder and tried to prove himself to all and sundry every chance he got.

I read through this pretty quickly, because I didn’t want to put it down. The story is interesting and the action is exciting. I really wanted to see where it was going, and I liked the ending a lot. Can’t wait to read the next installment.

I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fantasy is not my first choice. This book has pretty much all the players, vampires, demons, werewolves, hellhounds, witches, phoenixes and of course dragons. Much treachery, angst, violence and steam. The story basis is good, got a little lost in the violence and skirmishes. If you love fantasy, this story is for you.

The Rogue King is my first book by this author and I loved it. Sexy dragon shifters with attitude and strong female leads create a page turner as the story builds fantastic worlds. Phoenixes are highly sought after and being one of the last ones, Kasia Amon and her sisters have spent their lives hiding. Their mother trained them to be tough and to fear dragons. Brand Astarot's whole life is about revenge. He is a rogue dragon that works as a mercenary and the blue king sends him to retrieve the phoenix. The chemistry between these two is off the charts as they fight fate. Brand is supposed to give her up to the blue king but he wants to hold her for himself. The HEA is hard fought but so much the sweeter for it. I love Kasia's sass and how she gives as good as she takes to cause Brand all kinds of problems. With a dramatic sigh, Brand wins a coveted place on the best book boyfriends of all time list. This series promises to be totally addicting and Ms Owen's becomes a must read author. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a great book , I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend to everyone.

ARC received for review

I started this and then put it down cause Donna Grant has ruined me for dragon shifter books. I am very glad I gave this book a second chance.

Kasia is a phoenix in hiding and Brand is a rogue dragon. They are chased around the world where Brand is supposed to hand her over to a dragon king for a place in the clan. Of course, love happens and Brand keeps her for himself. Lots of drama and action.

Nice epilogue, until the mini cliffy with Brand's friend and Kasia's sister. Where's the next book?