Flaring Ember

The Vargr #4

by Meraki P. Lyhne

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.

After a harsh time with both personal trials and developments, Matt is ready to start college among humans. However ill-equipped he feels around humans, a lonely Geri Freki pup at school pokes at the Alpha in Matt to step up.

Steffen and Tristan are struggling to keep up with the latest changes, and more are coming. With the Alphas of all rising and more and more details from the prophecies lining up, things aren’t slowing down. But Tristan brings an important ally with another piece of the puzzle.

Hati is finally with his Vargr mate, but his human side lacks a vital bond. The many changes since he found his mate and moved to a new pack are piling on, and the importance of balancing his Vargr and human side become more and more critical.

Then Völsung stops by and kicks everything to a new level.

Genres: Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, M M Romance, LGBT, Urban Fantasy, Magic

415 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Christopher Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It becomes more and more challenging to review this series as they are so interconnected and almost anything I type will be a spoiler for the books.

What I can say is this story is superb. The mythology joined with modern civilization creates a unique, real-feel, world that is remarkably engrossing and entertaining. And this author does not cut corners in storyline, detail, character development, or complexity. The immersion is amazing and this series is quickly becoming one of my favorite paranormal series.

This book reveals additional details in the unification of the packs and the building tension with the dark pack. It also strongly ties with another series this author created, but reading that one isn’t necessary to enjoy this one.

I’m already eagerly awaiting the next installment.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5*
Wow. Ok, so 1) this is a series to be read in order as there is a series arc and each book follows on from the last and 2) it is not for the faint of heart. I would also recommend reading them fairly close together as there is a lot learnt along the way and many characters met with continually complex bonds and relationships.
There is a lot of rich history, pack politics, friendships, romantic relationships, prophecies and talks of war. With it having been a while since I read book three, it did take me a chapter or two to get my head back around who everyone was, connections and the ongoing plot. What is helpful for those with poor memories like myself is the Character Sheet, which I found at the end of the book.
The author's world building is astounding and I can only imagine the depth of research and planning that has gone into plotting these books. It definitely helped me to fall back into this world that has been created, feeling like coming back to friends and family who are pack and constantly learning right there along with the characters we follow. The majority of time we are with Matt or Hati's POV but occasionally switch to Steffan. There is a really great balance between them having fun, bonding and being positive which is then offset towards the end of the book with fear, fighting and the unknown of what may come for Matt. It's going to be so interesting to see how things develop for him and where the Vargr go now after what happens.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating series. I love this author's excursions into the 'old world,' old peoples, and things that might be/have been. Plots, world-building, and character development are extensive, intriguing, and so original. I had previously read the author's Cubi series, and it is fantastic to see their representation here. I have enjoyed Matt's journey and growth (along with all the other characters). I won't share any story specifics, because I hate spoilers, but if you have read the previous books in the series, you will love this one. If you haven't read the other books, go back and read them in order, because they build on one another.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jason Wrench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meraki P. Lyhne is back with the fourth installment of The Vargr story, Flaring Ember. I really think the ongoing saga of Matt and Wolf Park is picking up steam as more and more prophesies are aligning. With Geri and Freki now coupled and Hati knowing Matt is his Alpha Mate, will Matt ultimately become Sköll?

This book starts with Matt going off to college. Almost immediately he finds a Vargr teacher and a young kid, Patrick, from an omega father at school. Matt's ember is drawn to protect Patrick, which is exactly what he does. Admittedly, it's hard to protect a vargr from humans when Matt cannot directly engage with humans even when the humans become violent. Will Matt be able to teach this young Geri Freki pup not to duck?

More and more we see the strong pull that Geri, Freki, Hati, and Matt have on each other and those around them. And when the pack of wild vargr come to live at Wolf Park to protect the camp from a possible Völsung attacks, they pretty much tell everyone that Matt is the Alpha of Alphas, so if he doesn't turn out to be Sköll, everyone (including Lyhne's readers) will be shocked. Even so, both Steffen and Tristan do their best to downplay this possibility because Matt doesn't need the extra pressure, and what happens if Matt doesn't become the white wolf after all.

The bulk of this book is spent on figuring out how to continue integrating Geri Freki and Hati Sköll packs into a coherent system that understands and respects each other. After all the problems they faced in Book 3, this was clearly a direction this story was going to head.

Finally, we get to see the Völsung more clearly. Without giving anything away, the Völsung, while clearly the enemy, have their own views on everything that are deeply ingrained in them as those misunderstandings that exist between the Geri Freki and the Hati Sköll packs. I'm left wondering if Alpha of All truly means Matt is going to somehow even bring the Völsung to heel in the long run. Again, that's just a guess on my part and not a spoiler. But it was nice to really see the face of the ever-present antagonists in this story.

As for this book, I enjoyed it more than book three. So far, I've found the even books the best. They aren't necessarily the bloodiest books, but I think they have the most political intrigue, which I find interesting.

As for the overall writing style, I find Meraki P. Lyhne's books easy to read and highly enjoyable. I do half wish there was a pronunciation guide for those of us who have no idea how to pronounce some of the Danish names in the book. My biggest complaint, and this is one I've had with all of the books, is the constant POV hopping. I wish the author was a bit more consistent when jumping heads because it happens a lot. That's not to say that it's unclear. You know who's POV you're in, but it can differ from one paragraph to the next, which is awkward as a reader.

Would I recommend this series? Definitely. It's a fun urban fantasy. I would go so far as to say that it's probably YA, but I'm sure that could be debated.

I want to thank the author/publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book for review purposes. Although I'm grateful for the opportunity, the views expressed in this review are 100 percent mine.

[Maijie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flaring Ember the fourth book in the Vargr series continued where Whispering Ember left off. There is a crossover with another series set in this world which is the The Cubi. Reading that series isn't necessary though I believe this book contains some spoilers for the Cubi. The Vargr books need to be read in order.

The shared world the story is set in is complex with a lot of history and very rich lore. It is steeped in Norse mythology and it definitely made wonderful use of incorporating Norse creatures and gods with the story. The author has done a fabulous job in the world-building especially in creating the social structure of the Vargr as well as their customs and traditions.

The various relationships of the characters can be quite daunting as it can turn a bit complex at times. Most of the point of view is with Matt, but we do get some parts from Steffen and Hati's POV. I quite like Hati a lot and I am glad that his bond with Matt has grown stronger. I wish there would be more moments where Hati and Matt could bond in a more intimate way.

Most of the story is spent in the unification of the various packs along with integration of the other races into a city. It was enjoyable enough to see the characters have a bit of a break from the pack politics and worry about a war that might happen.

There were some moments that the pacing got a bit slow, but the last few chapters definitely picked up and was full of action and intriguing events. This book did give a much needed glimpse on who the Volsung really were. I am left wondering on what might be the consequence of the things that happened right before the end though. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I do recommend reading this and the rest of the series. It is an enjoyable urban fantasy story. There is romance but it isn't the focus so please keep that in mind if ever you do read it.

This would be a 4 stars out of 5 stars for me.

I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.

[Bob Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the books by Meraki P. Lyhne and this is certainly no exception. This the fourth installment of his The Vargr Series and the old Norse Gods. Although the belief in the Gods of old may be suppressed, they still exist, as do the Vargr wolves. You really should read the series from the beginning in order for the storyline to make sense. I assure you it will be worth it.

There is a second series which was written before this, titled The Cubi, which is about the Incubi (is that plural of Incubis?). It is set in the same world as this book. You do not have to read it before this series but it does add some richness to this storyline, in particular this book.

Meraki is a master of building relationships. He carefully adds layers and layers of bits of information to each character as the series continues. Also, romances develop with a slow burn. I must say the storyline in this series is absolutely brilliant. You will have a hard time putting the book down and it is indeed a pager-turner. Yikes! Especially towards the end of the book. Double yikes!! It is about an eight-hour read. Well, that is how long it took me to read it from cover to cover.

I am fairly certain there is another book in this series... I hope so..please please. However this book does end in at least a HFN (happy for now in reader-speak).

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

Flaring Ember is the fourth book in the Vargr series. It’s a series I have more or less enjoyed, and this story features both the best and worst parts of the previous three books. In this fourth installment, we have Steffan’s pack, a handful of Regional Alphas, a passel of pups, feral wolves, human mates, long introspective thoughts, long introspective conversations, and an almost sleepy pacing of people thinking and talking and thinking some more. And then more people show up to have their own long moments of thinking and talking. And then Matt has to do some more thinking. This book feels very much stuck in wheel spinning mode for most of the story. Because Flaming Embers is a crossover between the author’s Cubi series and the Vargr series, there’s a lot of time spent introducing new characters who have their own way of life, their own customs, their own rituals, and all of it has to be set up while, at the same time, the story is trying to follow the usual template.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of these characters!

How interesting things have become! Hati, Geri, and Freki are all getting stronger and are pulling more to them. Matt’s ember truly flares in this book, and I loved that the Cubi have also joined in the fight against the Völsung.

I liked that we get a much more nuanced perspective on the alpha mating in this book. It has always been assumed to be primarily sexual, but here we learn that it’s much deeper, and yet, not necessarily dependent on that side of things. Hati and Sköll are mated, and that brings Frede and Matt closer together, but the human side doesn’t have to mesh with the Vargr to work in harmony together.

What will be the consequences of Villum’s choice to adopt? What make the Völsung different from normal Vargr? Is their magic and shadow manipulation inherent, or learned? Can Hati break through their powers since he excels at hunting in the shadows? If Völsung despise humans for being so weak, why would Villum respect Sun Tzu, or any other human work?

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how this series gets better with every book, but somehow it does. Every time I finish one of the books in the series, I'm sad because I've read the book and I'll never be able to read it for the first time again, but I'm also excited because the story is so exciting, we're learning more, and I can't wait for the next book to come out.

One of the things I really like is that Matt and Hati are trying to figure out how to make their mating work. Matt is gay, and his mate isn't. Matt has a boyfriend that he loves dearly, his mate gave up a girlfriend that he loves dearly. We've gotten the idea that mated wolves have to have a sexual relationship, but Matt is willing to make a relationship with Hati that works for them, and makes everyone involved happy. I really like that. It adds dimension to the story.

[Marruby Callaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first volley

The blend of Norse mythos with the author’s originality makes for another incredible read in the Vargr series. I have to applaud the amount of thought and creativity that went into this book, even as it leaves me immediately jonesing for the next one to be here right NOW. The amount of world and especially lore building involved in these books is astonishing and even more is developed here, bringing in new characters, races, and details. Resolve strengthens all around and the young Alphas at the center of everything grow into more determined men. The final confrontations here are going to lead to a definite reckoning later and leave me wondering how well Matt is going to unpack the things he’s gone through and the unforeseen consequences.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh heavens!!! Well let’s start with…. I NEED the next one in the series as if it was my next breath…

So Matt, growing strong and showing that he isn’t just rumors and hearsay.
He gets alphas to provoke him just because he exists. He does show them that he isn’t one to be mocked.

Then to his mate. Finally showing why he is who he is! And stands strong against haters and bullies!

So this book, exceeded all my expectations and just kept on giving! So much richness in contents and depth. As the characters grows in strength and abilities so does the possibilities with what the books provides.

Final words?: Well….. heck I need the next one!

[Nadège · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fantastic to be back in this world and to hear from all those great characters again. This is - once again - quite impossible for me to talk about this book without spoiling anything. So much happens! Let me just say that this world is getting more fascinating and even more frightening the farther I dive into it. For a moment I thought this book would end on a cliffhanger but the author was kind enough to put me out of my misery ^^. Now I just need to know what happens next and I can’t wait to read more about Matt’s journey and his companions’.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Edward A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline.

Unlike many paranormal "romance " this author focuses more on the storyline, but allows you to see the romance and some intimate moments in the characters lives. I love,love,love the fact that the author gives equal billing to gay. Lesbian, bi, and heterosexual relationships, which is the way it should be.

I read both heterosexual paranormal and gay paranormal. Too many authors of heterosexual stories treat gay couples if even present as sort of a side note and the same goes for the authors of the gay stories. It's so nice to see equal billing granted even though the main characters identify as gay or bi.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Flaring Ember and was totally blown away by the story it was so good. I loved how the intrigue, danger, and subterfuge continued as the joined packs learned who of the Vargr believed in unity against their common enemy. I was excited when the Cubi involvement deepened and the aid they rendered to the packs. This book and series took me on a journey and blew my mind. I loved the books, and they are definitely on my reread list to escape back into Norse legends. It can’t be real, can it? Highly recommend the series you will love it!

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the series and must be read in order as it follows Matt when he first came upon the Vargr at age 16. He turns 19 in this book and he starts going to college with a few other of his pack mates. Here he intervenes when another Vargr was being messed with. This book definitely has more action and it was great to see how all the different cultures on Vargr come to be united. I haven’t read any of the Cubi books, but they are also introduced in this book. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

I received a copy of this book for my review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can’t say enough good things about this series, it continues to captivate and mesmerize me. The worldbuilding is fascinating, the old norse mythology is cleverly blended with contemporary times and now the cubi are a factor as well.
In this fourth book we learn more about the mating bond, Matt is getting better and better at controlling his ember (is he Sköll?), the Völsung continues to be a threat and the prophecies are starting to line up more and more. I highly recommend this well written, imaginative and thoroughly entertaining series. I can't wait for more.

[Ashley Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was not at all what I expected! Call me selfish, but I really want Matt, Hati, and Rasmus to end up together (even though nothing points to that). Flaring Ember has been my favorite so far. This series just keeps getting better. So many emotions and new bonds are formed. Matt makes a new friend at college, and the pack works to strengthen and unite everyone. When Volsung makes an appearance, everyone steps up. At one point, I was on the edge of my seat, and at another, I had tears in my eyes.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stkry just keeps on getting better and better. Once I started to read this book I just couldn't stop. I love seeing how much Matt is growing. I also love that Matt and Hati are trying to figure how their relationship is going to work. This story is filled with action and suspense that I just love. We are also getting more of the Cubi which also makes me happy since I love that series too. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Jvles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is definitely picking up speed. There's some breath-stealing action happening, moments of family, friendship and comraderie and an even deeper dive into the lore. I like that more paranormal creatures are introduced as well. This promises interesting things to happen in the next books.
I feel that the writing has also improved a lot and I'm glad that I didn't give up on this series because of it.

[Julie Bedwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series. I really like the world-building and the character development. I also like seeing where the story goes, and I'm excited for more. I really like seeing how Matt has grown over the series. I'm also enjoying seeing how this series related to the Cubi series. It's fun seeing the links.

[Vintage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a unique tale

Matt is definitely going through some things in this one. There has always been a fairly complicated world that is built in this series that has a strong foundation in prophecy and myth. This book leans pretty heavily into this, and for me it was fairly confusing to understand how it all fits together. Curious to see what’s next for this pack.

[Pamela Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Fourth Book in the : Vargr Book Series a supernatural Nors Mythology fantasy Book Series

This was another action packed book in this book we find out a lot more about the Cubi especially if you haven't read the Authors previous series . We also finally get to meet the enemy so much is happening and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series .

[Charneen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author manages to continue some of the best world building I have encountered in years.

The story line flows effortlessly on from the previous installment and manages to enrapture and enthrall me even more,

This is a must read fantasy series.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is going to try to live with humans and he feels overwhelmed by it all. Things are about to get even more complicated. He will find someone who may be able to help him in it all. What is going to happen next? See by reading

[Carla Gallop · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This series just keeps getting better and better. The world and character building that this author does is nothing more than amazing and brilliant. It just keeps pulling you in and not letting you go. Matt and Haiti are finally coming into their own and things are really changing for them. I am so looking forward to the next book and can't wait to see what happens next.

[MM Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vargr has quite a world building: it's very thorough and thoughtful. Flaring Ember is an action-packed, political intrigue with very deep characters.

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way in which this plot is heading doesn't appeal to me. Still, I liked the book, but it could have been better.

[Jamie Lovering · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. I can't wait for more from this series. I am totally hooked on it.

[Hermelien1989 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. A lot happened and also unexpected things. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Michael Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please visit my web site for a full review of “Flaring Ember”.