I received this Ebook A.R.C. of Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, 47North Publishing, Charlie N. Holmberg and all applicable parties for the opportunity to read and review this work.



**Trigger Warnings**
References to abandonment and neglect in familial circumstances, the occult and magic, and time periods where all parties did not receive equal rights.


This book picks up just weeks after the first installment, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg. When we last saw Merritt and Hulda, they had rescued Owein (now inhabiting the vessel of a cute little mutt) from the diabolical Silas Hogwood–and in doing so, killed him. Silas had been working with the head of the BIKER institute to enchant dwellings and homes for their organization as a way to keep the need for persons of magical pedigree–hence, Hulda and the other housekeepers and maids that tend to magical homes. From here we are introduced to the London branch. They’re sneaky and underhanded, looking for Silas Hogwod for reason beyond human comprehension, meanwhile Myra (the former head of BIKER–who resigned and vanished without a trace) is operating a secret facility meant to somehow extract magic from cadavers and placentas to be reintroduced to hosts as a way to preserve magical DNA.

My favorite thing about this book boils down to the author not making magic a bandaid for every minor inconvenience. We see this so often in fantasy novels these days, that it is beyond refreshing that Charlie keeps things more realistic and gives our protagonists limitations with their abilities. I.E. Hulda’s abilities regarding augury are often vague with major holes in the visions, and she is often remarking to Merritt that she can’t just “see” whatever the outcome is when she so desires. We’ve also seen Merritt struggling to understand and control his magic–it doesn’t just “click” so that he can save the day.


I am absolutely thrilled to have been able to read this A.R.C, and I adored every twist and turn. I love little doggy Owein and the entire family dynamic of Whimbrel House. If you're looking for a cozy little novel, with magical realism and a beautiful found family dynamic, I’d definitely recommend picking up this series by Charlie N. Holmberg. It’s absolutely 4 stars for me and I can’t wait to grab my physical copy this April!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book through net galley in exchange for my honest opinions.
Early this year I was on a quest for cozy fantasy books. So basically an easy read with no violence described in gory detail, no sex scenes and mild fantasy elements. Which lead me to the first book in this series. (Because my library did not yet have it available- I bought it and hoped not to be disappointed- and I wasn’t, I loved it and couldn’t wait for the second one to be out!)
I jumped at the chance to read the second one early when I saw it available. This one just as good as the first one. All my favorite characters returned especially Owein. We got to delve deeper into the back story of Merritt and also the inner workings of BIKER/LIKER.
I love how fiercely protective each character is over their little found family, and how each is able to use their gifts to help each other. I love the building romance, it’s just the right amount. And I think the mystery of Silas Hogwood and how it spreads out like a spider web just perfect.
I’m looking forward to more in this series!

Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. Merritt Fernsby knows now that he has magic--actually fairly powerful magic, and a good deal of it given the dilution of magic through the years and the fact his family wasn't actively marrying to cultivate it--and is now grappling with both it and the fallout from learning that being a bastard is the entire reason he was disowned and cast out. Hulda Larkin, temporary housekeeper turned friend turned romantic partner, is seeking to understand why her former boss Myra Haigh has fled and no one can find her while simultaneously trying to fend off adversaries from overtaking BIKER--her workplace.

This book is a very different beast than the first one, given that most of the setting involved the enchanted house, which is now a regular house but with a wizardy dog instead. It also involves the mystery of Myra's actions and whereabouts, which may be a little tougher to get into given that readers only had vague contact with her in the first book and a goodly portion of it was unpleasant because of her role in Silas Hogwood's presence and threat.

I understand why people might not love it as much as the first; the trajectory has changed and the world is expanding beyond the house and its island, with the hint of a third book and the implication that it may spread even further, possibly to another country. It was a little slower to get involved on my end, but the pages began to fall away for me by the middle or last third of it. Merritt and Hulda's relationship is so sweet, too, and I enjoy his teasing and cheek with her while still being careful and gentle seeing as she's never entertained a man. I didn't love it as well as the first myself, but I'd still do 3.5 and round up, as it's worth it.

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

The Heir of Uncertain Magic is the second book in the Whimbrel House series. The story picked up where the first book ended. I really liked the first book so it was good to be back with the characters. This series is more historical fiction than fantasy but it was whimsical enough. In this book, we got to learn about Merritt's family issues and how he deals with his new magical abilities. Also, Hulda and Merritt's relationship is so cute and lovely. I thought this is a duology but apparently, there is going to be more and if I am not mistaken the next book is going to focus on Owein. I can't wait to learn his story. If you like whimsical and cozy stories you should definitely check out this series. Thanks to NetGalley and 47North for an ARC in return for my honest review.

An excellent sequel that continues in the same sprit as the first book. In this instalment the plot is very different since Hilda is no longer working for or living with Merritt and they are dealing with the aftermath of everything that happened in the first book. On top of all of that Merritt is dealing with his new powers and trying to come to terms with his past. We see all of the wonderful characters from the previous book again and the budding romance continues to develop organically. I was happy to return to this world and learn even more about it. The ending of this book sets up even more mysteries to uncover, so I will definitely keep an eye out for a third book!

Does Merritt find himself with a quiet, stable life at Whimbrel House following the events of the first book? Of course not! There are always new adventures to be had when magicked houses and magical genealogy are at play.

The second book in the Whimbrel House world carried on the story of our many familiar beloved characters and even that of some not so beloved. The story line continues seamlessly from where the first book left readers, with Merritt back on the island trying to understand his new talents and understand all his family, the lost, the found and the newly discovered. Hulda navigates the age old struggle of women wanting both a career and passion while Owain just tries to understand having legs for the first time in centuries.

The Whimbrel House series is a wonderfully cozy read with magic, adventure, and villians that will not lead you astray. Charlie Holmberg never fails to build worlds that are at once comforting and familiar yet somehow still magical and new.

I loved the first book and the sequel was just as much fun! I was dying to see what Merrit would get up to now that he had discovered his magic and so couldn't wait to read!

I liked the mystery plot which allowed Merrit and Hulda's relationship to blossom alongside Merrit's magic!

When will people leave poor whimbrel house alone!

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

The first book in this series, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, for lack of a better term enchanted me, so I was so excited to review an advanced copy of the second in this series!

And while it was lovely hearing from Merritt and Hulda, Owein and Baptiste and Beth, this book did suffer a bit from second book syndrome, where the stakes have changed a bit for the worse and most of the information feels like a bridge to what comes next.

Book one had a truly sinister antagonist and a delightful magic setting. Here in book two, that antagonist is gone and the magical house is technically no longer magical. The stakes feel lower and the whimsy feels slightly dampened. Merritt is trying to grapple with his own history and new magical abilities (by the way the title of this second book feels very spoiler-y and I hope it didn’t spoil anything for anyone looking at the series who hasn’t read book one yet!) but this doesn’t feel as fraught as book one did.

The romance between Merritt and Hulda is a great amount of swoon and sweet injected into the mysteries of the story. The state of their relationship at the end of this story feels a bit abrupt, but I love their relationship and look forward to seeing what happens next with them.

Was hoping we’d get a bit more insight into Beth and Baptiste’s characters, but apart from a little tidbit of Baptiste’s history, I found myself wanting more. Hopefully future books explore more!

3,5 stars.

Reading this took me more then a month, and not necessarily because it was bad, but the first book was more enjoyable imo and the story only really picked up pace in the last 60-ish pages. While I still enjoyed this very much and hope to be able to enjoy the last book in the series aswell, I hope that story becomes a bit more entertaining again.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Everything the occupants at Whimbrel House thought they knew gets flipped on its head after a run-in with a madman magician. Merritt Fernsby is left grappling with a power he never knew he had, Hulda Larkin is questioning her place at BIKER after being manipulated by her closest friend, and Owein now finds himself in the body of a dog instead of haunting the walls. They will each have to learn their new place in the world while, once again, facing a dangerous threat.

After the disappearance of Hulda's boss/friend, Myra Haigh, Hulda finds herself up for the now-vacant position of BIKER's director. Competing against her is a rival from their London branch, who seems curious about Whimbrel House and who Hulda believes can twist the emotions of those around them. With everything crumbling down and the target's on their backs, Merritt and Hulda will have to pull out all the stops if they hope to get through the chaos unscathed.

I recently read the first book in this series, and it became one of my all-time favorites, so I had high hopes going into this one. I'm happy to report it delivered everything I wanted and more. My favorite thing about this series is the characters. I love the little family they've formed and how they all look out for and care for one another so much. We got more development with Merritt and Hulda's relationship, which gave me a toothache with how sweet it was. I adore them together. I also loved following Owein and getting to see inside his head. He tugs on my heartstrings; I never want anything bad to happen to him. As for the plot, I thought the mystery was done well, and it was interesting learning about new sects of the magic system. Holmberg has a knack for writing well-paced, entertaining stories with just the right balance of whimsy and darkness, and I'll be crossing my fingers hoping for more of this series.

I love this book so much. It is a light urban fantasy that provides a whimsical view into the everyday life of a dynamic cast of characters. It includes a hint of 'murder mystery', reflects characters dealing with trauma, and addresses adjustments to a life where everything you once new was a lie.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc.

I've really liked this part of the series. I will buy a physical copy and continue with the next books!

It was, to me, even more interesting than the first one, probably because we got to know the characters even more. I cared for them and really, still, loved their relations. A well, and believably, written romance, great friendships and a further exploration of family trauma are sprinkled with cozy and feel-good moments in a ratio that worked really well for me.
The mystery, found family trope and the fact that we're learning more about the magic system along with our characters were also great.

To be perfectly honest, I cannot really think of any drawbacks of this book. If you liked the first part of the series, I'm sure you'll also love this one!

Compared to the first book, not my favorite. The magic seemed lacking. This was more of just a mystery, which I may appreciate more if I hadn’t read and been attached to the first book.

Heir of Uncertain Magic is the second book in The Whimbrel House Series. And if I dare say so myself... this one is even better than the first one, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. Especially on an account of predictability. I do prefer to be surprised and not quite knowing where the story is going to lead and I have to say that this book does a bit better job at it than the first one.
I found it easy to read, entertaining and fairly absorbing story, full of magic, history (family and magic), drama and adventure. The book combines all of them into just under 300 pages of story and leaves some space for the third book to come. Will there be another one? Time and magic will tell.
For now, less chase some whimbrels...

Big thanks to Netgalley, 47North and Charlie N. Holmberg for the ARC.

If you need an escape from the angst and horror of the real world, this cosy little historical fantasy is a soothing soul salve complete with low stakes family drama in a unique world of magic where one of the main characters is a dog possessed by a child ghost who used to possess a house. And while that last sentence might sound absurd, I soaked it all right up. Holmberg clearly loves dogs and it shines through in her characterisation of Owein who is one of the MVPs by far. Recommend for people who like dogs and cosy fantasies — remember to read the first book, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms first.

"Well. I apologize that the men in your life have been muttonheads, but then again, I suppose I should thank them--." - Merritt

It was so good to be back at Whimbrel House with Merritt and Hulda. The first book in the series implied a budding relationship between them, and this book was all about them deciding what to do with their shared experiences and how (and if) they wanted to move forward together. This book also explored Merritt's magic more deeply and showed his experiences in learning how to use it.

"They had never really done anything pertaining to routine courtship, unless one considered fighting for one's life in a dank basement routine courtship."

Once I got through the first half of the book it was difficult to put it down. Hulda and Merritt had to face some pretty heavy difficulties with their professional work, family relationships, and their shared relationship. This series has been fantastic so far and I already can't wait for the next one to release!

Heir of Uncertain magic is a fantastic and sweet follow up to Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. Full of magic, world building, found family, mystery, and a bit of suspense and romance, the second book (in what I'm hoping is at least a trilogy) was like a warm hug. It's a quick read, and a soon as I'd finished it I picked up the first again for a reread.... and then reread this one. Charlie N. Holmberg has a magical way of immersing the reader in her world. The characters feel real and developed, and the society and environment comprehensive. I hope the teaser at the end means that a third will come along soon! I can't wait to revisit these characters

Such a delightful follow up to the initial Hilda and Merritt tale. I love how the story of their love, the family that Whimbrel House has created, and the mystery of Myra and BIKER progressed. I’m looking forward to the next adventure from this group.

Merritt Fernsby and Hulda Larkin survived a magical serial killer and are now trying to move on. But things are not all fine at BIKER ...

The world building in this series is brilliant, with an intriguing magic system. The plot is fast and the characters endearing - a fun and cosy fantasy!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Another wonderful Holmberg book! I just loved this story. Merritt, Hulda, and Owein are some of my favorite characters, with all their quirks and humor.

This story left off right after the end of the first, and I loved seeing how each character progressed. Seeing Merritt’s frustration with his new-found magic, and eventually his learning how to use it, was so much fun. I loved the changes in Hulda, as she loosened up slightly and learned to let go and love. And Owein is just so much fun, I wish there was a whole book about him!

The suspense and intrigue of this story kept me turning the pages, and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The parts with Merritt and his mother brought tears to my eyes, while the big chaotic scene toward the end had me laughing and speeding through the pages, trying to see what was going to happen. Absolutely fantastic!

I can’t wait for more in this series! I need more of these characters!