What a surprised for CH to have another romp in this delightful land. It was fun to revisit the island and see what's been happening since we left. Focusing much more on Owein as an "almost-adult" man, his desire to be on his own and fear of losing his youth along with his love interest.
This was a short book and for some reason, not nearly as engaging as the previous books in the series for me. Honestly, I think it's because the first books were so good and this one doesn't present any new research about the magic. There's a lot more scary scenes in this one as well and not as much romantic tension despite the love blooming for Owein.
Of course, you must read if you've read the previous ones. I do hope the author is prompted to revisit the world a decade or so further in the timeline so we can see how it all turns out.

Me🤝The Whimbrel House series

This is the 4th book in the Whimbrel House series & by far my favorite (so far)!! There is one book left in the series & I already cannot wait for it!

I don’t want to give anything away for people who haven’t read the first 3 books, so I’ll leave this review brief! The character development was chef’s kiss😘🤌 and the storyline was 10/10!!!

If you haven’t read this series yet, I HIGHLY recommend!! It’s such a wholesome storyline! It has magic, romance, historical fiction, a bit of mystery, and so much more!

I loved this last book in the Whimbrel House series! I felt left a little hanging by the very end and wish I could have seen a bit more of Owein's future.

I honestly cried at the end. It's just the most lovely series full of hope. This will be a favorite forever.

In a Nutshell: A historical fantasy with amazing characters and magic. The fourth book of the Whimbrel House series and not to be read as a standalone. Great seeing all the beloved (and not so beloved) characters again. Takes a while to get going but engrossing after that point. Mixed feelings about the inclusion of a love triangle. A good ending - not a major cliffhanger but also not complete. Looking forward to the final book!

Plot Preview: (Contains spoilers from the earlier books.)
1851. Whimbrel House is the same, but its residents have new challenges to face. Merritt and Hulda are raising a family on Blaugdone Island, and Owein is awaiting the next step of his royalty-approved marriage contract with Lady Cora, who's on the other side of the ocean. Fallon, the shapeshifting Irish druid, now spends a lot of her time with Owein, and his heart wants to go in a different direction from his head.
The peace at Whimbrel is shattered when old nemesis Silas Hogwood, who has been dead since five years, somehow re-enters their lives. With little children around, the stakes at Whimbrel are much higher. Will Owein be strong enough to defeat Silas yet again?
The story comes to us in the third-person perspective of four key characters.


Ever since I read the first Whimbrel House book, I've been a fan of its outstanding magic and its endearing characters. The titles of the first three books clearly indicated who the main focus of the plot would be: Merritt in Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, Hulda in Heir of Uncertain Magic, and Owein in Boy of Chaotic Making respectively. Using the same code, it doesn't take much for Whimbrel-familiars to guess that the focus on this book is on that ultra-powerful wizard from Book One, Silas Hogwood, who has made his way into the living world again. We knew he would return, but not how he would do so. The reveal is brilliant! He is indeed the “Wizard of Most Wicked Ways.”

Bookish Yays:
😍 Owein. The boy has become a young man (at least in physical years if not in calendar years), and his character has grown not just in age but also in maturity and complexity. One scene in particular solidified my respect for him. I won't stop rooting for him and his happiness!
😍 Merritt and Hulda- just the same as always, and hence, just the same feelings. It’s amazing to see them grow in their relationship so organically – they are so good for each other. Also nice to see Beth and Baptiste return in active roles.
😍 The littlies in the book, especially three-year-old Mabol. Wish there had been more of them, but even what was there was adorable. The presence of kids changes the plot dynamics, especially for Hulda.
😍 Silas – I had complained in Book One that his creepiness wasn’t fully utilised. I take back my words. Brrr! This is the first book where the potential of the antagonist is capitalised upon completely.
😍 Great continuity. The first three books were set within a year of each other, but this fourth story occurs four years since the events of the last book. There are enough details to help us bridge the gap successfully without feeling like questions are unanswered. There’s no time wasted in plot recapitulation.
😍 The characters are not just older in this one but also more mature, but without compromising on the original character sketch. While Merritt still has some joviality, we get to see his mature side. Hulda too has improved from her earlier dispassionate behaviour, though we still see glimpses of that attitude at times. I love how the author has accounted for the passage of time through her characters’ attitudes.
😍 The magic – as astounding as ever.
😍 The great confrontation – the best part of the book. Felt like I was watching a (good) Marvel movie!!
😍 The ending – not a cliffhanger, just a journey into the next step. Perfect for the story.

Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 Though fast-paced, the plot takes a while to get things going. The initial 20% or so is mostly musings about the love triangle and the impending major decision. Only once Silas appears on the scene does the tension amp up.
😐 While the earlier books could be tagged as ‘cosy fantasy’, this book is certainly not ‘cosy’. The overall atmosphere is tense and there are even some gruesome scenes. The earlier books balanced the tension with many lighthearted and/or romantic moments, but the banter and fun are mostly missing from this one. Then again, with such a formidable opponent to overcome, the seriousness of the overall plot is to be expected.

Bookish Nays:
😢 I didn’t expect a love triangle in this plot, and definitely didn’t foresee it taking so much of the page space. A part of me feels like this complication has been added just so that the fifth book has something solid to continue the story with. As it is, I am not a big fan of the triangle trope. But when only two of the three parties are actually present on page, it isn't even a fair triangle. Plus, the connection between the two seems more forced than organic. The letters from the third person contained more heartfelt emotions than the actual dynamic between the two characters who had scenes.
😢 I remember not being a fan of the decision to add druids to the plot of Book Three. This plot development might have been somewhat justified if they had a role to play in this story. But it looks like they are being saved for the final book because the only druid in Book Four is Fallon, who didn’t have a big role in Book Three, and whose main role in Book Four is either to serve as a full-time security for the residents of Whimbrel House or to be the voice of protest for Owein’s upcoming British fate. Fallon is a great character, but I don’t think the story did her justice, or vice versa.

All in all, this book continues the story of Whimbrel House well, but changes the tone, being darker and more sombre than the earlier books. It serves as an interesting bridge to what’s next in store for Owein, but the love triangle really bugged me. Had it not been for the return of Silas and the magical action sequences, this would easily have been my least favourite of the series. Right now, it is tied for the position with Book Three.
I am not convinced that a fifth Whimbrel book was needed. This is the shortest book so far with just 269 pages. All the others had 300+ pages. So by adding 80-100 pages more (and culling out the needless romantic interactions), the series could very well have ended here. But it’s too early to judge, I suppose. I’ll just have to wait and hope that there’s enough plot left for the grand finale.
I have my suspicions about what the upcoming book will tackle, but as all those are major spoilers, I will keep my mouth shut until Fall 2026, when we will get Book Five: “Lady of Uncanny Charms.” (Will this be Cora or Fallon? Both are strong candidates for the title! My heart says Fallon. Let’s see…)
As the fourth book of a running series and the precursor to the finale, ‘Wizard of Most Wicked Ways’ is best discovered in continuity and is absolutely not to be read as a standalone work. I hope Book Five redeems my overall feelings about the series. I want this to end on a high note and not be a damp squib like the final book of the Emily Wilde series was. ☹


Recommended to those who have read the first three Whimbrel House books.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to 47North for providing the DRC of “Wizard of Most Wicked Ways” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is the first series that Holmberg has written beyond a trilogy. The new territory of extended plot arcs is really starting to show with this latest installment in the Whimbrel House.

Peace has arrived to the tiny island. Babies are running around. Owein is human. Hulda has a secret laboratory. Life seems to have really progressed for the Fernsby's. There is still that matter of arranged marriage, however. Tensions begin to rise as the wedding date draws nearer, and Owein starts to feel the noose tightening. How do you fall in love with someone through letters? Enter the love dilemma. That I really did not appreciate. Blaugdone Island has been receiving a regular visitor from Ireland. Falling in love is much easier in person. But Owein is a young man of honor. His torn soul is deserved.

Another unfortunate plot lies in the resurrection of a certain necromancer. Now with insanity. While I really could have passed on Silas back in the story, his rotting revenge gives the reader a chance to experience the difference intentions make an experience. Owein versus Silas body sharing was a nice dichotomy that redeemed the existence of an unnecessary villain.

While I may not have agreed with the narrative choices, the writing was smooth and contained some excellent magical showdowns we have yet to see in the series. My enthusiasm for the author in total has not been diminished, and I really look forward to the fifth installment.

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is a lovely wrap up to what has become one of my favorite cozy-yet-at-times-frightening series. I've enjoyed many hours with Merritt, Hulda, and Owein as they traverse life, wizardry, and family. This outing has us watching as arch enemy Silas Hogwood once again sets his sights on the residents of Whimbrel House. I am going to miss these characters. Bravo to Charlie Holmberg for bringing them to us.

Like the other books in this series, Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is filled with interesting magic, loveable characters, and high stakes.

I will admit that it's been some time since I read the previous book, and I was a bit lost at the beginning of the story. I'd forgotten a lot of the specifics, but there are enough contextual reminders in the first few chapters to help those who haven't recently read Boy of Chaotic Making.

I loved getting a story all about Owein! He's a really interesting character--I mean, how many other characters do you know who have been a boy, a house, a dog, and now a boy again?--and being his head is a real treat. This book is filled with a lot of action, but there are plenty of emotional moments that really drive home just how much Owein has experienced. Of course, it's fun having everyone else in the story, including all the extra littles, but this is really Owein's book, and it's great.

There feels like there's less going on in this story, but that's because the one problem Owein and crew have is just so big. Holmberg still does a great of balancing the horror that is the return of Silas Hogwood with the more personal issues of Owein's betrothal, his feelings for Fallon, and his struggle in finding his identity as a human again. There's also further expansion of the magic system through science, which should be interesting in the next book!

This whole series has the feel of a cozy fantasy while still having lots of action and amazingly well-developed characters. I'm looking forward to the final book and to rereading the entire series in one go in the future.

Thank you so much, 47 North, for providing me with an ARC for Wizard of the Most Wicked Ways.

This series, set in the enchanting world of Whimbrel House created by the talented Charlie N. Holmberg, has always filled me with wonder and excitement. Charlie has the most captivating writing style. Like the other books in the series, this one features an intriguing storyline, well-crafted characters you can’t help but adore, a wonderful magic system, and a world you never want to leave. It’s a fantastic addition to the series - be sure to check it out!

Pub Date: March 04, 2025

Oh Owein is all grown up!

Like the majority of the books I read I went in without reading the synopsis- admittedly I read and thoroughly enjoyed the other 3 books and so I knew I would enjoy this too.

Due to me not reading the sypnosos I did not expect the return of Silas. That "being"- hmmm cockroach seems a more suitable term- is impossible and quite mad in this book, completely obsessed with one motive- Revenge.

So many references to Greek Mythology, I love the magic system, the mention of Frankenstein (honestly one of my favourite books) gosh there's so much to this book that I loved that I found myself reading the book whilst doing the school run, shopping, I just didn't want to put it down (I walk everywhere- can't drive- just in case you were wondering)

Charlie N. Holmberg has quickly become one of my favourite authors and I am working my way through her catalogue (did you know this is her 25th novel)

Another great addition to the Whimbrel House Series! Owein will forever be one of my favorites 🥰 This book simultaneously gives us high stakes and tension, along with a coziness and characters that you feel so attached to. Love this series.

The action scenes were fantastic and it had the same intensity as the wizard wars in Deathly Hallows. I wish CH went deeper into Owein's character and his romance dilemma between Fallon and Cora, duty v love. I wish the relationships and these characters were explored more in this book.

==== Review posted on Goodreads & Fable under Talk Supe

The last book of the Whimbrel House series - I was so looking forward to this after the first three! However, to me, this was the weakest book in the series. It was still good, don't get me wrong, but it was my least favorite.

This book focuses on Owein and the countdown to his marriage to Cora, the contract for which was signed during the third book. However, one of the Druids he met while across the pond, Fallon, has been making things a bit more difficult as she flew over to the States and spends a lot of time with Owein. His feelings for her continue to grow throughout the book. A good chunk of the book is spent with Owein struggling with his decisions in his love life. The majority remainder of the book is focused on the return of the baddie-we-love-to-hate, Silas Hogwood. Some of the chapters are told from his perspective as he steals yet another body to try to murder Hulda, Merritt, Owein, and the rest of the family.

I can't point to exactly what it was that made me like this book less. I think at this point I was just done with Silas, but I also understand needing the conclusion of that saga. Also, the struggle between love interests wasn't my favorite - again, I totally understand the use of that plot point, it just didn't really resonate with me.

If you're like me and need a conclusion to a series that you really enjoyed, I'd recommend reading it. If the previous books weren't totally your jam, I would maybe skip over this one. I'd still definitely recommend Charlie Holmberg's work overall. I rounded this book up from 3.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and 47North for an advanced reader's copy in return for my unbiased review!

I would like to start this by saying I am a mood reader. As such, it took me a really long time to get into this series, even though objectively I liked the concept and I like Charlie's writing style. I have read the Paper Magician series and love how Charlie always comes up with unique magic systems.

Like the Paper Magician, this series and therefore this book have such interesting things going on. It was nice to get Owein's story, even if I hate that Silas is back.

Sweet gentle series. I’m perfectly happy to move on from Merritt and Hulda now that they’ve got their happy ending to Owein. He’s also a decent soul trying to do the right things. If you’re looking for a fairly gentle read everything I’ve read by this author has been fairly gentle and more or less fade to black as well. Think perhaps a pg15 or 16 if it was a movie like rating. But not a teen oriented author either. She just happens to write gently. Everything I’ve read by her has been enjoyable and this one is too! I admit I go through a lot of books but she’s definitely on my read everything new by her list.

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N. Holmberg was absolutely enchanting!
This is the best type of fantasy! I don’t think I can quite put into words.
Holmberg‘s writing is captivating. He knows how to pull the reader into a magnificent and intriguing place.
The story was absolutely engaging and the work that went into the settings was noticeable and superb.
The attention to details in his writing really set the scene and tone.

The fourth venture to the shores of Whimbrel House is a spellbinding adventure which finds the cast of familiar characters the target of an old foe. How can they overcome a seemingly insurmountable magic? The journey is a thrilling, heart-wrenching story that adds a satisfying addition to the world of Whimbrel House. If you’re looking for mystery and magic, the thrill of danger and the warmth of home, I couldn’t recommend this enough.

Without giving away too much (as this is book 4 in the series!) I absolutely adored getting the new POVs in this story. Following Owein in his personal & magical journey was exhilarating, terrifying and tear-jerking.

As always, the characters in this world are lovable and memorable, the settings are magical and inviting, and the ending leaves me wanting even more. Luckily, book 5 will help in the last regard (counting down the days!!!).

Thank you NetGalley and 47North for giving me the opportunity to read this book early and share my honest review. All reviews will be posted to my socials (Netgalley, Goodreads, Fable, IG).

I understand the pull away from Hulda as the MC, but felt like her character changed too much as well. I'm also not the biggest fan of time skips or love triangles, so that was meh. It didn't have the same feel as the previous installments, so 3 stars. I'll continue the series but don't feel as invested

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N. Holmberg has big bad Silas Hogwood back, and he’s ready to exact his revenge in the fourth book. There’s been a time skip of nearly five years, and in that span of time Owein has grown up (making him due to fulfil the marriage contract he made out in exchange for a body in the previous novel), Beth and Baptiste are married with a child, and Hulda and Merritt have expanded their own family to include three daughters.

I didn’t love the time skip—I never do—but I understood the purpose it played for the book. The problem is that while it strengthened Owein’s role, it diminished Hulda’s. The POV switched to Owein, so understandably he takes greater precedence in the story, but Hulda seemed to only be fussing over her children or weeping in the story with little in-between. It’s been awhile since I’ve read the others and felt she used to be more stoic, then I wasn’t sure, but at the end Owein even made mention of how she doesn’t like to show her “humanity”, so she has definitely changed in the intervening years.

I also didn’t love the love triangle. Cora was off-page and Fallon was present, so I was always going to be weighted toward her. The whole contract just feels gross to me anyway as a concept; I get it was done in the past in real life for centuries, but it’s just skin-crawling to select people and make them have sex to produce children with traits you hope will come through, like cattle or sheep.

A thing I enjoyed: the climax was really well done, with Silas facing off against Owein in a spectacular fashion, using both magic and tools against one another. It felt rather like watching a movie as I went through the pages, swept up in the action and ferocity of it. I really adored how both book and the series came full circle; that was quite satisfying. For those picking this book up, though, it’s definitely got a body toll in it, and there are some deliciously gruesome descriptions for the wounded and the dead.

For the star rating, I vacillated. It’s easily my least favourite of the series, but I still had fun reading it. I didn’t like the ending with regards to Owein’s choice, but apparently the story will continue in further instalments, so I’ll follow and see if the end of it all is more to my tastes. I was a fan of Merritt and Hulda and their romance in the previous books; I’ve always liked Owein, but the romance department for him could DEFINITELY use some work. Maybe with Silas gone, we’ll get a chance to watch as Owein comes into his own properly…? Guess I’ll have to wait and see. 3.5 stars, and I’ll round up.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.