I received an advanced reader's copy for NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I discovered this series on my own and have been devouring it ever since book one. This book was the hardest to get through though, there's no way for everyone to be happy. (and that's okay) Silas is the quintessential arch villian, and he actually terrifies me a bit. Owein is my favorite character and watching him mature and grow and have to make the hard decisions. I cried through the last quarter and it ended where it should've, just not exactly the way I wanted it to- but I'm still looking forward to the next book!

I’m grateful to be able to read this as an ARC from NetGalley and give my opinions on it. To get to read Owein’s story was such a treat. I know it made for a long series but I don’t regret a second of it. Charlie did an amazing job tying it into the main storyline as well as wrapping up any loose ends the trilogy may have left. It has all the wholesome feel of the other books as well as the adventure and intrigue. I would definitely recommend reading the entire series as well as this book. It’s a beautiful storyline with a refreshing approach to magic and the ethics of it as well as a wholesome look at the past.

This book is a follow on from the first three Whimbrel House books and having enjoyed those, I was eager to read the next instalment. Compared with the lighter storyline in book 3, this is definitely darker. It was an enjoyable read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the other books in the series unfortunately. I think that's due to a combination of it feeling a bit more young adult than I prefer, and I wasn't as interested in some of the new characters. Once I got past about 50% though, I enjoyed it more. Despite all of that, the Whimbrel House series holds a special place in my heart and it looks like there'll be a fifth book, which I'd still be interested in reading.

Whimbrel House is just a serially bingeably and light cozy fantasy! This next installment was a great next chapter. I love this found family and look forward to reading book five!

I love how this story has progressed throughout these books. The world gets bigger and the magic becomes more complex the more we learn alongside the characters. Reading the Whimbrel House series feels like a warm hug… if that hug also included a sinister mystery. While Hulda and Merritt will always be my faves, Owein is such a complex character & I love being in his head as he navigates the world. This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions and I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a little choked up at the end.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
• fourth book in a series (must me read in order)
• magic with a cost
• family stands together
• mystery
• magical families
• historical fantasy
• magical shape shifters
• whimsical
• zero spice, but lots of yearning

Several years have passed since the end of Boy of Chaotic Making and Owein is now grown. I truly enjoyed having a book from his point of view.

Owein’s arranged marriage with Lady Cora is approaching and, from the letters they exchange, it seems like a good match. Owein, however, is struggling with the idea of leaving his home for a place so different. He has legitimate concerns, but part of it is enhanced by a possible love triangle. I wasn’t crazy about that part of the story. We see a lot of Merritt and Hulda, how their family has grown, and how they are making it work with Hulda’s job.

There was a great deal of danger from a returned evil wizard, and that caused quite a bit of edge-of-my-seat suspense.

The ending was good but left it open for more story surrounding Owein. I’ve heard he may get his own series. I hope that is true. I would like to know what comes next with Owein.

Thank you to Netgalley and 47North for the ebook ARC of this book.

4.75⭐️
Charlie Holmberg elicited all the deep feelings with this surprise 4th installment of Whimbrel House, Wizard of Most Wicked Ways. Owein’s character may have started as a bridge to understand the magic system… but he grew into a lovable character with depth and warmth. I loved him as a house and a dog and now a man.
The book opens 4 years after the events of Boy of Chaotic Making. We are back in Nagarransett Bay, Blaugdone Island and Whimbrel House. All of our beloved characters have grown in love and number, and Owein is still betrothed to Cora. But a villain thought dead returns and sets in motion the action of our novel. I thought the plot progression was much more cohesive and engaging than #3. I found myself very emotionally invested in the characters! Owein’s character growth is amazing to behold, and I look forward to the series following him forward… as the 220+ year old boy, formerly a house and terrier, becomes a man.

This series is amazing, every book is a total banger. I love that this one is set a few years in the future. It wasn’t where I was expecting the book to pick up from, but I was pleasantly surprised. I want this series to never end because I love these characters so damn much!

A wonderful continuation to the Whimberal House series that made the natural progression from the older generation to the new (yet also older generation). I especially enjoyed the deep dive into Owien's character, as up to now, he has been first a soul trapped in a house and then a dog. Now, with his soul finally being moved into a human, his character has been able to blossom while also showing how much contract marriages of the Victorian age could affect people's lives and relationships. The biggest shock was to see that the main villain of the series manages to return from the dead.

It was also nice to see old friends Hulda and Merriet as well as Beth and Baptiste and see how their lives had changed and their relationships grown since the last book, and to see them starting families of their own.

I look forward to seeing if there will be another Whimberal House book in the future, as there is more room to expand the story.

2,5 stars

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is the final book in the Whimbrel House. A book that only exists because the author couldn't let go of the character yet. Where despite my complaints I knew that the author clearly knew where it was going with the previous books, I didn't quite feel that here. This was just an extra.

Four years have passed since the ending of the third book and Owein has grown since then. He is now over the age of 18 and his betrothed is almost turning 18. If she hasn't found anyone else than they will marry. Yet they don't talk about this portion at all. But at least they communicate through letters so that is something. Hulda and Merritt have started their family with three little ones and apparently the housekeeper and cook have now gotten married and have a kid.

Honestly it felt like we were getting a rehash thrown at us by resurrecting Silas Hogwood who is apparently not dead at all. He just put his soul in someone else's body as he died (which I had suspected because of something told to Merritt at the time, but when it was never used I was relieved). Silas was a fine enemy for the first book but by the time this fourth book comes around, he has become stale. There is no progress in him as a character. The little chapters we got in his point of view were boring and messy.

Owen on the other hand was always a fun character to follow but some of his choices were questionable this book. Most of them concern a druid that has been visiting him at the island for the past 4 years without him telling anyone else. She's a shapeshifter so she is often a bird or a dog when others are around. Of course this druid is female and around his age. Because we missed the 4 years that they got to know each other better there should have been something on the page between. But unfortunately it felt very flat. I didn't really believe there was anything between them. Any caring from her side felt very forced. The added romance made it worse.

And you know, I do get it from Owein's side. He is over 200 years old soul wise but is in a teen boy body and he has never experienced any romantic feelings before. But his doubts regarding having a bethroted went out the window a bit too fast for my taste.

So all in all I had higher expectations of this book and was left somewhat dissapointed.

Owein has gone from haunting the Whimbrel House after his murder, to having his soul in the body of a dog, to being moved to a teenage body from an accidentally killed boy. Unfortunately Silas Hogwood, Wizard of Most Wicked Ways, had managed to jump to another body and is back to attack the family. Queen Victoria sends the League of Magicians to America to help them, but Owein must find the powers within him to face down the murdering spirit. Charlie N. Holmberg provides an exciting ending to this fun

The fourth book of Whimbrel House was a surprise because the ending of the previous book seemed permanent. It was delightful to see Merritt and Hulda with a growing large family.

Several years pass, with children playing around in Whimbrel House. Owein approaches the time for his marriage contract with the magically compatible Lady Cora when, to everyone's surprise, Silas Hogwood returns, after being dead for five years.

This book, as shown on the cover, focuses mainly on Owein, his feelings, and his dear friend, Fallon, who is an Irish shape-shifter. At this point, I think we might have a chance to see more in a maybe-future-book about Merritt and his magical kids; that would be fun!

My huge thanks to 47North via NetGalley for giving me a chance to read Wizard of Most Wicked Ways (Whimbrel House #4) by Charlie N. Holmberg, I have given my very honest review.

I must admit, having read the previous books, I'm a bit biased. I loved it. Owein has become such a deep character that you struggle alongside him as he navigates his family and his future. At one point I was crying along with him as he made his hard decisions.

As always, the balance between magic and historical accuracy is wonderfully executed, with magic never feeling out of place. But the return of the family's nemesis, Silas, brings magic to the forefront, pitting all of them in a battle to the death. Exciting, engaging, and full of heart, I highly recommend reading it, and all the previous in the series!

4.5 stars. This historical fantasy romance series keeps growing in interest. This fourth installment is told primarily from the POV of Owein and it's an intriguing look into his thought processes and emotions.

The characters continue to grow and bloom throughout the series and I really enjoy how Holmberg lets her characters change based on life circumstances. They make realistic alterations to their thought patterns and actions. Their priorities are quite fluid and they come off incredibly realistic.

The plot was very action filled with a lot of tension throughout. There is a lot of emotional struggle for Owein and you could plainly feel the discordance. His anxieties and convictions were excellently handled and presented. The development of a love triangle was fairly well handled, but there is some awkwardness to it simply because of the situation of the age and the off kilter personality of Fallon.

The pacing starts off slow, but as soon as Silas appears on the scene things take off like a shot. There is a LOT of action and the scenes are gripping and interesting. The read went remarkably quickly for the last 3/4.

The ending was solid and can stand on it's own, but there are some things left unsettled that will be fodder for the fifth and final book in the series. Though the ending does feel complete, the novel itself is absolutely not a standalone and readers will need the background of the first three books in the series in order to understand the basis of the plot.

Summary: Excellent read that starts out slow, but quickly turns fast-paced. Fantastic character work that feels realistic and makes the reader sincerely care about the individuals. Absolutely worth the read, but will require reading of the series as a whole. One book remains to be published for the series, expected in 2026.

I’ve enjoyed the Whimbrel House series thus far, and very much enjoyed getting to jump ahead to several years in the future, and see what has happened with Owein, Hulda, Merrit, and the rest of the crew. This was the perfect wrap-up to a big part of the original trilogy, but also leaves the story open for future books - I’m looking forward to see where Owein’s adventures go from here!

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is another enchanting installment in Charlie N. Holmberg’s Whimbrel House series, blending her signature wit, whimsy, and fast-paced storytelling into a magical adventure filled with high stakes and delightful character dynamics.

Change is sweeping through Whimbrel House as Merritt and Hulda settle into family life, and Owein, determined to gain more control over his own fate, navigates a marriage contract with the powerful Lady Cora. But peace is short-lived when the notorious wizard Silas Hogwood—thought dead for five years—returns, more unhinged and vengeful than ever. As Queen Victoria’s League of Magicians enters the fray, and Owein finds himself torn between obligations, newfound alliances, and dangerous secrets, the battle for Whimbrel House escalates into an all-consuming fight for survival.

Holmberg once again masterfully balances humor, heart, and high stakes. Owein’s character development remains a highlight as he grapples with self-doubt, power, and what it means to truly protect those he loves. The return of familiar faces from previous books adds to the rich, interconnected worldbuilding, making longtime fans feel right at home. The romance, while subtle, adds emotional depth, and the magical intrigue keeps the pages turning.

With its engaging prose, charming cast, and ever-expanding magical lore, Wizard of Most Wicked Ways is another strong addition to the series. It’s a must-read for fans who have been following the Whimbrel House adventures and an exciting continuation of Holmberg’s ever-enchanting storytelling.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

AHHH! I love the way Charlie N. Holmberg always transport me to an amazing, enchanted world. One of the things I enjoy about her books is that even though I picked up this story mid-series, I was fully immersed & easily figured out what’s going on by a few chapters. Despite not reading the previous books, I found Wizard of Most Wicked Ways to be thoroughly addictive & magical.

In 1851, on Blaugdone Island off the coast of Rhode Island, Owein’s life is changing. As he reads Frankenstein & exchanges correspondence with his betrothed in England, he finds himself torn between the woman he only met once years ago & his bewitching shapeshifting friend Fallon. As he struggles with his feelings, a new problem arises that threatens him & his family.

Silas Hogwood, the greatest wizard of the millennium, is back after being dead for five years & he’s out for vengeance. Unfortunately, the body he inhabits is driving him mad. Fearing he’s not strong enough to defeat the powerful wizard, Owein asks his wealthy betrothed for help. Queen Victoria gets involved & dispatches her League of Magicians, including her personal necromancer to the island to help Owein defeat Silas once & for all.

I loved Owein’s coming of age story! Though he’s technically 227 years old, he’s physically & mentally like an 18 year old boy. He’s charming, honorable, & tries to do the right thing even when it’s difficult. His relationship with Fallon is charged with chemistry & I appreciated his struggle to be loyal to his betrothal when he & Fallon have such a deep friendship. Fallon’s a free spirited, shape shifting Druid who doesn’t understand Owein’s struggle. She loves Owein & definitely tempts him at every turn.

The magical system in this story is so unique. I was enthralled by its explanation & the methods used to defeat Silas. Silas’s a cunning enemy & it was thrilling to read from his POV. There’s danger at every turn & sensitive readers should be aware there’s death & some grotesque descriptions.

Those familiar with the series will enjoy catching up with Merritt & Hulda as they help Owein. Enjoyed this closed door, magical adventure! Can’t wait for the next book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

Content: There is one swimming scene where one character is naked & kisses another character, but nothing happens beyond kissing. Also some innuendo.

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.