*4.5 out of 5 stars*

Our story continues!!! With the exploding revelations from Heir of Uncertain Magic, Boy of Chaotic Making tones it down a bit. BIKER is now essentially in Hulda's hands, Merritt finally gets to see his sisters, and Owein gets summoned by the Queen of England!

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a good turn of adventure of Merritt, Hulda and Owein from the first two books. It seemed a little slower but I think that's because the intensity of the first two books wasn't so present in this book. The plot was interesting and opened up to a bunch of new characters.

The highlight of this book was definitely the growing relationship between Owein and Merritt. Those were the scenes I was definitely most invested in. While Hulda and Merritt's relationship still develops, and I love them - this book had a heavier focus on Owein. I loved hearing his thoughts and feelings and can't wait to see how much more these characters develop.

Book 4 cannot come soon enough as I am intrigued for the next journey Hulda, Merritt, and Owein have to encounter.


*AUDIO REVIEW - I love these narrators. It's a lot of fun listening to these books in audio format. I think I like Hulda's the most because Amanda Leigh Cobb does such a great job of bringing her personality through.

**I received an advanced eARC and ALC from the publisher for my honest review. This review was completed using the ALC**

After not really enjoying the second book in this series, I was kicking myself for getting the ARC of book 3 as I then felt obligated to read it....
This series, unfortunately, continues to go downhill. The first book was so good, and the other two books have just been meh in comparison. I would say I enjoyed this book slightly more than book 2 but only because the plot becomes more clear much sooner, but the book was pretty simple and lacked any real tension or drama. The more the characters learn about their magic the less interesting it becomes to me. Additionally what really made book 1 good was the creepy factor and the mystery of both the house and the villain, both of which were lacking in book 3.
I am shocked that a fourth book is planned, but considering what was discovered at the beginning of book 3, I can only hope Holmberg plans to go back to the original story of book one and tie up loose ends. Hopefully that concludes this lackluster series.
Thank you to the publishers for the ARC. I also found this book on kindle unlimited with free audio, which helped me get through it much faster than I would have if I was just reading it.

The third book in the Whimbrel House series wraps up the main story arc and gives readers of this series a HEA for at least two of the main protagonists.

Hulda Larkin is now the director BIKER and planning her wedding to Merritt Fernsby. There have been a few snags in her takeover as director, mainly her old boss keeping secrets and hiding illegal activities, but Hulda is looking forward to the future with Merritt, Owein, and the members of Whimbrel House. Then Merritt and Owein receive a missive from London, it appears the Queen is requesting their presence, because she might have a deal for them that they can’t refuse.

I will admit that the pacing of this novel started out a bit slow for me and I struggled to keep reading. But once Hulda has her “vision” and rushes off to London to meet her fiancée I suddenly became super invested and engaged. This book is a wrap-up of sorts of the several books in the series, despite there being a new novel slated for release later this year. This is Hulda and Merritt finding their HEA, Hulda wrapping up some things at Biker and honing her magic, and Merritt discovering his roots. Of course, Owein is one of the main protagonists as the entire book revolves around him making a deal to move his soul from his current terrier body into a human one. Honestly, I had no idea how the author would pull this off without some kind of questionable actions, but she managed to do so. I’m assuming the next book in the series will focus more on him and less on Hulda and Merritt.

This is such a charming, cozy fantasy series. I really love the found family aspect and the unwavering support each character gives each other. It’s not meant to be a standalone and I wouldn’t recommend skipping the first two books in the series as they are necessary to the ongoing series plot arc. But it is a wonderful historical fantasy world that you might want to check it out.

This year, I took some time and re-read Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg. I immediately followed it by Heir of Uncertain Magic, and when that was over… I needed more. Luckily, NetGalley and 47 North enabled me to continue the series with Boy of Chaotic Making, which I devoured in two days.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Charlie Holmberg’s books, and the Whimbrel House series is as delightful to read as the Paper Magician series. The characters are all so great, they’re people I want to be friends with. And she’s bringing drama and growth without tearing their relationships apart, which, in my opinion, marks her as one of the great, because if there’s one thing I hate is the drama coming from a stupid misunderstanding between people who say they love and trust each other. But I digress…

This is the third installment of the series, so I can’t say tooooo much without spoiling the previous two books. There is another mysterious person against our main characters, although this time it’s less ominous than in the first two books (on the other hand, I don’t think I could handle it being MORE ominous). Each of the MCs is made a tempting offer that could drastically change their lives, and the way they handle them shows their growth and character.

If you’ve been looking for a nice, comfortable, wholesome story, look no further. Whimbrel House is it.

I absolutely love this series! A great choice for when you’re looking for a cozy fantasy with a unique magic system.

This books takes off where book 2 ended, with Merritt and Hulda engaged, and Owein trapped in the body of a dog. An opportunity arises in England that might solve Oweins furry problem, but it quickly becomes clear something is amiss.

I love the writing of these books and this one does not disappoint. I highly recommend this series!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC for an honest review.

Charlie N Homberg’s Boy of Chaotic Making is the third book in the Whimbrel House series, and so this review will contain spoilers for the first two books: Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, and Heir of Uncertain Magic.
Boy of Chaotic Making is where we finally come to Owein’s story. After having his two-hundred-year-old soul yanked out of the house he grew up in and shoved into a terrier at the end of Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, Owein is naturally dealing with some issues. He’s sharing a small dog’s body with at least part of the dog’s soul, he is only able to communicate with the people around him through Merritt, and now he’s being summoned over the Atlantic by Queen Victoria.
At the same time, Hulda has inherited control of BIKER and is trying to deal with the mess that Myra left behind, while Merritt is doing an average job of just being along for the ride.
For a book that is supposed to be all about Owein, this story does him dirty. He travels all the way across the Atlantic and is offered a new human body and a title in exchange for breeding with the British upper class. This presents a perfect opportunity to discuss the rampant eugenics that has been brought up in each of the first two books, and yet instead all we get is a shallow scratch at the door. Specifically, Owein scratching at Hulda and Merritt’s door while they stay locked inside make the decisions for him.
This book fails to give Owein the voice he deserves. Merritt is the main way that Owein communicates with others and he actively censors what Owein says to him, sometimes dismissing what he says altogether. When Owein tries to use his spelling board he is spoken over and interrupted. It’s no wonder that Owein is as desperate for a voice and a body of his own as he is.
While the ethics of finding Owein a body is discussed in depth, Owein is rarely included in these conversations. When this issue comes to its conclusion, the result is unbelievably convenient and dealt with almost flippantly.
This was a book that had ample opportunity to explore character growth in new directions for all three of our protagonists, but instead we were given rehashed versions from the previous two books and a complete lack of agency for the titular character. The latter could be excused if there was some kind of discussion around this lack of agency, but there was none.
Ultimately, this story dropped some breadcrumbs for what to expect in book number four, but left me with many, many questions and a deeply unsatisfactory ending. This series is on a path to an alarming place where eugenics and the purification of bloodlines appears to be glorified, and I don’t think I want to be there when it arrives.

A boy like no other embarks on a transformative journey of magic and self-discovery in the next enchanting Whimbrel House novel by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg. In just one sitting, you will become a pages turner. Interesting and enjoyable read.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for not only giving me this book, but introducing me to this entire series and Charlie Holmberg! I am now a forever fan! I’ve read each book and this one might be my favorite! Well written and quick paced, it’s hard to put down once you get started! I assume this isn’t the end well hear from the Larkin/Fernsby gang and I can’t wait to read more!

Once there was a dog who'd been a house who'd been a boy. Owein could remember that. He was now a mixed terrier breed dog. He communicated with his many greats nephew via magic. Merritt Fernsby loved Owein (his many greats uncle). And he enjoyed talking with him, but one of the consequences of doing so was a temporary loss of his voice depending on how long they'd been talking.
Hulda Larkin, Merritt's fiancee, loved Owein too. So it was the three of them, after discussion, who decided to see exactly what the Queen of England had in mind when she said she was interested in Owein. And especially what she had in mind when she said that they could find Owein a human body and transfer him into it and marry him into the royal family. Merritt and Owein travel to London to find out exactly what the deal is. Adventure ensues.

The characters in the book are well done, especially Merritt, Owein, and Hulda.I liked them for who they were on the page and for the way they interact with one another.

The world building is consistent with the first two books in the Whimbrel House series. I like that for every kind of magic used there is a natural sort of reaction. For example, Merritt's voice is affected when he converses mentally with Owein.

In general, the plotting and writing is well done. It's better to have read the first two books before you read this one. The story moves along at a good pace. And I was a little surprised at the culprit in the mystery.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's well written and entertaining. If you like historic fantasy set in a slightly different world from ours, then you would most likely enjoy this book and series. It appears there is a book 4 on the horizon. I look forward to it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions or review.

This is the 3rd in the Whimbrel House series. Hulda is adjusting to her new position with BIKER while she and Merritt grow closer and planning their future together when they are approached by a representative of Queen Victoria interested in bolstering the magic bloodlines by offering Owein (currently inhabiting a dog) a transference of his soul back to a human in return for an arranged marriage with a girl in the magical Royal bloodline. Hulda and Merritt are intrigued, yet a bit queasy at the prospect, but Owein is thrilled, so the three of them travel to England to see what's what and carrying a few of their own demands. Once there they meet the family and set about their business, but mysterious accidents arise seeming aimed at Merritt. And the game's afoot.
This has the same wonderful characters and many new and intriguing ones. The plot is much more linear than that of the last book, and builds steadily toward a well realized climax. There is steady growth in the main three characters and their relationships, and it all makes for a very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.

Absolutely nothing happening in this part of the series. The whole book seems to be written for the purpose of affirming that X and Y characters finally got together in a happily ever after and Z character got what he wanted the most in the world, with little to no obstacles. I understand not having plot twists, but this story forgot to have *any* plot intricacies whatsoever.

Merritt Fernsby and Hulda Larkin have set a marriage date. Owein who had haunted the Whimbrel House and had his soul put in a dog, is basically happy until an offer comes from Queen Victoria. His soul can be transferred to a human if he agrees to marry into English nobility when the new body is of age. According to Charlie N. Holmberg, that’s when things start going wrong with roofs collapsing and other attacks. Someone doesn’t want Owein to be a Boy of Chaotic Making (paper from 47North). Fun, and maybe the end of the trilogy.

I liked this book so much I had a very hard time deciding quite what to say about it.

The magic system is beautifully detailed. The heart of the story, deciding who is human and who isn't, who can speak and who must remain silent--Holmberg could have spent the entire book here, and I would have been entirely absorbed.

But it's also a romance, with a very wholesome couple. It's alternate history, with a much better explanation for arranged marriages among nobility than history itself gives us. It's a "whodunit," as Owein and Merritt try not to get murdered (again).

It's my first adventure in the Whimbrel House series, but it's a world I hope to return to again! Three cheers for Holmberg and her peculiar, wonderful story.

A Boy of Chaotic Making starts back up where we left off and dives deeper into Owein’s story. It was a magical and adventurous fantasy that transports you into another world! It will keep you engaged and on your toes the entire time, but with the heartwarming charm of the Whimbrel House series. I definitely recommend reading the first 2 books in the series before reading this. A good choice for someone in need of an exciting fantasy read!

The third installment in the Whimbrel House series, this book is just as magical as the first two in the series. We continue the story of Hulda, Merritt and Owein as they journey across the pond and introduce us to new characters and a new mysteries. What is in store for Owein after the royal family's offer? Who is trying to sabotage our leading trio? Who's the naked woman with Merritt in Hulda's vision? Some of these questions have answers in in this book, but for others, we will just have to wait patiently for the fourth installment, which is sure to be as enthralling as the first three.

This one was very exciting, and very funny. Merritt and Hulda are navigating an enticing offer from the Queen herself! They travel with Owein to visit with the family wanting to bring Owein into their lineage, and as they figure out the particulars, there are multiple attacks against Merritt.

Hulda gets to learn more about her magic and making it more precise, and Merritt meets some Druids who wish to take him under their wing. Both of them are propositioned, and both need to decide how to move forward.

Owein is excited at the prospect of being in a human body again and is trying to figure out how best to get to know the girl he's supposedly going to be betrothed to, which isn't as easy as it sounds with him being a dog.

There were some moments that I just laughed out loud at, and we finally find out why Baptiste was imprisoned!

I was under the impression that the Whimbrel House series was just going to be a trilogy so I dove into this book, eagerly awaiting the conclusion to this amazing series. I found out shortly after starting Boy of Chaotic Making that there were to be even more books in the series! I was so excited to discover this and read even more voraciously because of it. I love reading more from Owein’s point of view, even as Hulda and Merritt’s wedding approaches. I feel like he really gains a solid personality and experiences real growth for the first time. While there is real danger in this novel, there is more character growth than in previous books. The first two books in the series were more Merritt and Hulda centric; it’s Owein’s turn now!

The plot takes a little break for Boy of Chaotic Making, in comparison to the first two books in the series. We get introduced to many new characters and delve a little deeper into Merritt’s magic. Hulda also gets the chance to deepen her understanding of her augury powers. I love how, as Hulda learns to use her augury, she becomes more confident in herself and her relationship with Merritt. She finally feels desirable and deserving of love, for the first time in her life. But mostly it’s about Owein and his trauma, as well as what it means to be a human trapped in a dog’s body, as well as what it means to be over two hundred years old but still feel like a child in so many ways. Owein never got a chance to grow up, alone as he was in a house. He never had constant companionship and it wasn’t until Merritt and Hulda came along that he finally got to communicate with people once more.

The lack of a villain limited the plot potential. I looked at every character with suspicion, thinking, ah yes, this is the new villain. Nope. Oh wait, it’s this guy. No…In the end, the villain was an obvious one, one that I had discounted because it was so obvious. I’m wondering if this book is just setting up an epic next book in the series, a filler book to help move the plot along, perhaps. I’m not unhappy with it being a filler book and in fact found the book to be an easy read, comfortable and quick to read while I was traveling this past week.

I very much look forward to the next book and highly recommend this book and series to anyone wanting a cozy, sometimes dark, magical mystery series. The cover art is what drew me into the series and I’m sure other people are wondering if you should judge these books by their covers. The answer is, yes, you should! The story is even more beautiful than the covers.

I read the first two books in the Whimbrel House series last year and had no issues remembering what happened in the second book. There were enough subtle reminders that I didn't feel lost. Boy of Chaotic Making is definitely not a standalone.
This series is basically the epitome of cozy fantasy. It's set in our world (albeit in the mid-1800s) with a blood or genetic based magic system. There is a romance, but it is entirely closed door and the language is such that it would be appropriate for a younger audience (I don't recall any swearing either). Out of the three, the first one (Keeper of Enchanted Rooms) is definitely my favorite, but Boy of Chaotic Making is a nice wrap-up.

I loved the Boy of Chaotic Making and the entire series and was so sorry to see it end. This series was my first books by Charlie Holmberg as well as my first fantasy novel in many years. Now I know what I’ve been missing! I absolutely adored the entire Whimbrel House series — the story, characters and relationships. Now I want to read everything ever written by Charlie Holmberg!

When I finished the book, I could see where there might be a fourth book in the series but I’ve been unable to find any confirmation anywhere so if there is another book I would be thrilled but if not, I’m ok with that.

Hulda and Merritt were wonderful characters and their relationship was very special. But of course the standout for me was Owein , whose many transformations added an usual and fascinating angle to the story.

The writing was excellent, the characters were exceptional and their relationships were deep. I loved the way Owein and Merritt were able to communicate without speaking.

I highly recommend the series and I look forward to more from Charlie Holmberg.

Thank you to 47 North and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

After falling in love with the Whimbrel House squad last year, Boy of Chaotic Making was HIGH on my anticipated reads list, and I'm happy to report that I loved it so 👏 much 👏

The series is just so FOR ME, I adore it. Historical fantasy + found family + soft magic systems + a pretty writing style? it's perfect. This installment did not disappoint, building on questions posed in the earlier books, and taking our cast on a transatlantic adventure. The stakes were high enough to keep me riveted, but not too high to where I was stressed out the whole time, lol! There were so many wholesome moments building the relationships between these characters, I love them SO MUCH. I already can't wait to see where their stories take them next. 5 stars from me, for sure!

*content warnings for mild language and some innuendo, and 1 fade-to-black scene between a married couple.

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**