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Arasgain Rule #2
Man of Bears
Eryn would know her name.
Since defeating the tyrant chieftain MacMaol, Muirne Arasgain is struggling with grief and self-doubt. Left behind by Riagan and his army of mercenaries, she sets out with her remaining warriors to take control of territories Batha and Náth.
But when a new enemy arrives, from unknown shores, Muirne must continue to fight for her country. And when she allies herself with Riagan and his mercenaries again, she is once more drawn to him, torn between her feelings and the memory of what he did to her.
Struggling to place aside the wants of her heart and her body, she leads her army to Brython, in search of these invaders.
But who is this Ursula, Queen of Crows? What people does she lead? And is she really foe, or could she be a new alliance for Eryn’s growth?
With brilliantly described action, an intoxicatingly slow burn romance and loveable characters, Man of Bears is the thrilling second book to the Arasgain Rule series. Pre-order now!
Since defeating the tyrant chieftain MacMaol, Muirne Arasgain is struggling with grief and self-doubt. Left behind by Riagan and his army of mercenaries, she sets out with her remaining warriors to take control of territories Batha and Náth.
But when a new enemy arrives, from unknown shores, Muirne must continue to fight for her country. And when she allies herself with Riagan and his mercenaries again, she is once more drawn to him, torn between her feelings and the memory of what he did to her.
Struggling to place aside the wants of her heart and her body, she leads her army to Brython, in search of these invaders.
But who is this Ursula, Queen of Crows? What people does she lead? And is she really foe, or could she be a new alliance for Eryn’s growth?
With brilliantly described action, an intoxicatingly slow burn romance and loveable characters, Man of Bears is the thrilling second book to the Arasgain Rule series. Pre-order now!
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Jess McFarlane
6 books29 followersJess McFarlane wrote her first book by hand when she was 14. Since then, she’s used words to escape reality and has so far published 3 novels. Her 4-book series, Arasgain Rule, is her current self-publishing project, and is due to be fully released by mid-2026. She’s a proud disabled/chronically ill, Palawa woman, who grew up on Bundjalung and Darkinjung Country, and now lives on Yorta Yorta Country with her husband, Alec, and their German Shepherd, Sam. When Jess isn’t writing, she enjoys playing video games, reading, archery and cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 22, 2025
I received this book as an ARC, and I'm so happy I signed up again. Book one stayed with me for a long time (still does), and book two didn't disappoint. I highly recommend reading Woman of Wolves first.
Yes, Man of Bears is still an agonisingly slow burn, but by the gods do I still love it. I know it's going to be a longer series, and yet this doesn't feel like an in-between book. All that's happening is necessary for the growth of the characters and the relationships. I kept sceaming at Muirne to please, please, please see Raigan and how he's acting towards her, even though I understand the struggle of her position. She's trying to be everything for the land and her people, making sure they are able to live in peace and freedom.
There's fighting, plotting, yearning, with lovable old characters, with new characters that make you wonder how much you can trust them before they'll be stabbing someone in the back, and of course a bear of a man to growl in your ear. Happy reading!
Yes, Man of Bears is still an agonisingly slow burn, but by the gods do I still love it. I know it's going to be a longer series, and yet this doesn't feel like an in-between book. All that's happening is necessary for the growth of the characters and the relationships. I kept sceaming at Muirne to please, please, please see Raigan and how he's acting towards her, even though I understand the struggle of her position. She's trying to be everything for the land and her people, making sure they are able to live in peace and freedom.
There's fighting, plotting, yearning, with lovable old characters, with new characters that make you wonder how much you can trust them before they'll be stabbing someone in the back, and of course a bear of a man to growl in your ear. Happy reading!
June 24, 2025
ARC review ahead:
Following on from Woman of Wolves we continue on Muirna’s journey. Following her triumphs and the things she learns along the way. Muirna is the epitome of the perfectly imperfect heroine. Bravely facing the unknown and discover more of herself and what she’s capable of along the way. In the first book we discovered who she is as a person, in this one we see who she is as a leader. The tension between her and Riagan continues to sky rocket as she slowly learns how to forgive and move forward in life. Jess’ cleverly crafted slow burn shows us that the pleasure is so much sweeter the longer we have to wait for it. I groaned, I cursed and I cheered my way through my obsession of this continued story! Patiently, impatiently waiting for book 3
Following on from Woman of Wolves we continue on Muirna’s journey. Following her triumphs and the things she learns along the way. Muirna is the epitome of the perfectly imperfect heroine. Bravely facing the unknown and discover more of herself and what she’s capable of along the way. In the first book we discovered who she is as a person, in this one we see who she is as a leader. The tension between her and Riagan continues to sky rocket as she slowly learns how to forgive and move forward in life. Jess’ cleverly crafted slow burn shows us that the pleasure is so much sweeter the longer we have to wait for it. I groaned, I cursed and I cheered my way through my obsession of this continued story! Patiently, impatiently waiting for book 3
July 31, 2025
Received as an eARC
Another solid book, I’m enjoying the story. I find the characters hard to connect to, and my usual dislike of third person narrative doesn’t help matters lol. Muirne, our FMC is hugely frustrating, but I’m enjoying watching her character grow.
Another solid book, I’m enjoying the story. I find the characters hard to connect to, and my usual dislike of third person narrative doesn’t help matters lol. Muirne, our FMC is hugely frustrating, but I’m enjoying watching her character grow.
September 17, 2025
I received this as an ARC directly from the author. All views expressed are my own.
4.5/5, rounded up to 5.
This is the second book of a series. Reading the first is imperative before you read this. Please also note my review will contain spoilers for the first book, Woman of Wolves, although none for this book (Book 2).
Historical fantasyish. FM slow slow slow burn romance sub-plots (sort of a love triangle).
A deserving sequel to Book 1, Man of Bears is a fast-paced, action-packed historical fantasy that continues to follow Muirne in her quest for revenge, and what that means for her as a leader and a person.
Picking up basically exactly where Book 1 left off, we join Muirne again as she starts to rebuild, whilst also making plans for continuing to take revenge on those who wronged her family. But within the first few pages, we discover that Riagan and his band have left. What does this mean for Muirne?
One of the things that I really appreciated about Woman of Wolves, and which has been continued here, is that events are always moving forward; there is always something happening or being planned. That continued to be the case in Man of Bears, but it manifested somewhat differently than we experienced in WoW.
There, Muirne was first seeking to escape, then rally the resources to get her revenge, and free her people. Here, it became more complex than that.
With only two people left for her to make pay for their actions and complicity, this could easily have been the whole of the plot. McFarlane, however, continues to be as ambitious as her FMC in her story plans by giving Muirne cause to explore beyond the boundaries of Eryn.
This, along with the interest of another love interest in the form of Piran, however, did necessarily slow down some of the pacing more than we saw in WoW. I don’t think it impacted the pacing in a negative way, but it was enough of a difference that it’s worth noting.
Muirne continues to be both full of confidence, yet having such a lack of self-awareness, that you have to wonder, at times, if she’s doing it on purpose. Still, it’s a wonderful change from many stories to have an FMC who is genuinely, and visibly, flawed, and having to wear the consequences of those traits from time to time.
I would still recommend this as a read, particularly if you enjoyed Book 1 and want to see what happens with Muirne and Riagan. Just be prepared to be further tortured with the slow burn.
4.5/5, rounded up to 5.
This is the second book of a series. Reading the first is imperative before you read this. Please also note my review will contain spoilers for the first book, Woman of Wolves, although none for this book (Book 2).
Historical fantasyish. FM slow slow slow burn romance sub-plots (sort of a love triangle).
A deserving sequel to Book 1, Man of Bears is a fast-paced, action-packed historical fantasy that continues to follow Muirne in her quest for revenge, and what that means for her as a leader and a person.
Picking up basically exactly where Book 1 left off, we join Muirne again as she starts to rebuild, whilst also making plans for continuing to take revenge on those who wronged her family. But within the first few pages, we discover that Riagan and his band have left. What does this mean for Muirne?
One of the things that I really appreciated about Woman of Wolves, and which has been continued here, is that events are always moving forward; there is always something happening or being planned. That continued to be the case in Man of Bears, but it manifested somewhat differently than we experienced in WoW.
There, Muirne was first seeking to escape, then rally the resources to get her revenge, and free her people. Here, it became more complex than that.
With only two people left for her to make pay for their actions and complicity, this could easily have been the whole of the plot. McFarlane, however, continues to be as ambitious as her FMC in her story plans by giving Muirne cause to explore beyond the boundaries of Eryn.
This, along with the interest of another love interest in the form of Piran, however, did necessarily slow down some of the pacing more than we saw in WoW. I don’t think it impacted the pacing in a negative way, but it was enough of a difference that it’s worth noting.
Muirne continues to be both full of confidence, yet having such a lack of self-awareness, that you have to wonder, at times, if she’s doing it on purpose. Still, it’s a wonderful change from many stories to have an FMC who is genuinely, and visibly, flawed, and having to wear the consequences of those traits from time to time.
I would still recommend this as a read, particularly if you enjoyed Book 1 and want to see what happens with Muirne and Riagan. Just be prepared to be further tortured with the slow burn.
July 19, 2025
*ARC*
Ohmygod, another masterpiece by Jess McFarlane! I absolutely loved Woman of Wolves and Man of Bears was just as amazing, if not better!!
I cannot get over how much character growth Muirne goes through in MoB. She definitely is not the woman she was in book 1 and I love that! She is definitely relatable and her choices have consequences, whether good or bad. I love her journey and I can't wait to see where it takes her in book 3.
Now onto my absolute favorite character in this series, Riagan is once again stellar. He's broody, he's jealous, he's loyal, he's growing on Muirne. The things this man says....*chef's kiss*. His advice, his longing, his growing feelings. I was grinning and kicking my feet. And the ending??? How dare Jess bring that upon us and it ends the way it does??!! I'm such a slow burn girlie but I need to read book 3 immediately!! Because I'm dying to know what's going to happen in their relationship!
MoB was an amazing read....but one character infuriated me so much!! That's how well he was written! He was the cause of so much DRAMA!!! But he also brought about so much yummy jealous behavior and bad*ss retorts from Muirne that I'll allow it. Also, Brennus NEEDS to have more page time because, that sass! He's so conniving I love it, I need more!
Highly recommend this series and especially MoB, the battle scenes are so well written, I can always just picture the scenes so we'll and just hands down, amazingly written. This is my second time reading MoB and I just didn't want to put it down! An absolute favorite of mine and I know the rest of the series is going to be just as good!
Ohmygod, another masterpiece by Jess McFarlane! I absolutely loved Woman of Wolves and Man of Bears was just as amazing, if not better!!
I cannot get over how much character growth Muirne goes through in MoB. She definitely is not the woman she was in book 1 and I love that! She is definitely relatable and her choices have consequences, whether good or bad. I love her journey and I can't wait to see where it takes her in book 3.
Now onto my absolute favorite character in this series, Riagan is once again stellar. He's broody, he's jealous, he's loyal, he's growing on Muirne. The things this man says....*chef's kiss*. His advice, his longing, his growing feelings. I was grinning and kicking my feet. And the ending??? How dare Jess bring that upon us and it ends the way it does??!! I'm such a slow burn girlie but I need to read book 3 immediately!! Because I'm dying to know what's going to happen in their relationship!
MoB was an amazing read....but one character infuriated me so much!! That's how well he was written! He was the cause of so much DRAMA!!! But he also brought about so much yummy jealous behavior and bad*ss retorts from Muirne that I'll allow it. Also, Brennus NEEDS to have more page time because, that sass! He's so conniving I love it, I need more!
Highly recommend this series and especially MoB, the battle scenes are so well written, I can always just picture the scenes so we'll and just hands down, amazingly written. This is my second time reading MoB and I just didn't want to put it down! An absolute favorite of mine and I know the rest of the series is going to be just as good!
July 1, 2025
In Man of Bears we continue to follow Muirne in her fight for her country and her people against both new and familiar threats.
Muirne is raw, flawed, and complex—as compelling as she is relatable. Thrust into leadership, she grapples with living up to the reputation that precedes her. We witness her internal struggles with self-doubt as she battles to conceal her grief, desires, and fears, even from herself. The emotional journey of self discovery Muirne embarks on is a pleasure to be witness to. We are right alongside her as she discovers that vulnerability and tenderness are strengths, not weaknesses, and begins to allow people to see the woman underneath her fierce exterior.
The found family in Man of Bears is such a highlight for me. And whilst I treasure each and every character, Temair and Ena hold a special place in my heart. I am so excited to delve deeper into all of their stories (and fall even more in love with them) in the next book.
Onto the romance, dear gods. Jess McFarlane has masterfully crafted a divine slow burn that continues to be torturous in the best possible way. Every interaction between Riagan and Muirne is charged with palpable tension, building to moments that left me breathless and begging for more.
I am eagerly anticipating book three, knowing full well that the world of Eryn will leave rent free in my head until then.
Thanks so much to Jess McFarlane for this wonderful ARC, it's been an absolute pleasure to read and review Man of Bears.
September 1, 2025
I was gifted an eARC of this book prior to release. No incentives were given to read or post a review.
Muirne and Riagan’s adventure continues in Man of Bears (MoB)!
We start off basically where Woman of Wolves (WoW) left off. Riagan has returned to the coast and Muirne is in her keep in Inbiur.
There’s a few new characters with Piran and some warriors joining Muirne’s small army. Ena and Temair also feature in this book, and I love them. I treasure female friendship, and I feel blessed to be able to read about them in a matriarchal society.
I found Muirne to be often frustrating in WoW, however after reading MoB, I feel so much better about her. At the start of MoB, Muirne’s brother and father die. She is young, avoiding grief, and leaning into rage and anger in its place. Jess writes character growth so well. It is slow and steady – as it would be in real life – not an overnight change.
Muirne and Riagan’s relationship is the same. A true enemies to lovers (he killed her father and brother after all), it takes a long time for Muirne and Riagan’s trust to build to the point of being able to even think about a relationship.
In both WoW and MoB, Jess includes: content warnings, a pronunciation guide, and a map of Eryn.
Unrelated to the writing, but the cover of this book is incredible. I could not be more obsessed!
I’m so excited for the next novel in this series. This book was delightful – if violent – and Jess’ writing is so easy to read. No complaints about spelling or syntax in this indie book!
And thank goodness, they kiss at the end of the book!
Muirne and Riagan’s adventure continues in Man of Bears (MoB)!
We start off basically where Woman of Wolves (WoW) left off. Riagan has returned to the coast and Muirne is in her keep in Inbiur.
There’s a few new characters with Piran and some warriors joining Muirne’s small army. Ena and Temair also feature in this book, and I love them. I treasure female friendship, and I feel blessed to be able to read about them in a matriarchal society.
I found Muirne to be often frustrating in WoW, however after reading MoB, I feel so much better about her. At the start of MoB, Muirne’s brother and father die. She is young, avoiding grief, and leaning into rage and anger in its place. Jess writes character growth so well. It is slow and steady – as it would be in real life – not an overnight change.
Muirne and Riagan’s relationship is the same. A true enemies to lovers (he killed her father and brother after all), it takes a long time for Muirne and Riagan’s trust to build to the point of being able to even think about a relationship.
In both WoW and MoB, Jess includes: content warnings, a pronunciation guide, and a map of Eryn.
Unrelated to the writing, but the cover of this book is incredible. I could not be more obsessed!
I’m so excited for the next novel in this series. This book was delightful – if violent – and Jess’ writing is so easy to read. No complaints about spelling or syntax in this indie book!
And thank goodness, they kiss at the end of the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘔𝘤𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
First of all, HOW DARE Jess McFarlane do this to me again.I thought my heart had been through enough in book one, but apparently not, because Jess is now wearing it on her head like Muirne wears the wolf pelt.
The characters really steal the show for me which is rare seeing as the setting is STUNNING.
Muirne is absolute menace (my kinda girl). She is grief and stubbornness all wrapped up in one, stomping through battlefields with “I will bite” energy. I want to shake her sometimes, and I also want to give her the biggest hug and maybe let her step on my throat a little. Riagan is perfection, and I CANNOT wait to learn more about his past. The Brute/Brat nicknames had me kicking my feet like a teenager with her first crush and they may be on my all time list of faves. Temair and Ena are pure ICONS. If Muirne and Riagan don't figure it out, I will be thoroughly content with these two.
The adventure in this book does not let you breathe. Every time I thought Muirne might get a moment of peace, Jess yeeted another army, betrayal, or mysterious crow queen at me. All of these adventures with Muirne felt like being dragged out by that one friend who says “we’re just going out for one drink” and suddenly you’re in another country with a black eye. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to pick up a sword and then immediately realize you’d die in two minutes, so you settle for screaming from the sidelines instead.
First of all, HOW DARE Jess McFarlane do this to me again.I thought my heart had been through enough in book one, but apparently not, because Jess is now wearing it on her head like Muirne wears the wolf pelt.
The characters really steal the show for me which is rare seeing as the setting is STUNNING.
Muirne is absolute menace (my kinda girl). She is grief and stubbornness all wrapped up in one, stomping through battlefields with “I will bite” energy. I want to shake her sometimes, and I also want to give her the biggest hug and maybe let her step on my throat a little. Riagan is perfection, and I CANNOT wait to learn more about his past. The Brute/Brat nicknames had me kicking my feet like a teenager with her first crush and they may be on my all time list of faves. Temair and Ena are pure ICONS. If Muirne and Riagan don't figure it out, I will be thoroughly content with these two.
The adventure in this book does not let you breathe. Every time I thought Muirne might get a moment of peace, Jess yeeted another army, betrayal, or mysterious crow queen at me. All of these adventures with Muirne felt like being dragged out by that one friend who says “we’re just going out for one drink” and suddenly you’re in another country with a black eye. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to pick up a sword and then immediately realize you’d die in two minutes, so you settle for screaming from the sidelines instead.
October 1, 2025
ARC review- A book of plot-driven war, gruesome battles, the slowest of burns, and a flawed and strong lead female character. This is so close to a 5-star! Personally, for me, I struggle with books revolving around war, but boy, I will not stop reading these despite that. Jess does such a good job.
Our FMc, Muirne, is essentially a war chief wanting to change the world and slowly get rid of toxic and dangerous leaders of their world. Muirne goes through so much personal growth, and I love seeing her get stronger and wiser. She still frustrates me no end, but that is because she is relatable and flawed.
All the side characters are written to feel real, individual, and relatable.
My favourite being our MMC, Riagan. He is the definition of ENEMIES to lovers (we are sooo close to lovers, I swear it...). I love how loyal and strong he is while helping Muirne grow
Found Family
SLOW BURN
War
Female War Chief
Bloody Battles
Feminine Rage
Hurt/comfort
Menstruation rep
LGBTQ+
No spice- kissing only
Did I say slow burn?
Highly recommend this series if you like historical war surrounding war chiefs, with a Female at the head of it all!
Our FMc, Muirne, is essentially a war chief wanting to change the world and slowly get rid of toxic and dangerous leaders of their world. Muirne goes through so much personal growth, and I love seeing her get stronger and wiser. She still frustrates me no end, but that is because she is relatable and flawed.
All the side characters are written to feel real, individual, and relatable.
My favourite being our MMC, Riagan. He is the definition of ENEMIES to lovers (we are sooo close to lovers, I swear it...). I love how loyal and strong he is while helping Muirne grow
Found Family
SLOW BURN
War
Female War Chief
Bloody Battles
Feminine Rage
Hurt/comfort
Menstruation rep
LGBTQ+
No spice- kissing only
Did I say slow burn?
Highly recommend this series if you like historical war surrounding war chiefs, with a Female at the head of it all!
September 26, 2025
AMAZING
This was such an incredible sequel. Muirne was even more impressive in this book than in WoW. I loved seeing how much she grew as a person and leader. She was also extremely frustrating with her constant denial of the feelings she OBVIOUSLY has for Riagan. Riagan was just as swoon worthy as ever. I loved how he wasn’t afraid to call Muirne out when he didn’t agree with her decisions and that he always did so respectfully and oh my word when he defended her honor I was an actual puddle on the ground. The tension between these two was more palpable than ever and I’m basically feral with the need for more. The battle scenes in this were wicked intense and Muirne proved time and time again why she’s so highly regarded as a warrior. There was a really heartbreaking loss in this that I wasn’t sure she was going to recover from. I really disliked Piran, he was basically a young man set on marking his territory and he didn’t pass the vibe check from the very beginning. This was a truly phenomenal story and I absolutely can’t wait for book three.
This was such an incredible sequel. Muirne was even more impressive in this book than in WoW. I loved seeing how much she grew as a person and leader. She was also extremely frustrating with her constant denial of the feelings she OBVIOUSLY has for Riagan. Riagan was just as swoon worthy as ever. I loved how he wasn’t afraid to call Muirne out when he didn’t agree with her decisions and that he always did so respectfully and oh my word when he defended her honor I was an actual puddle on the ground. The tension between these two was more palpable than ever and I’m basically feral with the need for more. The battle scenes in this were wicked intense and Muirne proved time and time again why she’s so highly regarded as a warrior. There was a really heartbreaking loss in this that I wasn’t sure she was going to recover from. I really disliked Piran, he was basically a young man set on marking his territory and he didn’t pass the vibe check from the very beginning. This was a truly phenomenal story and I absolutely can’t wait for book three.
January 16, 2026
First book review of 2026! This is book 2 of the Arasgain Rule. I went straight into Queen of Corvids the 3rd book the moment I finished. I’m nearly done with book 3 at this point.
Man of Bears is a slow burn in every way that I enjoy, the romance and Muirne’s journey. From the beginning of book 1 to the end of book 2 she goes from being very brash, stubborn and his brat to a fierce warrior leader and his love. Her story is processing grief, being captured to fighting her way out, and also fighting the internal conflict within herself - she is stern and lashes out but needs comfort and support. A young woman destined by the gods to lead her people and fight her enemies. She learns to trust herself and how to lean on others wise words.
As I read I couldn’t help but notice the stillness in the story, the moments where the author made you feel the world around Muirne, the land, the snow, the wind, the icy water - it was beautiful. At the same time there are bloody battles and the true fierceness of the wolf woman comes out. Book 2 is a book of growth for Muirne, one I appreciate and needed.
Man of Bears is a slow burn in every way that I enjoy, the romance and Muirne’s journey. From the beginning of book 1 to the end of book 2 she goes from being very brash, stubborn and his brat to a fierce warrior leader and his love. Her story is processing grief, being captured to fighting her way out, and also fighting the internal conflict within herself - she is stern and lashes out but needs comfort and support. A young woman destined by the gods to lead her people and fight her enemies. She learns to trust herself and how to lean on others wise words.
As I read I couldn’t help but notice the stillness in the story, the moments where the author made you feel the world around Muirne, the land, the snow, the wind, the icy water - it was beautiful. At the same time there are bloody battles and the true fierceness of the wolf woman comes out. Book 2 is a book of growth for Muirne, one I appreciate and needed.
September 5, 2025
Definitely not wrong about this being marketed as a slow burn because sheeeeeeeeesh it’s embers at the moment.
I think this continues the story well. I really struggle with liking the main characters which doesn’t help my predicament with this book.
I’m still waiting for the fantasy elements other than mythology??
Overall this is a good book. I think if you’re interested in matriarchy and mythology it’s a lot better suited to you than it is my reading taste.
Thank you to Jess McFarlane for the arc of this book.
This is my honest opinion.
I think this continues the story well. I really struggle with liking the main characters which doesn’t help my predicament with this book.
I’m still waiting for the fantasy elements other than mythology??
Overall this is a good book. I think if you’re interested in matriarchy and mythology it’s a lot better suited to you than it is my reading taste.
Thank you to Jess McFarlane for the arc of this book.
This is my honest opinion.
October 6, 2025
I rarely read series, but this one made it easy. It felt like I picked up Man of Bears after WoW and just kept going. Muirne challenged me more in this story, with her struggle between wanting to rule and her love for Riagan. That tension made her growth feel even more real and important. I especially loved how Riagan sees and loves her completely, flaws and all, without trying to fix or change her. Another strong installment that’s building up perfectly for Book 3!
August 20, 2025
Jess McFarlane has done it again. A wonderful sequel to 'Woman of Wolves', 'Man of Bears' goes deeper into the changing political and emotional landscape of Muirne's world. Also, the slowburn romance is PEAK in this story. Well done, Jess - bring on books 3 and 4.
September 1, 2025
Oh my Lord the 2nd book in this series is just as amazing as the 1st, Woman of Wolves. The character growth, the emotional entanglements and the emotional rollers coaster ride, wow.
Such a talented writer.
Cant wait for the next installment.
Such a talented writer.
Cant wait for the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
Definitely a real slow burn! What torture!
Loved the character growth in book 2. Lots of tension and longing. Brilliant battles that keep you on your toes.
Can't wait for book 3, I need it!
Loved the character growth in book 2. Lots of tension and longing. Brilliant battles that keep you on your toes.
Can't wait for book 3, I need it!
September 23, 2025
Amazing, I can't believe how this story was mesmerising. There were parts where I was like, why is this happening? But, I understand after reading them.
I am so happy something is finally happening between Murine and Riagan. If I say anymore, I may spoil it, so I will stop now. I'm still glad 😊.
I can't wait to read the next book and read the physical copy of this one.
I am so happy something is finally happening between Murine and Riagan. If I say anymore, I may spoil it, so I will stop now. I'm still glad 😊.
I can't wait to read the next book and read the physical copy of this one.
August 17, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 5 stars!
What a ride! Man of Bears starts where Woman of Wolves left off, focusing on Muirne and her quest to tear down the patriarchy, and rid Eyrn of unfit chieftains. Amongst the battles and blood, she wars with thoughts about Riagan, the mercenary who ultimately began her on her path.
Muirne honestly has to be one of the fiercest FMCs I’ve read. I LOVE HER! She’s full of angst, strength, and behind it all, she has feelings that she knows she can’t ignore, and it was so good to see her slowly come to realise that she isn’t made of stone. This instalment isn’t just about building a matriarchy, it’s about Muirne's personal arc, too. She’s softening, evolving, finding forgivness and starting to ask herself what she actually wants, not just what’s expected of her.
And Riagan! We’re still piecing together his past as he and Muirne travel across the sea to new lands, and I’m enjoying the breadcrumbs that we are learning about him. Jess is the queen of slow burn, seriously. Every lingering glance, every almost-kiss, every tension-laced moment had me on edge. It’s mutual pining at its best, so cleverly woven!
Then there’s Piran, the added love interest. While it’s clear he’s not the one, his presence adds a delicious layer of tension. I appreciated that it didn’t spiral into a full-blown love triangle, just enough to complicate things.
What to Expect:
🐻 Feminine Rage
🔥 Slooooow Burn
🐺 Bloody Battles
🐻 Fierce FMC
🔥 Mutal Pining
🐺 Found Family
🐻 Flirty Banter
🔥 Big, Tattooed Mercenary MMC
🐺 Medieval Setting
🐻 Menstruation Rep
🔥 Queer Rep
🐺 Ancient Irish Folklore
⚠️ Content warnings: Graphic battle violence.
Overall, Man of Bears is a slow-burn, high-stakes, gloriously bloody tale of feminine rage and healing. If you’re into historical fiction rooted in rich, rugged settings with ancient Irish folklore, this one’s for you!
I’m ready for book three now. (Patiently... but actually not so patiently... waiting.) Hehe.
PS: OMG I got a mentioned in the acknowledgements! You’re such a sweetheart, Jess! I am so honoured to be part of your street team. Your series deserves all the love and hype!
Thank you SO much for gifting me an eARC! I am beyond grateful! ❤️✨
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What a ride! Man of Bears starts where Woman of Wolves left off, focusing on Muirne and her quest to tear down the patriarchy, and rid Eyrn of unfit chieftains. Amongst the battles and blood, she wars with thoughts about Riagan, the mercenary who ultimately began her on her path.
Muirne honestly has to be one of the fiercest FMCs I’ve read. I LOVE HER! She’s full of angst, strength, and behind it all, she has feelings that she knows she can’t ignore, and it was so good to see her slowly come to realise that she isn’t made of stone. This instalment isn’t just about building a matriarchy, it’s about Muirne's personal arc, too. She’s softening, evolving, finding forgivness and starting to ask herself what she actually wants, not just what’s expected of her.
And Riagan! We’re still piecing together his past as he and Muirne travel across the sea to new lands, and I’m enjoying the breadcrumbs that we are learning about him. Jess is the queen of slow burn, seriously. Every lingering glance, every almost-kiss, every tension-laced moment had me on edge. It’s mutual pining at its best, so cleverly woven!
Then there’s Piran, the added love interest. While it’s clear he’s not the one, his presence adds a delicious layer of tension. I appreciated that it didn’t spiral into a full-blown love triangle, just enough to complicate things.
What to Expect:
🐻 Feminine Rage
🔥 Slooooow Burn
🐺 Bloody Battles
🐻 Fierce FMC
🔥 Mutal Pining
🐺 Found Family
🐻 Flirty Banter
🔥 Big, Tattooed Mercenary MMC
🐺 Medieval Setting
🐻 Menstruation Rep
🔥 Queer Rep
🐺 Ancient Irish Folklore
⚠️ Content warnings: Graphic battle violence.
Overall, Man of Bears is a slow-burn, high-stakes, gloriously bloody tale of feminine rage and healing. If you’re into historical fiction rooted in rich, rugged settings with ancient Irish folklore, this one’s for you!
I’m ready for book three now. (Patiently... but actually not so patiently... waiting.) Hehe.
PS: OMG I got a mentioned in the acknowledgements! You’re such a sweetheart, Jess! I am so honoured to be part of your street team. Your series deserves all the love and hype!
Thank you SO much for gifting me an eARC! I am beyond grateful! ❤️✨
Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Facebook | My Books
September 15, 2025
What a fab second book in the Arasgain Rule series! While you don’t need to read book one first (Woman of Wolves), I’d highly recommend it so you get the full picture of Muirne and Riagan - particularly how they meet!
In Man of Bears, we follow Muirne’s journey again. Although she is still dealing with hurts from her past, she’s had tremendous character growth and is stronger now and a leader, dedicated to her people. And being a leader in medieval Ireland (Eryn) means fighting to protect your territory! But to do that she needs an army. An interesting new character joins her fight, but she really needs Riagan and his mercenaries to have a chance at taking control of the Batha and Nath territories. Reluctantly she accepts his help, but being with Riagan again brings back those conflicting feelings flooding back, made more complicated by a new romantic interest and having to fight for her country against invaders.
Man of Bears is a wonderfully entertaining and well-written story full of complex, realistic and interesting characters, fantastic battle scenes, emotional intrigue and sizzling chemistry between the two leads. I loved that the characters also journeyed to another country! This is book 2 in a 4 book series. I’m about to start reading book 3 and I’m excited.
In Man of Bears, we follow Muirne’s journey again. Although she is still dealing with hurts from her past, she’s had tremendous character growth and is stronger now and a leader, dedicated to her people. And being a leader in medieval Ireland (Eryn) means fighting to protect your territory! But to do that she needs an army. An interesting new character joins her fight, but she really needs Riagan and his mercenaries to have a chance at taking control of the Batha and Nath territories. Reluctantly she accepts his help, but being with Riagan again brings back those conflicting feelings flooding back, made more complicated by a new romantic interest and having to fight for her country against invaders.
Man of Bears is a wonderfully entertaining and well-written story full of complex, realistic and interesting characters, fantastic battle scenes, emotional intrigue and sizzling chemistry between the two leads. I loved that the characters also journeyed to another country! This is book 2 in a 4 book series. I’m about to start reading book 3 and I’m excited.
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