The prologue introduces us to Silas Hogwood, who suffers abuse at the hands of his father --- or rather the abusive spells his father casts on him. But it's the last time we feel pity for Hogwood. We witness his descent into depravity as he murders those around him for their magical ability. Prepared with augury, a set of magic tools, and a new staff trained in the uncanny, Hulda gets to work. She and Merritt grow closer as the investigation progresses, but the house’s secrets are more than she and Merritt bargained for, and the sentient walls aren’t their only concern. Something outside is coming for the enchantments of Whimbrel House, and it could be more dangerous than what rattles within. Heir of Uncertain Magic It’s simply having a tantrum.” She grabbed one of the stool’s legs, though it was soft as warm wax, and pulled. Despite its liquid state, the stool was still one thing, and it gradually slid off Mr. Fernsby’s arm. When Hulda released it, it plopped onto the floor like a mud pie. She reached into her bag for a ward, but the stool reshaped itself on its own. And so he was very interested to receive a telegram from Mr. Allen, his maternal grandmother’s estate lawyer. Interested and confused, he’d made the trip out to Baltimore to satiate his curiosity. If nothing else, it might make good fodder for an article, or perhaps his work in progress.

Yes, yes.” He rubbed his eyes. Likely hadn’t slept last night, assuming he’d stayed the night. “I am aware, but it is particularly”—he waved his hand, trying to find a suitable word—“ dense here.”

Heir of Uncertain Magic

Before it could change its mind, she placed it beneath the chandelier. “If you could spot me, Mr. Fernsby.” She didn’t want the thing deliquescing while she stood atop it. If you like magical realism stories that feel warm and comforting, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg is a book to go with. It sure made my November days wonderfully cozy. His father had a lead on the animal, but the mare seemed to be all that held him up. He had a bottle in his hand, and his cheeks slouched like he’d aged himself into jowls. He was never this drunk. Silas couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or a bad one. Even though I occasionally thought it moved a little slowly, I truly liked this book and would recommend it.

My thanks to 47North and NetGalley for the DRC of “Heir of Uncertain Magic”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. It was ... most definitely melting. Like a candle under too hot a flame. The seat dripped onto the carpet, though the carpet didn’t absorb or repel it. The drips simply ceased to be. Meanwhile, the wood glistened with perspiration and wobbled, ready to break under the lightest touch.Using a hand unattached to himself, Silas let the fingers pinch over his father’s windpipe. No more. In steps Hulda Larkin, a woman possessed of slight magical ability who works for the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms (BIKER). Her job is to tame magical buildings and understand their abilities. She is sent to work with Merritt and Whimbrel House, and arrives not a moment too soon as the house has made Merritt a prisoner. Things get messy and complicated as couple of the year, Hulda and Merritt digging the past and look for Myra. Someone is/or are using illegal magic!