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The Vargr #1
Slumbering Ember
The belief in the old Norse gods may have been suppressed by Christianity, but that doesn’t mean the races of old didn’t survive. Like the Vargr wolves.
All Matt knows of his dad is that he was Danish and that he’d died in a motorcycle accident ten years earlier.
When Matt’s sixteen and a half, his mother declares it important that he at least knows the other half of his heritage, so she sends him from the States to Denmark as an exchange student for a year.
Matt’s not overly excited. Matt’s a loner who doesn’t connect with people. Going to a foreign country was never a part of his plans, but he’d do it for her. He’d go to where she’d loved the only man in her life. The love that gave her Matt.
Everything he’s heard from his mom and read about Denmark and the area he’s going to live in did not prepare him for what he finds, though—a heritage that has an old Norse god on the family tree.
All Matt knows of his dad is that he was Danish and that he’d died in a motorcycle accident ten years earlier.
When Matt’s sixteen and a half, his mother declares it important that he at least knows the other half of his heritage, so she sends him from the States to Denmark as an exchange student for a year.
Matt’s not overly excited. Matt’s a loner who doesn’t connect with people. Going to a foreign country was never a part of his plans, but he’d do it for her. He’d go to where she’d loved the only man in her life. The love that gave her Matt.
Everything he’s heard from his mom and read about Denmark and the area he’s going to live in did not prepare him for what he finds, though—a heritage that has an old Norse god on the family tree.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2021
50 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Meraki P. Lyhne
38 books236 followersMeraki 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.
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.
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May 25, 2021I cannnot in good conscience rate this book stars
I struggled for hours with what rating I wanted to give this. Because you see I read the entire book, but the problem is that this book is not for me. I can objectively see that this is a good book and I did find it interesting but nothing about this works for me.
You see, a couple of weeks ago, I was in a really bad spot and I was sad and stressed and I couldn’t get into a book to save my life and you know how people impulsively buy clothes when they’re sad? Apparently, I impulsively get the need to read books way outside of my comfort zone thinking that it’ll help get my want to read back.
Brief summary
Matt is 16 years old (he’s from the United States) and he goes to Danemark to learn about his heritage (his dad was from Danemark). Once he’s there, he learns he’s a Vargr wolf and he spends the entire wolf getting to know his tribe and what his life will be as a Vargr wolf.
Small checklists of what this book is about:
▪️lots of sci-fi and fantasy elements
▪️it’s mostly ya and it’s about teenagers (the main character is 16 years old)
▪️werewolves shifters
▪️alphas, omegas and betas
▪️a really small romance plot
The problem is that I really do no like YA and teenagers scare the living shit out of me. I love my contemporary romance with lots and lots of sex scenes. I only like hair on my men when they’re bears, not werewolves. I really don’t like anything related to alpha, omegas and betas, I could get into it if there was lots of sex involved but it’s a lost cause if there isn’t sex involved. And I really do not like sci fi and fantasy. Never have and probably never will. I had to be forced into watching Star Wars, thats how much of a lost cause I am haha
I did really enjoy the culture shock Matt experienced and how his experience in a new country was described. I loved how he experienced his new way of life, how it was described as different from his life in the states and how he was trying to see how the two are different. That was so fun to read about. I was interested in the family bound that was happening in the pack and I liked seeing Matt be a part of the pack and how he fit in with them, his initiation to the pack was fun and interesting.
**Special mention to my friend Ayanna for providing me with all the gifs I used in this review, you’re the best my dear 🥰**
I did really appreciate this book and I could tell that it would probably be a very good book for someone that had any interest in the subject matter. There was nothing objectively wrong with this book but it all went over my head and I had no interest in it. It turns out that my little experience to get out of my comfort zone was a bust and that i’m way too comfortable in my safe reading bubble to get out of it just yet. Hey, at least I tried I guess.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I struggled for hours with what rating I wanted to give this. Because you see I read the entire book, but the problem is that this book is not for me. I can objectively see that this is a good book and I did find it interesting but nothing about this works for me.
You see, a couple of weeks ago, I was in a really bad spot and I was sad and stressed and I couldn’t get into a book to save my life and you know how people impulsively buy clothes when they’re sad? Apparently, I impulsively get the need to read books way outside of my comfort zone thinking that it’ll help get my want to read back.
Brief summary
Matt is 16 years old (he’s from the United States) and he goes to Danemark to learn about his heritage (his dad was from Danemark). Once he’s there, he learns he’s a Vargr wolf and he spends the entire wolf getting to know his tribe and what his life will be as a Vargr wolf.
Small checklists of what this book is about:
▪️lots of sci-fi and fantasy elements
▪️it’s mostly ya and it’s about teenagers (the main character is 16 years old)
▪️werewolves shifters
▪️alphas, omegas and betas
▪️a really small romance plot
The problem is that I really do no like YA and teenagers scare the living shit out of me. I love my contemporary romance with lots and lots of sex scenes. I only like hair on my men when they’re bears, not werewolves. I really don’t like anything related to alpha, omegas and betas, I could get into it if there was lots of sex involved but it’s a lost cause if there isn’t sex involved. And I really do not like sci fi and fantasy. Never have and probably never will. I had to be forced into watching Star Wars, thats how much of a lost cause I am haha
I did really enjoy the culture shock Matt experienced and how his experience in a new country was described. I loved how he experienced his new way of life, how it was described as different from his life in the states and how he was trying to see how the two are different. That was so fun to read about. I was interested in the family bound that was happening in the pack and I liked seeing Matt be a part of the pack and how he fit in with them, his initiation to the pack was fun and interesting.
**Special mention to my friend Ayanna for providing me with all the gifs I used in this review, you’re the best my dear 🥰**
I did really appreciate this book and I could tell that it would probably be a very good book for someone that had any interest in the subject matter. There was nothing objectively wrong with this book but it all went over my head and I had no interest in it. It turns out that my little experience to get out of my comfort zone was a bust and that i’m way too comfortable in my safe reading bubble to get out of it just yet. Hey, at least I tried I guess.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
January 17, 2022
4.5 stunning introduction stars
I was very surprised by this book. The blurb made it sound like the beginning of a typical paranormal YA action-packed series. However, it was nothing like that. Slumbering Ember was a coming of age story about belonging and finding oneself. Amazing!
I loved the characters, as the author kept them "simple", which wasn't a bad idea considering we're going to follow their conjoint story from book to book until... I don't know. This way, relationships have a lot of place to evolve and there are still a lot of story to be told later. Matt was a good main character, earnest and eager to learn about his new family. He could also be a goofball and I liked his versatility. I can't talk to much about others, as it'd spoil the story, but I can say there was a lot of beautiful and heartfelt moments. Things weren't always easy and I could feel sadness coming. Here and later too...
Because of my expectations, I had a little trouble with the pace, while entering the book. It quickly passed as I got caught up in the story and discovered the Vargr universe. It was quite different from what I was used to with werewolves. Entering the pack was more about family and a feeling of belonging. It wasn't really about fighting for power or harboring latent anger and resentment. Of course, there was violence. Fights were an essential part of their culture, but it was never in a wrong way. At least in this pack, as we learnt there're different types of wolves' packs with a different insight into their way of living.
So, yeah, the world building took a lot of space in the book, but it was very interesting AND necessary. That's probably why this first installment felt like an introduction, with still enough passion to make it engaging and make us yearn to know how the story will evolve!
I wrote this honest review after having received an free copy from the author.
I was very surprised by this book. The blurb made it sound like the beginning of a typical paranormal YA action-packed series. However, it was nothing like that. Slumbering Ember was a coming of age story about belonging and finding oneself. Amazing!
I loved the characters, as the author kept them "simple", which wasn't a bad idea considering we're going to follow their conjoint story from book to book until... I don't know. This way, relationships have a lot of place to evolve and there are still a lot of story to be told later. Matt was a good main character, earnest and eager to learn about his new family. He could also be a goofball and I liked his versatility. I can't talk to much about others, as it'd spoil the story, but I can say there was a lot of beautiful and heartfelt moments. Things weren't always easy and I could feel sadness coming. Here and later too...
Because of my expectations, I had a little trouble with the pace, while entering the book. It quickly passed as I got caught up in the story and discovered the Vargr universe. It was quite different from what I was used to with werewolves. Entering the pack was more about family and a feeling of belonging. It wasn't really about fighting for power or harboring latent anger and resentment. Of course, there was violence. Fights were an essential part of their culture, but it was never in a wrong way. At least in this pack, as we learnt there're different types of wolves' packs with a different insight into their way of living.
So, yeah, the world building took a lot of space in the book, but it was very interesting AND necessary. That's probably why this first installment felt like an introduction, with still enough passion to make it engaging and make us yearn to know how the story will evolve!
I wrote this honest review after having received an free copy from the author.
June 2, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This story threw me for a bit of a loop. I was expecting more action, drama, and angst; I expected Norse mythology, epic battles, and secrets coming unraveled. What I got was a lovely, charming, and intriguing slice of life story about a young man discovering the truth about who he is. I read the whole book (nearly 300 pages) in one sitting, never feeling the lack of a big climactic battle because I was drawn in by the small, homey details of a large, extended family living together, enjoying each other, and slowly introducing Matt to his supernatural heritage.
It’s a very slow, leisurely book, with foreshadowing and hints sprinkled in for future books in the series, and not much happens until the last quarter. Even then, there’s a lot of talking, a lot of searching for a moral high ground, a lot of making sure everyone is happy and happy with the new path. Again, this is an utterly charming slice of life story that happens to have paranormal beings in it rather than being a dramatic and explosive first book in a series. I very much enjoyed it and will be eagerly looking for the next book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This story threw me for a bit of a loop. I was expecting more action, drama, and angst; I expected Norse mythology, epic battles, and secrets coming unraveled. What I got was a lovely, charming, and intriguing slice of life story about a young man discovering the truth about who he is. I read the whole book (nearly 300 pages) in one sitting, never feeling the lack of a big climactic battle because I was drawn in by the small, homey details of a large, extended family living together, enjoying each other, and slowly introducing Matt to his supernatural heritage.
It’s a very slow, leisurely book, with foreshadowing and hints sprinkled in for future books in the series, and not much happens until the last quarter. Even then, there’s a lot of talking, a lot of searching for a moral high ground, a lot of making sure everyone is happy and happy with the new path. Again, this is an utterly charming slice of life story that happens to have paranormal beings in it rather than being a dramatic and explosive first book in a series. I very much enjoyed it and will be eagerly looking for the next book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
January 6, 2022
Meh. It was nice until he met his supposed to be dead father. Then it got boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2021
A one of a kind story that took me by surprise as I hadn't read anything from this author before. I was braced for the possibility of a basic but fun coming of age story with the protagonist, Matt, but this book was so much more. What it is is somewhat hard to describe, though, as American exchange student Matt becomes enmeshed in the ways of the Vargr, his newfound "family" in Denmark.
Through Matt, the reader is immersed in a fascinating world of wolf-shifters as he learns their customs and ways and becomes part of the pack. This is no cursory glance at the social structure of the wolves, though, as the book spends at least a third of the story with Matt learning the basic dos and don'ts of wolf society. As dry as that may seem, it's not at all as the author creates this fascinating society that rivals some of the excellent fantasy novels I've read in the past. And at several points there are some interesting bits of subtext of the Vargr being protectors of nature, along with an intriguing parallel of the conflict between socialism and capitalism as embodied by different groups of the Vargr.
Towards the end of the story the author kicks into a higher gear setting up the next stage of the story as prophecies of the rebirth of wolf demigods seem to be coming to pass, along with the attendant questions such as the possibility of imminent conflict between the various werewolf groups.
All in all, highly recommended for those looking for something a little different with some great world building. Not a lot of heat as the main character is only sixteen but his budding romance is quite cute and Matt is an intriguing character who at times comes across as somewhat self-absorbed (at least in the beginning) but shows some interesting flashes of self awareness and the potential for greatness in the story. Highly recommended.
Through Matt, the reader is immersed in a fascinating world of wolf-shifters as he learns their customs and ways and becomes part of the pack. This is no cursory glance at the social structure of the wolves, though, as the book spends at least a third of the story with Matt learning the basic dos and don'ts of wolf society. As dry as that may seem, it's not at all as the author creates this fascinating society that rivals some of the excellent fantasy novels I've read in the past. And at several points there are some interesting bits of subtext of the Vargr being protectors of nature, along with an intriguing parallel of the conflict between socialism and capitalism as embodied by different groups of the Vargr.
Towards the end of the story the author kicks into a higher gear setting up the next stage of the story as prophecies of the rebirth of wolf demigods seem to be coming to pass, along with the attendant questions such as the possibility of imminent conflict between the various werewolf groups.
All in all, highly recommended for those looking for something a little different with some great world building. Not a lot of heat as the main character is only sixteen but his budding romance is quite cute and Matt is an intriguing character who at times comes across as somewhat self-absorbed (at least in the beginning) but shows some interesting flashes of self awareness and the potential for greatness in the story. Highly recommended.
September 21, 2021
Slumbering Ember is the first in the Vargr series by Meraki P. Lyhne. I am unfamiliar with the writer's works and this would be my first exposure on the author's writing.
The story was not what I expected from the blurb I've read. I was expecting more along the lines of an action oriented type of story with a young protagonist growing up and learning while some epic battles happen. Slumbering Ember was not that. It is more of finding one's true self, one's place in society presented in a slice of life narrative with an underlying hint of a deeper and a bigger plot that is to be revealed in the future.
Matt is a 16 year old boy travelling to Denmark as an exchange student. During his stay there he learns of his heritage and much more while forging ties with various people he met. Initially, he experienced culture shock and this was shown in detail. Reading him describe how this new life was a far cry from what he had while in New York was quite enjoyable.
As Matt learns more about the customs and ways on how one becomes a part of the pack, the reader is taken along in this journey. The portrayal of the Vargr society with all the little details is fascinating. The physical description of Vargr physiology with how the transformation works, how their sizes is affected by how their connection is with their family and their pack - all those little bits of attention to detail feels utterly authentic and lends to great world building.
It is interesting to note as well on how the various groups was used as an intriguing way to show the conflict between socialism and capitalism and the pros and cons for both ideologies.
Just a bit of a warning, fighting is a way of life for the Vargr in this world. It is a means to solve conflict, remove tension, etc, so this features a bit in the book.
There are repetitiveness in some areas of the story and some lengthy parts could've been edited out but overall, Slumbering Ember is an entertaining book with an engaging world. I very much enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Giving this a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
The story was not what I expected from the blurb I've read. I was expecting more along the lines of an action oriented type of story with a young protagonist growing up and learning while some epic battles happen. Slumbering Ember was not that. It is more of finding one's true self, one's place in society presented in a slice of life narrative with an underlying hint of a deeper and a bigger plot that is to be revealed in the future.
Matt is a 16 year old boy travelling to Denmark as an exchange student. During his stay there he learns of his heritage and much more while forging ties with various people he met. Initially, he experienced culture shock and this was shown in detail. Reading him describe how this new life was a far cry from what he had while in New York was quite enjoyable.
As Matt learns more about the customs and ways on how one becomes a part of the pack, the reader is taken along in this journey. The portrayal of the Vargr society with all the little details is fascinating. The physical description of Vargr physiology with how the transformation works, how their sizes is affected by how their connection is with their family and their pack - all those little bits of attention to detail feels utterly authentic and lends to great world building.
It is interesting to note as well on how the various groups was used as an intriguing way to show the conflict between socialism and capitalism and the pros and cons for both ideologies.
Just a bit of a warning, fighting is a way of life for the Vargr in this world. It is a means to solve conflict, remove tension, etc, so this features a bit in the book.
There are repetitiveness in some areas of the story and some lengthy parts could've been edited out but overall, Slumbering Ember is an entertaining book with an engaging world. I very much enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Giving this a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
January 8, 2022
This is a shifter, coming of age coming novel that touches on a lot of different topics quite well
We journey with our young hero as he not only uncovers his "roots" but also as he comes to terms with who and what he is
I found myself going from completely engaged flipping pages like a madwoman to sort of surfing through the pages
It had a sort of Rollercoaster tempo to it IMO
A lot of it for me felt repetitive or just too much unnecessary description
I enjoyed the universe the author created - all the lore and myth
The characters were well-crafted they felt approachable(?)
Not really relatable because I'm not a shifter lol
I felt some areas were overly explored(?) again this goes back to the feeling of too many minute details. Also, some sections felt more like the author driving home her opinions than making it about the characters experiences or storyline
Overall it was a solid read that I enjoyed I am looking forward to the next in the series as I believe this was a lot of foundation building and character introduction that won't be necessary for book two
We journey with our young hero as he not only uncovers his "roots" but also as he comes to terms with who and what he is
I found myself going from completely engaged flipping pages like a madwoman to sort of surfing through the pages
It had a sort of Rollercoaster tempo to it IMO
A lot of it for me felt repetitive or just too much unnecessary description
I enjoyed the universe the author created - all the lore and myth
The characters were well-crafted they felt approachable(?)
Not really relatable because I'm not a shifter lol
I felt some areas were overly explored(?) again this goes back to the feeling of too many minute details. Also, some sections felt more like the author driving home her opinions than making it about the characters experiences or storyline
Overall it was a solid read that I enjoyed I am looking forward to the next in the series as I believe this was a lot of foundation building and character introduction that won't be necessary for book two
May 24, 2021
OMFG, this book was amazeballs. The worldbuilding that goes on here is just wow. I hope we continue to see that level of worldbuilding in the following books. Lyhne laid a really good foundation in this book, so hopefully we'll get to deepen what we know about the world.
This is kind of a YA/New Adult/Coming of Age kind of thing going on. I mean, the main character is 16.5 years old, so there's that. I haven't been into YA for a while, so it was interesting to go into.
There was a lot of tension in it, but the tension was all internal to the story and the characters, and it is balanced really well.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series.
This is kind of a YA/New Adult/Coming of Age kind of thing going on. I mean, the main character is 16.5 years old, so there's that. I haven't been into YA for a while, so it was interesting to go into.
There was a lot of tension in it, but the tension was all internal to the story and the characters, and it is balanced really well.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series.
May 21, 2021
Fascinating start
Such a good read. Great world building, character building and fantastic start to a new series, I am eagerly awaiting the next book
Such a good read. Great world building, character building and fantastic start to a new series, I am eagerly awaiting the next book
April 25, 2021
Youth and change, necessarily cautious old ways mixing and clashing with newer, more reckless attitudes. Great start to a series. This is still in the world of another fantastic series by this author, the Cubi world, but a completely different way of life for a very different species, the Vargr, a bit more than the "standard" werewolf.
Lots of plot twist and surprises.
Lots of plot twist and surprises.
September 21, 2021
I liked how interesting it was especially after the set up and the relationship between Rasmus and Matt. However the whole Socialism vs Capitalism thing made me mad. The author kept talking about socialism as the same thing as having a big government. I know it's a minor part within the plot but it made my blood boil.
July 4, 2021
This book was boring. I spent my time waiting for something to happen that would justify my time reading it. I finally gave up and started skipping through. When I got to the end I didn't feel like I missed anything.
May 24, 2021
"Slumbering Ember" is the first volume in "The Vargr" by Meraki P. Lyhne, a series about Danish werewolves that undeniably has much more to offer than most novels on similar themes. Let's start with the fact that in "Slumbering Ember" there is whole werewolf community that differs from what we find most often in the literature. It is based to some extent on legends, wolf habits, and other things that make it more real, believable. Yes, I remember that it is a story about werewolves. And that's why we definitely should pay closer attention to the topics like the hierarchy or the way the Vargr live.
In "Slumbering Ember" I also loved the way loyalty to family, loved ones, friends and finally the pack was presented. I find it very interesting how natural the birth of loyalty was in these cases, while in others it was totally impossible. This makes "Slumbering Ember" a novel worth reading carefully and analyzing, as it is a really well-thought-out story.
Ah yes! The story. I must admit that I like it very much, especially because it's really interesting and it presents in detail not only the fate of our main character and his relatives, but also the werewolves community - the Vargr community. All that makes it impossible for us to put this novel down. It's addictive.
To sum up, "Slumbering Ember" is a great start to the series that is perfect for both young adults and older readers. The captivating story, the fascinating Vargr community and interesting characters are just the tip of the iceberg this series seems to be. I really recommend it to you.
__________________________
„Slumbering Ember” jest pierwszym tomem „The Vargr” autorstwa Meraki P. Lyhne, serii o duńskich wilkołakach, która niezaprzeczalnie ma nam do zaoferowania o wiele więcej, niż większość powieści o podobnej tematyce. Zacznijmy od tego, że w „Slumbering Ember” mamy do czynienia ze społecznością wilkołaków, która różni się od tego, co najczęściej spotykamy w literaturze. Oparta jest bowiem do pewnego stopnia na legendach, wilczych nawykach, tym co bardziej realne, prawdopodobne (tak, pamiętam, że chodzi o wilkołaki). Zwrócić należy uwagę chociażby na hierarchię, czy sposób bycia.
W „Slumbering Ember” bardzo spodobało mi się również to, w jaki sposób przedstawiona została lojalność wobec rodziny, bliskich osób, przyjaciół i w końcu watahy. Za bardzo interesujące uważam to jak naturalne są narodziny lojalności we wspomnianych przypadkach, podczas gdy w innych jest w sumie niemożliwe. To sprawia, że „Slumbering Ember” jest powieścią, którą warto czytać z uwagą, analizować. Jest to bowiem naprawdę dobrze przemyślana historia.
Ach, tak. Historia. Muszę przyznać, że bardzo mi się podoba, szczególnie dlatego, że szczegółowo i bardzo interesująco przedstawia nie tylko losy naszego bohatera i bliskich mu osób, ale także społeczność wilkołaków – Vargrów. To sprawia, że od tej powieści nie sposób się oderwać. Jest uzależniająca.
Podsumowując, „Slumbering Ember” to wspaniały początek serii zarówno dla czytelników z grupy young adults, jak również dla tych starszych. Wciągająca historia, fascynująca społeczność Vargrów i interesujące postacie to zaledwie wierzchołek góry lodowej, jaką wydaje się być ta seria. Naprawdę Wam ją polecam.
In "Slumbering Ember" I also loved the way loyalty to family, loved ones, friends and finally the pack was presented. I find it very interesting how natural the birth of loyalty was in these cases, while in others it was totally impossible. This makes "Slumbering Ember" a novel worth reading carefully and analyzing, as it is a really well-thought-out story.
Ah yes! The story. I must admit that I like it very much, especially because it's really interesting and it presents in detail not only the fate of our main character and his relatives, but also the werewolves community - the Vargr community. All that makes it impossible for us to put this novel down. It's addictive.
To sum up, "Slumbering Ember" is a great start to the series that is perfect for both young adults and older readers. The captivating story, the fascinating Vargr community and interesting characters are just the tip of the iceberg this series seems to be. I really recommend it to you.
__________________________
„Slumbering Ember” jest pierwszym tomem „The Vargr” autorstwa Meraki P. Lyhne, serii o duńskich wilkołakach, która niezaprzeczalnie ma nam do zaoferowania o wiele więcej, niż większość powieści o podobnej tematyce. Zacznijmy od tego, że w „Slumbering Ember” mamy do czynienia ze społecznością wilkołaków, która różni się od tego, co najczęściej spotykamy w literaturze. Oparta jest bowiem do pewnego stopnia na legendach, wilczych nawykach, tym co bardziej realne, prawdopodobne (tak, pamiętam, że chodzi o wilkołaki). Zwrócić należy uwagę chociażby na hierarchię, czy sposób bycia.
W „Slumbering Ember” bardzo spodobało mi się również to, w jaki sposób przedstawiona została lojalność wobec rodziny, bliskich osób, przyjaciół i w końcu watahy. Za bardzo interesujące uważam to jak naturalne są narodziny lojalności we wspomnianych przypadkach, podczas gdy w innych jest w sumie niemożliwe. To sprawia, że „Slumbering Ember” jest powieścią, którą warto czytać z uwagą, analizować. Jest to bowiem naprawdę dobrze przemyślana historia.
Ach, tak. Historia. Muszę przyznać, że bardzo mi się podoba, szczególnie dlatego, że szczegółowo i bardzo interesująco przedstawia nie tylko losy naszego bohatera i bliskich mu osób, ale także społeczność wilkołaków – Vargrów. To sprawia, że od tej powieści nie sposób się oderwać. Jest uzależniająca.
Podsumowując, „Slumbering Ember” to wspaniały początek serii zarówno dla czytelników z grupy young adults, jak również dla tych starszych. Wciągająca historia, fascynująca społeczność Vargrów i interesujące postacie to zaledwie wierzchołek góry lodowej, jaką wydaje się być ta seria. Naprawdę Wam ją polecam.
May 13, 2022
I am in the process of reading the entire Vargar series by Meraki P. Lyhne. I had never heard of Meraki, so this was a fun new series to sink my teeth into. I was given a free copy of the book to read. Although I am thankful for the opportunity to read this book, the following review is not affected by the author/publisher's generosity.
In Norse mythology, the vargr is the word "wolf" and is often associated with Fenrir and the wolves Sköll and Hati who chase the sun and moon. Of course, several authors have used the idea of the vargr to associate the tradition with the more western conceptualization of werewolf. Meraki P. Lyhne has the vargr for this literary effect. Although steeped in Norse mythology, the Slumbering Ember is inline with this more modern conceptualization than the older Norse mythology.
The story centers on Matt, a high school teenager who travels to Denmark on a foreign exchange program. Matt is an only child with a single mother. His father and mother had hooked up while his mother was on a similar sojourner when she was a teenager. When it was found that she had gotten pregnant from Matt's father, she was sent back to the states. His father promised to rescue them, but ended up dying in a motor-vehicle accident.
Without giving anything away, Matt quickly learns there is a lot more behind his father's death than he ever knew. Before long, Matt is welcomed by The Vargr pack of his father's and Matt has to explore the politics of this large pack and everything it offers him.
As this is the first book in the series, I thought it was pretty good. The world-building was fun and not just a rehashing of other books in this genre, which I greatly appreciated. The book starts slow, but eventually picks up speed.
There are two glaring problems for me in this book. First, the book at times almost feels episodic when going from chapter to chapter. And what I mean by this is that the author often feels the need to retell you what previously happened in other chapters. Maybe if I was picking up the book and putting it down, and then picking it up again a week later, this type of repetition could be useful. But as someone who plowed through the book, this repetition of information became irksome at times.
The second glaring problem for me was the pretty intense environmentalism stance taken early in the book that ends up being nothing by a side-note. There is a really good scene that I thought was well developed but then kind of left floating in the winds. I felt that doing this left a part of the story unfinished. I really thought the story was going to end up having an interesting political perspective and maybe teach something along the way. Instead, it seemed to steer toward the fantastical and left the real meat behind. I just found this a seriously lost opportunity.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book immensely. Is it perfect? No. As I mentioned, it has a few glaring flaws. But for anyone who likes a slow-burn MM paranormal romance or just good urban fantasy with a YA MM twist, I would highly recommend this book.
In Norse mythology, the vargr is the word "wolf" and is often associated with Fenrir and the wolves Sköll and Hati who chase the sun and moon. Of course, several authors have used the idea of the vargr to associate the tradition with the more western conceptualization of werewolf. Meraki P. Lyhne has the vargr for this literary effect. Although steeped in Norse mythology, the Slumbering Ember is inline with this more modern conceptualization than the older Norse mythology.
The story centers on Matt, a high school teenager who travels to Denmark on a foreign exchange program. Matt is an only child with a single mother. His father and mother had hooked up while his mother was on a similar sojourner when she was a teenager. When it was found that she had gotten pregnant from Matt's father, she was sent back to the states. His father promised to rescue them, but ended up dying in a motor-vehicle accident.
Without giving anything away, Matt quickly learns there is a lot more behind his father's death than he ever knew. Before long, Matt is welcomed by The Vargr pack of his father's and Matt has to explore the politics of this large pack and everything it offers him.
As this is the first book in the series, I thought it was pretty good. The world-building was fun and not just a rehashing of other books in this genre, which I greatly appreciated. The book starts slow, but eventually picks up speed.
There are two glaring problems for me in this book. First, the book at times almost feels episodic when going from chapter to chapter. And what I mean by this is that the author often feels the need to retell you what previously happened in other chapters. Maybe if I was picking up the book and putting it down, and then picking it up again a week later, this type of repetition could be useful. But as someone who plowed through the book, this repetition of information became irksome at times.
The second glaring problem for me was the pretty intense environmentalism stance taken early in the book that ends up being nothing by a side-note. There is a really good scene that I thought was well developed but then kind of left floating in the winds. I felt that doing this left a part of the story unfinished. I really thought the story was going to end up having an interesting political perspective and maybe teach something along the way. Instead, it seemed to steer toward the fantastical and left the real meat behind. I just found this a seriously lost opportunity.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book immensely. Is it perfect? No. As I mentioned, it has a few glaring flaws. But for anyone who likes a slow-burn MM paranormal romance or just good urban fantasy with a YA MM twist, I would highly recommend this book.
Read
May 24, 2021I’m going to try because I feel this need to explain myself, but I’m not sure I’m going to actually get it right.
I DNFed this book at 62% because it completely lost my interest, and this is despite the fact that I still really like the idea and would really like to know where it’s going but I’ve just spent the last hour reading a handful of pages as I try and push myself to just finish. There’s only 2 hours left to read, just push through it, but I had to admit defeat.
I felt a disconnect with the characters and story, nearly from the beginning.
It almost reads like an adult is writing YA for the approval of adults – no that’s not right and yet I can’t figure out how else to say what I mean.
It had such strong commentary which never seemed to go anywhere then for something to get the MC to know who he is and where he comes from, because after wading through a class of socialism vs communism it turns to being about fracking and then turns to be a story that was focused nearly solely on the adults around him seen from his POV then about him at all, and never mentioned it but briefly like it’s trying to remember it had those strong points, they need to be used, but for what even the point seemed to be lost in the pages of the story and the adults wondering around in it.
I honestly have no idea what this is about. What it’s meant to be about and it’s almost like the book doesn’t either and it’s hard to read a story when you need to wonder if there’s going to be point and what that might end up being and when is it going to come? Worse its writing like there’s a point, like there’s a reason this book exists other then just being a romance and I’m actually interested, it’s why I tried so hard, why I wanted to get to the finish line of this book, because I want to know, however I’ve just completely story caring and it’s real hard to spend time in a story when there isn’t anything pulling you in or keeping you going other then a vague idea that maybe it’ll lead to something else, to something bigger.
I’m kinda hoping I’ll want to finish it up, even if that doesn’t happen until book 2 comes out.
I DNFed this book at 62% because it completely lost my interest, and this is despite the fact that I still really like the idea and would really like to know where it’s going but I’ve just spent the last hour reading a handful of pages as I try and push myself to just finish. There’s only 2 hours left to read, just push through it, but I had to admit defeat.
I felt a disconnect with the characters and story, nearly from the beginning.
It almost reads like an adult is writing YA for the approval of adults – no that’s not right and yet I can’t figure out how else to say what I mean.
It had such strong commentary which never seemed to go anywhere then for something to get the MC to know who he is and where he comes from, because after wading through a class of socialism vs communism it turns to being about fracking and then turns to be a story that was focused nearly solely on the adults around him seen from his POV then about him at all, and never mentioned it but briefly like it’s trying to remember it had those strong points, they need to be used, but for what even the point seemed to be lost in the pages of the story and the adults wondering around in it.
I honestly have no idea what this is about. What it’s meant to be about and it’s almost like the book doesn’t either and it’s hard to read a story when you need to wonder if there’s going to be point and what that might end up being and when is it going to come? Worse its writing like there’s a point, like there’s a reason this book exists other then just being a romance and I’m actually interested, it’s why I tried so hard, why I wanted to get to the finish line of this book, because I want to know, however I’ve just completely story caring and it’s real hard to spend time in a story when there isn’t anything pulling you in or keeping you going other then a vague idea that maybe it’ll lead to something else, to something bigger.
I’m kinda hoping I’ll want to finish it up, even if that doesn’t happen until book 2 comes out.
September 8, 2021
Brilliant worldbuilding and engaging characters create an engrossing, entertaining, and detailed story of a boy who, during a foreign student exchange trip to Norway, finds that his long lost, presumed dead father was a Vargr, a werewolf, and therefore he is as well. But instead of evolving into a typical shifter story, this book takes on the challenge of translating the Norse legends of Vargr onto a modern day Earth.
The story is slow moving, due to the level of detail and the effort placed into the worldbuilding. During this book, we follow Matt through a little over a year of his life and learn, along with him, about the Vargr culture, his classification, and his challenges in embracing his powers and his place in the society, since he’s starting almost 16.5 years late, having been born and raised around humans only.
This book is late young adult in nature. While there is a growing romance between Matt and another packmember, the author respects modern age limits for physical intimacy, and “going steady” is where we stop. There is a lot of found/chosen family in relationships with certain packmembers, and a lot of focus on the emotions of different members and how the pack and reinforce and uplift its people.
This is definitely part of a series. While there is no cliffhanger ending, the story does not end and there is no HEA since it will continue. This author is phenomenal at crafting stories that span multiple books, and I hope this story does the same. The level of detail, and the pace of the story, give the author abundant space to write an epic tale.
The story is slow moving, due to the level of detail and the effort placed into the worldbuilding. During this book, we follow Matt through a little over a year of his life and learn, along with him, about the Vargr culture, his classification, and his challenges in embracing his powers and his place in the society, since he’s starting almost 16.5 years late, having been born and raised around humans only.
This book is late young adult in nature. While there is a growing romance between Matt and another packmember, the author respects modern age limits for physical intimacy, and “going steady” is where we stop. There is a lot of found/chosen family in relationships with certain packmembers, and a lot of focus on the emotions of different members and how the pack and reinforce and uplift its people.
This is definitely part of a series. While there is no cliffhanger ending, the story does not end and there is no HEA since it will continue. This author is phenomenal at crafting stories that span multiple books, and I hope this story does the same. The level of detail, and the pace of the story, give the author abundant space to write an epic tale.
December 25, 2023
5 star ratings are rare for me. It requires more than great writing and storytelling etc... It must have aspects that will make it memorable even months later. I've been reading m/m for a very long time.
This was a surprisingly good YA book, and a very interesting start to a new series. It was so much better than I expected; due to reviews, I had relatively high expectations to start.
Viewpoint: I'm not opposed, but I'm also not a fan of YA. On the other hand, I absolutely love shifter stories. It is a true blending of both, and it is the first I've read from this author.
The world building was incredible. The author very transparent on what this book would be and the intent of the series as a whole. The first is the introduction, the set up, the character development, and the in depth world building.
It's a book about self discovery, growth, reflection, and being open to new ideas. The author is not American thus does not view the world the same. For me, this is a good thing. I love understanding different perspectives and ideas. I did not feel it was heavy handed in this 2nd edition. Apparently, it might have felt that way for the 1st edition.
I can respect my ideals, and beluefs bring challenged without feeling threatened. I can definitely respect others that don't see the world the same way I do. I'm a HUGE believer in being honest with oneself while digging deep into what makes one tick. I'm amazed by the sheer # of people who lie to themselves and/or do not understand the roots of why they react or feel the way they do.
There is not a lot of action, but I still found it very interesting and engaging. It was refreshing in it's depth and in many ways different from most shifter worlds including others with Norse Mythology roots. It's a great introduction to a new shifter culture tha There is lots of foreshadowing that the action will come.
This is a series in the truest since, and I can't wait to see what develops.
This was a surprisingly good YA book, and a very interesting start to a new series. It was so much better than I expected; due to reviews, I had relatively high expectations to start.
Viewpoint: I'm not opposed, but I'm also not a fan of YA. On the other hand, I absolutely love shifter stories. It is a true blending of both, and it is the first I've read from this author.
The world building was incredible. The author very transparent on what this book would be and the intent of the series as a whole. The first is the introduction, the set up, the character development, and the in depth world building.
It's a book about self discovery, growth, reflection, and being open to new ideas. The author is not American thus does not view the world the same. For me, this is a good thing. I love understanding different perspectives and ideas. I did not feel it was heavy handed in this 2nd edition. Apparently, it might have felt that way for the 1st edition.
I can respect my ideals, and beluefs bring challenged without feeling threatened. I can definitely respect others that don't see the world the same way I do. I'm a HUGE believer in being honest with oneself while digging deep into what makes one tick. I'm amazed by the sheer # of people who lie to themselves and/or do not understand the roots of why they react or feel the way they do.
There is not a lot of action, but I still found it very interesting and engaging. It was refreshing in it's depth and in many ways different from most shifter worlds including others with Norse Mythology roots. It's a great introduction to a new shifter culture tha There is lots of foreshadowing that the action will come.
This is a series in the truest since, and I can't wait to see what develops.
May 20, 2021
Slumbering Ember, for me, took a while to get into.
We start with Matt travelling/arriving in Denmark for a year as an exchange student, his deceased father's home country. When there he makes a life changing discovery that alters everything he knows and what is possible in his future.
The first third of this book is Matt being introduced to the world of the Vargr which comes with a lot of lore, it felt a bit like a information dump. However, working through this brought me to Matt's new familial connections, a strong group of characters that impact his life moving forward and his understanding of what has happened in his family's past. It feels like a coming of age story for him, fitting in for the first time with a sense of belonging and even having a teenage romance (very low heat).
This is my first book from this author and she is very good at world building. Understably, with something such as norse mythology, there's a lot to go through which did show at times but with Matt's character being interested in history and the reader learning along with him, it did make it more relatable in how it unfolded with the story. I'm very interested to see how things develop, for Matt and the Vargr considering the discovery towards the end of this book. It has the feel of a book that is setting up the rest of the series.
Stick with it. It's a really enjoyable story overall and I'm now invested to see how everything progresses.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
We start with Matt travelling/arriving in Denmark for a year as an exchange student, his deceased father's home country. When there he makes a life changing discovery that alters everything he knows and what is possible in his future.
The first third of this book is Matt being introduced to the world of the Vargr which comes with a lot of lore, it felt a bit like a information dump. However, working through this brought me to Matt's new familial connections, a strong group of characters that impact his life moving forward and his understanding of what has happened in his family's past. It feels like a coming of age story for him, fitting in for the first time with a sense of belonging and even having a teenage romance (very low heat).
This is my first book from this author and she is very good at world building. Understably, with something such as norse mythology, there's a lot to go through which did show at times but with Matt's character being interested in history and the reader learning along with him, it did make it more relatable in how it unfolded with the story. I'm very interested to see how things develop, for Matt and the Vargr considering the discovery towards the end of this book. It has the feel of a book that is setting up the rest of the series.
Stick with it. It's a really enjoyable story overall and I'm now invested to see how everything progresses.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 31, 2024
Meraki P Lyhne has started this series off with a corker of a novel. Amazing world building, interesting characters, terrific story line all combine to make a great story. I don’t often read coming of age novels anymore because I am way past that time in my life but I have seen this series recommended quite often and when it came up as a review copy I thought I would give it a shot and I’m glad that I did because I enjoyed it very much. Set in Norway with Matt coming from America on an exchange program Mr. Lyhne has taken many Norse legends and worked them into the story but not as just a direct copy of the original which I found he did in very clever ways.
I particularly liked the way that Mr Lyhne worked in information about the original stories and the differences between these “real” werewolves and the fictional tales about them. It was done with deft writing that never comes across as a lecture, even when Matts is actually being lectured. The characters are what makes this story for me and not only the main ones because there are also so many interesting side characters that sparkle in the book.
Some reviewers refer to a chapter that they didn’t like but he has edited it out so if you read about the “political chapter” in other reviews ignore it.
An all round amazing piece of writing and I look forward to reading more.
I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
I particularly liked the way that Mr Lyhne worked in information about the original stories and the differences between these “real” werewolves and the fictional tales about them. It was done with deft writing that never comes across as a lecture, even when Matts is actually being lectured. The characters are what makes this story for me and not only the main ones because there are also so many interesting side characters that sparkle in the book.
Some reviewers refer to a chapter that they didn’t like but he has edited it out so if you read about the “political chapter” in other reviews ignore it.
An all round amazing piece of writing and I look forward to reading more.
I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
May 10, 2021
I can't say too many good things about this book! I absolutely loved Matt and his journey of self-discovery. I loved that the Vargr are so clearly different from human society, and that it feels full and complete - not merely some kind of human derivative. I loved that Matt found acceptance among the pack, and that he was able to find connections with Rolf, as well as his peers. I also loved that Steffan and Klaes were both so ready to provide guidance to Matt as he discovered so many new things about himself and his place in the world.
What will it mean for the Sköll Hati now that one of the ancient alphas has risen? What will happen with relations between them and the Geri Freki? I'm sure that change will happen, but where will that change take them, and what is the trigger for the rise, at this time? Will the cruelty shown by Rolf's family have an impact on Matt and his family going forward? I have to say that I loved the description of them as being "Omegas playing Beta" - it was such a contemptuous description that described their actions perfectly.
I can't wait to read more about this world!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
What will it mean for the Sköll Hati now that one of the ancient alphas has risen? What will happen with relations between them and the Geri Freki? I'm sure that change will happen, but where will that change take them, and what is the trigger for the rise, at this time? Will the cruelty shown by Rolf's family have an impact on Matt and his family going forward? I have to say that I loved the description of them as being "Omegas playing Beta" - it was such a contemptuous description that described their actions perfectly.
I can't wait to read more about this world!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 19, 2021
I loved the world building in this, there is a lot of complex structure to the Vargr society that must have taken some time for the author to get right.
Although the relationship between Matt and Rasmus is sweet, it remains backstage to the central story, which is a coming of age of sorts for Matt.
I loved the discussions around societal structures and what it means to be a good leader.
I didn't always find that the characters behaved rationally for the situation, sometimes I felt they accepted things too easily.
At times I felt like I was missing things, there are some discussions around word meanings or sayings which I assume are because most of the time everyone is speaking Danish when Matt's used to English, even though the book is written in English. I wish I could speak Danish and read this book written in Danish (I'm not sure if this was written in English originally or if it's a translation from a Danish original), as I often was confused about why something was being put a particular way.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Although the relationship between Matt and Rasmus is sweet, it remains backstage to the central story, which is a coming of age of sorts for Matt.
I loved the discussions around societal structures and what it means to be a good leader.
I didn't always find that the characters behaved rationally for the situation, sometimes I felt they accepted things too easily.
At times I felt like I was missing things, there are some discussions around word meanings or sayings which I assume are because most of the time everyone is speaking Danish when Matt's used to English, even though the book is written in English. I wish I could speak Danish and read this book written in Danish (I'm not sure if this was written in English originally or if it's a translation from a Danish original), as I often was confused about why something was being put a particular way.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
May 24, 2021
So great to see a new series by this author. I have felt a bit of a dearth since finishing his Cubi series. This is an engaging start to a series in the same world but with completely different characters.. The world-building and character development are fantastic and expansive, and as a result, the book can seem a bit slow-moving. However, based on the other series from this author that I read, I expect the action to pick up as the series continues. This book focuses on Mark as he travels to Denmark to find out more about his late father and his heritage. There, he meets the Vargr, a kind of wolf shifter, and learns about their culture, customs, and way of life. This is an interesting and engaging introduction to the series, with learning about the past, exploring a new and different people, family secrets, and self-discovery. I love the author's incorporation of Norse mythology and legends, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 6, 2021
Great worldbuilding for a new series.
Beoordeeld in Nederland op 26 september 2021
This is a new to me author, and was I pleasantly surprised. This is the first book in thew Vargr series. This author sets out a meticulous plan for the world he is building with enough details but not overloading the reader. The author is creating a whole new way to look at werewolves. This book is very, very slowburn.
Mark is an exchange student from the USA, who stays with friends from his mothers' youth. Mark discovers a whole new world after running into and with a group he meets at an environmental rally.
I will not be telling more about the story, since it will spoil this read. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I personally can't wait for the following books in this series. And I also will be checking out the other books by this author. Highly recommend this series if you like comprehensive worldbuilding series which have shifters in it. I give this book 4,5 *, not just 5 because I am looking forward how rhe story develops further.
Beoordeeld in Nederland op 26 september 2021
This is a new to me author, and was I pleasantly surprised. This is the first book in thew Vargr series. This author sets out a meticulous plan for the world he is building with enough details but not overloading the reader. The author is creating a whole new way to look at werewolves. This book is very, very slowburn.
Mark is an exchange student from the USA, who stays with friends from his mothers' youth. Mark discovers a whole new world after running into and with a group he meets at an environmental rally.
I will not be telling more about the story, since it will spoil this read. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I personally can't wait for the following books in this series. And I also will be checking out the other books by this author. Highly recommend this series if you like comprehensive worldbuilding series which have shifters in it. I give this book 4,5 *, not just 5 because I am looking forward how rhe story develops further.
May 26, 2024
I have been wanting to read this series for a while, because I really like other books from this author. I'm really glad I got the opportunity to read it now, and also that I read the message at the front of the book that this would have a lot less spice than the others. I went into this accepting the YA vibes, and considering the mc is only 16ish, that was exactly right. I also knew this was quite a long series, so I wasn't expecting too much rushing in to the overarching story. There was a lot of world building in this book, and a lot of things to understand about the Danish and the Vargr. But we learn this alongside Matt and his family so there's not a lot of big exposition. There wasn't a lot of action and adventure, but I never felt like there was something lacking in the story. It was surprisingly warm and family oriented, with a background of paranormal. The only thing that was a little jarring was how easily everyone outside the Vargr world seemed to accept and roll with all the newness.
May 19, 2021
Gods it was fantastic!! I loved this book so much, it’s the first one in a series and I cannot wait to read what’s coming next! Matt is a very smart and endearing kid and I really enjoyed reading about his journey, both literally and figuratively. This student exchange in Denmark wasn’t what he was expecting at all and I loved discovering this new world with him and learning about his past and future. And there’s so much more to come!
It’s extremely difficult to talk about this story without giving anything away as Matt goes from one surprise to another throughout the whole book. The focus isn’t on the romance as he is still very young but it is nonetheless very sweet. The world building is awesome, the characters are all great and I’m excited to read more of them, hopefully soon :)
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
It’s extremely difficult to talk about this story without giving anything away as Matt goes from one surprise to another throughout the whole book. The focus isn’t on the romance as he is still very young but it is nonetheless very sweet. The world building is awesome, the characters are all great and I’m excited to read more of them, hopefully soon :)
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
May 21, 2021
I received an ARC of this from GRR and this is my honest review.
Between 3.5-4 stars rounded up.
This is another new author to me and I was drawn in by the blurb. This is essentially a coming of age story for the main character, and a setup for more to come. The world building here is great, there's so much detail in the Vargr society, it's quite complex.
I don't want to give too much away, but while Matt and Rasmus do have a relationship, that's not the focus of the book, it really is more about Matt discovering his heritage, finding himself and really coming into his own.
I did find it a lot to take in, I think because there's so much world building as it's the first book, I think I didn't take it all in and probably didn't appreciate it as much as I maybe should have, but for a first in the series it's a good read.
Between 3.5-4 stars rounded up.
This is another new author to me and I was drawn in by the blurb. This is essentially a coming of age story for the main character, and a setup for more to come. The world building here is great, there's so much detail in the Vargr society, it's quite complex.
I don't want to give too much away, but while Matt and Rasmus do have a relationship, that's not the focus of the book, it really is more about Matt discovering his heritage, finding himself and really coming into his own.
I did find it a lot to take in, I think because there's so much world building as it's the first book, I think I didn't take it all in and probably didn't appreciate it as much as I maybe should have, but for a first in the series it's a good read.
June 6, 2021
This story is a prime example of mixing fantasy with Norse Mythology and werewolves... it is terrific. The story takes place in Denmark, which is a wonderful country that you should put on your bucket list to visit. It features Matt, a young teen whose mother decides he needs to know more about his family history. His journey is a lesson for us too as he learns about customs and ways of becoming part of a wolf pack. He is gradually immersed into the supernatural world. This is a slow angst read, coming of age story. Meraki P Lyhne has done a great job in the world building and made this different than your average mortal/god book. I am looking forward to reading the future installments of The Vargr. Go out and get this book! Enjoy!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 7, 2021
I loved the world building so much! It didn’t feel like an info dump or forced at all and it felt so real as if I could actually go there and experience all the different things the characters did. Also the character development is really good and they also feel real and have true motivations for why they do what they do. I’m excited to find out what’s next. Definitely a really great start to what I hope will be a fantastic series with characters I fall even more in love with in each book. This is a slow burn which at times was driving me a bit crazy but it works for the characters though I hope things heat you more later. I loved the play between fantasy and Norse mythology along with a new type of werewolf. I always love when authors put a new spin on a common theme or supernatural creature. The plot was amazing and I just need more.
May 3, 2022
Just finished Slumbering Ember and this series starter pulled me just as quick as the Cubi series did when I read them. Sent to Denmark as an exchange student, Matt was excited to visit the land where his father was from and where his mother fell in love. Sent to live with friends of his mom from years past he quickly gets pulled into a world of the Vargr wolves and makes some very interesting discoveries. I don’t want to spoil the pleasure and excitement you’ll feel as the pages reveal an amazing story that opens the door to a new world. I’m excited now to start the next book as Matt integrates into the pack and discover his ancestry. I want to know what happens between him and his boyfriend, Rasmus. I want to know if the father he discovered heals from tragedies in the past. I’m hooked now and I have to go so I can read book 2 which is waiting for me.
August 2, 2023
My second read of this series
I rarely read a book twice. It's always been a 'Been there done that type of thing'. This is one of two authors I now frequently reread.
The author uses the old Norse gods and legends as the basis for the Vargr and weaves them into modern-day Danish society in a way that you believe it could be happening.
I've read every book published in this series so far and highly recommended it.
NOTE: I would recommend reading this author's prior series on the Cubi as several characters from that series become key players later in this series. However, be forewarned that the first book or two in that series is very dark and features sexual abuse typ situations. Reading the Cubi series will give you insight into specific characters. If you don't read it, this series will in no way be diminished.
I rarely read a book twice. It's always been a 'Been there done that type of thing'. This is one of two authors I now frequently reread.
The author uses the old Norse gods and legends as the basis for the Vargr and weaves them into modern-day Danish society in a way that you believe it could be happening.
I've read every book published in this series so far and highly recommended it.
NOTE: I would recommend reading this author's prior series on the Cubi as several characters from that series become key players later in this series. However, be forewarned that the first book or two in that series is very dark and features sexual abuse typ situations. Reading the Cubi series will give you insight into specific characters. If you don't read it, this series will in no way be diminished.
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