I just loved getting to enter this world. It was just so easy to get lost in and I just had so much fun with these characters. I look forward to reading more wonderful stories in this series.

OK, so starting with the 5th book in a series isn't exactly ideal, but honestly it wasn't too big of a problem here, since for the first part of the book Rune and Hayden are mostly on their own--since he's the titular "traitor" and all--and once they're not, Hayden gets the intros that new-to-the-series readers will also need, which is convenient ;)

Though I'm 100% going to go back and read the first 4, because DRAGON SHIFTERS.

(And since I'm me, I've also read and loved The Blood King , book 2 in her related series Inferno Rising and so I'm gonna need to read all the books in both, hopefully before the last one comes out? Brimstone, Inc. is also in the same universe, and--wait for it--I've read just one of those too. Obviously I need to go on a binge and read all of Abigail Owen's books ASAP)

So yes, when it comes to the politics of the dragon wars, starting in the middle is less than ideal. But whether you know all the details of the books that came before or not, you're still in for one heck of a ride when you pick up one of these books. I loved Haydn and Rune, both as characters and (eventually) as a couple, because OMG they were fabulous together once they let themselves be together.

Though the scene a bit before that with the assist from a succubus was pretty good too. And by good I mean H.O.T. ;)

The secondary characters, many of whom have had their own books, were fabulous too, and I loved the dynamic that they all had with each other, both those already established and the ones that developed during the course of the book. Honestly, I was so invested in these characters that I cried. Twice! I so need to read the rest of these books ASAP!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

It's been a long while since I read a book like this! I loved every minute of it! Abigail Owen has a beautiful writing style and threw her reader's a captivating story line! I will be reading this one over and over again.

Full of action, suspense, danger, excitement, unexpected twists and turns, and including an intense storyline that will hold your attention and keep you flipping the pages. Finally, we get Rune’s full story and it definitely proves that not everything is always as it seems. There are layers upon layers and I enjoyed seeing him finally be able to get some vindication and acceptance and find his HEA.

Review excerpted from my blog post over at Titillated Termagant Romance Reviews (https://titillatedtermagant.wordpress.com/2022/01/28/the-traitor-by-abigail-owen/)

My Rating: 4 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: 5

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics: The Rogue Dragon Shifter (H) / The Dragon-Raised Fate Mate (h)

Physical descriptions: Rune is described as having bronze skin, black hair and black eyes. Hadyn is described as being pixie-like, with lightly tanned skin, with freckles, short, dark hair and peridot eyes.

Sexual content: Some; on-page and explicit

Triggers: Coerced sex acts (H and h coerced by another character); extreme violence; kidnapping

Grammar/Editing: My ARC had a fair few typos.

Review: This is an action-packed, medium paced book. It is set in alt-reality Argentina and California. The worldbuilding is consistent with other books in this, and related, series – with a return to locales featured in other installments, but with enough detail that you don’t have to go back to the other books to be immersed. That being said, it is still recommended to read this series in order, as there are a number of characters and plot details that will make more sense with this context.

The main characters are Rune and Hadyn. Rune is very much the misunderstood “villain” and Hadyn is the fearless woman (with a healthy dose of “strong heroine who can’t keep herself out of the kind of trouble that requires saving”) who will bring him into the light and show those who have doubted him that he is, in fact, a hero. The attraction is immediate. The heat similarly so. The friction is less between them than it is in the situation/context they’re in and the apparent impossibility of their relationship within shifter society. In terms of supporting characters, there are a lot. Many of them are heroes and heroines from previous books. If you haven’t read the other books (I had only read one other in this series) and therefore don’t know their backstories, it is very difficult to differentiate these characters. Indeed, because they are based on the same hero and heroine archetypes with subtle variations, the nuances are important in order to keep all of them straight. In addition, the villain would probably have come across as more dastardly and nuanced if I had read all of the books in the series before coming to this one.

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

I dove into this book without reading any of the others in the series. I find that this was just fine. I was not confused, and quite enjoyed this story.

The storyline was quite fun in that we get a pretty badass heroine who in search of saving her parents. She is destined to be a dragon shifter but there are some things in her way.

She meets Rune in her efforts to find her family. He reluctantly agreed. Magic ensues. We get fore breathing dragons, some pretty epic chemistry, some great banter, and a family dynamic that is just swoon worthy.

Thank you Entangled Pub for the opportunity to review this book. I really enjoyed it.

A good story. Fun characters. I love how these worlds blend from inferno series and this. Definitely love dragon shifter books.

Really good book! I enjoyed it and I definitely want to read more. This was exciting and sexy. I love paranormal romance and this was definitely what I needed. The characters and story are wonderful. Couldn't ask for more!

IT'S FINALLY RUNE'S BOOK!

I have been waiting for this book for forever and it's finally here.

Rune Abaddon is a rogue dragon shifter who turned his back on his people to help save his fellow dragons. He has been saving dragon mate's and hiding them away so they stay safe and can live their lives free and have their own choices.

Hadyn Reece found her mate when she was a teenager but he was murdered along with her murders a long time ago. She knows she will never have a mate again but when her only family that she has left is threatened y the Alliance she has no choice but to turn to Rune the Rogue for help.

This second chance romance was everything I needed, so much angst and tension and a little sexier than we usually see which was a welcome surprise. Another fantastic instalment to the Fire's Edge series!

This was captivating, sexy and soul crushing.

I love the way the author weaved everything together.

Rune is a dragon shifter that stood up for his people. He went too far and is now hunted from all over. Hayden is left orphaned by her human parents and raised by her dead fiancée's dragon shifter parents. She refuses to stand by while her parents are put in danger or killed so she turns to Rune to save them. Rune discovers Hayden is not only human but his mate. A thrill ride with action, adventure and plenty of steamy romance.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review

Just before the holidays I saw the new cover of Abigail Owen on Netgalley. Hell yes! What a terrific start of the holidays. Having read most of the Inferno Rising series and Brimstone Inc series, it was great to see another addition to the Fire's Edge series. And one about Rune Abaddon, finally!

In several stories we have met Rune already, so I was very curious about the story of this rogue dragon, who defied his friends and foes and gave shelter to unmated females. And Abigail doesn't disappoint! We meet Hadyn, a feisty woman, who is trying to find Rune. Because her adoptive (dragon) parents told her, that if something happened to them, she should contact this badass warrior. Rune couldn't be more surprised when a spirited little woman shows up in one of his hide-outs. Wary and defensive, but still asking his help to save her parents.

And although Rune has sworn of attachments, because of the pain of loss when those ones leave you, his dragon seems to have a mind of his own.

Hadyn doesn't know whether to trust the grumpy warrior or not. But she may not have a lot of choices. And although her mind still is not certain, her body certainly trusts him. As usual Abigail creates a fast paced, funny story, with a touch of drama and a lot of suspense. A great read and I can't wait for the next story. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This book was my first by this author and now I'm going to have to go back and read the entire series that comes before. Interesting world and engaging story. Couldn't put it down!

The Traitor is an apt title for Rune's story, the rogue black dragon who has given himself the mission of saving human females from the mating council who have abdicated their proper responsibilities at the cost of human lives. He's been a secondary character in this series from the start but here we get to see things from his point of view and understand why he has become the dragon he is now. And it's only fitting that he gets his own happy ending finally, and with a unique female heroine in Haydn. Her fated mate was a childhood friend who never got the chance to grow up and in a horrible attack she lost him and her parents. Raised by her friend's parents, they've now been kidnapped and held hostage and she believes Rune is the only one who can help save them. When Rune agrees, they set off together to save her adopted parents but they have to deal with the sparking attraction between them - and the challenge of resisting those feelings because falling for someone who isn't your fated mate spells death. Or does it? It's an action packed and fun adventure with plenty of familiar characters from previous stories, tie-ins to the author's parallel dragon shifter series Inferno Rising, and a sexy romance. I highly recommend all the books in the series!

Considering the huge role Rune plays in everything of this series, I kind of expected his book to have a greater impact. The fact that I'm sitting here 17 days after finishing it just trying to remember what even happened kind of proves it didn't have much of one. Really should have reviewed this one sooner....

For the most part I liked Hadyn. She knew from a very young age that she was dragon mate when she happened to meet the one she was destined for as a child. Sadly, they never even had enough time together to fall in love before Hadyn loses both her parents and him in one brutal blow. Taken in by his parents, they raise her as their own and love her as such. So it was great to finally have a mate that not only already knew everything about the dragons and what she was, but she had also been taught how to work with a dragon in the air. Also great was that while she was more than able to take care of her self in many situations, she knew when to listen to Rune and do what he said.

When Hadyn's dragon parents are kidnapped she does the only thing she can think of. Go in search of the man her parents told her find should she ever need help, Rune. It isn't easy, but she eventually makes it to Rune's hideout. Too bad she didn't know that it had been abandoned after the last huge battle there. Luck is finally on her side though, as Rune had decided to come back one last time to make sure nothing was left behind. Hadyn's knowledge of his kind and the fact that she doesn't cower before his anger confuses Rune and also makes him suspicious of her. But when she tells him why she came looking for him and how she needs his help, he finds himself agreeing before he knows what he's even saying.

These two have a very long trip ahead of them to get the the Hurracan's base because not only is Rune still being hunted, but now there is even a large bounty on his head. Obviously these two are going to get closer during this trip and I didn't really mind them as a couple. While they did work together for me, it was really annoying when they would act like the world was coming to an end because they hadn't had time together for a whole day. I had some serious eye rolling going on for a good portion of when they were in the base.

Turns out that the kidnapping of Hadyn's dragon parents will serve as a catalyst for the revolt the colonies need to go against the rotting king and his council. Deep shows up with as many allies as he can get, and while not many, only a few refuse to fight with them. Some of Rune's rouges show up as well, and it would be an understatement to say the atmosphere was tense. Deep does a great job in getting them to work together and to start questioning what they have been told for too long as the truth. There is more than one battle and, in the end, some lives are saved but there is also devastating loss. A loss I never saw coming. The ending also gives some of the dragons a pleasant surprise (view spoiler). And while cool, I don't understand why it happened. I'm also probably one of the very few people not happy with what happens with Rune and Hadyn. I was honestly okay with them being together as just a couple even though Hadyn couldn't be Rune's mate because hers was already dead. So what happens at the end just annoyed me. I'm not one of those people who need a perfect happy ending for the couple to be together.

I'm super happy that the fight against the high king is finally really building up and look forward to getting the next Inferno Rising book.

I've got to admit - this is one of the stories I have been waiting for since first meeting the mysterious Rune.

Rune's story has been a long time coming, so it shouldn't be easy for him but should be satisfying. This book delivers on all counts. It pushes along the larger story in big ways, pulling together the battle of the kings, the shadiness going on with the mates being taken, and Rune's backstory with his old team. Was it sad in parts? Yes, there are losses along the way, some shocking. But it was so very satisfying to see the guy who has been accused of "stealing mates" be dumbstruck by his own.

Hadyn has an unconventional dragon mate story. Her dragon mate recognized her too young. He may have been determined to wait for her to grow up, but was killed instead, leaving her in a state of limbo, newly orphaned, and adopted by her dragon's parents. Raised with full knowledge of dragons, when the time came to be on the run on her own, she is more prepared than any of the previous mates we've met. She scales Rune's old hideout's mountain to meet him, fully aware of the danger and trust involved.

I really enjoyed the banter and sizzle in this book, once they both get over their issues (somewhat). It was also particularly satisfying to watch all of Rune's old friends react to his somewhat uncharacteristic behavior. There are a bunch of battles and bad situations throughout the book that had me unable to put it down. I was really hoping for a good resolution and, while we got there, it really took some doing (and a lot of near death experiences). All in all, this book delivered everything I wanted to see for Rune.

This is such a great series. This is Runes and Hadyn’ story. When Hadyn sets out to find a rouge dragon who can help her save her parents, she gets more then she bargained for.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I look for a brooding, difficult hero with the ability to love deeply and a heroine with enough sass to take on said hero. Owen give us both. I loved Rune and Hayden both equally. Rune, the sexy, outcast. Reviled by all for leaving the clan and stealing potential human mates. Sigh. Hayden, the strong woman not afraid to scout out intel at the enemy stronghold where her adoptive parents are captive or scale a mountain to find one of the scariest dragons in the world. She's not afraid to dish out attitude to said dragon either. Every time she does in hearing range of other dragons, gasps are heard as Rune's peers are shocked that anyone would speak to him in such a way. Especially a puny human. Rune never once feels the need to put Hayden in her place. No, he actually enjoys her mouth. In more ways than one 😁.

Rune's lost his wards. His unmated females are in capable hands. But he's not looking for a new adventure. Because he respects fellow rogues, Qara and Chaghan, and maybe in part because he's so intrigued by Hayden, Rune reluctantly agrees to go with Hayden to attempt to rescue her parents. Hayden and he barely escape his mountain and the warring faction is hot on their tales for the rest of the book. If his followers knew what we do, this war would be over but instead the imposter king still has plenty of forces to give our good guys a huge fight. Luckily, Rune is welcomed back into the folds of the friends who abandoned him long ago because they didn't understand his mission. As their ranks grow, they find a few hard won victories against the repressive, violent regime. Along the way, these two inevitable soul mates, grow closer and closer. Conventional wisdom says an unturned mate who's lost her partner cannot bond with a new mate. The long life of dragons makes it an exercise in near futility to take a human lover who can't be a true mate. Why subject yourself to a limited existence together? But when it's true love, what's a dragon to do? Reader of the series know too that strange things are afloat in the dragon world that defy all known rules and weirder things have happened than these two become real mates and Hayden being turned.

I love Owen's world. Dragons, come on, what's not to love? She's giving us great personalities, tons of intense battle and intrigue and heartwarming love stories. This series remains a favorite and I look forward to each new book. I can't wait for the next.

Thanks to Entangled:Amara and NetGalley for the ARC.

THE TRAITOR by Abigail Owen is a roller coaster ride and one you won't want to end. We get to revisit some old acquaintances from the Huracan, who know what Rune is all about and are willing to back him if they can and meet up with a few new characters. All add spice, levity, and danger to this fantastic read.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=74917

A big thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC/Amara for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series, of which, I have not read them all. This reads fine as a stand alone. I enjoyed the story and I loved the characters. Haydn is spunky!! I wish I were more like her. Just kept trying to find a way. Rune is a bad as.. Such a cute unwilling couple. 4 stars