Wizard of Most Wicked Ways Review (Whimbrel House, #4)

Hello, all!

If you've been following me for a while, then you should know I'm obsessed with the Whimbrel House series by Charlie N. Holmberg, so I was thrilled to get a copy of the latest release, Wizard of Most Wicked Ways. Big thanks to the publisher!

*Potential spoilers ahead*

Pub Date: 3-4-25
Adult - Historical Fantasy

It's been four years since Owein's soul was moved from a dog to a human, and he's still adjusting to his new life. Once he had a limitless supply of magic and could change things without thinking, but now, his magic is give and take just like any other magic user. But he's not the only one who's had to adjust to a new way of life. Merritt and Hulda have started raising a family and will do anything to keep their children safe. Owein knows he should be happy with his new life, but his betrothal to Lady Cora back in London looms over his head, especially when he feels a pull toward the enigmatic shape-shifter, Fallon. But when a sinister figure reappears at Whimbrel House, Owein realizes he has much bigger concerns.

Silas Hogwood may have been the greatest wizard in centuries, but he was also mad and tried everything to steal Owein's magic. He also died five years ago. In an ironic twist of fate, Silas pulled a trick out of Owein's book and moved his soul moments before his body perished. Now, he's highjacked another body and has his eyes set on finishing what he started all those years ago. Fearing he won't be strong enough to stop Silas, Owein begs Lady Cora's help. But even Queen Victoria's League of Magicians isn't enough to stop Silas, leaving Owein to desperately seek new ways of enhancing his magic. No matter the consequences, Owein will not let his family or Whimbrel House fall to the likes of Silas Hogwood, and he's determined to stop this fight once and for all.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record with this series, but I love it. This latest installment felt the most bittersweet of the bunch. I've come to love these characters so much throughout the series, so I was stressed worrying about what would happen to them. There were so many darker and emotional moments that had me going through it. The last ~80% was so action-packed that my heart was in my throat. I love how much each character, especially Owein, has grown throughout the series, and I love the strong familial bonds they've created. We also got to dive a little deeper into Owein's magic in here, which was so interesting. I'm unsure where the series will go from here, but I'll keep reading it as long as Holmberg wants to write it.

Rating: 5/5