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.
The warrior Sköll has finally risen, and the power of the ember now drives Sköll as the four legendary wolves gear up to face their enemy. They won the first battle. That battle started a war.
It seems the lot in Matt’s life that every time he conquers a challenge, something new is thrust upon him. He finally stands the risen Vargr, Sköll. His fur shone beautifully white in the moonlight—a stark contrast to the blood looking black as it ran down his torso.
Hati is now driven by an individual ember, but its purpose has to save his mate from succumbing to bloodthirst. Hati needs to learn to channel their vision for the future as his mate rises with preparedness for war far exceeding what anyone had imagined.
Pack Alpha Steffen has his work cut out for him. Having the four legendary wolves on his territory isn’t easy. At least his Alpha mate, Regional Alpha Tristan, has contacts to aid the Alphas rising to take on the battle that no Pack Alpha could aid them in alone. But first…damage control.
Tristan isn’t the only one bringing in a powerful ally. Queue the epic soundtrack. The newly risen Cubi King of the West has an old school buddy who needs a hand in seeing a common vision through.
Ghosts from the past haunt them, along with Völsung whispers from the shadows. The most dangerous enemy, though, whispers from within.
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.
The mind of Meraki P. Lyhne should be classified as a Danish treasure. His books are absolutely spot-on solid reading with no fluff, filled with adventure and stories that evoke just about every human emotion. Additionally, his Vargr series in particular, honors the Danish heritage, culture, and mythology while creating a most amazing world on Vargr wolves, Cubi, and Centaurs.
This is the 5th book in what I hope is a very long series...I am greedy and selfish that way. Lyhne has created a most amazing paranormal world. He previously introduced readers to the world of the Cubi, a hidden society of Incubi and Succubi...nine volumes to date. As that series was ending, and from the same world, he introduced us to the Vargr wolves. The reader has been teased with the idea the Cubi and Vargr would be closely tied to one another at some point in the Vargr series... and now BAM! It has happened and my goodness is it glorious. It takes quite the storyteller to bring two different series together in a logical and believable manner and Lyhne has done just that in this series.
Each book ends with a possible-most-likely-HFN. There is not what I would call an actual cliffhanger as much as a "kick*ss story to be continued and oh by the way you are going to love it."
Read the book blurb to know more details about what happens in this volume to the many players in the series. Sidebar... there is a very good list of all the characters at the end of the book which you can use to refamiliarize yourself with both protagonists and antagonists. Of course I am weird so I just went ahead and reread the previous volume. If you enjoy a really good paranormal series you will absolutely love this set of books.
As it's been happening with most of the books in this series, I'm of two minds about "Smoldering Ember". On the one hand, as I already commented in previous reviews, I find the writing style and the plot difficult to follow. I actually think that the writing style has improved lately. But I have trouble identifying which of the many details Lyhne includes in the book are really relevant to the story. If I had to define the book in one sentence, "horror vacui" comes to mind; there is too much stuff narrated that seems anecdotal, and I don't seem to be able to identify its function regarding the plot. What is essential, and what is just adding too much for basic characterisation? To be sure, sometimes it looks like it's a minute-by-minute play of a day of festivities, for instance. The fact that so much going on hinges on dialogue (narrative descriptions are almost absent) furthers this feeling for the reader even more.
On the other hand, I truly find the background story fascinating - even when drowning in so much detail. Despite my reservations, I keep reading the books when released, and that's the best review I can offer. I enjoy so much the folklore, the break-away from established topics in M/M books, the originality... The book, and the series as a whole, has definitely something. However, I have to confess that, at the time I write this review, I haven't yet finished "Smoldering Ember"; that feeling of constriction and a lack of a clean, discernible line forward means that I have to read a chapter at a time at the most - I get tired quickly as question after question keeps popping in my mind. I'm posting this review because I received an ARC and today's deadline, and I don't want just to shelve it; I like it too much for that. I will finish it eventually: I'm already too invested in the series to drop it now - and that's a significant accomplishment by the author, given my criticism. But at the moment, this is all I can offer.
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest opinion.
Matt has risen now as Sköll and is a site to behold. His mate, the legendary Hati, has his own ember now and is ready to stand by his side and keep him grounded. With all four legendary wolves present, there is much to learn and much to plan. One thing is certain and that is change. Matt’s past comes back and must be addressed. Pack Alpha Stefan and his true mate Regional Alpha Tristan have their work cut out for them, managing all this change and the past happenings.
This fifth book was intriguing as you can see all the pieces falling into place. There are some missing still but they are getting ready for the battle to come and the key to winning could be knowledge. They work as a team and are not afraid to ask for help. The coming stories should really be amazing.
I've enjoyed this series a lot so far, and this book was no exception, even if I didn't feel it was quite up to par to the previous entries. This story felt more like a placeholder of sorts for me, in some ways maybe a respite from the intensity of previous books as the Vargr deal with the aftermath of Matt's abduction by the Volsung.
One aspect I've enjoyed in this series tremendously has been Matt's struggles with his duality as human and Vargr. Being bitten by a Volsung has complicated matters even further, adding yet another component to Matt's internal struggles with control of his personalities as he has newly risen as Skoll, a legendary warrior of Vargr myth. It's an interesting dilemma for him and gives the story depth as he and Hati, Geri, and Freki must learn to work together to face the war with the Volsung that's arrived on their doorsteps.
I've also enjoyed some of the philosophical underpinnings and arguments posited in the series. At their best they've been enlightening and thought provoking. However, I thought that this book got a bit carried away on that aspect compared to the others, which managed to find a good balance of action and philosophy. "Smoldering" turned into more of a treatise, an interesting one, no doubt, but with little action, as the book focused more on the integration of Vargr and Cubi into a force aligned against the Volsung. This did lead into one of the more interesting aspects of the story, as the Vargr are challenged by the Cubi's sexual customs and must find ways of incorporating their sexualities together - and the Vargr are no slouch on pansexuality themselves. Indeed, one interesting twist had Skoll and Hati becoming physical mates in Vargr form (full on werewolf sex...let's just say, different) while still keeping their respective human lovers - the stuff of soap opera in a lesser writer's hands but entertaining and intriguing in Lhyne's.
So, in a lot of ways this book is building up to a greater conflict - I'm guessing the final battle with the Volsung. Can it arrive this quickly? I'm looking forward to finding out.
This series is so insanely good! The author's ability to world build and have an intense network of characters that all bring something valuable to the story is amazing. One thing I did struggle with here is just the ever increasing list of people to remember, what species/pack they belong to and where their allegiance lies. There is a character list (at the end of my ARC copy) that I suggest refreshing your memory with, I found it too late :-) this is series to be read in order, and hopefully close together as that can help with remembering all of the information. The end of book four had Matt being rescued by his pack, mate and run-pulled alphas. Here he has to deal with the fallout of what happened for himself but also what in now means for the four Vargr of legend - Sköll, Hati, Geri and Freki - and for all Vargr as they have basically declared war on the Völsung. The regional alphas, pack alphas and Cubi come together to help make plans for the future whilst also remembering what it is they're fighting for, pack and prosperity. I felt for Matt here as he goes through a lot more than he has in the previous books, this time fighting an internal battle. He has so much support though, from mates, alphas, pack, family, and Cubi. There's even a blast from the past for him that's a welcome sight and also brings advice and support to their cause. I also enjoyed getting more chapters from Hati and Steffan through the book, showing what their thoughts are with what's going on with Matt as well as the upcoming war. Each man has different experiences, values, needs etc and so come at things from a different viewpoint. All together, it makes for an intense experience as you fall into the world of the Vargr, the descendants of the gods in Norse Mythology. It's such an interesting area and sparks a desire to learn more. A highly anticipated book and I cannot wait to see the next step for the pack and all Vargr. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I want to thank the author/publisher for the opportunity to review this book before publication. Although I am thankful for this opportunity, the following review is completely mine.
First, if you haven't read the previous four books in The Vargr series, I do not recommend jumping into Book 5. You really should read the books in order to get the most out of them.
Second, I thought this was the best book in the series so far. The stakes are raised for everyone in The Wolf Park. With the conclusion of the previous book, Matt (aka Sköll) has a lot on his plate. He's learning to meld four distinct sides of himself that do not always see eye-to-eye. Everyone knows there's a coming war, and this book sets the stage for that war very nicely.
My only word of caution for those, like me, who haven't read the books in a few months, there are a lot of characters and a lot of names (some have two names) to keep up with. As we are now in Book 5, there's just a lot going on. As such, it might take a bit to get back into the book and remember all of the moving parts from the previous volumes.
My only real complaint with this book is that it leaves open a lot of subplots. I do wish a few of the minor ones had been tied up in the book, but I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us.
After the tense, triumphant ending of the last book, I wasn’t quite sure where this installment would take us but the author does not disappoint, returning to Wolf Park and focusing back on the characters and their development as the overarching plot continues forward. Skoll has risen, but not in the way anyone planned; we get to see Matt’s struggles with an unwelcome guest in his head, as well as his more general struggles of not only becoming an adult, but having the burden of a great leadership role, despite sharing it with the other three legendary Alphas. We also get to see the Cubi presence grow, along with some of the plans for their City of Unity; Matt is reunited with his “crush” from his American High School. And if that wasn’t enough, we also get to see the characters – not only the mains, but everyone in general – navigate new relationships as the unity of the Vargr creates unforeseen bonds, and the young men learn a little more about the mating bonds and how they may affect their relationships as humans.
Another absolutely brilliant installment in the Vargr series; I cannot say enough good things about these books. I am looking forward to being able to read all the books back-to-back to enjoy the full experience of the entire epic.
Please please please, do yourself a favor and at least skim the end of book 4.
I adore this series, love it really, I hate having to put the book down and get on with life, but book 5 is not a quick and easy read. Its full on action from the start, the Cubi, Sleipnir and Vargr take a huge portion of this story, together.
While Sköll and Hati, help lead their people alongside Geri and Freki, learning and changing their Alpha mate bonds; Matt and Rasmus struggle a bit with their relationship. Insecurity, certainly raises its head between them. All of this is ongoing while Matt still struggles with the fact his rise was due to the Völsung, and that it constantly tries to undermine Matts bonds, with everyone. I love the reconnect of Matt and Daniel, to see the friendship flourish, with Daniels partners and Matts Alpha mate and his boyfriend.
This series is AMAZING, I cannot praise the story or its writer enough, though I do FULLY suggest that to get into this book, its probably best to do a reread.... I regret that I hadnt. I cant wait for the next in the series
How interesting to see the ways that 'unity' is developing in Matt's mind. As he learns more, he is becoming more inclusive and gathering allies to help with the coming war.
I did find that the way that Tristan's mom was introduced seemed a bit forced to me. It was like this was a twist that was not originally planned, but was put in to add depth to the experiences that Matt is facing. Not necessarily bad, just not smooth.
But despite that, I love what's happening. I love that the Vargr are coming together from both packs. I love that the Cubi are stepping forward as staunch allies to the Vargr in this fight. I find it interesting that they both are reaching out to the Sleipnir as well as humans to form an alliance and bulwark against the Völsung.
Another great addition to this fantastic series. We’re back at Wolf Park, starting where the previous book left off, after Matt has been rescued. He is now Vargr and officially Sköll. That is A LOT to take in for him as he has to navigate this new identity and the physical and psychological effects of Villum’s bite on him. His bond with Hati is strengthening while the whole pack and their new allies work on unity and on recruiting as many Geri Freki and Sköll Hati as possible for the coming war. As always, it was a delight to dive into this fascinating universe. I enjoyed reading the interactions between the pack members and watching all of them and their dynamic. These books keep getting better and better and the world building is amazing. I can’t wait for the next book! I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I’m enjoying this series a lot, worldbuilding and characters are fantastic, it never gets boring, there’s plenty of interesting lore and thought-provoking situations all through the book. And Steffen’s pack, I just love how positive and playful they are, they’ve got a lot going on—war—but they don’t forget the good things in life, they fight for them yes, but they also enjoy them when they can.
I had to forget previous ideas of mates because here it’s completely different, I’m still a bit confused about true Alpha mate bonds though. Even when the differences between sex, feeding and love for the different races are less confusing, I found everything a bit complicated when couples or mates are involved. I’ll have to wait and see how everything develops.
"To learn to coexist, we 'all' need to learn to see the world through each other eyes."
The author has created an amazing and intricate tapestry merging the children of the old Norse gods in a modern day setting.
There are so many detailed characters that my old brain has a hard time keeping track especially with so many ethnically appropriate names that I'm not quite sure how to pronounce. Lol
I highly recommend this entire series. Can't wait for the next book.
I've read all the books in this series and read the related series on the Cubi. This is my favorite of the two and I will most definitely be re-reading the series (something I rarely do with most authors). There is so much detail the re-reading will just let me see numerous things I missed the first go round.
As with the other books in this series, I love this book and the continuously unfolding lore. Yet more characters are brought into the mix, some new and some familiar from the Cubi series (I really appreciate the character glossary at the end for reference). Matt continues to defy all Vargr norms in terms of abilities and character, so it’s no wonder he’s one of the lynchpins for current events even as he struggles with fallout from his prior encounter with the Volsung. There’s a lot to unpack with everything revealed, which of course leads right into the latest soft cliffhanger. Bring on December and book 6!
Some series lose their stamina as they continue, but The Vagr definitely does not. The fifth book in the continued saga of the Norse Vagr wolves is as amazing as the first four. It’s building up to a confrontation between the Völsung, the Sköll and the enemy (ies) in the shadows. These books have some of the best worldbuilding I’ve read, it’s a very different take on werewolves and it’s so well written that I can’t put the book down. You will have to read the books in order, there are many characters and so much going on. I can’t wait for the next Vagr book and I highly recommend this series, it’s captivating.
I love mythology, like Greek and Norse mythology for the most part, the series so far, is great. The first book was alright, but still engaging and entertaining, and each book got better and bonds grew, as they characters grew.
I love the take of werewolves and well, the series is very different and interesting. I enjoyed all five books.
I read all books in like three days 😅, and because there's only so far, I am leaving my review for the series as whole for this fifth book.
I liked the bonds of the characters and the characters himself. Matt and his pack and some of the others as well.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I also plan to go back and read the Cubi series and then reread this series. That should be interesting. 😊 Anyone that loves mythology, especially Norse and werewolves and stuff like lore, should give the series a try 👍💖.
This book had me on edge the entire time. I was constantly bombarder with information that was relevant and some had me angry at some people but there were a couple fun in bits to.
But this book. Well I just need to say it’s smoking hot and you have to put your granny pantries on. Because this will be the ride of your life!
Meraki you did not disappoint us readers with this and I feels lite the intensity is building hinger and higher for every part of this series. The only thing that’s sad is there will now be another 4 months until the next book! 😁
The amazing world this author has created and the characters that fill it have made for an amazing series. This one has plenty of action as one expects, but what I enjoyed most about this one was how the author managed to focus us in on the internal struggles, choices and decisions all the characters were having to make without ever dragging things out or making you feel like things were grinding to a halt. Everything that happens both internally and externally is integrally connected to the plot, fits perfectly and drives the story along.
This is the continuation of the story of Matt(SKOLL).It is the 5th book in the Vargr series. Please read the trigger warnings. It is also strongly suggested that you read the books in order. The author created a wonderful world filled with amazing characters. The action keeps you reading deep into the night. My only complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger and personally I hate cliffhangers. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
ᗩ ᗰᑌՏT ᖇᗴᗩᗪ ՏᗴᖇᎥᗴՏ I can’t begin to fathom the strategy and maneuvering that must be involved to have created and developed this exquisitely complex series … and then tie it into MP Lyhne’s previously {and beautifully} established 𝘊𝘶𝘣𝘪 series!!
With each new book, the story becomes more in depth and compelling. The rich world building and characters are actually quite phenomenal.
I am so in love with this series!! I love the worldbuilding and the characters. I like seeing Matt and the other Alphas of all continue to grow into their roles. In this book, I like seeing more characters from the Cubi series make appearances, and I like that Matt and Daniel reconnect. I'm also loving the take on Danish lore as it's not something I was even remotely aware of prior to reading these books. I look forward to next book!!
There is so much going on in this story. Things are really ramping up and there are many changes happening. There were a couple of times when I went back to reread a few paragraphs or pages so that I could keep everything straight in my head.
I wasn't ready for the book to end when it did. I wanted about gazillion words to read. So, now I have to wait for the next one, and I'll be impatient the whole time.
Matt is now a risen Vargr. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he now has more to control than just his ember. Luckily, he has help from his first bond, and a visitor shows up early to help him understand the changes he is dealing with. We also learn what happened to his first crush, Daniel. The Alphas of all complete another running bond that helps all Vargr. Important information is revealed at the end, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
This series gets more in-depth, more complex, and more compelling with every book. The world-building and characters are fantastic. The next book can't come soon enough. I love the involvement of the Cubi. That is another great series by this author.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This is book 5 in the series and must be read in order. Book 5 continues straight after the rescue of Matt. He is trying to cope with being bitten by the Volsung and everyone is trying to help him. Tristan’s mom comes back and helps Matt as she is part Volsung too. As they are now including the Cubi, Matt meets up again with Daniel, who he had a crush on. This is a fast book with lots of action. Loved it and highly recommend.
This series just keeps on getting better and better. The world building of this world is amazing. I just keep on getting pulled into this world everytime I read it. I just absolutely love this series and can't wait to see where it goes.
I absolutely loved this book. The world building and characters is just so intense that you get so immerged into the story you finish the book before you even realize it. The wolves are running and its only beginning.
I’m really looking forward to the next book, it just keeps getting better and better. I really want to know how Matt’s and Haiti’s relationship will develop along with their human mates. As well as the upcoming fight. Can’t wait!!!
I loved this story a lot. I am a huge fan of this series. I can not wait for the next installment. This author never disappoints with a well written plot line and plenty of action.