I did not want this book to be over!
I have loved and enjoyed every moment of this entire series. Charlie Holmberg's world of magic is original and engaging. I adore Owein and his child-like spirit, despite actually being an old man. I also adore stories about the family we choose, and love the family created by Hulda, Merritt, Owein, Beth and Baptiste.
This installment sees Hulda, Merritt and Owein traveling across the pond, making acquaintances in high places, and finding themselves at the center of a deadly plot.
While trying to unravel the mystery of who wants them out of London before Owein can get a body, Holmberg's characters continue to wrestle their own personal demons. Hulda must reconcile her independent spirit and career-driven life with the idea of also being a wife. She knows above all else she wants to do life with Merritt by her side, but her careful nature leaves her struggling with the "how" of being married while being in charge of BIKER.
Faced with the chance for a human body after so many long years leaves Owein struggling with growing up. For decades, without a body to age and change, Owein has been suspended in a child-like state. Though he has the years of experience of someone much older, he has missed the critical years of finding himself and growing up. Owein is determined to prove to everyone around him that he is already capable of taking care of himself. For the prospect of a body, Owein is ready to be whatever age that may mean, and straining at the leash to be his own person.
Merritt's biggest struggle is how to let Owein go. His head tells him Owein is older than anyone in the family but his heart has held Owein for so long as a child - a child in a helpless dog's body. Merritt has been the surrogate father for Owein for so long, it's difficult for him to contemplate any other dynamic.
The struggle of all Holmberg's characters as they teeter on the edge of life-changing events is so real and vulnerable. But their makeshift family is strong enough to see them through anything, no matter what.

I liked this one but it wasn't my favorite of the series.

I found the other ones more atmospheric and with more tension than this one. This one dragged on at times for me. I wasn't in as big of a rush to pick up back up as I did with the other two. I think this could've been a novella or even an epilogue since there was so much that I don't feel added to the story.

I will still continue to read everything that this author writes as I enjoy the magic systems and overall stories, but this one was just meh.

The Boy Of Chaotic Making by Charlie N. Holmberg is the 3rd book in the Whimbrel House series. These books are magical realism which is a genre I don’t normally read much of. There is so much magic involved that I therefore think it takes me longer to read them because I really have to use my imagination to picture everything that the author is putting into words. This 3rd book mainly centers around Owein. He was a distant uncle to Merritt from way back. In the first book, he was trapped inside the walls of Wimbrel House and that was fun to read how he would act out and show his playful side. Then in the 2nd book he was transfixed into the body of a terrier dog by a really horrible man. It’s in this book that during a trip to England, he is finally put back into the body of a young boy. The highlight of this story for me was the wedding between Hulda and Merritt. It was something that I was anticipating and the fact that all of Merritt’s family came together made it even more special. I did feel like this 3rd book was a little slower going for me, I even took a break from reading it and went on and read another. But I’m glad that I went back to it and finished it so I could read about the nuptials and see how everything played out in the end. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section. Although I favored the first two books in the series, I’m glad I read this and I’m giving it a 4 star rating for the authors wonderful, imaginative writing!

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing, and 47North for this copy of "Boy of Chaotic Making" which is the third book in the Whimbrel House series.

I was so fortunate to read the first three books back-to-back, especially as each book starts almost immediately where the previous one ended.

The series is charming, delightful, funny and magical with characters that warm your heart and feel like friends.

I love this series and look forward to each new offering.

In Boy of Chaotic Making, we again find ourselves at Whimbrel House with Merritt and Hulda now planning their wedding while Owein is still inhabiting the body of a dog. Plans quickly change as the trio are presented with the offer of a lifetime - from the Queen of England, no less! It may be possible to transfer Owein from the dog into a human. But there will be a price.

This book is more lighthearted than the previous two. It had the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, and intrigue. I am looking forward to the next installment, I need to know that all will be well with characters I have come to love.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

In "Boy of Chaotic Making" Charlie N. Holmberg weaves a captivating tale of magic and self-discovery, as Merritt Fernsby navigates the complexities of his newfound inheritance and love. Engaged to Hulda Larkin and protective of his peculiar uncle Owein, Merritt's life takes an unexpected turn when a missive from Queen Alexandrina Victoria sets off a chain of events. As they journey to London and face unsettling encounters, including with a necromancer, Merritt realizes that danger lurks closer than he imagined. With Owein's determination to chart his own destiny and the unwavering support of loved ones, the trio braves the challenges ahead, proving that love and magic conquer all.

What a wonderful third installation to the Whimbrel House series! I genuinely love reading these books. This latest book follows Owein’s story as we learn more about his future and his powers.

I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a magical heartfelt read!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

Boy Of Chaotic Making is a delightful next installment in the Whimbrel House series and the perfect cozy fantasy read. This book somehow managed to keep me completely engaged the entire time without every making me feel stressed or anxious. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of action and intrigue, but wrapped up in Charlie’s typical charm it was just an enjoyable ride.
I love watching Hulda come more into her own, and I fall more in love with all of the characters with each installment (but especially Merritt and Hulda. And the two of them together: *chef’s kiss*). And this book has one of my favorite romantic scenes I think I’ve ever read.
This book is clean and is part of a series, but as with all of them so far it wraps up nicely at the end so you’re not waiting on a cliffhanger feeling unfulfilled. It is the perfect book if you’re looking for some magical charm. But be warned, it won’t last long, you won’t be able to help flying through it! While you probably could read it as a stand-a-lone it is best read as a series and you would be seriously depriving yourself if you don’t read the first two.
I received a free copy of Boy Of Chaotic Making and am writing this review of my own accord.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Pages: 317

THE GIST:
**Skip this section if you haven't read the first 2 books in the series.

We pick up right where we left off with Hulda as the new director of BIKER and she and Merritt working through wedding plans. Owein spirit is inhabiting the body of a terrier and they're finally settling into a normal life.

With their dangerous past behind them there plan is to move forward as best they can when a sudden letter from the queen changes everything. She presents Owein with an offer he can't refuse but what will it cost?


THOUGHTS AND THINGS:
I really loved the first two books in this series and enjoyed this one as well but it was a little less exciting than I had hoped and expected. The first two books are a bit dark and even a little creepy. This one is a much lighter story but I loved being back with these quirky characters so much.

I love Owein and this book is all about him which was fun. We also get more of Hilda and Merritt's relationship and it's sweet and filled with their whitty banter.

I really enjoyed the concept and plot, the only down side was I predicted the mystery reveal pretty early on.

I'm really looking forward to book 4 to see where the story goes from here!


READ IF YOU LIKE:
🐕 Cozy Fantasy
🐕 Historical Romance
🐕 Unique Magic System
🐕 Magical Artifacts
🐕 Multiple POVs
🐕 Found Family
🐕 Talking Animals
🐕 Shape Shifters
🐕 Closed Door Romance

What a great addition to the Whimbrel House series! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, start to finish. (If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, go back and start there!)

Hilda, Merritt, and Owein are off on an adventure across the Atlantic Ocean. I loved the way we got to know Owein more, what he dreams of and what haunts him. The character’s changing and moving forward in this book was truly spectacular to read. “A boy who became a house who became a dog… “ — chefs kiss! So good!

I enjoyed getting to see more elemental magic in this book. The costs and uses of such magic are so interesting, and the artifacts of wizard history were also quite fascinating to learn about. The preservation of magic is important to more than just the British royal family, though, and we’re introduced to Druids. All of these different magic groups have an interest in Owein, of course, and I think a major part of his character arc is seeing how he reacts as expectations are put upon him, and what he chooses to do with his own future.

This has a much lighter plot, compared to the first two books, which got quite dark and deadly, at times. Though the protagonists were certainly targeted, mishaps most definitely occurred, and expectations were upended, it never really felt like the characters were truly in any fatal danger. I didn’t mind this, though, and in fact I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see some of my favorite characters get to experience happiness and the fulfillment of long awaited dreams.

Charlie Holmberg is a favorite author of mine, and I can’t wait to see what she does in the next installment of the Whimbrel House series! I have a few inklings as to *who* might make a reappearance in that book!! 👀 😵 💀

5 stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

________________________________
Thank you 47North and NetGalley for the eARC!
This is my honest review of this book.

#BoyofChaoticMaking #NetGalley

<strong>Early Release/Stunning And Mesmerizing Read</>

What a finale this turned out to be. Although, I have a substantial impression, this is not the last to this story. I see a spinoff coming with Owein as the main character. I could be wrong, but I guess we’ll just have to see about this mere speculation of mine.
As usual, Charlie Holmberg is an intense and genuine fabulist, who can construct a narrative like no other. From beginning to end, every delicious page is absorbed with joy, wonder, trepidation, and apprehension, leaving the reader disappointed only at the last and final page, when it’s over. Holmberg pulls you into the story/plot, and you have the sentiment as if you’re living within the pages of the book.

This 3rd, and final novel, takes on a rather abrupt transformation in comparison to the first 2. All in a very positive way. It’s a whole new story within an existing story. Wholly engaging, and guaranteed to hold a reader spellbound, one is absorbed and enthusiastically stimulated by the written word.

The official release day is very soon . Don’t miss grabbing yours as promptly as it hits the shelves.

NOTE: I received early access from NetGalley, for this manuscript, in exchange for writing an impartial review, solely of my own opinion.

My favorite book in the Whimbrel House so far!

I don't want to go into much detail and spoil the series, but this was such a wonderful magical adventure, and I'm glad Owein finally gets his own story told. The paranormal world is painted beautifully by the author, allowing readers to immerse themselves and forget about the real world for a while.

The mystery throughout the book kept me on my toes, and trying to guess who the bad guy was had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I loved seeing Merritt and Hulda's story progress as well, so I'm especially looking forward to more books in the series.

This is definitely not a stand alone, as it picks up where the previous books left off, so make sure to read those first.

I love the way Charlie N Holmberg weaves her stories together. This is the 3rd installment of the Whimbrel House series and it's just as magical, whimsical, and enchanting as the first two. Owein is trapped in a dogs body but when he has the chance to obtain a human body again, he travels with Merritt and Hulda to England where he embarks on an unexpected adventure.

I found this story to be interesting and it leaves a lot open for the 4th (and what I imagine will be the last) book in this series. I loved the deeper dive we got into Merritt and Hulda's magical abilities as well as the new characters introduced. While this one didn't feel as dark as the first two, we did work through some chaos, manipulation, and opposing factions within the story line. I love the way Owein's story progresses and I really hope we get a heavy dose of his future in the next book.

This series as a whole is such a great magical read and the way that Holmberg writes is endearing and heartwarming.

I loved the first two books of this series. It was a lovely cozy fantasy/mystery duology. Unfortunately, I think Holmberg should have left it as a duology. This third book in the series wasn't bad by any means, just rather boring and unnecessary. It is the classic case of trying to force the series to continue when it just isn't happening naturally. I continually found myself checking how much longer I had in each chapter and taking breaks in between. I couldn't get into it. Again, there isn't anything inherently wrong with the book. I loved the characters in the first two books, but in this one, I wasn't invested in their journey until the last 30 pages. This storyline fell flat after the excitement of the climax in book two and those last few chapters are really the only thing that made the storyline interesting at all to me. Heir of Uncertain Magic ended on such a great note, that adding this book was not a good choice in my opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Word of Owein’s unique existence has traveled far in the magical circles. When Queen Victoria learns about his power and lineage, she offers to find him a human to inhabit so he can help strengthen the royal family. After everything their little “family” has been through both Hulda and Merritt express their concerns but ultimately let Owein make his own decisions.

Boy of Chaotic Making is the third book in the Whimbrel House series. Each book in the series builds upon the next so I would not recommend trying to read it as a stand-alone. While the plot of this book is complete by the end, there is a bit of a cliffhanger pertaining to the overall storyline of the series. This historical, romantasy book is closed-door.

Boy of Chaotic making does read a little differently than the first two books in the series. Owein is the prominent focus. Readers will get to see just how far his character has progressed to this point and his personality really blossoms throughout this storyline. Hulda and Merrit are still featured throughout the book, they just aren’t the main focus. I thought this book may come across a bit tame compared to the first two but I was wrong. It’s always “another day, another danger” for this crew.

The world building in this series is exceptional. The magic system is so distinctive but easily explained. I don’t think I’ve ever come across one similar. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this series next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Charlie N. Holmberg for sending me an early copy!

This is the third book in the Whimbrel House series & I ate it up!! I can’t say too much without giving things away, but just know if you haven’t read the series yet, you are missing out!!

The writing of this series is just so good you literally feel like you’re right there with the characters. Which is saying something for me because I’m not a huge fantasy girly. But there’s just something about this series that has my whole heart.

And the ending of this one had me feeling ALL of the emotions - in the best way possible. I’m already ready for the next one in the series to come out

5 ⭐
.1/2 🌶️

The Boy of Chaotic Making is the third book with the characters (including Wilmbrel House) that we all adored in this series. Merrit, Hulda, Beth, Baptiste, and our darling Owein. This is a cozy and delightful series and even though this book was not quite to the level of the previous two, it still managed to keep my attention and my heart involved from page one. Merrit is the absolute sweetest cinnamon roll of a hero there ever was and his devotion and love for Hulda make my heart sing in all their interactions. Hulda and coming more and more out of belief that love would never find her and her expressions of delight and disbelief that Merrit loves her and wants to marry her -- and her amazement that it is happening continues to fill the book with joy. But our dear sweet Owein is now the center of attention and his mystery is what unfolds. You cannot help but love Owein more in his current form and his scenes often leave me teary-eyed as I picture them in my mind. As evidenced by my gushing I loved the book and I am eagerly awaiting more in this delightful urban almost steampunky time of magic, royals, diabolical characters, and magic that takes as well as it gives. So much to love. One caution, this series must be read in order to truly get the full story and magic of it all. I highly recommend it!

I love any opportunity to return to Whimbrel House! Since this largely took place in London, I missed some of my favorite side characters, like Baptiste and Beth. It didn't quite grab me like the previous two did, mainly due to the location change and the introduction of many new characters. It still had the cozy vibes and amped up the steam a little bit, both of which I appreciated.

I will not apologize for Loving Charlie N Holmberg and the magical worlds she creates. This is book #3 of The Whimbrel House series and when I saw it available on Netgalley, I had to request it as soon as I could. You definitely want to read the other two before you dive into this one as they really do not work well as stand-alone books. Nevertheless, I do not think you will be disappointed in this series.

We continue the daily adventures of Merrit, Owein, and Hulda in our third installment, and this time, we are a bit more focused on Owein and seeing what can be done about giving him a better quality of life. What better quality of life can we give him, except for a chance to be back in a human body and marry into a royally related family?

The only issue is, where the body is going to come from and who keeps trying to kill Merritt and Owein while they work out the details of the marriage contract?

I give this book 5 stars because it is fun, feel good, and a slightly adventurous slice of life.

LOVE THIS SERIES, BUT I HAD HIGHER HOPES FOR THIS BOOK

Whimbrel House is a series I have seriously fallen in love with. I love the characters, the setting, the magical universe and the delightful banter. However, this book feel a bit short of the rest. I hope this book is merely a build up for the next (and final?) installment.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Owein: My darling Owein. I adored him as a house and I adore him as a dog. His genuine connection with the people around him makes me happy to read about. But as much as I like his childlike qualities, I also really liked how we started to explore the possibility of him actually growing up. He deserves to move on with his life and not be stuck as a 12-year old. It's an exciting change for him.

Merritt and Hulda: Their relationship is so adorable. I am a total fan. I especially like how Merritt knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Hulda deserves to be wanted like that.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Plot: Honestly, the plot was a bit thin. Compared to the other two books, which had dark twists and turns, this felt more fluffy. Not really consequential to the overall story. However, I hope to be proved wrong in the next book. I really hope this lays the groundwork for a heck of a story later on.