Member Reviews
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,
I love the Whimbrel House series, so when I saw Wizard of Most Wicked Ways available to read, I was so excited! This book did not disappoint! I loved continuing Owein's story and seeing more of the characters from the previous books. I do feel like this book stepped up the stakes a bit, which I appreciated. There was more than one occasion where I felt my heart in my throat! Overall, I really enjoyed it.
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
I love this series, happy to report we have another lovely cozy magical book!
Wizard of the Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N. Holmberg is a wonderful addition to a series that I've loved from the start. Like the previous books, this one was both whimsical and magical, drawing readers into a world filled with wonder and unique characters. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing where she took the characters this time around. A bigger family for Merritt and Hulda. A family of their own with Beth and Baptiste surprised me a bit as well.
As much as I enjoyed the journey of romance, danger and magic, the ending left me wanting more. The storyline with Owen and Lady Cora felt like it has so much more potential for further development and I was disappointed that there wasn't more of a resolution for them in this book. I hope that just means there will be another book to give the story the ending it deserves.
I can't deny that I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend the whole series to friends. It's well-written, imaginative, and engaging. I read it so quickly that I was sad reaching the last page. This is just another testament to Holmberg's skill in creating a world that is hard to leave behind.
Really love this series, and was super excited to see Cora and Owein together in this one but all I got were letters! Definitely a little disappointed that I got more of Fallon than Cora, although Fallon was a good character. I was also surprised by how much death was in this one, it was pretty violent.
Blightree was my favorite character, and while I wasn’t sure about him at first, in the third book, he stepped it up in the fourth and was so good to Owein.
I adore these books. Every one of them is a delight, and while I've enjoyed all of Holmberg's series, Whimbrel House is a particular favorite. I just love the heart and the whimsy, the characters, the setting, the writing...she has truly mastered her voice and her craft. Seeing Owein's story come full circle was particularly satisfying. I'm not giving it a five star only because I was frustrated with his decision at the end. I think it was true to his character, but I had also hoped to see the story go in a different direction. Breaking the mold, a little bit. But that is a personal opinion and not at all a reflection of much I truly enjoyed Wizard of Most Wicked Ways. I cried, I laughed, I was on the edge of my seat. Each word in this book is like being hugged by an old friend.
I've enjoyed this series immensely, and in this installment, I found myself falling in love with the characters all over again, especially Owein. And the return of an old antagonist was great for the plot, even though this book wasn't quite as spooky as his first appearance. As always, Holmberg put her characters in scenarios that allowed them to grow, to learn, and to love each other ever more deeply. While the book started out a bit slowly, I couldn't put it down once the plot hit its stride, and I stayed up till 2am to finish--no regrets! The story ended on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the last book in the series!
After accidentally stumbling upon book one of this series, Charlie has had me hooked. Getting the opportunity to read this ARC was everything and I couldn’t wait to devour it. Following where everyone was that we loved so much from previous books. Owein being a human again and getting to experience life again. An enemy making a return. You will not be let down but the twists and turns of this book. I love it from the first page until the final page. Oweins love for his people far outweighs his love for he’s newfound life. Go on this adventure with him, you know you want to.
This was a really great end to this series. Owein is once again fighting to stay in his body, and there are so many things working against him.
Wow! I’m so happy to be back on the island of Whimbrel House. And this book was exactly what this series needed. The last book had me wanting more, more Owein, more Hulda and Merritt and this was just that. At this point, anything Charlie Holmberg writes, I’ll be reading.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love Whimbrel House series and when I saw that the fourth book was available on NetGalley I had to grab it. This part takes place a couple of years after the previous one and I loved seeing Merritt and Hulda with kids now. I liked having more of Owein's POV and I really enjoyed his journey throughout the series. I'm excited to see what awaits him next.
Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie Holmberg continues the magical story of Hulda, Owein, and Merritt. This is the 3rd book in the series and Holmberg continues the excellent writing and unique magical system begun in book 1. This story wraps up a villain from book 1 and helps us learn more about Owein as he continues his journey from house to dog to man. The story is about sacrifice and love for our families. The audience could range from teens to adults as there is little to no spice.
I gave the book 4 stars and hope that Holmberg will continue the series as the characters are so loveable and the magic system so unique.
Ebook received for free through NetGalley
Another incredible update on the Whimbrel House saga that I truly enjoyed. So glad I was given the opportunity to read this.
Grab a cup of tea, wrap yourself up in a blanket and prepare to fall in love with the Fernsby´s, the Babineaux´s and the one and only Owein Mansel. If you are looking for the perfect cozy fantasy with a found family, a slow burn romance that will make you kick your feet and giggle, and just the right amount of mystery and stakes to keep you gripped till the last page, then look no further than the Whimbrel House series. Charlie N. Holmberg has somehow managed to make every book in the series better than the last. I am both incredibly grateful I found this series and extremely upset that I will most likely have to wait over a year to find out how Owein´s story continues. Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC of Wizard of Most Wicked Ways, truly one of a kind, this book had me shedding more tears than I dare to admit.
Reading the previous volume of The Wimbrel House series, I thought it would be a trilogy. Yet, a completely new thread was introduced at the end of that book, allowing the story to continue in Wizard of Most Wicked Ways. Unlike the first three parts, where the main characters are Merrit and Hulda, this book is almost entirely from Owein's point of view. On one hand, this is a plus, as we finally get to learn more about a character I liked from the beginning. On the other hand, stretching the series to include his journey required the author to make certain narrative decisions, some of which, in my opinion, didn't work.
My main issue lay in the execution of the romantic subplot, specifically involving Owein in a love triangle. Since the events of this novel take place a few years after the previous one, we don’t get any build-up for these relationships and have to take Owein's dilemma about whom to commit to for granted. Unfortunately, this was unconvincing for me and made it hard to root for any of the relationships. The action and main conflict were also quite pretextual, but it didn't bother me that much because it still served well to show Owein as a young man, no longer a child.
Ultimately, if someone started this series and made it to the third volume, it’s definitely worth continuing with Wizard of Most Wicked Ways. The book ended in such a way that I can’t wait for the next installment.
Amazing addition to the Whimbrel House series. Holmberg has truly created a world that I never want to leave! I LOVED the perspective of Owein in this book. It felt like such a natural transition and was so fun getting to explore from his point of view. I devoured this book in just a few days but I truly wish there was more! The action felt a little more drawn out in this book than prior books in the series and I lost interest just a bit as I was coming up on the last 3rd of the book but it was still very entertaining and captivating overall. I feel ready at this point to move on from the original villain and hope we get to continue on the journey with Owein in future books. I love how easy to read this series has been and that each story has made me feel cozy and whimsical and its own way. Holmberg has a wonderful way with words and world building!!
This book is the most action packed of the series! Book 4 takes place several years in the future and is all about Owein. I felt every one of his struggles as he is caught between duty and his heart. If only he could stay out of danger long enough to get his priorities straight. This series just gets better and better!
Thanks NetGalley for an opportunity to review this book.
Although I loved the other book in the series (especially book 1), I felt like this book was a bit too slow paced for me. In saying that, this book put me through all the emotions.
I really want to be a part of this whimsical and fantastical world. I enjoyed reading Owein's POV. He's such a complex yet charming character. This fourth book really builds the anticipation for the next book and I for one cannot wait!
Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N Holmberg is a fun continuation of a fantastic series!
Though this story continued Owein, Though I adore him in all of the other novels, this novel was not my favorite in the series.
It felt a little slow at times and I didn't have the same attachment to these characters that I did in book one.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved this series. Book one and two were wonderful and sweet and suspenseful, book three was good but less suspenseful (IMO), and this one… it’s good, but nothing holds a candle to the first in the series for me.
I enjoyed the characters and getting Owein’s PoV throughout this entire book. The characters are mostly from previous books, perhaps a newcomer or two. I appreciate that time has passed in this world and so much has happened in that timeframe, but somehow when you start reading, you don’t feel like you've missed anything. It’s a wonderful thing, it feels like you’re back in this world of whimsy and magic again, like a hug from an old friend. The plot is suspenseful and kept me interested throughout, but I wish more had come out of the experimental serum. I want more info!
My main qualm with this book is the ending. I personally think Owein should’ve made the opposite choice, but as this is an ongoing series, I may yet see that.
Minus that, this book was entertaining, sweet, full of suspense, and emotional. I absolutely cried, I chuckled, and I loved the entire journey.