Charlie Holmberg does it again with the next magical addition to her Whimbrel house series. I didn’t like it as much as the first two but it’s still magical, interesting and at times cozy!

I was afraid that this would be my least favorite book in the series when I saw it had a time jump and a love triangle and, unfortunately, I was proven right. Even though the book follows the return of the original villain Silas Hogwood, there isn't a concrete reason why this is when he decided to return and enact his revenge. The pacing was strange; the plot revolved around the large magical fight sequences and the content in between was mostly the characters worrying and waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Part of what made the romance in the first book so compelling was that we had both Hulda and Merritt's point of view. I love them both as characters and being able to see them gradually, begrudgingly come to care for and love each other was the heart of the book. Even though this book has a love triangle with Owein, Fallon, and Cora, one of these characters doesn't appear in person, and the other has no chapters told from her perspective. While I like Owein and will continue reading to see where his story goes next, his two love interests felt one dimensional in comparison to the other characters that populate this world. Maybe this could have been solved if he had his own series, rather than this being an extension of the original Whimbrel House books.

ARC/Superb As Always From Holmberg!

So excited to see this pop up as an ARC, a few months before the expected release date. It was good to get back to the characters of Whimbrel house, this time told from the perspective of Owen.

There’s a lot of angst, histrionics, and surprises that unfold, keeping you on the edge of your seat, and wanting more, causing it to be nay impossible to put the manuscript down.

Although Holmberg talks about that this was originally planned to be a trilogy, she had the need to move forward with book 4 after all. In the final authors notes and acknowledgements, there’s a bit of a hint, that this one may also not be the last in the series, or possibly a spin-off.

Holmberg comes back strong on this one, and definitely writes this in the style that we all have come to expect and love from her.

Highly recommend!!

Note: I received early access from NetGalley of this manuscript, and have at my own discretion and opinion, chosen to post a review.

The first book review of 2025 goes to the very talented and unceasingly creative Charlie N. Holmberg. In the fourth installment of the Whimbrel House series we follow Owein’s story closely five years after his transference into his human body. Merritt and Hulda are now parents raising their family on Blaugdone Island along with Beth and Baptiste’s family, Owein, and two dogs. Fallon, a Druid from Ireland, is also on hand as Owein’s friend and confidante.

Life is going nicely on the island until a most unexpected guest makes a visit – Silas Hogwood. After narrowly defeating his initial assault, the Queen’s guard comes to the family’s aid all the way from England. Even with this many strong magicians on hand, Owein knows that it will take everything they have to defeat Silas when he returns. Owein will do everything in his power (and will try anything not yet within his power) to protect his loved ones and become the man he’s always strived to be.

I adore the magical world this author has created. The characters have shown growth with each book, and there’s always someone new with a unique magical ability. The relationships between the characters are heartwarming, emphasizing a found family is just as strong as blood. I would definitely recommend reading the whole series to really appreciate the story as there are breadcrumbs in earlier books that feed into this book. The writing is smart, witty, suspenseful, and heartfelt – a must read series for fantasy book lovers!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher 47North for the advanced reading copy. It did not affect my review in any way!

4.75 stars! -- Charlie N. Holmberg has done it again with another fantastic installment into the Whimbrel House series. It has quickly become one of my favorites.

We follow Owein Mansel who is now 18 and having to grapple with his impending marriage to Lady Cora in England and his feelings with his childhood Druid friend, Fallon. But when faced with the return of the sinister magician Silas Hogwood, Owein must try to protect his family in any way he can, but is his magical ability enough?

I absolutely love these books and being inside this world so much I don't want to leave. I listened to the first three and just became spellbound by the magical system, characters, and plot. This book also features Hulda and Merrit (and their adorable, opinionated three children) as well as Beth and Bapstiste (who are now married with a child). With this book, we get to see characters years later and enter into a new movement of the series with some new and returning problems. I love how there are plot elements that Holmberg planted in the earlier books that are only coming to fruition in this one. The magical system is constantly developing to add depth to the world-building and each book has a primer on the different types of magic in the beginning which is super helpful.

Owein must deal with Silas's looming threat, his conflicted feelings for two women, and his duty to his family. These are all handled well and gives Owein an opportunity to really grow from the beginning to the end of this book. I felt his stress, anguish, and fear. The fight scenes were rather detailed and visceral which upped the stakes from the previous books.

Now for some of my spoiler-y thoughts: I got quite emotional during the final fight scene when Mr. Blightree steps in to save Owein. It added to both the character growth AND the emotional connection of the characters. The scene when Merrit tells Owein that he's grateful for him and that Owein is enough? I was crying there too. I'll also admit I really like and was rooting for Fallon because I truly think Owein loved her. BUT I see the wisdom in his decision to go ahead with his marriage to Lady Cora, because he is constantly trying to be an honorable man who upholds his promises (it's an integral part of his character!) The bittersweet ending of this is necessary for the inevitable emotional rollercoaster we'll have in book 5, I fear, but I am ready for it!

Overall, I was so happy to rejoin all of my favorite characters in this world. And after that ending I cannot wait to know what happens in book 5, but thank goodness there is going to be another one!! This is out March 4 of this year and I highly recommend this series to all!

This is a great series for rainy-day reading, exactly the kind of cozy I tend to look for. I love all these characters. The book is written almost exclusively from Owein's point of view and it makes sense, since Merritt and Hulda's primary development arcs seem "complete" for now. I had to ding it by a star because the character of Fallon is a completely blank to me, even by the end of the book. I had no connection with her at all, even though she was supposed to be a main character. I still highly recommend the book to those who have enjoyed the series so far.

I received an electronic ARC from 47North through NetGalley.
I'm delighted to see this series continue. Owein's story is important to the overall story arc. Holmberg offers enough suspense balanced with lighter moments to appeal to a wide group of readers. He has an interesting perspective on life having been a boy, a house, a dog, and now a young man. His magic is strong and he continues to develop his skills. Of course there is a love triangle as he struggles to figure out his future. He is pledged to Cora in England but the Druid Fallon is with him on the island through the various battles. Silas Hogwood has returned yet again and leaves a trail of bodies as he seeks his final revenge. The author builds the tension as readers hope for the best outcome but have moments of doubt that he will be defeated.
All of the series characters are back in book four and we see how their lives have unfolded. The ending is hard in some ways but true to who Owein is. Looking forward to the next book.

The story started off a bit slow for me but I think it’s because it was focused on the Owein character as an older version. I wasn’t sure I was that interested in a book mostly focused on him. Yet once the characters we grew to love appeared, it helped move the action forward. I found myself going back to the beginning and rereading the first chapter to see what I may have missed the first time. Charlie’s writing made me love grown up Owein more and more with each chapter. I absolutely loved seeing how much Hulda and Merritt had grown as a couple and as a family including Owein and the Babineauxs. Their 3 little girls were perfect to include because they just raised the stakes even more with Silas’ growing threat. Even Silas’ inclusion which at first I found tiresome because I was like not him again but having him as the big bad just made so much sense. And wow the 3 major fight sequences were AMAZING! I haven’t read action scenes like that outside a film script that were so vivid and clear. I felt like I was in the middle of the action. I felt anxious, on edge, scared, sad and then relieved! The writing made me cycle through so many emotions! So well written!
I learned to love Owein’s adult character more and more with each chapter. I understood how torn he felt with choosing between free spirited Fallon and with his fiancee Cora. I hoped he would choose Cora because as he said, he wants to be a good man. Hoping he can find happiness with her. Definitely SO excited to read the final book of this amazing series. Although so much happens in this book, it is literally so cozy to revisit these characters that we have grown to love and root for. By the last chapters, I was crying my eyes out. I literally felt like I was saying goodbye to my family! Well done Charlie N Holmberg!!

Thank you to Netgalley and 47North for providing me with a free digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Whimbrel House series, like a soft, fluffy blanket, is one I reach for when I crave comfort and warmth. The characters are richly crafted, the story is immersive, and I can disappear into this world for hours.

While dark and dangerous, this classic good versus evil tale keep you intrigued and ever hopeful. The storytelling is a bit clean (what little romance is there is hinted at, closed door) and Hulda's views rather conservative, yet I can appreciate this series for what it is.

Book three in the series was a bit of a slump for me--my favorite supporting characters made nary an appearance--but book four finds us returned to Blaugdone Island. And I found myself loving the new shape-shifting druid, Fallon.

While I was hoping for a different outcome by the end, I can be satisfied with how this story and the series wrapped up--as I don't believe there are plans for a book 5? A shame.

Ooohh a Silas POV?! I was not sure about that but what an interesting twist. I love many of Holmbergs series so I knew picking this one up I wouldn’t be disappointed. Overall, this book had many of the elements I loved in the earlier books, but the focus on Oweins and Silas was very different. It had a darker vibe to the plot and the romance / love triangle were both not my favorite.

I received an advance review copy for free from the publisher via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

So much tension in this one!! I love Whimbrel House and the whole world of this series. I love the magic, the characters, the pace, and the plot. The way Owein matures, the choices he must make… perfection. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’m so glad this series will have five books in it!! I think I’d read 10 books or 100 books in this series.

Holmberg does it again! I don't think there is a book of hers that I don't love.

This series has been so much fun to read, and Wizard of Most Wicked Ways does not disappoint. I loved all the relationships that are developing and the multiple points of views. So far, I think this is my favorite of the series because it seems like the characters are developed so well and the story is taking the priority.

We've been with this cast for 4 books now, so while they still grow - the plot is the star. However, the cast is supporting as I love their interactions and banter with each other.

_Wizard of Most Wicked Ways_ by Charlie N. Holmberg is a suspenseful historical fantasy read with a sympathetic main character and continued world-building. It follows Owein as he struggles with his future and fights the evil wizard Silas Hogwood, who is back in a new body and seeking revenge. While protecting his family, Owein must also come to terms with moving to England and leaving his home behind. A great addition to the _Whimbrel House_ series.

Sinopsis en español:

Cuando los enemigos muertos se levantan, los asuntos graves del corazón, la mente y el cuerpo chocan en la fantástica cuarta novela de Whimbrel House de Amazon Charts y el autor más vendido del Wall Street Journal, Charlie N. Holmberg

Whimbrel House está cambiando. Merritt y Hulda están criando una familia. Owein ha firmado un contrato matrimonial con la mágicamente compatible Lady Cora, un peso pesado de la nobleza británica que está a un océano de distancia. Y el encantador druida que cambia de forma Fallon hace un amigo que distrae a Owein. Pero otro cambio está en el aire, y esta vez es algo malvado.

El mayor mago del milenio, Silas Hogwood, está de vuelta, después de cinco años muerto. Cuerpo nuevo, el mismo olor asqueroso, e impulsado por la locura y la venganza. Owein, temiendo no ser lo suficientemente fuerte como para defender a Silas, busca la ayuda e influencia de Cora en Inglaterra. Alarmas sonando, la Reina Victoria envía a su Liga de Magos, incluido su nigromante personal, para ayudar en la defensa de Owein.

A medida que la magia, tanto buena como mala, converge en la isla Blaugdone, Owein se da cuenta de lo desgarradoras que son las fuerzas contra ellos. Combatirlos requerirá un poco de excavación, literalmente, en busca de secretos a medio formar de la magia que Hulda no quiere que tenga. Pero ninguna promesa, bloqueo o burocracia gubernamental evitará que Owein haga lo necesario para proteger a sus seres queridos. De una forma u otra, Silas solo tomará Whimbrel House sobre el tercer cadáver de Owein.




Reseña:


Estuvo entretenido, pero no logró atraparme como los libros anteriores. Además ese triángulo amoroso no me gustó.

I received a temporary digital copy of Wizard of Most Wicked Ways from NetGalley, 47North and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Silas Hogwood is back after five years and ready to take revenge on Merritt, Hulda and Owein. After encountering Hogwood for the first time in his new body, the trio realize he is far-stronger and they need help. Owein turns to Cora and Queen Victoria sends the League of Magicians to end Hogwood once and for all. Owein will do whatever necessary to stop Hogwood's attacks.

I really enjoyed reading Wizard of Most Wicked Ways from Owein's perspective. Unfortunately, this book was my least favorite installment of the Whimbrel House series. How many times can one family encounter the same villain and not defeat him or vice versa? Come to find out...too many. I also liked the Owein, Cora, Fallon love triangle, but I would have liked a bit more introduction to Owein and Fallon. Their relationship felt a bit false as we hadn't gotten too much of a romantic hint from them before.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N. Holmberg. This is the fourth book in the Whimbrel House series, and I have been fascinated by the events surrounding Blaugdone Island and the residents of Whimbrel House since the first book, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. Charlie N. Holmberg’s skills crafting characters and building magical worlds have kept me engaged and wanting to read more. I appreciated the details that went into keeping the main characters relatable despite their magical abilities, such as Merritt’s tendency to be messy. I also enjoyed the family feel of the story and the lengths that individuals took to keep the family together. My favorite part of the story was the thrilling and deeply satisfying ending event that happened on Baugdone Island.
A reader could pick up Wizard of Most Wicked Ways as a stand alone novel without reading the other books, but I would not recommend it. Rich character development throughout the whole series helped me appreciate how the events during Wizard of Most Wicked Ways impacted the people in the story.
Thank you 47North for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

BEST ONE YET! This was such a good book and I can't wait for the next one. Owein is my favorite character so that's probably why this is my favorite of the series. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader copy.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is a spellbinding tale, rich with vivid characters and an enchanting storyline that is sure to captivate fans of this genre. The writing is flawless and engaging, effortlessly drawing readers into its magical world. For those who have followed this series or universe, it’s a joy to revisit so many beloved characters and see their stories continue to unfold.

However, despite the undeniable strengths of this book, I found myself feeling somewhat detached. While the story itself is enchanting, it became clear to me that this particular genre just isn’t quite my cup of tea. This is by no means a fault of the book—it’s more a matter of personal preference.

For fans of this genre or series, Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is undoubtedly a treat, brimming with all the elements that make fantasy so magical. But for me, while I appreciated the craft and creativity, it’s not a book I loved.

Thank you NetGalley and 47 North for the ARC!

This review will contain some spoilers. Proceed with caution.

Whimbrel House is my safe space right now in this chaotic world. The books bring me such peace and I love being able to live in a story, live in the characters routine for a bit. However, I am desperate for a new antagonist. Silas’ story needs to end. While Silas provided his own climatic build in Owein’s journey, there was plenty of good drama without his resuscitation. Fallon. Cora. Beth. Merritt. Whimbrel House isn’t complete without Owein. I am curious to read an adventure with the Druids and envision their way of life, but I really am not ready for a world in which Owein lives in England. It feels so sudden when we’ve only recently gotten a mature version of Owein on the page.

Even though this series isn’t my typical read, I have found it original and addictive. In this book our characters are struggling with not only villainy but the hard decisions of adult life. The magical canon is very well integrated into the story line. While I prefer earthier fiction, this book was my favorite of the series,