Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg - Book Review

Series: Whimbrel House #2 

Publication Date: 11th April 2023

Genre: Historical Mystery, Paranormal, Romance 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining; Love Owein 

The Whimbrel House is no longer magical, but Merritt’s troubles are far from over. His magical capabilities are flourishing, and he has no idea how to control them (or minimize the side effects). Hulda is in a complicated position, with Myra missing and LIKER wanting to take over BIKER. 

Can the duo deal with the new developments and safeguard their blooming relationship? Why does it feel like the danger hasn’t yet passed? What do they have to deal with this time? 

The story comes in the limited-third person POV of Hulda, Merritt, and Owein. 

What I Like: 

Owein is a darling. I love all scenes with him. His vulnerability and need for a family come across very clearly. Of course, his magic is powerful and a treat to read. 

Merritt’s character arc is better in this one as we already know the answers to who, what, and why. His fears, uncertainties, pain, and his struggle in handling his magic feel real and tangible. The family confrontation scene is just right, neither dramatic nor too light. 

Baptiste and Beth Taylor continue to do their job and more. It’s great to meet them again in this book. I hope they’ll have meaty roles in book three as well. 

There are a couple of new characters who may or may not be the good guys. We get the gist of their characters without going into a lot of detail. It keeps the pacing nice and steady. (Normally, I prefer more detailed arcs, but this works better here.)

The magic and world-building are never OTT or overwhelming. It doesn’t go illogical or weird at any point. Those who read book one will know what to expect and won’t be disappointed with the elements in this book. 

The ending is, of course, intriguing, though a part of me is worried about Owein. Merritt and Hulda have an HFN, which will, hopefully, turn into HEA in book three. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

I wondered more than once if Hulda was this annoying in book one. Somehow, she just didn’t seem to be fully there in the first half. While things got better, Hulda feels more uncertain, tentative, and constantly on the back foot. 

Myra’s character, though a prominent role, doesn’t do anything to establish her as a person. What little we get of her is not enough to make me feel one way or another. In fact, I was annoyed with Myra and Hulda many times throughout the book.  

To summarize, Heir of Uncertain Magic is entertaining and fast-paced. It takes off where book one ends and is best enjoyed if you read in the series order. While it works as a standalone, it may not be a great read. 

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

#NetGalley #HeirofUncertainMagic