Ruthless dragon king Ladon Ormarr must keep his throne–and his people–safe from the cruel High King at all costs. With war on the horizon, he’ll need a miracle to protect his clan. Luckily, the fates have dropped the irresistible Skylar Amon right into his lap. Or so he thought. Because the last thing this phoenix wants is him. A phoenix mate is the ticket to securing his throne, but this … securing his throne, but this fiery Amon sister detests Ladon, doesn’t stick to protocols, and regularly offends his warriors and advisers.
Skylar also has no intention of sticking around, nor does she believe in the whole destined-mates thing. But if it means taking out the High King who murdered her parents, she’ll put up with the too-sexy-for-her-sanity Ladon…temporarily.
Their mating bond may make them want to tear off their clothes, but outside the bedroom…well, Ladon is positive the fates hate him. Just as he starts to win over the mercurial phoenix, everything goes to hell when the High King makes his final move. And Ladon will burn down the world to keep the mate he is unwilling to live without.
Each book in the Inferno Rising series is STANDALONE:
* The Rogue King
* The Blood King
* The Warrior King
* The Cursed King
more
The Blood King is the second book in the Inferno Rising series and can be read by itself but would be so much better read after the first. Skylar is the youngest of four phoenix shifter quadruplets in a world were there is supposed to be only one. A little crazy and a whole big bundle of protectiveness, Skylar is a strong willed, likable character who goes all out for family. Dragon law saws whoever mates a phoenix is the high king but Skylar hates dragons because they killed her parents. When she hears her sister Kasia mated a Dragon King, Skylar does not believe it was willing and spies on the dragons where she is Inexplicably drawn to the Blood King. Ladon Ormarr finds an unmated phoenix in his grasp he wants her for his own. Circumstances beyond her control have Skylar agreeing to a mating out of convenience but things quickly escalate in a blinding rush of lust and violence that leaves the pair bound and trying for an HEA. Action packed and sexy, the story is a quick paced read full of villains you love to hate and heroes that will give you heat stroke. The stories do have a continuing storing arc even as each dragon king finds a small measure of happy for right now in each book. I cannot wait for the next installment. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
I love a book that includes a grumpy, tortured hero or a capable self-rescuing heroine and this book includes both. The Blood King has a little bit of everything – sweet moments, fan your face steamy sex, dangerous excitement, cut throat and loyal supernatural creatures, and even some chuckles, all set against the backdrop of a continuing war between dragon clans. Skylar and Ladon’s love story has all the feels. Ladon, king of the blue dragons, strikes a deal to mate Skylar, one of four sister phoenixes. Both see it as a political decision which will be advantageous to both of them. They agree to be mated but without love. As the war between the dragon clans continues to rage, Skylar and Ladon learn to operate as a team through the many dangers and enemies they face together but their growing attraction makes it difficult to remain on their chosen paths – to destroy the red king and bring peace to dragonkind. On their way to their HEA, Skylar and Ladon have to both learn to let down their walls – to let go of their pasts and where they thought they were supposed to go in order to embrace a life neither one thought was possible for themselves. I am excited to hear what happens next for the dragon shifters and the dragon kings and whether the evil ruthless red king will be defeated and balance restored to dragonkind. With The Blood King, Abigail Owens once again proves she’s a fantastic storyteller and world builder.
The Blood King by Abigail Owen
2nd book in the Inferno Rising series. Fantasy dragon shifter romantic suspense. Should be read in series order.
A lot of pieces. A complex layering of strategies. Gamesmanship. Chess is used as a layering piece by the author and characters to strategize.
Unfortunately it’s winning at a level where treachery is high and power is the ultimate gamble.
Red, Gold, Blue, Green, Black and White dragon clans fight for domination hoping one of the Phoenix sisters will be able to create a higher power.
Skylar and Ladon are the main Phoenix and dragon to mate and fall in love in the book in the series. The couple from the previous book play key roles and we finally get to meet the other two sisters.
A cliffhanger for the series but these two lovers are mates and set as King and Queen of their dragon clan.
Engrossing and complex power struggles. Romantic potential sacrifices that remain unneeded. The evil dragon remains ….until the next book and match.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
The Blood King!!! Oh my God! Mind blown!
There’s so much happening and it takes you on such a wild ride.
I was in pieces reading this book. Skylar is everything, she’s the quintessential heroine for me! She just doesn’t take crap lying down! Absolutely loved her like you can’t believe!
And that bomb left by the Rotting King, Oh my Gawd! It’s seriously left me in a state of panic. I don’t think I’ll survive the wait until March, with my sanity intact.
It’s left me with so many questions!!! I can’t wait for The Warrior King! I’ll be on pins & needles until its release. Overall, I can’t thank you enough Abigail Owen! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! It was so worth the wait!
Landon Ormarr is the King of the blue dragons. Known to many as the Blood King. There is a terrible war between some of the dragon clans all because of a deranged old dragon that has held onto the title of High King for far too long. He rules through fear and with the help of his witch lover.
Skylar Amon is a phoenix. There is only ever supposed to be one in existence at a time, but she has three sisters. They all got sent into hiding by their mother as she died. Skylar is about to rescue one of the others. She hopes.
This is a very exciting paranormal romance that is the second in a series that should be read in order. The magical battles are incredible. Fabulous characters that will have you on the edge of your seat all the way through. Once you start you won’t be able to put it down. Then our sneaky author gives us a little tease to make sure we can’t wait for the next book.
Very exciting.
Ladon has finally met his match, in more ways than one and the feisty, fiery Skylar Amon is just as determined to avoid any commitment with the fierce dragon king. She is a phoenix on a mission to avenge her parents’ death and reunite her sisters, but does she have what it takes besides determination?
Abigail Owen’s THE BLOOD KING is filled with razor-sharp banter, inner dialogue that feels like neither Ladon or Skylar are really prepared for what Fate has in store for them. And the tension between these two? Off the charts!
A fun read that is filled with strong, passionate characters, sibling misunderstandings and royal battles that will pit dragon against dragon in the ultimate challenge for power. Abigail Owen knows how to weave a tale of heat, heart and humor. Her characters have that special spark of chemistry that is explosive and if you have ever wondered what flying with a dragon would be like? Well, hang on tight and don’t look down!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Entangled: Amara! This is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved being back in this world. My first time reading dragon shifters was with The Rogue King and I loved it. I was really looking forward to reading The Blood King so when the opportunity came up to read an early copy of this gem thanks to Entangled Publishing I quickly jumped on it. Though this is book two in the series it can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book as well. Ladon and Skylar with their back and forth it’s perfect. And now we have to impatiently wait for the next book in this series!! This is an absolute must read!! LOVED IT!
This can be read as a stand-alone, but it is much more enjoyable when the series is read in order. There is so much to love about this book; humor, action, suspense, mystery, shifters, magic, and romance. Ladon and Skylar are two of my all-time favorite characters! I can’t wait for more stories in this world.
Even though I missed the first one I do like this author and she has magic with her characters. War and how it effects those around. As we enter into this world where dragons captivate us here. Ladon and Skylar are the ones whom play a game with each other I do believe. They have their own agenda but they also will get a lesson on mates which we get to witness. Then there is war that will shake him and her to the core with both having us to the front in anticipation. We have to know does he succeed? Does she find out that her sister was not quite in the predicament she believed at first? Fun question that are answered only if you step inside to find out what goes on in this world of dragons.
This book was pretty great. Better than the first in my opinion. I think it had everything to do with the main characters in this one.
Ladon Ormarr and Skylar Amon.
We met Ladon in the first book because he sent Brand out to get him the phoenix, Kasia, so that he could mate her and become high king. He needed to defeat Pytheios and she was what he needed. Though nothing went as planned for him. He then is thrown for another loop when Skylar shows up to rescue Kasia, showing herself as Phoenix number two.
Skylar is the take no prisoners sister. The one that will do anything to protect those she loves, even giving herself up if necessary. As soon as Ladon sees her, he calls dibs. Well he said “Because now you’re mine”. What he doesn’t know, and has to work around, is Skylar’s huge dislike, hatred if you will, of dragons. Especially dragon kings.
She agrees to mate Ladon to avoid being kidnapped and forced into mating Pytheios, or anyone else really. At first they are merely attracted to one another but of course that grows into much more. Ladon admits it to himself and knows that he will do anything to keep Skylar with him. He will not force her into a life she doesn’t want but he won’t let her go without trying his all.
The growth of the characters and their relationship was smooth and natural. They clicked well together even when they are both being a pain in the butt to one another. They still have battles ahead of them and they are ready for it. The two are mirror images of each other and that is everything they never realized they needed.
I love the continued world building and introduction of more characters and species. Especially showing more of the other 2 sisters. I honestly can’t wait to get to see more of Meira! But what I really want to see is how this war is going to play out and how they are going to get there!
On to the next!
This series just keeps getting better and better,yes I know it’s only book 2 in this series! But I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting. One of my favorite aspects of the series is learning more about the sisters and I was elated that we got to see a bit more of them in this one. However, those are just little teasers of what’s to come with their books and I’m going to be so impatient until I can get my hands on their books.
Not going to lie, I was a little nervous about Skylar because I was wondering how Ladon was going to win her over. But despite the crazy circumstances, it worked out perfectly for them. I know when it comes to shifters they can recognize their mates, but I liked that they still needed time for their relationship to grow. And Ladon was definitely giving her the time. Seriously loved these two together.
Abigail really gets down to detail in this world and I loved seeing some of her characters from her other books. And how they all fit together. This is definitely a book that you have to really pay attention to because you don’t want to miss a thing. There a few new faces that I hope we get a book for or even a novella!
The Blood King is a stunning addition to this Inferno Rising series, Abigail tackled everything so well and kept me hooked the whole time. With the way the book ended, I can’t wait for Meira’s book!
Abigail Owen
It is believed that the Dragon King who mates a phoenix will become the High King. The only problem is for the first time, there is more than one phoenix, in fact there are four. The first sister has already mated her dragon in The Rogue King and imagine their surprise when Skylar shows up. Landon, the Blood King quickly decides to claim this new phoenix, but meets his match in Skylar.
They fight, they negotiate, they don’t trust each other. This was so much fun; Skylar is wild, unpredictable, and feisty, while also being super protective of her sisters. Landon doesn’t know how to handle her, and I loved seeing him negotiating with Skylar. Mal, the hell hound, is amazing. And the Rotting King and his witch mate are evil and hateful, great villains.
Abigail Owen has a writing style that is very easy to read and while it would be more enjoyable to read The Rogue King first, The Bloody King also works as a standalone.
I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C
You ever read a book so good that you immediately started reading it again…yup…this is one of those books. Because I was all like..no, no, no…don’t end now, I need more. First things first…eta of next book please…because I need it nowish.
The Blood King aka Tarzan and Skylar aka bat shit crazy are a match made in heaven, these two were made for each other, they are the exact same person and so in sync.
Both badasses
Both ruthless
Both take no crap
Both fearless
Both loyal
And they are crazy about each other…even though they don’t want to admit it, see twins. The heat between these two, hot, hot, hot….did I mention these two were so hot. I know, I know dragon shifter and Phoenix, but this was more due to their chemistry, the mental side of it.
The storyline was fantastic, a huge game of chess, and who can out maneuver who. I could not put it down, and I didn’t want to. So good. I am such a huge fan of Abigail Owens, and I can’t say enough about her dragon shifter series…both of them. Next book please.
Safe read, with two hot af take no crap badasses who are so loyal to each other and their loved ones. One a sassy Phoenix, the other an intense Blood King…pretty sure you know how he got his name…earned it, and Skylar I am sure will earn herself a title as well since she is absolutely fearless. Next book please.
Couldn’t put this book down for a moment!
Thrilling.
Addicting.
Heart stopping paranormal romance that will have you hooked non-stop. As a first time reader for Abigail Owen, and now a sucker for more, I will say I need more of the Blue-Clan Dragons. Ladon and Skyler, with the rest of the crew are all engulfing with adventure, lust and anticipation. The story doesn’t stop with the Blood King and I for one can’t wait for more!
Abigail’s writing was empowering, and capturing… especially from the moment you begin reading. Right off the bat I knew I would be succumbed to her whims and would be entranced by the crystalized glaze of her words and the fiery blaze of her storyline. This author can write! Make no doubt about that! This reader is eager for more!!
In this series, there are four sisters who are phoenixes who are finding their fated mates. This is remarkable because there is only ever supposed to be one phoenix, who dies when the new one is born. This is Skylar’s book, the second sister. Skylar has some interesting talents, as do all her sisters. She believes that her sister Kasia has been taken prisoner by the Blue Dragons, and Skylar has found their stronghold and sneaked in to find and rescue her sister, Kasia. Only, Skyler learns that Kasia is not being held captive, but has found and married her fated mate, one of the dragons. In the meanwhile, Kasia and Ladon, whose hold on the throne is tenuous, keep butting heads despite their mutual attraction. Ladon knows that he needs the power of a phoenix to beat their mutual enemy and keep his people free. Now he has to pursuade the reluctant Kasia. I liked Kasia’s independence and stubbornness, and that there was no instalove.
This is an interesting book with shapeshifting dragons and phoenixes, fated mates, moutain lairs, magic, kingdoms, and the politics of ruling. I liked this book as a standalone but recommend reading the books in order. The world is a complex one, and the reader will enjoy it more with a proper introduction. I am planning on re-reading this one after reading the first book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC. These are my opinions of the book.
The Blood King
Inferno Rising Series #2
Abigail Owen
https://www.facebook.com/Abigail.Owen.Books/
Release date 08/25/2020
Publisher Entangled Amara
Blurb :
Ruthless dragon king Ladon Ormarr must keep his throne at all costs. And now, with war on the horizon, he’ll need a miracle. Luckily, the fates have dropped Skylar Amon right into his lap.
Except he may have met his match.
The feisty Amon sister has no fear—of him or any other dragon shifter—is brash, doesn’t stick to protocols, and regularly offends his warriors and advisers.
Skylar also has no intention of sticking around. She doesn’t believe in the whole destined mates thing and believes all dragon kings to be dangerous. But if it means taking out the High King who murdered her parents, she’ll put up with Ladon…temporarily.
But the fates have other plans. And when Skylar disappears in the middle of a battle, Ladon will burn down the world to find her.
My review :
Will her fear to love hinder her first grab at love …
As my first read in this series, while the story stand alone in itself, I will recommend to read the first one before as it gives more insights about the background plot and the author’s world setting.
Why I had to get a crash course about this fantasy world.
From the four sisters, I am not certain Skylar is my favorite, her characters has some good traits but also some failings.
I thought her a coward at time for refusing to acknowledge her true feelings, hiding herself behind her past issues to excuse her backtracking.
After she is tough and stubborn, never letting circumstances impede her path. She is the kind of woman who takes no prisoner.
Ladon did not usurp his nickname, he is ruthless and cunning but he is such with his people’s welfare in mind. It is not greed or power hunger that drive him but only to assure his clan peace and rest.
He is also the first to accept the shift of his sentiments, not afraid to feel but fearing to be rejected by the one woman he needs more than air to breath.
Their journey to one another is not a smooth ride as trust is not given easily on Skylar’s side, plus her independent side does not sit well with the mating state. Up to her to see past her own preconceived ideas and get to know the real Ladon.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/684860292103145/
Less diversity in the shifter world we see in this second volume of the Inferno Rising series. This one deals almost exclusively with dragons, although there are a handful of phoenixes and some werewolves thrown in for good measure.
Many of the peripheral characters from the first book are back. We learn much more of the back story for several key players here. Kasia and Skylar in particular, but much about Ladon, as well as Brand, and others also. Several new figures are added into the mix, some of whom seem destined to have a bigger role to play in the future. Maul is still by far my favorite character though!
Ladon once again tries to walk a fine line between playing the hardass and being a good guy. It would seem a very hard thing to do, but he pulls it off remarkably well. He wants to protect Skylar and allow her the freedom that she deserves, but for a variety of reasons he is compelled to mate her very soon after their initial meeting. She is not a big fan of dragons in general, and not especially interested in furthering their cause. But it does happen to align with her own of protecting her family. So after a little convincing, she gives in and agrees to mate him, hopeful that she won’t kill him in the process.
Of course, the fact that he is extremely taken with Skylar doesn’t hurt his cause any! She is incredibly attracted to Ladon as well, which makes doing what she feels is her duty that much more bearable; well, okay, actually enjoyable. LOL! That these two are fated mates is fairly obvious to just about everyone — except for them! — from the moment they first meet. But both are so closed off and guarded, and so much else is going on around them, that it takes quite some time, and some scary experiences, for them to truly bond. Luckily, however, they do so; and thus are they able to help save one another at times.
This book was by and large a huge downer, as this merry little band of misfits tries to take on a much older, wiser, stronger, and more desperate foe. Not much seems to go their way very often. But there are some good times to be had in the midst of all the chaos and despair. And luckily Ladon and Skylar are eventually able to admit their feelings for one another and experience their own sweet measure of joy.
I definitely look forward to reading the remainder of the books in this series to see what becomes of the other sisters, and if they ever defeat the bad guy.
I LOVE SKYLAR!
The Blood King is book II of the Inferno Rising Series and I am lovin’ every minute I am in their world. We have love and romance, danger and battles that have me flying the unfriendly skies, swooping, flipping, feeling the wind blowing through my hair, freezing, the feeling of freedom…well, everything has it’s good and bad. LOL
Saying Skylar is feisty is putting it politely. She doesn’t make it easy for anyone to get close to here but her sisters. They are Phoenix and they are highly desired for their abilities and because dragons believe whoever has a Phoenix will be high king.
Of course, I am looking for some romance…How about you? When Skylar meets Ladon Ormarr, the sparks start flying and never quit. I love how he ‘tames’ her. LOL Like that can be done. It won’t be easy , but they ride the rollercoaster of love to a happy ever after.
Maul, what can I say about Maul. Have you ever met a Hellhound? I love him!
Battles will be fought, lives will be lost. The battles are fierce, betrayal abounds, enemies become friends, new alliances are made, and their world becomes a better place. Saying a better place just popped into my head and I was going to change it, but seeing the place we live in now leaves me wanting, I’ll take fantasy land any day of the week.
I loved the haters to lovers premise, and the snarky banter, with sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. BEWARE…it does get HOT.
I love that Abigail Owen has Skylar saying she had always wanted to fly with the Blue Angels. Now, as Sklyar watches the dragons in formation, she feels as if she is. I salute you Blues! They are very familiar to me. I love how she describes the dragons as moving together, like a flight of birds.
Well, this is the first time in a long time that I scrapped my notes and WINGED it. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of The Blood King by Abigail Owen.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
This is the second book in this series and you do need to read that to get the full feel for this series In the first book The Rogue King the eldest Amon sister Kasia married rogue dragon Brand Asterot (he should have been the gold king) he was tasked with bringing Kasia to the blue king Ladon Ormarr but on realising she was his mate he kept her Now the second Oman daughter Skylar is determined to rescue her sister from what she thinks is a forced marriage this puts her in contact with Ladon and he immediately claims her as his own. Skylar is one tough cookie a warrior in her own right who won’t easily be controlled by Ladon who has his own problems trying to defeat the evil red king. can they form a relationship and do they have a future together You will have to read to see This is a wonderful world that just builds with every story I can’t wait for the next installment The Warrior King the story of the third sister and the black kings enforcer
I’m really enjoying this series. I liked book one and was eager to read book two and it was even better than the first one! There is plenty of tension, drama, action, emotion and heat to grab and hold your interest. Ladon and Skylar have blistering chemistry and believe me when I say that the sparks and sharp banter really fly as these two clash together epically. Emotional baggage and turmoil play a huge part in this story and that held a lot of appeal for me. I though those things helped to create a romance that had a rich depth to it. Can’t wait for book three! I am freely posting a frank review.