Review: The Warrior King by Abigail Owen

The Warrior King
(Inferno Rising #3)
by Abigail Owen
Publisher: Entangled
Publication date: March 8, 2021
Genre: Paranromal Romance
Rating:

Meira Amon is the most reserved of the phoenixes, finding computers easier to deal with than people and their messy emotions. But she wants revenge against the Rotting King Pytheios for the murder of her parents just as much as her sisters. Offering herself as a queen for their ally, dragon shifter King Gorgon of the Black Clan, only makes sense.

Just one problem…

Samael Veles worked his lowborn ass off to become the fiercest warrior of the Black Clan. He has pledged his life to protect his king at all costs. Yet somehow, in the middle of war, he took one look at a woman in a reflection and gave up his heart. When that woman turns out to be the phoenix promised to mate his king and help bring peace to their kind, he has no choice but to accept it.

Until her fire unexpectedly destroys the king after they’ve wed. Now Samael must choose between his loyalty to his clan and protecting the queen who might be his mate from his people’s wrath, one of which will unlock a destiny no one could have ever imagined…

My thoughts…

In the first book we get a moment when Meira  uses her power to see what her sisters are up to by looking through a mirror. While her power is supposed to be one way, she is caught by one of the dragon warriors that are in the room with her sister. Then when she meets up with her sister, she pledges herself to the black dragon king, only to run right into the dragon who saw her in the mirror. With Meira  pledged to Samael’s king, she denies the pull she feels for Samael in order to help join the remaining dragon kings and making a strong alliance in taking down the corrupt high king of all dragons.

This was a story that I was interested in seeing. I mean, you thought for use that the guy she sees in the mirror will be her mate, but then she pledges herself to someone else not realizing that that person is the guy’s king and mentor. Then as she spends time with her intended, and ultimately spends time with the guy she’s actually drawn to, you can’t help but cringe as she goes through the mating ceremony in front of the entire black clan. I felt so bad for Samael to have to witness this “marriage” when his dragon is literally clawing and screaming inside to be let out and claim what’s his. There’s some other stuff that happens, but I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

I just really liked Meira  and Samael as characters. Samael was not a royal born dragon. So to many fellow dragons he would be considered nothing. However, when the king took him under his wing and gave him the chance to bet he commander of the fleet, he’s been able to build up his status and gain the support of his fellow dragons. So, when Samael realizes that his mate is the woman who has pledged herself to his king, he does everything he can to fight the pull her feels for her. He buries it down deep, and does his job. Meira is someone who has always been a bit shy and always complies with those around her. However, throughout this story we see her start to stand her ground and stand up for herself. Plus, we realize that her power is a huge asset in a battle. She knows what her duty is, and even though she is drawn to Samael, she will not back down from the path she has chosen.

Watching these two suffer and battle against their mating pull was rough to witness, but it really showed their true character. I respected both of them for being able to put their duty above their feelings. Not only is this story about them fighting against their feelings, but the high king has something up his sleeve and it seems like every time these characters feel like they’re able to catch their breath, another dragon battle ensues. Which is one of the things that I enjoyed about this story… all the epic battle scenes. There was always something going on to where we got to see these dragon fighters in action. It was highly engaging.

If you’re in the mood for a paranormal romance revolving around dragons, I would pick up this series. I have really enjoyed not only the pairings that have popped up, but the story as a whole. There was never a dull moment during these stories and I really look forward to the next story in the book.

Previous reviews from Inferno Rising
The Rogue King
The Blood King