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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
I received a free copy on NetGalley against an honest review. Thanks to the publisher.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Here is the third installment in the Whimbrel House series, though we spend little time in Whimbrel House itself. I deeply enjoyed this book like the previous two, and can't state enough how getter and better Charlie N. Holmberg's books are getting over time. The more she writes, the better her stories become, and Owein's story is the proof of it—because the whole series is and has always been about Owein.
What I loved about this third book:
- Owein! As I just said, he has always been the heart of the story, but this time his arc truly becomes the center of the book. He has a dark past and finally finds some relief, though the path to it is difficult. I rooted so hard for him during the book and can't wait to learn more about his future in book 4.
- Hulda and Merritt's relationship. It is still sweet, lighthearted, and a pleasure to read about. I particularly enjoyed seeing Hulda take a rather sudden decision, which is untypical of her, but also proof of her character growth. I particularly enjoyed seeing her dilemma between her career and her upcoming marriage and even potential motherhood, and loved seeing how she realizes she doesn't have to "choose" and it's all about balance.
- Though I missed Whimbrel House, the British setting was a pleasant change, as well as the new characters introduced for this new part of the story.
- We finally learn more about Baptiste's backstory and why he ended up in prison before meeting Merritt. I won't spoil anything, but as a French person myself who absolutely LOVE the cause of Baptiste's downfall, it made me laugh so hard. It was perfect.
What I found less satisfying:
- I enjoyed reading the book, but plot-wise, nothing much happens. It feels like a "transition" book to the fourth and last book in the series. Not a terrible thing since I never got bored, but I wished a bit more would have happened.
- The Druids. Interesting concept, but lacked development and connection to the overall plot. Maybe we will see more of them in the next book.
Overall, a good book in a great series. If you like historical fantasy and romance that doesn't overshadow the rest of the plot, you should definitely consider reading this series.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Here is the third installment in the Whimbrel House series, though we spend little time in Whimbrel House itself. I deeply enjoyed this book like the previous two, and can't state enough how getter and better Charlie N. Holmberg's books are getting over time. The more she writes, the better her stories become, and Owein's story is the proof of it—because the whole series is and has always been about Owein.
What I loved about this third book:
- Owein! As I just said, he has always been the heart of the story, but this time his arc truly becomes the center of the book. He has a dark past and finally finds some relief, though the path to it is difficult. I rooted so hard for him during the book and can't wait to learn more about his future in book 4.
- Hulda and Merritt's relationship. It is still sweet, lighthearted, and a pleasure to read about. I particularly enjoyed seeing Hulda take a rather sudden decision, which is untypical of her, but also proof of her character growth. I particularly enjoyed seeing her dilemma between her career and her upcoming marriage and even potential motherhood, and loved seeing how she realizes she doesn't have to "choose" and it's all about balance.
- Though I missed Whimbrel House, the British setting was a pleasant change, as well as the new characters introduced for this new part of the story.
- We finally learn more about Baptiste's backstory and why he ended up in prison before meeting Merritt. I won't spoil anything, but as a French person myself who absolutely LOVE the cause of Baptiste's downfall, it made me laugh so hard. It was perfect.
What I found less satisfying:
- I enjoyed reading the book, but plot-wise, nothing much happens. It feels like a "transition" book to the fourth and last book in the series. Not a terrible thing since I never got bored, but I wished a bit more would have happened.
- The Druids. Interesting concept, but lacked development and connection to the overall plot. Maybe we will see more of them in the next book.
Overall, a good book in a great series. If you like historical fantasy and romance that doesn't overshadow the rest of the plot, you should definitely consider reading this series.
as always, holmberg is a master at creating interesting and innovative magic systems but I just can't make myself really care about these characters and I mostly found myself wishing they would all just go to therapy
Spoiler
didn't love the open-endedness but I'm hoping this is at least the end of merrit and hulda's story and that any future books focus on the druids tbh as they were far more interesting!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I will never not be in love with Charlie Holmberg’s writing. And the audiobook narrators are so great at their job! Especially the male narrator’s Irish accent! I love the development of Hulda and Merritt’s relationship, and I’m always intrigued by the different mysteries that pop up in each of the Whimbrel books.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Returning to Merritt, Hulda, and Owein brought so much character growth. You see each one grow further into their own unique self while simultaneously strengthening their family bond. I loved how we get more of the history behind the doctrines of magic in book three and while the world building is detailed, the author does it in a way that isn’t overwhelming. This is another fantastic book in the series! The reveal of one of the side characters at the end was my favorite part and perfectly illustrates how not everything is either good or evil. Also shout out to these books having beautiful endings with no cliff hangers while still leaving room for additional books in the series.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this book, it might be my favorite of the three. I loved the different setting and the ending was
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced