Cover Image: The Warrior King

The Warrior King

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Okay, I should have read the first two books before this one, but I figured it out well enough. This book has a different couple than the others so we see their story unfold from the beginning. Meira is the third phoenix sister and it's her turn to mate a dragon king. She's promised to Gorgon, the Black Clan king, but she has an intense attraction to his top warrior Samael.

When things get crazy, Samael takes Meira on the run to keep her safe. In their time together, they explore their bond and grow closer. I loved their connection and the idea of fated mates. Sam is so protective of Meira, yet he also knows she's powerful and let's her do what she needs to do. Meira also gains confidence from Sam and comes into her strength.

This had good pacing and some cool dragon fighting scenes. I like the different clans and how the phoenixes fit in. I plan to go back and catch up with the other books, then see how things end up in book four!

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

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After I realized that I started the series way into a world that was already built, I backtracked and now completely understand 100% of what this world really is.

Even without knowing that, these books are well written and informative enough that I did realize I didn’t start at the right point. This is book 4 in this specific series so I do recommend going back to read them all!

This book is about the sweet sister, Meira. The one who loves technology but also loved the medieval lifestyle. Her mother sent her off to stay with the Gargoyles knowing she would be cared for and most comfortable. Her give of being able to see and transport through mirrors allowed her to keep track of her sisters and know what was happening in the world. That lead her into making a choice to mate with the King of the Black dragons.

On her wedding day, everything went wrong. She pines for another man, Samael, but is committed to mating Gorgon and when she is about to tie herself to him in a way that is permanent the worst happens he burns up in her flames. Samael has to choose between protecting his mate or his clan. A difficult choice but ultimately protects Meira while trying to find a way to fix things.

Their relationship is an interesting one. He is loyal to his King but craves his mate. He is so conflicted and she is as well that they want to do what’s right rather than what’s fated.

Personally I didn’t like Meira like I do her sisters. I love her quirkiness but I feel like her bravery is a little forced and conflicts with who she is. I have no problem with that in the grand scheme but I wish she was more sure of herself. Samael is a typical alpha and I don’t feel a connection to him either, kind of a bland character in my opinion.

I did enjoy the read though! Things definitely take a turn for the worst in this book so I can’t wait to see what Angelika brings to the table!

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Thank you Entagled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Going into this book I didn't know (and foolishly didn't check) that this was the third book in a series. That explains most of my struggles with it. I still haven't had the chance to read the first two, but I will, for the very simple reason of being fair to this book and ultimately adjusting my review (hopefully).

Like I said I struggled, oh boy, big time! The book follows Samuel Veles, a warrior, soldier, a commoner. He has risen into the ranks of the Black Dragon Tribe and gets the position of trust from the king. This is where knowing the world would have helped. And Meira, rare phoenix and hacker genius. Understanding both roles of each tribe, each king and the main villain. For me, they all felt underexplained. I couldn't really see any type of worldbuilding, or understand the setting. Was it urban fantasy, since they use computers? Where do they live, how come human don't see dragons flying, do they know dragons are around? And sooo many questions... But I keep this as an open comment until I read rest of them.

What I cannot get over, however, was the fact these two main characters were written so badly. Meira was getting skills and abilities in a blink of an eye. Every time plot comes to an impasse, she gets a new one to solve it. Samuel goes with like a lost puppy, where he is there to protect her. They seemed both too rash and too slow, the way they made decisions and interacted, changed so many time I couldn't follow. Want you, don't want you, we are fated mates, we aren't I don't feel, I feel all... It was just confusing and not very consistent

The overarching story I found interesting, so that would be a reason why I would go back and read the rest of this series, but I'm not in a rush... As I said, the struggle was real...

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Love this series! It has danger, intrigue, excitement with a touch of steamy sex along the way. I can't wait to see what happens to Angelika.

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I’m always prepared for a series to lose the magic of the first book somewhere along the way. But Abigail never lets it happen!

I cried! I literally cried multiple times. Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going I was wrong, which I always find to be the tell of a great story.

We see big aspects of the plot coming to a head in The Warrior King. Big events have taken place that will affect the imminent war, the existence of all four sisters is public knowledge, and I truly can’t wait for what’s up next. So excited for what’s to come for Sam and Meir, and I can’t wait to get to know Angelika.

Another great addition to the Inferno Rising series!

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The author left us hanging big time in the last installment with Miera revealing herself as another Phoenix sister and immediately proposed an alliance with the Black dragon king with herself as the bride in a political marriage of convenience.

Which wouldn't be so shocking in Romancelandia if Miera hadn't already experienced a hot and heavy connection with another dragon guy! *gasp*

Sam just so happens to be Miera's soon to be husband - King Gorgon's right hand man, a warrior unchallenged and 100% loyal to his king and his people. A loyalty that almost breaks him when his dragon finally feels the mating pull only to find out it's for his future queen.

Needless to say, this book is a roller coaster ride of will they, wont they and a ton of push and pull from both sides. There is angst, low simmer heat and a slow burn, developing romantic connection between these two that will keep you riding the edge. Overall another great addition to the series and I'm hooked waiting for Angelika's turn :)

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Talk about meant to be and caught between a rock and a hard place. Abigail Owen’s THE WARRIOR KING combines a sweet, slow-burn romance and the edgy, fast and furious battles of dragon against dragon.

Meira has offered herself to the king of the Black Clan. Not only has she found herself an honorable leader, but the perfect opportunity to avenge her parents’ deaths.

Samael is the fiercest warrior in the Black Clan, his loyalty to his king has never been questioned, but from the first time he saw the beautiful phoenix, Meira, his dragon was determined to make her his mate and the flames of destiny are burning. Disaster strikes and now he must keep the young Queen safe, but safe form an enemy or safe from his own feelings?

Abigail Owen has balanced romance, passion and the suspense of impending battle with the precision of a surgeon. Brilliantly told, non-stop and magnetic, the pace flows perfectly and the romance is sweet!

I received a complimentary ARC edition through the author and Entangled Publishing! This is my honest and voluntary review.

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The Warrior King by Abigail Owen is the third book in the action-packed, exciting and sizzling Inferno Rising series and as the war against the Red King continues, Meira and Samuel must battle more than just their foe as they fight the increasing attraction and sexual chemistry that threatens to waylay their focus. As with previous stories this one was easily read in one sitting due to its gripping and intense storyline and the engaging and likable characters. A great addition to the series and one I’m sure will entertain many readers. I’m looking forward to the next thrilling instalment.

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The Warrior King is such an amazing addition to the Inferno Rising series! Like the other books in the series, I adored the dynamically developed protagonists, vivid world-building, and immersive plot. The dangerous and death-defying action sequences are suspenseful and exciting, and the surprise twists left me speechless (and a little weepy). Plus, the romance is fantastic!!

The story focuses on Meira and Samael and their part in trying to find the black dragon king and helping to defeat Pytheios. At the start of the story, Meira agrees to mate Gorgon, the leader of the black dragon clan. When the mating goes horrifically wrong, Meira flees with Samael, who has sworn to protect her. Meira and Samael determine to find out what happened to Gorgon and Pytheios’ role in Gorgon’s disappearance.

Though Meira makes a commitment to Gorgon, Samael is her fated mate. Neither can refute their feelings, but both feel their future together is hopeless. Samael must fulfill his vow and protect Meira for Gorgon, even if it kills him to resist his feelings and see her with another. Meira is determined to do whatever it takes to fight against Pytheios. However, neither can fully resist their feelings, and the longer they are together, the more impossible this becomes. The romance between Samael and Meira is angst-filled, chemistry-laden swoon-tasticness!

All of the sisters have different abilities, and Meira can teleport using reflective surfaces. Meira is also an empath, which I found so fascinating. Feeling other people’s emotions threatens to consume her, but it also makes her a stronger and more compassionate person. Both of her abilities prove indispensable as she and Samael travel to different places and meet a variety of friends and foes.

Meira is technologically skilled and loves working on computers. Her advanced technical knowledge comes in handy when surrounded by so many threats, as she capably makes masterful and protective security systems. She is also very kind, nurturing, and gentle, attributes that endear her to others. Meira has such a big heart, and she always seems more concerned about others before herself. However, just because she is soft does not mean she is weak. She is as strong as her sisters, and I love that she learns this as the story progresses. You see her come into her own throughout the book, and her confidence, self-assuredness, and leadership abilities are undeniable. So are her feelings for Samael.

Samael is a powerful and fierce warrior torn between his duty and loyalty to his king and his love for Meira. He is so conflicted and selfless, and he is willing to sacrifice his own needs for the good of his people. A true leader, Samael also goes on a journey of self-discovery, and as he learns more about his leader, Meira, and himself, Samael must face his feelings. This proves difficult, as Samael has some pretty large walls to break down.

The animals are a lovely and fun addition to the story. I particularly love Vincent Van Goat. He is playful and cute, and he has the best goat name ever! Maul, the hellhound and protector of the sisters, is another one of my favorites, and his role becomes quite significant in this book. Maul has amazing abilities and is fiercely protective of the sisters, and the revelations about Maul are shocking, a bit heartbreaking, and powerful.

I loved this story, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in the series! The action, the romance, the fantastical elements, the immense world-building, the wonderful characters, the imagery, and more make for an exciting and captivating read. Thanks so much to Entangled, Abigail Owen, and NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Killer Quidditch!

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💜💛💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤

The setting: Mount Ararat, Turkey-Black Dragons; Mount Everest, Nepal-Red Dragons; Ben Nevis, Scotland-Blue Dragons; Store Skagastølstind, Norway-Gold Dragons; The Andes, South America-Rogue Dragons; Gargoyle Castle-Hidden

The Hero(s): Samael Veles – worked hard to make it from his meager beginnings to the Captain of the royal guard of the Black Dragon Clan though he doesn’t have royal blood. The Black King Gorgon trusts him above all others.

The heroine: Meira Amon - one of the quadruplets of the last Phoenix. Both her mother and father were killed by the Red King. She has promised to mate with the Black King Gorgon who seems to be a very good person. However, at the time of mating, if the mating is not approved by the fates or one of their hearts is not in it, the flames of the Phoenix can burn the Dragon King to ashes (not totally unfair because most dragons mate with human women and the human women can similarly be burned to ashes by Dragon fire).

The Love Story: Samael first sees Meira when she is using one of her special Phoenix powers. She is able to use any mirror as a sort of two way mirror that she can see through and she is also able to turn it into a portal. She was looking in a mirror at an event that one of her sisters and her husband the Gold King were having when Samael saw her in the mirror. He shouldn’t have been able to see her but he did and immediately knew she was his fated mate. Though Phoenix’s are for mating with Royalty so he knew he could never have her.

I have been waiting for this one. I love this series. It is about Six Kings and only one can be the High King. That is the Dragon Shifter King that mates with the Phoenix. In order to become the High King, the Red King killed the Phoenix and her Mate. However, the Phoenix (and there has only ever been one at a time), had quadruplets whom she hid from the Red King. Two of her phoenix daughters have already mated to the Gold King and the Blue King in the first two books.

I have to say, I am in love with the covers of these books, but I don’t understand why the first one was red if it was about the King of the gold dragon clan and this one was green when it was about the Black clan. The second was blue, which was correct as it was about the King of the blue clan, so I guess I just wish the colors were more reminiscent of the books themselves.

The character development and story were great as well. It continued the saga of the Evil Red King trying to remain High King and rule over all the dragon shifters. He is undated and has lived far beyond his years for an undated dragon and he is rotting away. However, he has a witch that has helped him stay alive by feeding off other supernatural creatures. I like that these books are standalone within a series and even though there is an overlying story going through the books. Abigail Owens does a great job at making these so you can easily pick up the new one without having to reread the last books. You can even pick up any one and start from there, though I would read the series from the start. I loved every book.

Lastly, I loved the fight scenes with the dragons. It was like a game of killer Quidditch with all those souls flying around in the sky trying to best each other. Great stuff and it looks like the next book is shaping up to be the best of the bunch!

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

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Finally I was able to read all about Sam and Meira.
I was so looking forward to reading about these two, as in book 2 the epilogue left me wanting more.

It was so fun to read them because it is so obvious that those two belong together, but their journey for sure was not the easiest. On the one hand Meira, a computer nerd who does not believe in fates and destiny but rather logical choices and then you have Sam, the "I-have-a-Chinese-wall-around-my-heart" dragon, who fights his feelings, his needs, his destiny.

But, if it wasn't for the amazing author, I guess those two would still be fighting their destinies, but Abigail showed once again how much talend she has, how much she captivates the readers into the world of dragon shifters, romance, love and brings joy - to her main characters but also to me or the readers ;)

The story is about to reach its high - it is the second last book. We get to understand more from the enemies, we learn more about the world of dragons, but, as in the previous books, the main focus was on the main couple, which I again loved so much.

The steamy scenes were steamy, but a few - please do we get more in book 4? :D Other than that just perfect sequel to the series. Can't wait for Angelika ...

****

Endlich konnte ich bei der Reihe weiterlesen, und durfte Sam und Meira kennenlernen.

Bereits am Ende von Buch 2 hab ich mich ja so sehr auf die beiden gefreut. Es hat Spaß gemacht, die beiden zu lesen, ihre Reise mitzuverfolgen, die mit Sicherheit nicht leicht war. Denn da haben wir auf der einen Seite Meira, ein Computergenie, dass mehr auf Algorithmen und Logiken vertraut, als auf das Schicksal, und zum anderen Sam, der "Ich-hab-eine-riesen-Mauer-um-mein-Herz-gebaut" Drachenwandler, der seine Gefühle verleugnet. Dass hier einige Probleme vorprogrammiert sind ...

Aber dank der Autorin, denn sonst hätten es die beiden nie geschafft, erleben die beiden ihre persönliche Story. Und Abigail hat mal wieder bewiesen, was für ein Talent sie doch nicht hat, für ihre Geschichten. Es war wieder wunderbar, hat mich mitgerissen, und gefangen genommen.

Wie in den Büchern zuvor ist der Fokus auf dem Pärchen, aber wir treffen auch alte Bekannte und Freunde wieder. Ein paar wenige sexy Stellen gibt es in dem Buch auch ;)

Ich freu mich auf jeden Fall aber auf Buch 4 und wie das ganze zu Ende gehen wird :)

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Fabulous! I think this is my favorite so far in the series!

This is Meira's book. She is the quiet sister but OH! Is she fierce! I loved her attitude, her conscience and her loyalty.

Samael is also very loyal. To his King, to his clan and to his new Queen. Al is good except for that pesky fated mates clause that is going to make and already fubar situation skyrocket!

Meira and Sam's story is packed with action. They are everywhere! Meira's ability to move through mirrors helps them escape many bad guys. We get to see not only all her sisters together but we see some of our friends from the Fire's Edge series. I loved that we got to know more about Rune!

I can't wait to see the conclusion but I will be sad to see this bunch of characters leave. Wonderful paranormal read!!

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Part three of the Phoenix and dragon mating series. This was Mira and Samael's story. She's promised to the King, yet Samael knows she is his mate. This books gives more details about the parents of the phoenixes, as well as introduces more characters. There's action, romance, and family. You will not be disappointed. It is a one sitting read that will have you longing for part 4,

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I really liked The Warrior King. This is a very good series that I have enjoyed reading, I love all the characters. It's nice to read a series that has reoccurring characters, I like the familiarity. In this third book of the series we get to learn more about the third phoenix sister Meira. I thought the story was exciting and I loved Samael Veles, Dragon shifter. The romance is heartfelt and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next book that will feature the fourth phoenix sister Angelika.

I give The Warrior King 4 stars for its entertaining story.
I would recommend this book to Paranormal Romance Fans.

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A delightful addition to one of my favorite shifter series! Like all the other books in this series, I finished it in less than a day.

Packed with sexual tension and a romance in which both parties deny the connection due to a sense of duty. It's fast-paced so fortunately, we don't have to see our leads struggle for too long. The thing about this series so far I've liked almost every book about the same. Which honestly a rather impressive feat because often times in series where the main leads change, I usually have a bias couple but with series I am not sure I do.

Main Leads:
Meira is a kind, responsible empath who, in an effort to do what she sees as best for her family and world, offers to marry the king of the Black Clan to reinforce an alliance between his clan and the clans of her two mated sisters. However, she never predicted that her groom would be kidnapped and replaced by an imposter on the day they were to be mated. Nor did she expect to find her heart yearning for another while on a quest to find her missing betrothed.

Samuel is a man of great strength and fierce loyalty. He rose through the ranks of from a mere commoner of little worth in his clan to the king's closet guard. But things grow complicated as he finds himself fighting his feelings more his king's intended bride. If that were not enough, things take a turn for the worst when his king, the man he views as both a mentor and a friend, goes missing and he forced to go searching for him with the very woman he cannot stop thinking about.

I adored our OTP and as always with this series was this book an easy and entertaining read.

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Abigail Owens has created a world of dragons and their kings, phoenixes, witches and werewolves, all living secretly in the human world. In this third book in the series, Meira Amon’s magic allows her to look through reflective surfaces into rooms in other places, and to step through the mirror to get to the other place. While watching through a mirror she sees Samael, a common born soldier, and realizes he can see her, which shouldn’t be possible. While they both feel an attraction, she is pledged to marry the Black dragon King and Samael is loyal to his king.

There are four sisters, each with different powers, each agreeing to marry a dragon king in an effort to defeat the rotting red king, a truly vile villain who killed their parents. I liked the way the sisters are so different from each other, but also knowing each other so well. In this book, the love, loyalty, and personal sacrifice really got to me, and there were times where I actually cried. I really liked the gargoyles and loved seeing them again. There where times were the story seemed to drag, but overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what happens with the fourth sister.

Thank you Entagled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc; this is my honest review.

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A lot has been happening in the Dragon Shifter world - and this book continues that action. In fact it is basically non-stop action from the start. Because of that - I wouldn't recommend this as a place to start in the series - but I would definitely recommend that you read this series! Especially if you like shifter books! This world is very well developed and fascinating - and Samael and Meira are no exception.

Samael is the Captain of the guard for the King of the Black dragons - when he catches sight of Meira in a mirror while she is using her unique gift - he almost immediately knows she is his mate. This is a big problem because Meira is a phoenix and plans to mate the Samael's king. In their world, Dragons have fated mates - identified by marks that appear on their necks. Phoenix's have a choice - and there are only four phoenix's left in the world. Phoenix are very important as they are the ones who historically have selected the kings and appointed the king of all the dragons.

The current high king is a serious piece of work - and really, very evil. He has Meira's entire family in his sights and has some dark magic backing him up. The danger really puts Meira and Samael on the run for the majority of the book. They are constantly stuck between duty, safety, and trying to find a way to each other.

Overall, I loved the growth Meira showed throughout the book. She really came into her own. I also felt terrible for Samael - he has some major ups and downs in this book and his story is very emotionally charged.

I recommend this - but definitely not as your first foray into this series or world.

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

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I immediately got sucked back in to the world this author has created and devoured this way too fast. This time we are with the black dragons and Meira. I quite enjoyed watching her more silent strength, this did have some forward story motion but it added in some new layers, some I was quite surprised by. There is one more sister to see find her mate, I’m hoping the author doesn’t take too long because I’m quite anxious to see how she brings about Pytheois end.
This was a advanced reader copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.

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I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be expertly crafted and engaging to read. Abigail Owen flew me away to a world of dragons where romance lives and fated mates mingle with kings and phoenixes. Her writing had me falling in love and believing in fire in a way only Donna Grant has achieved for me before. I now need to go back a read everything in this series and some of her other novels. I can’t wait to read about the fourth sister as well. A wonderful story, I truly can’t wait for more.

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Loved this story! Especially with the interesting back story of Meira's protectors. Loved the story, can't wait until the next one! She's an amazing heroine! Loved her gentle grace yet fierce persona.

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