The Warrior King by Abigail Owens
Book 3 of the Inferno Rising series, a companion series of Fire’s Edge. Dragon and Phoenix shifter paranormal romance. Best read as part of the series.
The third of four Phoenix sisters agrees to marry the King of the Black Dragons but their first kiss burns him to ashes. Is it Fate or choice when a Phoenix and a Dragon successfully share their fire and mate?
Samael and his dragon are sure that Meira is their mate but he’s been a soldier all his life. Sam doesn’t believe he deserves her yet he can’t resist either.

War still battles among the clans with the threat of the Rotting King Pytheios always waiting and manipulating and killing where he can for power.
Meira knows how to play the political alliance game and uses her magic to help win the battles.

I wish Sam had been a little less self sacrificing. Sure, he’s honorable but I was frustrated that he thought he had to give Meira up over and over again.
Interesting development with Maul, the hellhound.
I can’t wait for the next sister’s story and potentially the end of the Rotting King?

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

This shapeshifter story was very entertaining, Meira and Samuel's story was very well done, an empath and a loyal, a woman meant to be with Gorgon, the Black dragon king, who is also his mentor, and friend, but there is a twist and they find themselves working together. The tension between them was a slow burn, all the drama, angst, mystery, and betrayal had me hooked from the start. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Ahh! This series just keeps getting better and better.

Though Skylar is my absolute favorite, I couldn't help but love Meira Amon too. Her resilience and inner strength are awe-inspiring. I expected her to break quite frankly, but she stood tall and took the hits as they came. She matured so much by the end of the book and I was right there cheering for her.

Samael Veles' loyalty is no less commendable. The choices he had to make were tough and never did he compromise his principals even if it meant a world of pain for him. I absolutely loved that about him.

The Warrior king was everything I expected. The story arc of Red King continues and I honestly can't wait for him to die. There, I said it! I love how each book brings something different to the series- a hue of its own.

Abigail Owen rocks with the character and world development of her dragons! The Inferno Rising series is loaded with angst, sexual tension, suspense, slow-burn romance, sassy strong heroines and delectable alpha heroes and epic dragon fighting scenes. The Warrior King is a fantastic addition to the series and a page-turner from beginning to end. I loved the connection between Samuel and Meira and I felt so badly for them and what all they had to go through – it’s definitely a rollercoaster ride of emotions with layers of complication from both sides. There are some interesting developments and a few shocks scatter throughout the story, as well as a sweet romance and a few laughs. I’m definitely curious to see what will happen in the next book.

*I received an ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley, and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Dragons, hellhounds, and gargoyles oh my…yes, this book has it all, and I loved it so much. Actually, I love and am very addicted to the entire series. I will be re-reading this series over, and over, and over. One of my all time favorites.

This is Meira’s book, she is one of the phoenix sisters, the one that agreed to mate with Gorgon, King of the black dragons. I am pretty sure by now you know that did not go as planned. The rotting red king...never has a character inspired so much dislike, and disdain, at least not for me. So much happens in this book, that I couldn’t possibly tell everything, some expected...some not expected. Most will have you saying wth, plenty of those moments for sure. The dragon wars are heating up, and everyone is choosing their sides. All of our favorites return in this book, including my favorite, Maul, their adorable hellhound...yes you read that right, and some enlightening questions are answered.

This truly is one of my favorite series, I can never get enough of it, and I always want more. I am so glad that I won my first book by Abigail Owen, it started my journey that led me here. And what a fantastic world she has created for me to land in. Fantastic series, storyline with a wonderful hea.

This is another brilliant addition to this series and is the third book set around the Phoenix sisters at the end of Blood King we discovered that Meira Amon was also a Phoenix sister and she proposed a political marriage with the Black Dragon King Gorgon as it seemed that is would be the best thing to do if they are to fight the red dragons. Only problem is she has a strong connection to Samael (Sam) Veles who just happens to be Gorgon's right hand dragon and a warrior of the highest repute who has worked his way to the highest position he can achieve He has always waited for the beautiful woman he once saw in a reflection as he new she was his fated mate Imagine his horror when she turns out to be non other than his kings promised bride. When the unthinkable happens (I don't want to give a spoiler ) Sam does what he promised his king and protects Meira now on the run will they finally give in to the attraction that is between them Now waiting for Angelika's story

Meira and Samuels book is a slow burn romance, you can feel their connection, even if they try to ignore it! She has promised herself to the Black King Gorgon, who is a good person. Fated mates are once in a lifetime though...

Their story is told around the continuing battle between good and evil and lots of previous characters appear as they all start to come together to fight. The story held my attention and the were some touching moments and a twist or two.

Fiery dragon/phoenix romance, best enjoyed in series order in my opinion.

Enjoy.

4 stars

Ok, I just need to tell you how excited I am to read this.
I love this series, I love the spin-off series (Fire’s Edge) and I was very excited to hear Meira (sister to Skylar, Kasia and Angelika) would be next to get a story.
We’ve had Skylar and Kaisa’s stories, just waiting to hear more about Angelika.....

Meira is happy her sisters are all mated. So it’s down to her to suck it up and mate with the Black Dragon King! Is she happy? No, not at all, but with the Rotting Red King Pytheios trying to overthrow and rule all dragon kind, she thinks it’s the best option.....

Samael is a warrior to the core, but to align the black dragon clan to the Gold clan didn’t seem like the best option. But he follows his King Gorgon loyalty, and his King has decided to thrown his weight behind the new Gold and Blue King’s, to overthrow the Red King. Only time would tell if it was the right decision.....

These two were destined to be together, but neither will see that as the right option. Samael is sworn to protect the black dragon clan, but when he meets Meira, he has to hold his own dragon back! Of all the times to find the woman that could be his, he has to watch her mate with his king! And if that wasn’t bad enough, if the mating doesn’t work, Meira could die, or worse, the King!
(For a true mating the male blows fire into his female, if it works she becomes a dragon, if not she’ll die in a ball of fire! But for a Phoenix, fire won’t kill her, but if she doesn’t accept him, then the male could die instead!)
Fighting for what’s right is the common theme in these books, and it’s usually the woman that drags the realisation out of the dragon!

Meira would rather be behind a computer than face her decision, but it’s what she needs to do to get the Black Clan to help her sisters defeat the Red Dragon.
Her ability she thinks is useless (two of her sisters can teleport and have visions) Meira can only turn a mirror into a portal) but as the book proceeds, that ability comes in very handy.

She knows Sam is her mate, but she’s promised her sisters and the Black Dragon King that a union between Phoenix and the black clan is what needs to be done to unite the clans together. She can’t back out.....
And when the unthinkable happens and she has to flee, it’s Sam that takes care of her!

As usual the action is at a break neck speed! The ongoing story is about right over might. So I’d advise you to read this book in order. You don’t need to read the spin off series (Fire’s Edge) as it only touches on this timeline.
It’s great to see old characters from previous books.
This story starts not long after the last book.
It’s a rollercoaster of a ride, we barely have time to catch our breath, if it’s not dragons chasing Meira, then it’s plots unfolding, if it’s not emotional scenes, then it’s dragons fighting other dragons! I tell you, I was exhausted just reading it!!
Really well written, descriptions came alive as the pages flowed through my mind! It takes no effort to conjure up the fight scenes, the blood, the noise and sheer terror of being attacked!!
There isn’t a lot of sexy times in this book, they didn’t have time! 😂 But the emotions were felt, the anguish of unrequited love, the desperation and the sadness of loss!
And I love the Hellhound that guards the sisters, he’s so fierce with everyone except the sisters. He acts like a puppy, that’s the size of a small elephant! And he brings a bit of light relief and hilarity.

So if Meira is suppose to mate the Black Dragon King, but he’s not her mate. Where does Sam fit into this?
Well he does, and really cleverly, but it does take time, patience and a few plot twists to get there!
I have to admit, I didn’t see a few things coming in the plot. But it’s all really coming together.
There has to be a showdown with the Red Dragon King soon.

And with the last sister unmated! They will look to her to possibly unify the white dragon clan! But Angelika only has eyes for a certain dragon, and he’s in no shape to lead, love or even fly!!!

🦋

Another action packed and exciting installment in the Inferno Rising series! This one sees Meira Amon, one of 4 Phoenix sisters, convinced that she should marry the Black Clan King Gorgon, a marriage of convenience for sure but one that is necessary to help the clans in their fight against the Red King Pytheios who is responsible for her parents' demise. But her plans are changed drastically when things beyond her control leave her with Samael Valas, the fiercest warrior of the Black Clan in a fight for their lives.

I love that each sibling has had their own special power, and Meira's is certainly a unique one. She can see through mirrors and clear surfaces to what is going on in other places, and she can also travel through them (and bring people with her). Usually no one can see her when she is observing through a mirror, but to her surprise, Samael notices her watching them in the early days before she is betrothed to his King - and she realizes that he can see her. This is because they are fated mates as it turns out, making this a complicated love triangle since Meira has made promises to Gorgon, and Samael's ultimate loyalty is to his King even though his inner dragon knows that Meira belongs with him. The story takes many twists and turns with lots of surprises as Meira and Samael fight their feelings for each other, though they inevitably give in to the passion between them. Things do eventually work out for them to get their happy ending. While this is a complete couple romance, the overall story arc and worldbuilding continue through this series, and through the linked Fire's Edge series. I recommend all the stories in the series and look forward to the finale!

What an emotional rollercoaster! This is the third book in the INferno Rising series and I loved it.

This book is about Meira Amon, the most reserved of the phoenix sisters. She's always found it easier to deal with computers rather than people and their emotions. Her need for revenge against the Rotting King Pytheios has her offering herself as a queen to their ally, dragon shifter King Gorgon of the Black Clan.

Samael Veles is the fiercest warrior of the Black Clan. He has pledged to protect his king with his very life. One look at a woman is a reflection and he knows that his heart belongs to her. When she turns out to be his king's future mate, he has no choice but to accept it.

When Meira's fire unexpectedly destroys the king after they are wed, Samael does as his king ordered and protects the queen. But being near her is not easy.

I loved this whole series and I think this one is my favorite so far. Even though Samael is this fierce warrior, the angst he goes through is so palpable. And when that's not the main focus we have these amazing action scenes that really put you in the story.

I cannot wait for Angelika and Airk's book!

Thanks so much the Entangled, NetGalley and the author for this ARC to review.

I have read the first two books and completely loved them. Each sister has her own problems but also has their own way of thinking and problem-solving. In this book, getting to see how Meira deals with marries for duty but still falls in love with someone else. Good Gods, not to ruin anything but the way the passions fly, make you feel like you are her, and he, as in Samael, I right there, touching you, telling you that you are his and let me say. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!

This is a well written story that I hated to put down. Meira is a contradiction. Gentle and soft with a backbone of steel and determined to do the right thing. I had a belly laugh for Vincent Van Goat! He was so unexpected as was the hellhound.

Abigail Owen does it AGAIN! She takes my heart and she acts like she is going to crush it into a thousand pieces with all the what if's and the twists and turns and then BAM the pieces fall in to places like I never saw it coming and it was even more beautiful that I could have imagined.

The Warrior King is the 3rd book in the series that follows the 4 Amon sisters, who happen to be the last 4 phoenix's, as they find their mates and they become queens of the different dragon clans. I suggest starting with the Rogue King if you haven't picked this book up yet. These are not really stand alone as much because it does continue a storyline but if you aren't into much of the back story then I guess it could possibly be a stand alone.

This book follows Meira, who decides to mate with the Black Clan dragon Gorgon. On the night of the ceremony things do not go as planned and a shocking twist is revealed (that I actually did NOT see coming). All of a sudden Meira is thrust into the protection of Samael, whom she already has an attraction for, as she tries to escape. The Black clan dragons believe she tried to kill their King and that she is a fake phoenix.

Now they are in hiding, having to figure out how to right the wrongs that have been done, save Gorgon and all the while fight their growing attraction towards each other. This book has so much action, adventure, romance, angst, tension coupled with a fantastic world building and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the 4th and final book to come out!!

This was hands down my favorite so far in the series, but let's be honest, I say that about EVERY book Abigail writes because I'll admit it, she has my heart when it comes to books!!

THE WARRIOR KING is another fantastic installment in a shifter series. The Inferno Rising series follows four sisters who are phoenixes. Among the dragon shifters, the king of the kings is always the person who is mated by a phoenix - only one exists at a time, until now. Meira has decided to mate the black dragon king for the alliance it would bring with her sisters' mates' clans. The currently self-declared high king has other plans, which include getting rid of the phoenixes and continuing to control all the dragons with his corrupt rule.

On her wedding night, Meira tries to mate the king, but she soon discovers that he is an imposter when her fire destroys him and the glamour disappears. With the seeming death of the king and clearly dangerous plots afoot, she flees with the leader of the guard for the clan, Samael. As they flee for their safety, they find that they are unable to deny the current that has always run between them- that of a true fated mate.

However, with the dangerous wars around them and politics that make their union complicated, Meira and Samael have a long way to go before they can accept the bond. This was another great installment, with lots of action, intensely delicious tension, and plenty of romance. The overarching plot that is threaded through the series is advanced here, but I really appreciate that the couple and their relationship takes the forefront of the story. The overarching plot is a minor part of the book overall, and this works well for me, as I am really here for the romance.

The intensity, romance, and push-pull makes for a delightful read. With a world that has been carefully crafted and continued in this book, THE WARRIOR KING is a fantastic and unputdownable paranormal romance. Highly recommend for fans of Donna Grant.

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

Such a great story. I loved these characters. Both trying to be strong for the good of the clans. But you can't deny your heart forever. So much love and loss in this story.

You guys!!!!!!!!!!!! Why can't I live in this world? I'm so incredibly in love with everything about this world and the characters in it..even the "bad guys". I'm officially requesting to be reincarnated as a Dragon's mate. There. I said it.

To be honest, I"m not entirely sure what number book this is in the series. Mainly because I've read every book in this one as well as the previous series and if I start counting, it means there will be an ending and I"m not ready for that....at all. Yes, I'm in denial. But I digress.....

Samael is basically the head of the Guard for the Black Dragon clan. Although he doesn't come from a royal bloodline, he's moved his way up through the rankings because King Gordon has trusted him with not only his life, but the lives of all in the clan. Which is why he's been tasked with protecting the new queen no matter what. Well...that's easier said than done considering the queen is supposed to mate with the King, only things don't go quite as planned. And now the fates have intervened, forcing him to admit things he shouldn't.

Meira is one of the four Phoenix' that have been in hiding for centuries. Now that two of her sisters have mated Dragon Kings, it appears as though mating one herself is in the cards for her as well. So in order to help the clans defeat the High King, she has chosen to mate the Black King. There's one problem though. Ever since she saw Samael in her mirror, she's been looking for him, not the King. Oh, and did I mention that there's an issue with the mating ceremony? Yikes!!!! Hopefully her protector will come to the rescue...in more ways than one.

There is SOOOOO much that happens in this book. But there's also no way I'll be revealing any of it. Why? Because there are things that you need to read and learn for yourself....and because I'm not ruining moments for you. If you've read the other books in this series and you haven't read this one yet, what are you waiting for? If you haven't read ANY of the books in this series yet, don't start with this one. Start from the beginning and buckle up, because it's the best ride EVER!!!!!!

We return to the world of the high king (rotting king) still creating havoc. This time we rejoin the Phoenix sisters and have Meiras story. She’s promised herself to Gorgon the King of the Black. However she’s been intrigued by a man she saw with her powers. When things burn down around her she has to depend on Samuel who is one of the most trusted by the king.

Death, secrets, more death, corruptive black power, the Phoenix sisters kicking butt and taking names, we rejoin this world and I for one seriously enjoyed it. I can not wait for Angelikas story. This whole series is so freaking good I love it a lot!

I came into this series with this book and though it referenced some things in the previous two books, it stands on it's own merit as an original dragon shifter novel. The characters were strong and vivid with an intriguing storyline!

Complex

Up, down, round and round the story goes. Samael and Meira got their HEA but there is a whole lot of unknowns still. I did love the learning about Maul.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

When I finished the last book I was really looking forward to Meira and Samael's book, but didn't think it was this one. At the time, all we had was a cover and no synopsis. So how could I not think it wasn't theirs when Samael's dragon isn't green. When we finally got that synopsis, I was pretty happy that we really were getting their story. But I still don't know why the cover is green...

As much as I was looking forward to these two's story, I was actually pretty let down with it. It wasn't until around the last 30% of the book that things finally started to get more interesting. The rest of it seemed like a whole lot of nothing was really happening. Sure, we go places and learn things, but everything considered, Samael and Meira really didn't do a whole heck of a lot. Plus, the thing that I liked most about what little we got of Meira was that she was a quiet, logical girl who didn't mind having a protector. But in a matter of days she completely changed. While Samael appreciated her growing into her role and finding her voice, I didn't really think that it worked. At least not so damn fast.

Meira has decided that the best way to help her sisters and to take down the rotting king is to mate the black clan's king, Gorgon. Despite her immediate attraction to Samael, she believes that Gorgon would be kind and good mate. The ceremony starts off well enough. That is until the rotting king takes over every screen in every clan to decree that the Amon sisters are false phoenixes and he has a true one. It only gets worse when Meira burns Gorgon to death with her fire (not a spoiler, it's right in the synopsis). But everything is not as it seems and now Samael must protect his new queen as promised while not allowing the connection between them to grow. Easier said than done on both accounts. The black clan condemns her as the murderer of their king and all are questioning the validity of her being a phoenix. Now add an angry gold dragon into the mix who always seems to know where they are as well and you get fun times. And the more he's around her, the more Samael is sure that Meira is his fated mate. Something Meira tries hard to fight because she doesn't believe in fate.

Now, you would think it would be a whirlwind of activity around these two as they try to find out where the real Gorgon is and rescue him. But it's not. They hang out with the gargoyles for a bit, visit the sisters' last home, and hide in Kasia's old cabin. They make a single attempt to tell the black clan that their king is alive, and they don't actually do anything to find Gorgon.

When Samael receives devastating news, these two make a decision that there will be no coming back from. Which only creates more tension and complications in the future when they finally return to the black clan. Here is were things picked up though. Gorgon has returned, though not in the same health as when he was taken. He has suffered at the rotting king's hands and forced to bear witness to something that, though false, appears true to all. Which was super frustrating as a reader because I wanted them to figure it out! Fortunately, he might have been beaten, but he was not broken. Which leads to a vicious battle between numerous dragon clans, with the sisters doing all they can to get the black dragons the backup they desperately need. There were too many deaths to call it a victory, but in the end a third clan has their phoenix queen. And I'm looking forward to the final book.

I will say that the coolest, and saddest, part of this book was with Maul. Though I do kind of wish it would have happened in the last book and not this one.