❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
What an explosive finish to this series! I have enjoyed every single book in this series and both couldn’t wait to read the final book but also dreaded this series being over. This series has been a wild ride of dragon shifters and phoenixes and romance.

Our heroine is one of 4 phoenix sisters destined to mate dragon kings. Our heroine offers a mating of convenience to a dragon shifter who turns her down flat. Our hero only turns her down as he is too worried about his dragon hurting her after being held hostage for centuries. Obviously there is some series chemistry and the two have issues keeping their hands off each other- all the while trying to bring down the dragon High King who took away both their parents and kept the hero captive.

As much as I was invested in the two main characters getting together (and I was because grumpy hero and sunshine heroine is my catnip) I was also very invested to see how this series would end and how they would finally take down the High King- something that every couple in each book of the series has tried to do. The ending was well worth the wait and you got to see the other couples helping too. Overall I’ve absolutely loved this series.

Abigail Owen concludes her Inferno Rising series with The Cursed King, with the continuing battle to save the dragon kingdom and the will they-won’t they mating between Angelika Amon, the last unmated phoenix, and Airk Azdajah, the rightful King of the White dragon shifters. Owen levels up the angst, steam, and suspense. Her character development, description, worldbuilding, and mythology are excellent, quickly drawing you in from the first page, making you care about her characters and story. The action, fights, and battle scenes are thrilling, and the plot is suspenseful and keeps you guessing up till the end with unexpected twists and surprises. Airk and Angelika are a perfect pairing with sizzling chemistry and a connection that is as intensely emotional as sexual. All Angelika’s sisters and their mates are back.

After being imprisoned and tortured for 500 years by the false High King and unable to shift, driving his dragon mad, Airk still cannot shift. Although Airk escaped, his dragon is now feral, and, as a result, Airk can never set him free to shift or fly. How, then, can he lead his clan and be King? Angelika’s phoenix powers are dormant. Fearing she never will come into her powers, she offers to mate Airk, believing a political alliance between them is her only avenue for avenging her parent’s murder by Pytheios, who’s still trying to capture Angelika and her sisters. Angelika commits to finding a way to kill Pytheios and save the dragon kingdom, though the odds are stacked against a powerless Phoenix and a dragon who can’t shift,

Intelligent, strong-willed, empathetic, resourceful, courageous, fearless, and willing to fight and sacrifice, Angelika doesn’t give up. Although Airk is no longer caged, he’s still a prisoner. Mentally and emotionally anguished, at odds with his other half, and unable to fully be whole – be himself. Yet, he is a powerful, fierce, loyal, encouraging, and skilled warrior who needs someone who pushes him to want more from life and to reconnect with his dragon and clan. Feared by all but Angelika, Airk isolates himself to protect others from his feral dragon – especially Angelika. I loved how Owen portrays and develops their connection and relationship throughout the novel. Scenes like their first meeting and when they spend time talking and getting to know each other better are sweet, sexy, and funny. Their love scenes are steamy, emotional, and intense, furthering the story and Angelika’s and Airk’s character development. There are so many more love scenes than action/fighting, but some readers may like that. It’s also frustrating how Airk blows hot and cold, hurting Angelika with his repeated rejections.

Overall, the Cursed King is a steamy, thrilling, sexy, intense, emotional, angsty paranormal romance fans of this series and paranormal/fantasy romances should enjoy.

I'm going to preface this by saying I have not read any of the other books in this series. This book can definitely be read as a standalone, but I feel like if I were to go back and read the other books at this point, they've been a bit spoiled for me now having read this one first. I wish I had read them first! I loved Angelika's story of being the only one of her sisters who didn't end up with phoenix powers and the way that made her develop other ways she could help her family and her people. Then we have Airk with his suppressed and feral dragon held in captivity for hundreds of years but still trying to be honorable and do the right thing, how could she not fall for him? The heat between these two is insane, I loved how spicy this book was and even though I know how the series ends now, I will likely read the other books just because this one was such an enjoyable read! Great story!!

Airk is a dragon shifter imprisoned by Pytheios. Pytheios keeps him alive because of his curse of the man who kills him will burn in fire. After Airk escapes he can't shift into his dragon due to it being driven to madness from the imprisonment. Angelika is a phoenix that can't use her powers. She offers herself as mate to Airk for vengeance on Pytheios for killing her parents. Airk finds himself wanting Angelika, problem is Pytheios wants her too. An interesting read with plenty of action.

Set on Earth, the dragon clans are trying to unit against the false High King intent on ruling them all. Once a prison of the High King, Airk has the last legitimate claim to the White Dragon throne, but he's damaged from his time away from his people, unable to shift and likely to turn on his allies as easily as his friends. Enter Angelika Amon, the final of the Amon sisters, born to a phoenix mother and the only unmated left of her family. Her fate is pulling her in the direction of Airk, but politics, feelings and war keep getting in the way.

I have to admit to having conflicted feelings about this book. It is, for all intents and purposes, a great dragon shifted paranormal romance book - it's well written, there's great big battle sequences. It's definitely not a fantasy - it's set in our world, with known locations and supernatural beings inhabiting it, as well as humans (not that we spend any time with the humans) - but at times it felt very much like it was walking that line from urban to high fantasy and that's not always my favourite. I think part of my - the part that had read all three previous books - was committed to seeing the series through to the end, and I'm not sorry about that. I just wish I'd enjoyed it a little more.

Airk and Angelika are two characters I enjoyed quite a bit. I do feel like their relationship was on/off again a bit too often and then suddenly they were on (and I can't say why but the reason for acceptance felt a bit rushed to me) and I honestly felt like I had whiplash trying to keep up with what was going on. Their own internal conflicts around their roles in their society and how to earn the trust of the white dragons, though? That was fascinating and what kept me reading.

Ultimately this book wraps up the over-arching plot and there were a few twists thrown in at the end that made that longer running plot line a satisfying end. The whole series is relatively solid, and it's worth checking out if you're looking for an epic dragon shifter paranormal romance.

🍷🍷🍷🍷 #Review of The Cursed King (Inferno Rising #4) by Abigail Owen
Crystal's Thoughts:

The fourth and final book in Abigail Owen's Inferno Rising series, The Cursed King, is an explosive conclusion and gripping read! This paranormal romance series follows four Phoenix sisters destined to take down an evil dragon king while finding love. Now it is the youngest Amon sister's turn. Angelika may have been restricted to the sidelines for most of the fight, but she is determined to do her part in this war and she won't go it alone. Former prisoner and heir to the dragon's White Clan, Airk Azdajah, becomes her reluctant partner. If Angelika's quest is successful though, Airk will become so much more....

With romance, friendship, compadre, action, humor, and danger around every corner Abigail Owen has penned a fabulous story with The Cursed King. Following the events of the third book, The Warrior King, the Black, Blue, and Gold Dragon Clans have risen up against the High King along with the Red, Green, and White Dragons Clans after five hundred years. They need allies though, and despite each king mating a phoenix, they are not the only one's with that claim. Airk, as the heir to the White Dragon Clan's throne, has been trying to sway white dragons away from the false High King Pytheios but no one trusts a feral dragon that cannot shift. Angelika has been drawn to Airk since she first glimpsed him, and knows that he may be her ticket to proving herself a commodity in this war so she offers him her assistance..... along with a mating proposal that he soundly turns down. Angelika's powers of a phoenix are dormant, but she refuses to let that stop her from trying to make a difference in the fight. She knows that if she can show the other clans that their intentions are true, she can persuade them.

Angelika is a strong and caring heroine, who often puts others before herself. She always looks for the good in others, but has no problem protecting her own when all else fails. She had a spunky attitude that I enjoyed. Airk is the quintessential tortured hero. He knows that he is a danger to those around him, but especially to Angelika, who affects his dragon like no other. Airk's character was angsty and frustrating at times, with his wishy-washy feelings towards Angelika. However, their attraction is palpable in each scene and there was no denying (despite Airk's best efforts) that they belonged together.

I was dubious about the twists and turns towards the end of the tale, but the author made it work and the series was wrapped up nicely. The ending was unexpected, yet satisfying. The Cursed King was an emotional roller coaster for both characters and reader alike. The story was balanced well between fun and sexy, action and intrigued, and some incredibly moving and poignant scenes. The plotting was solid and the characters appealing. Pytheios was a cunning villain that also had a surprising amount of depth towards the end. After all, all villain's are hero's in their own eyes, aren't they?

The series in it's entirety has been a delight to read. While I am a paranormal romance fan, I don't usually enjoy dragon shifter stories. Inferno Rising was an exception, a solid four-star read throughout. Despite each book focusing on a single couple, there is a continuing story-arc that shouldn't be missed so I do recommend reading the series in order. With that said, I am interested to see if the wolves, witches, and gargoyles get a spin-off series down the road. Fingers crossed!

The Cursed King – Abigail Owen
@NetGalley #InfernoRising @entangled_publishing @AbigailOwenAuthor

Angelika – Phoenix
Airk – Dragon Shifter
Dragon Shifter + Phoenix = High King

Airk wants Angelika and Angelika wants Airk
BUT
Airk’s dragon is feral, so much so that he keeps it locked down at all times. Through some misguided ‘honour’ he declines Angelika’s offer to mate.

This quote honestly had me snortling
‘Forget a blow job. The man clearly needed a long, strings-free cuddle.’

I really enjoyed this book, obviously coming to the series late I didn’t have the background but I easily picked up the back stories.

Action, romance, spice, hope and dragons – what’s not to love?

The character development is great, my heart ached for Airk but I loved that Angelika saw through his fears and into his soul of goodness.

The fantasy elements were really well thought out and executed exceptionally well.

A really good read and I will be adding this series to be #TBR list.

4 stars
#dragon #phoenix #shifters #supernatural #romance #newadult

Endlich geht die Geschichte der Schwestern in die letzte Runde - und was für eine Runde das war!
Ich war so gespannt darauf, wie Angelika es schaffen wird, den harten Airk zu knacken :)
Und jede Seite hat sich definitiv ausgezahlt und das Ende war perfekt.

Die ganze Reihe hab ich bereits verschlungen und auch Angelika und Airk haben es mir so leicht gemacht, meinen Weg zurück zu den Drachen, zu den Phönixen und der Welt zu finden. Es war spannend, aufregend, und ich war einfach überrascht von der Stärke von Angelika, wie sie immer und immer wieder auf Airk eingeht, wartet, geduldig mit ihm ist. Und Airk, ja der, der hat noch einiges mit seinem Drachen zu klären, und hin und wieder musste ich den Kindle sauber schütteln, damit da mal was weitergeht ;)

Es ist definitiv wieder eine heiße Geschichte, und man muss auch gar nicht so lange darauf warten, dennoch sollte man Geduld mitbringen. Die Funken sprühen, aber auch der Beschützerinstinkt von Airk läuft auch Hochtouren.

Am Ende war ich begeistert, wie die Autorin alles aufgelöst hat und bin vollends mit dem Ende zufrieden :)

****

Finally, the story about the special sisters takes an end. And what an end it was. I was so looking forward to it that I couldn't wait to finally read it. And I was not being disappointed. It was great and everything I thought and wished for the sisters to happen.

Angelika and Airk have been a great couple. Especially Angelika was kind, patient but also so, so strong. She waited, she felt for Airk, she bantered :) It was the perfect mix.

And also, oh my, how spicy it got - and even though you don't have to wait too long, you do need some patience. But Airk, yep, he makes a good teammate.

The end was perfect and the story leaves me back with a smile on my face.

This is the fourth book in the Inferno Rising series,
Providing answers to many of my questions and queries!
A fascinating paranormal romantic suspense
With dragons deciding with whom to side - or try to sit on the fence.

Dragon shifter Airk escaped five hundred years imprisonment but fears
If he shifts to his dragon now, it'll all end in tears.
Angelika is the only unmated phoenix and is so kind
But she's still her special powers to find.

When the rogue High King wants Angelika for his mate
Angelika isn't prepared to meet this fate
Can she get Airk to help her topple this horrendous killer?
Read what happens for yourself in this fantasy thriller!

Right from the start, I was back in this paranormal world
Seeing how the different threads have unfurled.
It is a gripping, exciting, fabulous read
Of love and romance overcoming hatred and greed.

I've enjoyed each story, packed with suspense and romance
And if you enjoy this genre, highly recommend you give them a chance.
I received a complementary copy of this book
And hope this, my honest review, encourages you to give it a look!

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


Ms. Owen is the Queen! Oh the finale of the series was so much more than I imagined. So much so I devoured the book and hope to read it again. This is Angelika and Arik's story. Both healing from past wounds, both incomplete, her powers not manifest, he a feral dragon and beatan man.

Can they change the tide and defeat the false King? I won't give anything away. You will NOT REGRET reading this book, series or any of the books Ms. Owen has written. Well done!!!

A fantastic end to the series! Angelika and Airk are my favorite! Each book is better than the last and the series as a whole is just fantastic!

Yes!!! Angelika and Airk is what I call saving the best for last. Finally the build to the final battle with the rotting king has reached its climax. I was not disappointed. With the focus on Angelika and Airk the story flowed and filled in all the blanks from this series and brought in some key characters from the other series sharing this world excellently created by the author. It was hard to put this one down. Now, I'm completely missing the dragons but loved this epic conclusion.

I am so sad to see this series come to and end, but it was a truly satisfying ending.

The last sister of the phoenixes still has to pair off, so it's no surprise that the last book is Angelika's. She was not gifted with any special powers when her mother died, so she is not surprised she remains unmated. Her only fascination? Airk. This wounded dragon who cannot shift for fear of going feral has held her attention since they first met. She even offered to mate him but he refused, in true martyr fashion. This stupid man proved pretty infuriating for most of the book, changing his mind at every turn "for the good of Angelika." You know the drill.

These two have serious chemistry and it's insane to deny it, but here we are. It takes a lot of life threatening situations, Angelika's amazing stubborn streak, and finally fate stepping in (in the form of some shocking twists and turns) to get these two together. Do we get resolution with the larger high king storyline? Yes, yes, yes! We also get to see all of our favorite characters return in some form or another. This is definitely the ending to this series that I wanted and needed.

OMG Abigail has done it again! The final book in the Inferno Rising series will leave you reeling (in the best way!)

We already learned in the previous stories that Airk spend centuries captured and tortured by Pytheios, the False High King. As a result, Airk’s dragon has turned feral, so Airk is determined to never shift again. Angelika, on the other hand, would love to be able to shift, or have powers, or whatever. But unlike her sisters, Skylar (the Blood King), Kasia (the Rogue King) and Meira (the Warrior King), she appears to be the only Amon sister with dormant powers. Or maybe, she doesn’t have powers at all. Tired to always be on the sidelines in the war against Pytheios, she decides to offer herself to Airk as a mate. As the rightful heir of the white Clan, Airk could claim the throne with Angelika at his side. But Airk turns her offer down: what would the white clan do with a king who can ‘t shift? And furthermore Airk is terrified that his dragon will hurt the one woman who brings joy and peace in his life. So, he tries to keep his distance.

But Angelika is determined to show Airk that together they can unite the white clan. And with the Amon sisters at the Gold, Blue and Black clans, hopefully they can overthrow Pytheios and the Red and Green clan. As usual, Abigail keeps you on the edge of your seat. Brutal attacks and unexpected events keep you guessing. Add in some devastating losses and a few happy reunions (yeah: Delilah of Try As I Smite makes an appearance with Alasdair and let’s not forget Rune from The Traitor) and you have total awesomeness in one go!

The ending of the series is totally epic, although not at all what I expected. Totally loved it and I’m very curious what will be the next book from Abigail. No doubt it will be great. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Angelika: A phoenix with no flame.

Airk: a dragon afraid to shift, king of the White Clan

I am sure sparks will fly in the conclusion to the Inferno Rising series and it sure has been one wild ride with the characters as they find their destiny.

High King Pytheios wants Angelika.

Angelika Amon’s three phoenix sisters are happily mated with their dragon counterparts. She wonders if she will ever find her mate? It seems she has spent her whole life waiting for this or that and she was done with it. She wants something. In this case, it s Airk and she was going after him. Their innocence in the sex department is sweet, sexy, and HOT, as they discover each other.

Abigail Owen has a way with words and this was only one of Angelika’s comments that cracked me up:

“Oh, Gods, do not think about fucking the hot, lonely, dangerous dragon shifter.”

I have spent some time with the dragon clans in their world and loved every minute of it. Not only do we have dragons, but we have many other wonderful supernatural characters that are well represented: phoenix, werewolves, gargoyles, hellhounds, witches, trolls…and when one is taken I mourn them.

I am so happy that I was there at the beginning for the Inferno series by Abigail Owen. She did a wonderful job of wrapping up the series in a spectacular fashion. Do I want a happy ever after? You bet! Did I get it? Yes, but it came at a cost. Even you may shed a tear or two or three.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Cursed King by Abigail Owen.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

I have been waiting for this story since I finished the last one. And I loved it! Great conclusion to this series or stories. Airk and Angelika were amazing together.

THE CURSED KING is the fourth, and final, book in the Inferno Rising series. It is Angelika's turn now, the last sister unmated. Only, it turns out, she actually wanted to mate with someone - Airk - and he turned her down. Now, Pytheios wants her, so what will Airk do?

Angelika has always viewed herself as the weakest link as she didn't inherit any of her mother's powers. Airk is unable to shift due to his captivity for five hundred years. Angelika has a way of calming his dragon down, and also exciting him, so Airk vows to stay away. Of course, we all know how that works out!

This was an epic conclusion to a great story. I was half expecting what happened, as I didn't think it likely our author would leave Angelika hanging. It is fast-paced and intricate, with the other mated pairs playing their parts. You do see less of Pytheios this time, together with his witch, and his phoenix. The witch I eventually felt sorry for; the phoenix, not so much!

I would love to return to these dragon clans in the future but, rest assured, no matter what Ms Owens writes, I'll be right there reading it. Absolutely recommended.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

It was a pleasure to read this last book in this riveting series, an satisfying conclusione that left no loose end.
It's a sexy, engrossing and highly entertaining story, we get to meet characters from previous instalment and there's plenty of action.
Good world building, character and plot development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

THE CURSED KING is a fascinating read with a lot of emotion, danger, intrigue, and amazing characters. Even in this paranormal setting, author Abigail Owen gives such life to her characters that readers will believe in them and root for them throughout the book.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=75594

Ever since we met Airk earlier in the series, I was anxious for him to get his happy ending. His backstory was heartbreaking, and I knew it would take someone very special to help him get through all the trauma. This book did an amazing job showing the effect of long-term trauma on an individual's mental state, as well as how it can affect their relationships and future. It was dark, it was frustrating and filled with lots of angst, and the journey to happiness was bumpy and difficult. However, the end result was a romantic story that nicely finished off this series and reminded us all that light can be found, even when we think all hope is lost.

The Kings' War has reached a breaking point, where clans have chosen sides, all but one of the phoenix sisters have mated to a dragon, and the false High King will stop at nothing to preserve his power over all dragons. Angelika Amon knows that she can make a different in the war, despite her lack of phoenix powers, and the best way to do that is to mate a dragon, specifically Airk Azdajah. Airk was imprisoned for hundreds of years by Pytheios, after his parents were killed, and everyone assumed he had died with them. Once he gained his freedom and joined the fight against Pytheios, he was determined never to be vulnerable like that again. However, his dragon is now feral, after being enslaved for so long, and he can never again fly as a true dragon shifter should. He's not good enough for anyone, let alone the woman who makes him burn with passion and his dragon yearn to break free. They both want what they can't have...until circumstances force them together, and what they have tried so long to deny can be denied no longer.

The sexual tension and angst between Angelika and Airk was so strong throughout the book, I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I needed to know how things would be when they could no longer bear to fight their feelings for each other. At times, it became frustrating that Airk was fighting his attraction so strongly, even though I know why he did. Poor Angelika was like a yo-yo for a large part of the book, as Airk would get close and then push her away, several times. This book was definitely high on the drama scale, but it was to be expected given Airk's past and Angelika's unique situation. She felt underestimated by her sisters and the dragons, so when she finally found a way to help, she was excited. Poor thing was tired of being on the sidelines, and I was glad that after a while, Airk was supportive. He saw the good she could do and would do whatever he needed to keep her safe. Their relationship was volatile, bittersweet at times, but once they both gave in to temptation, the steam was coming off the pages. A great way to end the series!

Abigail Owen has done a fantastic job with this series, and I'm eager to see what new series she begins next. My hope is that either the wolf shifters or the gargoyles get some page time now. Especially the gargoyles. Pretty please.