SFF

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

by Charlie N. Holmberg
47North: Amazon. (Whimbrel House, Bk. 1). Nov. 2022. 348p. ISBN 9781662500343. pap. $14.95. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
Holmberg’s (Star Father) latest work is an atmospheric gothic fantasy set in 1846. Merritt Fernsby has recently inherited a house and island on Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. He thinks this will be the perfect place to work on his next novel, without neighbors or distractions. But when Merritt arrives, the house immediately locks all the doors and windows, preventing him from leaving. Enter Hulda Larkin, who informs Merritt that she has been specially trained by the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms (BIKER) to manage magically haunted houses. First she must learn what, or who, is haunting Merritt’s home. What Hulda doesn’t know is that an evil figure from her past will complicate matters and might be even more dangerous than an enchanted house.
VERDICT Reminiscent of Mary Stewart’s period romances, but with a touch of magic and murder. Holmberg’s fantasy is enjoyable but doesn’t stand out, and the magical system is only cursorily laid out in this series launch.
Reviewed by Laurel Bliss , Aug 01, 2022
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Lightfall
by Crocker, Ed
FICTION

An Honored Vow
by Blair, Melissa
FICTION

We Lived on the Horizon
by Swyler, Erika
FICTION

Glow of the Everflame
by Cole, Penn
FICTION

The Martian Contingency
by Kowal, Mary Robinette
FICTION

Galaxy Raiders: Abyss
by Douglas, Ian
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?