Boy of Chaotic Making (Whimbrel House, #3)

Boy of Chaotic Making (Whimbrel House, #3)

Charlie N. Holmberg

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

A boy like no other embarks on a transformative journey of magic and self-discovery in the next enchanting Whimbrel House novel by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg. 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. It’s the queen’s duty to the peerage to keep British wizardry empowered. Her offer: England will find a human vessel for Owein, marry him into the royal family, and add this remarkable soul-shifter to its lineage. For Owein, a boy trapped in the body of a pup, it’s a dream come true. How can Merritt refuse? However, once they are in London and in consortium with a necromancer, the situation doesn’t feel right, both with their hosts and the house they inhabit. Owein is having nightmares. And Hulda’s premonitions warn of danger in Merritt’s future. Clearly, someone doesn’t want them in town. But after two hundred years of being cursed to drift, Owein is determined to chart his own destiny. He’s ready to defy whatever chaos is coming. After all, Owein is the master of chaos, and with Merritt and Hulda’s love and magical support, he can overcome anything.


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  • Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    The third installment of the Whimbrel House series was a delightful read/listen and this series has quickly become one of my favorites for its cozy, low stakes vibe. In this story, Owein's journey of growing up and becoming a 'real boy' again is explored, as well as the developing relationship between Hulda and Merritt with their wedding day quickly approaching. While Boy of Chaotic Making lacks in the 'creepy' elements of magic and antagonists, I felt like it was a good balance between life threatening and just plain character development - had the story featured more 'high stakes' problems like the previous installments, I think it would have been both unbelievable and too similar to Keeper of Enchanted Rooms and Heir of Uncertain Magic. Instead, we were able to breath in more of the character work and watch them grow as individuals and as a family. 

    Spoilery and character development thoughts: 
    <spoiler>
    • I loved seeing how Owein tackled his nightmares and fears that have prevented him from growing up over the last 200+ years. I do wish there were a little more depth, but like most pre-teen boys, hearing advice from someone other than close family/friends (Merritt and Hulda) can quickly change a viewpoint - his nightmare and fears in this case. I was genuinely scared that we were going to lose Owein at the end, and while it wasn't the first time the series has made me cry, I could feel Merritt's emotions through the page during the wind scene and while he and Hulda were waiting to hear news. I'm very excited to see how his character changes in the final installment. 
    • Hulda and Merritt's relationship is absolutely precious and the elopement was perfect for them. Watching Hulda relax her armor and open up to Merritt about her feelings and fears, and Merritt being ready to accept and love her with her insecurities was beautiful. I love this little family and want more and more of them!
    </spoiler>

    The next, and last, installment of the Whimbrel House series, Wizard of Most Wicked Ways, does not have a release date as of this review, but I am both looking forward to it and sad that this will be the last we see of the Whimbrel crew. As we ended #3 with a letter regarding the Ohio facility, I think the final book will focus on <spoiler>Myra</spoiler>, but I could be way off base. Whatever comes next, this series is fantastic and definitely worth the read. 

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  • Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    Boy of Chaotic Making is book #3 in the Whimbrel House series. Hulda and Merritt are planning their wedding. And Owein is finally adjusting to life as a magical dog. This is all short-lived when a letter from the Queen of England arrives with a proposition for Owein that he can't refuse. This book started a bit slow compared to books one and two. In the first two books, the villain is stated plainly. In this book, other things are equally important. Mainly, Owein's point of view. Which was a nice change. The last few chapters provide a solid conclusion. However, the last few pages end on a cliffhanger. Book 4 is coming soon! Last year I read 7 books by Holmberg and BoCM makes my second one so far. Needless to say, I'm still a fan.

    Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for the eARC!

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