The Rogue King (Inferno Rising Book One) by Abigail Owen

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who―and what―she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she's treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can't stop bursting into flames, and there's a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her...

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he's waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that's impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself...and take back his birthright.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

REVIEW

After the death of her mother, Kasia and her sisters are forced to separate. The phoenix power dispersed to them during their dying mother's last act makes the siblings highly sought after by the warring dragon clans. On the run and unable to fully command her powers, Kasia meets Brand. He assures Kasia that to remain safe, she must accompany him to the blue dragon clan ruler King Ladon and she agrees.

On their journey, Kasia and Brand interact with various supernatural entities trying to either help or harm them. The two possess genuine chemistry. As their desire for one another increases the conflict in the story gains as well. Several of the supporting characters are intriguing, and I look forward to encountering them in future stories. Evil found in this world is truly despicable and without remorse. But the author equally discovers ways to include doubt as to whether those who seem trustworthy genuinely are, further increasing tension. It is an exhilarating ride as Kasia and Brand navigate their way through conflicts in The Rogue King.

The Rogue King represents an excellent start to the Inferno Rising series. The romance behind the story is integral to the plot, and it is quite sensual. But the excellent world-building could appeal to a predominantly urban fantasy audience. I enjoyed the balance between the two while reading an early copy of this book and will most definitely be continuing with the next book release in this series.

Brave the Tempest by Karen Chance

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

Cassie Palmer, chief seer of the supernatural world, faces her biggest challenge yet--her own allies! Everything's on the line in the latest thrilling entry in the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series.

Cassie Palmer has been chief seer of the supernatural world for a little over four months. In that time, she's battled two gods, fallen in love with two men, and confronted the two sides of her own nature, both god and human. So it's not surprising that she currently finds herself facing two adversaries, although they have a single purpose: to wipe out the supernatural community's newest fighting force, leaving it vulnerable to enemies in this world and beyond. 

To prevent catastrophe, the vamps, mages, and demons will have to do the one thing they've never managed before and come together as allies. Cassie has the difficult task of keeping the uneasy coalition intact, and of persuading her own two opposing forces, a powerful mage with a secret and a master vampire with a growing obsession, to fight at her side. She just hopes they can do it without tearing each other apart.

 PURCHASE ON AMAZON 

 REVIEW 

Once you start a Cassie Palmer book, walking away from the story is not an easy thing to do. Every novel in the series proceeds at a breakneck pace, and this one is no exception. Be aware that Brave the Tempest is book nine. All relevant information is summarized when necessary, but it will enhance the adventure if you know these characters. This series is an excellent binge read. Before reading my early copy of Brave the Tempest by Karen Chance, I wish I had time to revisit preceding books.

What I like: Karen Chance combines fantastic wit with pulse-pounding action. These supernaturals stand out. The characters have a unique voice and creative backgrounds that transform typical stereotypes. I relish the twists placed on the urban fantasy genre norms. Cassie Palmer's world is one of the best on the market.

What I don't like:  As an avid series enthusiast, I find that repeated summarization interrupts my flow. That fact is not unique to this book, or even this series, and it is often my biggest complaint in a sequential read by any author. I understand the necessity of it, so I take it in stride. Brave the Tempest was no more bothersome than any of the others I have read. For some, maybe most, I think it will be a great addition. 

Random Spoilery Thoughts.

Cassie has made her opinion well known about how vampires inherently lie and manipulate. Her horrible experience in Tony's Court doesn't give her many reasons to feel differently, but that also makes her biased on the subject. I want to trust Mircea. Doing so is easier for me when reading a Dorina book as opposed to a Cassie book. I don't believe Mircea always does the right thing, especially when it comes to the Pythias, and he is currently making some pretty bold choices. But Cassie declares some critical judgments concerning Mircea, ones I don't regularly accept as truth. Hopefully, I end up more right about Mircea than Cassie before the series is over.  I am, however, pleased with where their partnership is by the end of Brave the Tempest. I really want them to find a solid non-romantic bond. 

Pritkin continues to struggle with his dual-nature.  I understand where he is coming from, but if Pritkin and Cassie learn to harness their power, they will be a formidable force. Pritkin will need convincing. Or most likely, down the line, the necessity will be thrust upon them. Pritkin will have no choice but to trust in himself. I am eager to see how that union transforms them. And I have to give a little yay! Pritkin and Cassie together are oh so satisfying! I eagerly await the next installment in the Cassie Palmer series.