Finally, the part of Elakdon’s Kingdom that his sister, Dahlidin, set up, has seen the rise of their next King–a very beautiful King, and a very young King. Full of hope, Elakdon tries to aid his young ally by sharing a story about how his own Kingdom evolved under a clash with the humans—a clash that changed the Cubi’s place in the world in its entirety. Change is upon the Cubi race again, and Elakdon needs the young King to see not only that it had happened before but that the Cubi people and the Royals can withstand great adversity because of their unity.
So, when the first chance presents itself, Elakdon brings the young Nol-Beaudon to sit around a fire to be told the story of how Nol-Elakdon, the millennia-old King of the North, came to be the Incubus he is today.
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.
History of Beauty is an EPIC story . I'm mesmerized by the world building and the depth and layers, upon layers, of graphically and sumptuously detailed way of life and the ancient history of The Cubi Race .
..."no matter how good a storyteller someone was, certain aspects could never be fully conveyed as the receiver had only his own range of understanding. "
I am in awe with Meraki P. Lyhne talent, creativity and originality. History of Beauty , elevates The Cubi series to a new , impressive highs. Book 6 , exceeded all my expectations and it only made me eager and thirsty for more.
I loved that we got the story of why the Cubi decided to hide from humanity, at the very point that they are facing coming out. How interesting that Elakdon made the decision that he needed to, to save his people, but has regretted its necessity this whole time.
Now I love The Cubi series and that’s no secret, but when the author said he was taking us back to Viking times for book six, I wondered if the book would live up to the high expectations. Well the answer is an epic yes. If you have followed the series and Danial’s journey to become King of the Cubi of his regional kingdom. You will have heard of Nol-Elakdon. This is his story and how he became the wise king that mentors the young Nol-Beaudon.
We start with Nol-Beaudon and his people around a campfire, as Nol-Elakdon starts to tell his story. We find out how the cubi race was forced in to hiding by the kings of the world as Christianity took hold as a new religion. Why was Christianity a issue I hear you ask? Its quite simple really, sex out of marriage and sex between two men or two women, not to mention multiple partners were forbidden. The knock-on effect is that this would prevent Cubi’s feeding on humans. Not only because of the rules of sex, but also because if Cubi’s could find willing human partners they would most likely have guilt and shame, which would cause negativity in their feeding the cubi’s. They had to agree to hiding with the promise of having access to select humans to help them feed, and if any were found to be changelings, they would become Cubi. All of this happens within a few months. Elakdon has to learn fast, often by mistakes, which he was man enough to admit to his people. Like Elakdon is Nol-Beaudon’s mentor and alley. Nol Elakdon had an Old King and Queen and his cubi father, with their wisdom to guide him through the early years. The times were very different back then, and yet in many ways both Nol-Beaudon and Nol Elakdon are on the same journey to freedom for the Cubi people. Which Nol-Beaudon has been setting the ground for. I enjoyed this book immensely, it answered a few questions that came from the previous books in the series. It added even more colour and detail to the Cubi Race and it hierarchy and laws. I would love for the author to write bothe Nol Beaudons story and continue Nol Elakdons as a spin off. Though I think This would be asking too much of the Author, and I am just being greedy wanting more and more of my Cubi fixes.
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** Once again the author delivered an awesome installment of the Cubi series this time focusing on Elakdon telling Daniel about the first few months of Elakdon realizing he's a royal and rising into his power. Overall I wasn't as crazy about this book as the rest of the series simply because it was all about the past and didn't exactly move the main storyline ahead. Although at the very end you kinda get a hint about whats to come for the future books and if what was talked about happens it'll be amazing to see where the series goes. I have to say a huge thank you to the author for writing in Alex's empowerment because I was so sad to see it not in the last book. It was amazing and I absolutely loved it.
action packed and fun... mystery and intrigue.. kept me on the edge of my seat curious to see what was going to happen next. i loved these characters and their personalities.. it was a lot of fun and i cant wait to see what happens next
Daniel is proudly taking up the mantle as King of the Cubi race. He still has a of history to learn in order to be secure in his role. To that end, Elakdon takes time and spins a beautiful histiry lesson that also includes his romance with Randr, his fierce Viking warrior.
This book didn't really do it for me like the others prior to it in this series. While this story shows parallels between Daniel's rise to become king and Elakdon's rise a thousand years earlier, and explains why the Cubi hid as they did, I was too anxious to get back to Daniel's story to really wrap myself up in Elakdon's. The language and point of view of the story felt off to me. About 90% of it takes place a thousand years in the past, in a Norse society. But the language is very modern. This could actually be okay, since Elakton is supposed to be telling this story to Daniel and others in a modern time. BUT even though Elakton is supposed to be telling an important part of his life story, the story is all in third person and does not feel like it is someone giving a narrative of their life. Maybe if it had continued to feel more like Elakton's narrative to Daniel & the others at the campfire, perhaps even with one or two interruptions from others listening to him, I would have been more sucked into it. I will say that it was worth it in the end and I'm glad not to have skipped it, as it does tie some things together. It has not deterred me from reading the rest of the series at all.
This so far has been my least favorite one in the series, but I am hoping that some of the character that dragged on for my taste will be purposeful for the remaining books. Took me longer to get through this one then others and to be honest skipped some of it.
I honestly feel this might be my least favorite of the series. While it was necessary for the understanding of the characters and storyline I just became overwhelmed with it.
Compared to the other books, this one was more tempered, showing a different time where honour was first and foremost and punishment that would seem more than harsh now was the norm. Though in the midst of it all, was the warmth of friendship and discovering a new kind of companionship. What I loved about this book was to see how it had been when Cubi's was out in the open and known amongst humans. Such a pride in everything they did and the compassion with their human neighbours. The difference from then to now is staggering, and brings it in perspective.
Daniel and Ela's connection is easy to understand when we see how similar they are in the way they think. They both faced different adversaries, though both involving a conflict with humans. It also helped me understand some of the new characters introduced better, and it gave me hope for our triads future.
This is the 6th book of The Cubi series. This series has had me hook from book one and then one just keeps getting better and better. Love how we were taking back to the era of Nol Ela. We were able to get a more understand of his way and how he was raised with the old gods Odin. The steam coming off the pages will make you fan your self. But what really bought and keep my attention was the love of Ela & Randr. When you read will have a more understanding why this love was so important and special. War is coming and things have to change to keep the Cubi people safe. Don't want to give to many spoilers away with this book do have a more understanding of why the house are the way they are in the future today. highly recommend reading this series today you will be totally hook and on the edge of your seat the entire journey
This part of the story links the past to the present, connecting the times of the past with the new times, the rise of a new king, the problems with the human world clashing with the Cubi world, the need to expand and survive, and how the similarities of these two kings, each in their own time, were discovered by accident. The hot scenes with Incubus feeding are interspersed with profoundly touching emotions between those who come to love beyond the physical moments together. Also, the philosophical contemplation of how politics, interpersonal relationships and society's expectations continue to fascinate as the passage from the ancient gods to a new religion taking over the human world forms. Ever more intricate, complex, thought provoking. This time with a glossary in the appendix describing words and concepts of the ancient Nordic world.
This very interesting book takes the reader back to a different era where religion played a huge role in influencing the humans & shows how the past is linked to the present/future. I particularly liked how the main character (Elakdon) explains to Daniel (Nol-Beaudon) about what actually happen & how he fell in love. The well-written plot is interesting & quite emotional at times. There is: incubus, succubus, humans, thralls, untouchables, a fountain (a sort of protector), royalty, succubus, incubus, twists & turns, drama, suspense, intrigue, deceit, betrayal, treason, memories, explanations, Vikings, old gods, religious beliefs, empowerments, decisions, friction, disagreements, disrespect, anger, confrontations, death, injuries, manipulations, compromises, monumental changes, explicit steamy scenes & far-reaching plans,
This book was completely different than the rest of the series. All along, I've been reading about Daniel becoming king and Seldon and Caledon helping him. This book was all about Elakdon when he became kind and how he fell in love.
Part of me was disappointed because I wanted to find out what was currently happening. I can't say the book was bad though. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Elakdon. I think it was more a shock to not see everyone I was used to.
I still love this series and plan on reading everything that is yet to come. I am crossing my fingers for more Beaudon in the next installment though. He and the ones he loves are my main reason for reading the series. This was a nice respite, but I will always like the main storyline the most.
History of Beauty is the 6th in the Cubi series and continues the story of Daniel and Seldon, however, this book focuses on the history of King Elakdon. This book has a very rich world-building and is unique. The book is filled with suspense, violence, some angst, and very hot and steamy mm and sometimes multiple partner sex scenes. It is filled with twists and turns. This book doesn't add to the overall timeline of the rest of the series and is more of a prequel novel that adds more color to the overall characters and history. I can't wait for the next book. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked that this was a deviation from the main plot line while still being relevant to Daniel since it shows how Elkadon reacted to the same type of problems that Daniel is now facing. I liked Elkadon from the previous books and getting a more in depth look into his story is great. His history is so well written. As with all Cubi books there are plenty of sex scenes to keep one happy. Because it's a whole new character's story there were a lot of new characters introduced but they were just as well done as the rest of the characters in the series so far. I would definitely recommend this book.
I love this series and this book was no exception. A priori I was a little unsure about how I would feel about it due to the fact that it takes us out of the timeline of the rest of the books, but the story of how Elakdon came to be king and how the relationship between cubi and humans evolved in his time was very well developed and, besides, the relationship between Ela and Randr was really beautiful. So, decidedly, a great addition to the series.
Daniel learnt so much more about the history of the Cubi, I hate the punishments that happen today but back then so harsh and violent. Explained more of the background, how intricate, how important honour is, mentioned the Vikings they have always fascinated me. Loved how Elakdon and Randr's story came about, so delightfully beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
Wow, now the author gave us a wonderful interlude to learn more about the world he built in these amazing books. The story of Elakdon and Randr is not just sweet and endearing but also could inspire Daniel to lead a change to improve Cubi's future. Also, it is interesting how the author uses a lot of tradition in religion and politics to create an original and totally credible background for a whole race. Loved it! I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Have I said I love this series? Yes, and I'll say it again. This book focused primarily on Nol-Elakdon's story. I really liked learning more of his story. I'm happy the author chose not to gloss over it with passing references. That's not to say that Daniel and his troubles are not present in the book. They are. Knowing more about Nol-Elakdon, though, now I'm ready to see what Daniel takes from the old King's story in the next book.
Different from the previous 5 books, this one takes us back to the past of Cubi history, connecting those events to the ones in the present and explaining so much about their politics, life philosophy, and society. It is really impressive to see how Meraki could create such an original and complex world.
It has a lot of action, violence, angst, and many steamy scenes. Daniel keeps learning and maturing, trying to build a better and safer place for his race.
Every new book in this series adds depth and context to the world of The Cubi, and this one delivers a look back at ancient history (literally) that is rewarding to read on its own but also provides a really useful lens to look back on what we learned about Cubi history and culture in earlier novels. This is Elakdon’s story, and it’s full of powerful emotions, steam, and dramatic, often violent events. Well worth a read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
History of Beauty is the sixth book in The Cubi series by Meraki P Lyhne. This story takes the reader back in time to the meeting and beginning of the lovestory for Randr and Elakdon. Taking a look into the history of the Cubi and seeing how things were and how they are now was interesting. I really enjoyed this.
This story is about Nol Elakdon. His backstory of becoming king, how he falls in love, and why the Cubi are the way they are now compared to when he was king.
I found this story to be a little more complex and really enjoyed it. It wasn’t my favorite in the series, but it does help to explain the storyline and why the characters act as they do.
I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, fascinating, amazing, exciting, grab-you-by-the-feels, incredible, intense, fantastic, gripping, beautiful, delightful, sexy, and totally awesome story about Elakdon, Randr, and their sweeping saga.
This is the point in the series where, like Anne Rice's "Blood and Gold", we have to travel back into the past to see why the present is as it is. Fortunately, the epic love of Nol Elakdon and Randr, unlike that of Marius and Armand, continues to be a HEA. 3rd time through!
Ma pewne znaczenie, ale w takie przejściowe części nigdy nie potrafię się zaangażować. Cieszę się, że czytam to w momencie jak już wyszły kolejne części, bo jakby to była nowa, na którą czekałam, to byłabym dość rozczarowana.
This series contains 9 books revolving around Daniel and Sheldon a 400+ year old Succubi. Personally it was a little difficult getting into this series. The Incubi and Succubi are the hierarchy and are brought humans as slaves to feed from. Daniel is supposed to be protected by Sheldon but as a young adult he is a curious person and want to learn more. Daniel is considered an Untouchable and is to be train to be a companion for the Cubis. Daniel becomes a Changeling by being dosed accidentally. Each book following tells of the changes and things Daniel goes through and sexual exploits. There are a few times you have to think back to get the sequence of events and figure out who is who but overall it keeps you enthralled to the end.