The belief in the old gods of Norse Mythology may have been suppressed by Christianity, but that doesn’t mean the races of old didn’t survive. Like the Vargr wolves.
Matt’s Sköll Hati pack has forcefully merged with the Geri Freki pack on their territory. The many changes challenge all Alphas, who step up to meet the needs of their pack. It challenges the young Alphas to grow. With a whispering ember, Matt’s gaining new insight into the Alpha he’s growing into.
Steffen will die for his pack’s prosperity. Standing the only conquering Pack Alpha in all of Sköll Hati, he’s proven that once before. Having fought to secure his pack again, he relishes in prosperity and fights to grow despite the changes to their structure. A Pack Alpha never stands alone, though. Other than seeing Matt rise to a challenge, Steffen’s focus on prosperity brings a new possible ally to their doorstep.
Frederik rose to have black fur, and he’s since then been renamed Hati. But he’s not doing well with fame. He yearns for something he doesn’t know and dreams of freedom he doesn’t understand.
Then he feels the pull of a new Alpha. All the fame and expectations that smother him seems bearable with the feel of that Alpha. And Hati needs him!
Meraki P. Lyhne, real name Martin, is a Danish author spanning multiple genres and pseudonyms. Meraki P. Lyhne mainly writes contemporary paranormal LGBT fiction with various degrees of romantic heat, some with a HEA, some with a HFN, and some with white-knuckling cliffhangers. Mostly, he writes long series with focus on worldbuilding, action, and something epic.
To make sure no one is ever confused about what kind of book they're about to pick up, the surname will guide you. Lyhne writes gay fiction (with various degrees of heat). If the surname is mirrored on the cover, it is het-fiction (with various degrees of heat). If both are on the cover (like the logo), it is bi-fiction (with various degrees of heat).
Information is best found on his website.
Other than that, he’s a single dad to a teenage boy, the happy companion to a Rottweiler, and he lives in a very small village next to nowhere.
**Series that must be read in order** This series just gets better as we go on! Matt is progressing with his development and control of his ember but there's a lot more going on that builds the Vargr world, bringing new enemies to the Skoll Hati pack but also making allies and friends. There's a lot to follow and keep up with across the story as Steffen recovers from injuries, Hati encounters their pack, new pack members betrayals and a larger scheme is uncovered. The community and pack bonds are one of my favourite things about this series. It's so easy to feel the strength of their bonds, first and second, and what they all mean to each other. When that is threatened, they band together to ensure their safety and survival. Steffen is a true pack alpha, leading by example and taking on both the good and bad that come at them across the series. He's a great teacher, especially with the pups but is extra hard on himself when it comes to anything going wrong with any member of their pack. It's an intense story from start to finish that is as gripping as it is entertaining. I love all of the characters involved, the history and depth of the story is amazing. It's clear that the author has done research and loves what they are writing about. With how everything unfolds in Whispering Ember, I'm both excited an apprehensive to see what comes next! FYI - A couple of the fighting scenes get very intense and graphic but the author has given a warning at the start of the chapter. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This world utterly fascinates me. I love the way that Lyhne has melded Old Norse legends with the modern world and shows how the legends and myths of old influence the way that the world works now. It's absolutely seamless.
I am really enjoying watching Matt grow into his own. Each book brings a new challenge to him, and he not only meets the challenge, he exceeds it. It's going to be interesting to see how he's going to handle the whole Hati/Skoll Geri/Freki thing.
Whispering Ember continues the story of Matt, Steffen and their pack as they face an inevitable war ahead as the wolves in the shadow make their presence more felt in sinister and underhanded ways.
This continues where Awakening Ember left off. The passing days have seen Matt grow into his Ember - its power getting stronger everyday. Because of this, Matt needs to learn how to control it so that he may have a better understanding on what the Ember is trying to tell him. However, before he can do so, circumstance had forcefully have their pack combine with a Geri Freki pack. Matt finds then that they are not so different after all and whatever misunderstanding stand between their packs could be resolved by uniting on the things they have in common and learning from each other.
Steffen is now under more pressure as pack Alpha with the introduction of the new members. And even before he could fully integrate the new members, another incident threw a wrench to all of his work and plans. Standing by his sides are his mate, families and the rest of his Sköll Hati pack all willing to lend their help. Somewhere in the midst of all this chaos, Hati has risen. He however feels something missing. A fateful AT run then leads him to discover what it was when an Ember called out to him. Whatever this may lead to, Hati can only hope it is to something hopeful and not of tragedy.
There were a lot of things happening right at this point. The pacing of the first half did not reflect this however. The sense of urgency and tension wasn't felt right until almost half of the book. The early parts was really slow paced despite having some interesting bits of lore. When the story hit its stride, it has been nothing short of a thrilling ride. Introduction of some of the key players was a bit overwhelming as these were a good number of new characters. Thankfully, they were given enough layers and distinct features to not be boring.
I like the new characters introduced, but I have a soft spot for Hati. He has been my favorite here so far. Seeing the conflict in him trying to reconcile his Vargr culture and that of the human society where has spent a good deal of time in was interesting. He seem to have a much harder time adjusting than Matt. I can't wait to see more of Hati in the future.
Also on another note, the social structure and the lore of the werewolves in this world is pretty interesting along with the take on mate bonds. I do look forward to seeing more of this.
I am looking forward to the next part of the series and Whispering Ember is a 4 stars out of 5 stars read for me.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
I was really excited to get my hands on this one because, if you read with the previous volumes like me, we knew there were some pretty big events forecasted that would finally happen (mostly meeting with Hati, discovering if Matt is Sköll, his participation in the Regional AT run. And well, two of these three happened so I consider my thirst mostly satiated.)
This book holds all its promises and while the plot unfolds on a number of points, it also raises further questions and manages to keep our interest. I dived into the story with my expectations (some fulfilled) and it slapped me in the face with unexpected events and character development, which pleased me quite a lot!
I still struggle a bit with the “we have a duty to the pack to conceive children so even if we’re mates, we’re both guys, which is why we have to have sex with someone who has female parts aka. a she-werewolf or a she-wolf”, but I guess I’m just projecting my conception of relationships over the characters because they’re mostly ok with it.
Anyway, exciting things are in sight for the sequel as Matt is stepping into his power and learns to follow and understand even better his ember, as well as his friends around him. The enemy is getting closer and an all-out war is looming so I’ll be patiently waiting for the 4th volume to come out!
Whispering Ember, the third volume in The Vargr series, cannot easily be read without having read the first two books in the series. Not only does it pick up directly after the explosive fight of book two, it dives right in to pack politics, hierarchy, bloodlines, and mythos without pause. The world building in this series is rich and detailed and if you’re a fan of world building, you will find yourself gorging on it, so much so that … to be honest, I kind of got tired of it. Part of this is because, due to the multiple POVs of Steffen, Hati, and Matt — and the sheer number of people involved in each and every scene — things get repeated over and over and over. If Matt has a thought, he will either explain it to Steffen in the next chapter, or Steffen will have the same thought. And it may or may not be repeated a third time by or for Hati or other members of the pack.
I am starting to like this series and this book... well, things are definitely heating up. I am not fond of some plot twists or just elements, but overall, I am really starting to look forward to reading more.
I absolutely love this series. This definitely needs to read in order. I love seeing more growth with Matt as the story continues. This series is just getting better and better. I just can't get of enough of this world. I couldn't stop reading this amazing story. I can't wait for the next book!
These books keep getting better and better and I can’t wait for the next one! This third part picks up where the previous one left off and as always, it sucked me in. I couldn’t put it down and each time real life got in the way, I couldn’t wait to come back to it. So much happens! As Matt’s pack has to merge with what’s left of the defeated Geri Freki pack, we find out more about this world, its rules and its balance. And what’s threatening it. The world building and character depth are once again incredible. Matt is still growing up and becoming very strong, if not the strongest. When new people are introduced, he makes new friends and his meeting with the mysterious Frederik and their interactions went beyond my expectations. We learn more about Steffen and Tristan as well, as the pov keeps switching between all the main characters. They all have to face some pretty hard times in this book and I can’t say I’m not scared of what’s coming for them but I’m really looking forward to it! I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Damn it. This book sucks you in. One minute its 12 then suddenly its 3 hours later. This writer to me is brilliant. While there is alot of Non english words, it doesnt detract from the story. However you do need to read in order, though you wont regret taking that time.
Ive only gotten to the end of this book to discover there are other books set within the vargr world, (as this was my introduction to Merki P Lyhne). Guess Ive new stories to read.
Based on book two we are aware Of Hati, and those that feel Matt is to be Sköll. But in this book, we learn Matt concern at being a "celeb" in this still newish world. Yes hes strong, stronger than most. We learn about the Geri Freki and how they are different to Sköll Hati. Also why each feel how they do about the other pack, though all claim Vargr status. There are some major surprises along the way.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK. Please dont make me wait tooo long.
Wow, what a story. Whispering Ember is the third in the Vargr series and continues the story of Matt which just gets better the longer I read. This book has a very rich world-building and is unique. The book is filled with suspense, violence, some angst, and starts becoming more of a romance as well and not just a YA story. It is filled with twists and turns. It is a fantastic read and I couldn't put the book down. It hits all the right spots. There were a few parts that I just laughed out loud and enjoyed. If you’re looking for a book that’s gripping, spellbinding, and even sentimental at points, this could be it. I can't wait for the next book.
I waited so anxiously for this book and devoured it in 2 days. I absolutely love that it’s long. This book threw me for a loop. And I swear if this series doesn’t end up with Matt being skoll I will cry at this point, the worst part of this book was that it ended and I have to wait another 3-4 months for the next book 😩 I love the multiple point of views. It keeps the story interesting.
After quickly reading the first two books in The Vargr series, I dove right into Meraki P. Lyhne's third book in the series, Whispering Ember.
Matt continues to develop as an Alpha and things get even more complicated when Hati joins the pack as Matt's alpha mate (poor Rasmus).
The book starts where the previous one ended, so we suddenly have an influx of new Omega's from Geri Freki, which is definitely going to cause problems. And problems, it definitely causes. I don't want to spoil anything, but there are definitely a good number of twists and turns along the way.
Overall, I enjoyed the third book in the series. I didn't find this book as good as the second book, which I really liked, but I still think the book is very solid.
Probably my biggest concern right now is the shifting POV that happens throughout the series. It's not always very easy to figure out who's POV you're in because it can jump from one paragraph to the next. I don't know if this was a problem associated with the conversion into an ebook file from the printed one or if the printed version has the same issues. I just wish there were section change breaks to make POV shifts clearer throughout the series.
If you liked the first two books in this series, then you're definitely going to enjoy this third installment as well.
I want to thank the author/publisher for the opportunity to get an ARC version of the book through Gay Romance Reviews. While I am thankful for this opportunity, the review reflects my independent thoughts.
When this installment begins, Matt's pack has merged with a rival Geri Freki pack, leading to complications as Steffen tries to manage the challenges to their pack's prosperity. Steffen and his pack find that forces have been conspiring against them for some time, leading to a devastating attack. Steffen, Matt, and the rest of the pack must continue to build alliances to battle the unseen factions.
The intensity of the series definitely increases as political machinations come to the fore in this story, leading to a number of battles. It's been a slow build towards this but once the action gets going, it doesn't let up. There's still the incredible world building evident in the other books as the author fills in even more of the puzzle of a prophecy foretold for the Vargr and how it ties in to the Skoll Hati pack. The character of Hati makes an appearance and becomes a factor in this book.
I've loved each installment of this series and found this one impressive as well. It manages to build a fascinating world that combines both drama and some interesting philisophical observations as well as some intriguing metaphorical takes on the political world today. Highly recommended.
There were certainly some surprising twists in this book! One thing that I didn’t quite catch is, did Freki’s birthday line up with what they were expecting? I love that we’re finding out that old prejudices have to be challenged in order to not only thrive, but to survive.
How widespread are the Völsung? Will they rise where both the Vargr and the Cubi are strongest? Or will they rise somewhere new to threaten both races, and the humans under their protection? How many packs have already been subverted?
Will Matt have to rise before he’s ready? How will he need to be tempered before they are able gather the Vargr in unity? I love this series, and am excited to see what happens with the new knowledge we have learned here.
I can only repeat what I said about the last books: The story is excellent, it's gripping, emotional, seeped through with the lore of the region and full of very interesting characters. It's getting a lot more violent. The overall story arc is definitely gaining momentum but I'm here for it. I love the sense of friendship, family and loyalty in these books. The steam level is moderate at best (Here's me hoping for more when the characters grow older.) but what there is is very sweet. I'm still not super happy with the writing but feel like it's getting better. Sometimes there are obvious mistakes, e.g. mix-ups with names or status, and they make me think that there might be less obvious mix-ups from time to time that are partly responsible for my confusion about some things.
The character depth, the plot, and the mystery continue to grow complexity. A perfect third book in the series, we’re given more insight into the rise of the four named wolves, Matt’s development, and the strength of his ember. The book also continues some of the remarkable world building, giving us a lot more information around the different Vargyr “tribes.”
There’s not much I can say in a review without giving the story away – and as the series continues, saying anything will likely spoil something earlier on. Suffice to say, this series continues to satisfy, to surprise, to gain complexity, and to really make you want to read the next book.
I love this series! Each book is necessary for the epic worldbuilding and the amazing character development. This third book has its focus on all of Sköll Hati and Geri Freki packs and the Vagr lore, history and Norse mythology. It’s so wildly interesting to me (I’m from Denmark) and it makes me want to find out more, as I recognize some stories from school. Hati has risen in another pack and he connects fiercely with Matt’s powerful ember and they are fated mates. Geri has also risen and in the end so does Freki. So now only Sköll is missing for some of the ancient prophecies to come through. There’s betrayal, scheming, prejudice, action and some interesting new characters coming into the story. The plot thickens and I am so excited for the next book!
So far I've really enjoyed the VAGR books and this one is no exception. New characters, more in depth climpses into the world and mythology and the continuation of the story arc all make a good and captivating read. But for me there is also the "issue" of the VERY slow build up. We are now the third book into this series and I still sometimes feel like being in the introducing part of the story. There is lots of details describing and phylosophical excursions, but very little actually happening. With a bit more pace and action this books would be 5 star reads for me. Like it is, for this book it was more 3.5, rounded to 4. Nevertheless I'm really looking forward to the next installment :)
This is the third book in the series and must be read in order to understand what is happening. In this book Matt is 18 and growing in strength and understanding his ember more. We finally get to see who his mate is and looking forward to seeing how their relationship grows. We get to learn more of the different Vargr and the misinformation each group have on the other. The book did end on a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Phenomenal!! The story sucked me in and wouldn’t let go!! The character development, world building, the plot, is fantastic! Matt has grown so much throughout the story line! Loved, loved, loved this story!! Overall, a phenomenal read! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. The story kept me engaged and I literally could not put it down. I cannot wait for the next! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
This is the third book in a continuing series, and each book builds on the ones that came before, so this is definitely NOT a standalone read. As the series continues, each book is better than the last. I am also enjoying the connections and snippets to the Cubi series. Action, challenges, risks, and danger evolve in this book which also has a bit more violence than the first two books. It is clear that something is still building, and there is more to come. I am ready for the next book!
I received a free review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Having read the first two books in this series I was really looking forward to reading this book. I am more than happy to say that I loved it! These exciting stories just get better and better and this is no exception.This had me hooked straight from the beginning and I quite simply couldn't put it down. I don't want to say too much about this as I don't want to spoil this absolutely brilliant story for anyone. I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
New packs, new enemies, new challenges. As in book two, the alphas here are struggling to find their place in the new groupings as well as still learning about their own powers. Enemies that have been lurking in the shadows are becoming bolder and more threatening. I enjoyed the new world building going on here in the pack hierarchies. The immersive qualities created by excellent characters and world building from books one and two continue here. Reading this series prompted me to look into some other books about Norse mythology. A book that leads me to other books is a winner for me.
I just finished one of the most intriguing and spellbinding books I have ever read. This book will blow you away as the ember continues to whisper and danger lurks and threatens the Vargr packs. Mates are found and allegiances change but now a common enemy has been discovered. OMG you need to read this series! I don’t want to spoil anything for you as you crack open this book and dive into Norse lore and follow Matt’s rise. Will the rumors be true when he is bitten? This book has found family, love, acceptance and a fierce desire to protect. Immerse yourself in the Vargr world and enjoy!
I like this series more with each book. I admit it took me a little to get into this series as it's so different from the Cubi series that shares this world. Over the course of this series, though, I have absolutely fallen in love with the characters. I really enjoy seeing the character development that happens in a continuing series. I like seeing the crossover of this series with the Cubi series, and I am eager to see where that goes in future books.
This series has been amazing and I have LOVED reading all three books! Story development, world building, and wonderfully engaging characters. Amazing story that will engage you from the first page until the very end with some very Intense action scenes. You will not be disappointed! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
Wow! I am really loving this series. This has become one of my top favorites and can't wait for the next book. Things are really getting series and changing. There is so much going on and I can't wait for things to get even more heated. What a wonderful mind this author has. I absolutely loved this book.
We are getting a lot more world building and character development besides our main characters. There is definitely something building and it’s getting intense though it’s taking a bit to get there. There’s definitely a lot happening in his book which had some very surprising moments. I also need the next book so badly! I need to know what’s going to happen next.
I haven’t been able to put this series down! Whispering Ember is packed with action! Matt is still working on controlling his Ember. He attends an AT run, but not to participate. The results are jaw-dropping. A mate bond is also formed at this time. A new law is put into place, and once again, Pack Alpha Steffen rises to the occasion!
I have loved this story line from the get-go; it’s absorbing, inclusive of lore and history, packed with visual, world-building commentary, and with characters I want to wrap my arms around (carefully)!