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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Cozy charm returns!
4.5 stars. Book 2 felt like a sophomore slump for me - enjoyable enough, but felt a little forced, so I had lower expectations coming into Boy of Chaotic Making. BUT I was pleasantly surprised! The plot here paced a lot better and I devoured this one as quickly as the first. Merrit, Hulda, and Owein are just such a charming little trio to me and I loved reading about their family dynamic growing. This one even had me tearing up a bit in the final chapters! And returning to Whimbrel House just *felt* like coming home.
I mixed audiobook and reading with this one, and the audiobook narration is great. Loved the use of two readers.
I'm excited there will be more books in this series!
4.5 stars. Book 2 felt like a sophomore slump for me - enjoyable enough, but felt a little forced, so I had lower expectations coming into Boy of Chaotic Making. BUT I was pleasantly surprised! The plot here paced a lot better and I devoured this one as quickly as the first. Merrit, Hulda, and Owein are just such a charming little trio to me and I loved reading about their family dynamic growing. This one even had me tearing up a bit in the final chapters! And returning to Whimbrel House just *felt* like coming home.
I mixed audiobook and reading with this one, and the audiobook narration is great. Loved the use of two readers.
I'm excited there will be more books in this series!
Merritt is ready to get married and put the past behind him. He wants his future with Hulda, whatever that may look like, he is ready to get the altar. Until a letter is delivered to his home requesting his presence along with Owein’s in London, from the Queen herself. Feeling that he can’t turn the request down Merritt and Owein head off to London to figure out what is being asked of them, with Hulda to follow behind. Once in London things become even more confusing with rooms collapsing, Hulda’s visions, and a potential deal that could make Owein human once more. Will Merritt get his chance to marry Hulda and keep his family together?
Charlie N Holmberg has an incredible ability to write books that melt my heart and have me dying to continue reading her work. I have loved every single minute of reading this series this year. I’m happy and sad that I have now caught up and have to wait till March for the next installment. That being said, I am so happy that I didn’t wait to read this book.
My wish after finishing Heir of Uncertain Magic was to learn more about Owein and to have more from his perspective. I got my wish! Owein played an even bigger role this time around and I loved how many situations were described from his perspective. I found myself feeling a lot of the same things that he was feeling when he was trying to get his point across. I’m so excited and curious about what the future holds for Owein.
Merritt and Hulda may have become one of my favorite historical fantasy couples. They are adorable with one another and I love the banter and love they clearly have for each other. The journey they both went on during this book I thought was going to frustrate me, but honestly I think it was perfect for them and got them to the end goal I wanted so I’m pleased. Hulda being the one getting some courses in magic use was fun this time around. I enjoyed learning more about her magical abilities and the challenges that she has with it given the low amount she has.
The change up to London was different. I enjoyed that play on history and how prominent the Queen is, but I found myself missing Rhode Island and I’m hoping to be back there in the next book. The new characters were perfect additions and I will be curious to see if they will make reappearances in this series. The returning characters fit in perfectly and I adore that I can feel the love between the characters when I am reading the story.
With medium pacing and chapters that varied in length I was hooked from the very first letter. Sitting here writing this review I’m left with a feeling of having a warm hug after finishing this book. I am so excited that my wait is not too long for the next installment. I am fully invested in these characters and want to know what will happen with each of them next. If you love romance, London, history, and family this is definitely a book you should add to your tbr.
Have you read Boy of Chaotic Making? What did you think?
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
sad
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
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a great continuation in the series. I enjoyed the change of setting and new adventure that ensued. As always I’m interested to see where this series goes next! O
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:
No
BOY OF CHAOTIC MAKING - CHARLIE N HOLMBERG
This is the third book in the Whimbrel House series and, in a delightful twist, most of the action in Boy of Chaotic Making actually takes place far away from the house in question. If you haven't read the previous two books in the series, you may want to stop reading here! Here's a synopsis:
Merritt Fernsby’s life has changed considerably since he inherited Whimbrel House. He’s engaged to Hulda Larkin, who opened his eyes to the uncanny. And he’s grown quite protective of his uncle Owein - several generations, and iterations, removed. Owein is presently inhabiting the body of a mixed-breed terrier when Merritt receives a missive from none other than Alexandrina Victoria, the Queen of England: I am interested in your dog.
As you may guess, this third book brings the main characters to England. While I don't want to give the entire plot away, I loved this development. It was eye-opening to see this series' magic system used elsewhere and the book delves into the origins of the magic too, which I really enjoyed. With this new location also comes a whole host of new characters, some friendlier than others.
Merritt and Hulda's respective development continues, as well as their incredibly sweet romance, but this book is very much about Owein. And this felt right, with the reader getting much more access to Owein and his thoughts than ever before. This was my favourite aspect of the book, as I find Owein's personality and story so endearing.
Like the books before, there's plenty of action, a mysterious threat or two and, in the case of this book, a number of premonitions to interpret. It's a book that's difficult to put down, and I loved Charlie's writing, as always. And, the best news? There's more to come and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Review score: 5/5
TWs: violence, d*ath, injury detail