I am so in love with the awkward, erudite Emily Wilde. She's socially awkward but doesn't care because she wants to write and publish the ultimate fairy encyclopedia, so she travels to a little town in the frozen north to research the local varieties. It's a rough start with the locals until her friendly rival and general annoyance Wendell Bambleby shows up, that's when things really start to happen.
Seeing fairies discussed in such a scholarly manner was a fun twist in adult fantasy. Things get serious and dangerous, but there is a lightness to the story that's not something I normally associate with fairies in fantasy. The fae continue to be the dangerously mythical creatures full of dangerous magic that we all know and love, but seeing them and experiencing encounters with them through Emily's eyes is a whole new experience.
The writing is perfect for Emily and I loved the chapters where Bambleby gets a chance to tell. his side of the story because they really felt like an entirely different voice and point of view. It's one surprise after another, all based on myths and legends that somewhat exist but were totally owned by Fawcett.
I can honestly say that there is not a single thing I would change or criticize in this book other than the fact that it ends. I can't wait to see where Emily's next adventure with Bambleby will take us.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for the delightfully magical read!

Thank you to NetGalley, author, Heather Fawcett, and Random House for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries was just published on January 10, 2023- and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any historical and fantasy lovers. This is an amazing magical realism book set in the early 1900s, starting with grump academic, Emily Wilde, who is an anthropologist for the newly discovered 'fae.' This professor is writing the first encyclopedia of the fae from brownies, to high fae, to selkie, and more. She is a hard-working, cold researcher with a heart deep....deep down. I cannot wait to read more from these Fawcett!!

'..while I half listened in astonishment. I say half, because I was mostly just watching you, observing the way your mind clicks and whirrs like some fantastical clock. Truly, I have never met anyone with a better understanding of our nature, and that anyone includes the Folk. I suppose that’s partly why— Ah, but you really would kill me if I desecrated your scientific vessel with the end of that sentence. Anyway."

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is the perfect, snuggled-under-a-blanket, Winter read. A Cozy Fantasy with low-stakes, light romance, enchanting atmosphere and easy-to-love characters. This was exactly what I needed for January!!

This book follows Miss Emily Wilde. Emily is a Cambridge Professor, who specializes in the study of faeries. In fact, when we meet her, Emily is fastidiously researching her latest project, the first ever encyclopaedia of fairy lore. Emily has traveled all over the world studying various culture's magical beings and the legends and lore surrounding them. She has one destination left, a remote village in the Scandinavian country of Ljosland.

Emily is used to field work, so she's not put off at all by the stark, isolated village life. However, she wasn't aware that it would be so rustic that she would need to chop her own wood to keep warm. Needless to say, Emily, along with her trusty companion, her dog, Shadow, have a bit of a learning curve to overcome in Ljosland.

As they're settling in, Emily receives a letter from one of her Cambridge colleagues, Wendell Bambleby, that he's planning to join her. He can't be serious? Emily works best alone. Alas, arriving as unexpectedly as his earlier correspondence, there he is. Wendell Bambleby on her doorstop, two student research aides in tow. Good grief.

As days pass, and Emily's research deepens, she begins to suspect that Bambleby knows more about the fae than he is letting on and there may be an unconventional reason for that. Will Emily's research be a success? Will she figure out the mystery of the Hidden Ones near her cottage?

Most importantly, will she figure out the mystery of the man residing within?

Emily Wilde's was such a lovely, cozy, warm hug of a read. I'll be honest, I teared up at the end. I just didn't want to part from these characters. I'm so happy this is just the start of our journey with Emily. There's a lot to love about Emily as a character. She's a true academic. Not one for small talk, she struggles a bit interacting with other humans. It's not her favorite thing.

I loved the whole idea of her setting off into the great unknown, Shadow by her side, to complete her research. She is fearless. In fact, her life is in jeopardy more than once over the course of this story, yet she seems to navigate it all so well. Emily has her ups-and-downs over the course of this story and I felt for her every step of the way. She's definitely the type of character you would want to be friends with. I found it so easy to connect with her.

Wendell was so fun too. He's handsome, charming and has a natural ease with people that instantly gets under Emily's skin. Everything seems to come so easily for him and if you're struggling, as Emily is with some of the villagers, that can definitely be frustrating. I loved their sort of love-hate relationship. All love on his side, a little less so on hers. I wouldn't say hate, but she definitely rolled her eyes at him more than once.

I really enjoyed the cold, barren setting with the backdrop of the magical faerie realms as well. There were quite a few whimsical scenes that I thought were done really well. Additionally, I liked how Fawcett chose to format this. It reads like you are reading Emily's journal entries. It felt intimate and real-time with her adventures. There are footnotes though, just a warning, I know not everyone is crazy about those. I felt they worked here though by adding to the vibe of the story.

Overall, I think this is a fantastic start to a series. I am definitely attached to these characters and look forward to reading more about them in the future. Thank you so much to the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I had a lot of fun with this one and definitely recommend it to fans of Cozy Fantasy and stories involving the Fae!

A quiet tale, sweet, but somewhat meandering romance.
The principal is a scholar in a world of real fairies with whom she becomes entangled, both the ones she is studying and the one who is closer at hand.
Emily's a stand-offish sort, more comfortable with her studies, then with the everyday people around her. The world of Fairie and the world of the mundane collude to put her between two kings of Fairie with near disastrous results both her and the human folk around her.
All in all, not a bad start for a series. I look forward to reading more.

It’s fitting that, for the first week of the semester, I ended up reading a book written in the style of a researcher’s field journal. It’s just a shame I can’t count it as a peer-reviewed text for any upcoming papers 😅

This is a charming story, narrated from Emily’s point of view (most of the time) as she tries to study a rare type of faerie in a faraway (re: Scandinavian) land. She uses her journal to record both her observations of both the “hidden ones” and her interactions with the locals in the village, though those are to varying degrees of success. But she’s not alone for long: her colleague Wendell Bambleby soon joins to further complicate the situation (and to provide some of the funniest moments of dialogue in the book).

I give a lot of credit for how enjoyable this book was to the format used—even longer chunks of exposition flowed relatively well in the epistolary style. I also loved the inclusion of footnotes to accompany most chapters—I don’t enjoy them in the real world, but I found them so whimsical here! As someone who can be a slow reader with fantasy books, it helped me follow along with the more magical elements of the book.

This story was a great moment of escapism into someone else’s adventure, and I am excited to read the eventual sequel when it comes out!

This book oozes whimsy and charm! It was the perfect cuddle up, cozy winter read. Especially since it takes place in a snowy, Norwegian-esque setting and centers around academia. Dryadology, to be precise. Love that!

The dialogue and prose were so witty and engaging, I loved the cheeky Edwardian banter. And the characters, even the minor ones, were really endearing and took on a presence all their own. To me, the whole thing felt almost like Jane Austen meets Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver.

I'm excited for the next book!

Emily Wilde is an adjunct professor on the mission of her lifetime in snowy Ljosland where she is looking to catalog the hidden people, faeries who live in the snow and are rarely seen. She is looking to have her name in the spotlight and for once claim the glory of her findings. Her rival Wendell Brambleby is always swooping in and stealing her thunder. She tries to settle in the remote town but struggles with the locals and just as she's gaining some traction, Wendell shows up and ruins her plans. Then faerie mischief ensues.

Oh, I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. Emily was too prickly. Wendell too annoying. I didn't buy the relationship between them at all. I liked the information about the faeries but I felt like there wasn't enough of that, especially in the first half. By the time they got to the second half, I was mostly bored. The language of the read was challenging which made it even less fun. The last 20% reminded me of Midnight in Everwood, which I loved, but it was too little too late to turn my opinion around on this one.

Thanks to Orbit for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is such a refreshing breath of air in the fantasy genre! I just loved how perfectly aspects of the faerie world are uncovered and mixed in throughout Emily’s (the genius, love of my life, fucking goddess on earth) research of the fae in Ljosland.

I was a bit skeptical of the first person pov bc I’m usually not a fan but being fully immersed in the story through Emily’s journal entries (plus Wendell’s with his stupid add ons<3) really hooked me.

Oh and the romance!$8/) I came into this book not knowing about it so imagine my surprise when it finally clicked in my head that this is had a fucking beautifully written academia rivals to lovers plot threaded throughout it all😭

The ending (for the story and romance) is super cute and can totally be read as a conclusion if you don’t want to wait for the sequel, but I’m so excited for the future installments!

I’ll be on the hunt for the hardcover as soon as it gets released in a few months just so I can read it all over again<3

This came with a lot of hype! It seemed like a book I'd enjoy, with it being rich in whimsy and academia. But honestly, the plot moved a little too slow for me. I did like the main leads Emily and Wendell, and found them hilarious. The banter was great, and their chemistry was chef's kiss. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

This book was my perfect combination of fantasy, historical, mysterious, and just a hint of romance. I really liked the academic approach to Fae lore as well and the way Emily and Wendell's personalities play off of each other. I can't wait for more of this series.

*I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

The beginning was extremely slow and hard to get into. I think (for me at least) the set up as journal entries from Emily's perspective was very long and detailed that really didn't add much to the story. The world building is very thorough and not much happens until more than midway through. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and didn't really like the banter between the FMC and the MMC. The writing by Heather is beautiful and the last few chapters are really good since a lot is actually happening. The book kind of just ends though, maybe the last few pages are a cliff hanger but seems to be a setup for another adventure since the one she was on was completed.

Thank you to NetGalley & Del Rey for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Wilde hooked me from the beginning - I loved her dedication to her studies at the detriment to her social skills. Her struggles to maintain objectivity while being so passionate about her work hit close to home for me (a bookworm with poor social skills). Another one of those books that feels like it was written exclusively for me.

The writing is very good, told in a diary-entry style that allows for large time-passing without confusion. The characters (include the little Scandinavian villagers) are all terrific and fleshed out. And while I am not ordinary a fan of slow burns (and this is the slowest of slow burns), I enjoyed Wendell & Emily's relationship and how their feelings for each other play out throughout the story.

Onward to book 2!

This story follows Emily, a Cambridge professor, during her time at Hrafnsvik studying faeries for her Encyclopaedia. During her time in Hrafnsvik, Emily has to navigate the townsfolk, Wendell Bambleby, as well as the different mysteries that unfold around her from the faeries causing mischief and mayhem. This all proves to be especially difficult since Emily prefers books and solitude to making small talk and engaging with others, unless of course, it’s in pursuit of science.
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I absolutely adore this book, and I did not want to put it down. I am a big fan of the whimsical and descriptive writing used throughout the story. I truly felt like I was being transported to Hrafnsvik and accompanying Emily on her journey. I also really resonate with Emily as someone who often gets lost in books and forgets about societal norms. One of my favorite aspects from this novel is how Emily interacts with the various characters and how it subtly shifts over time. There aren’t Earth shattering changes as Emily is who she is, but it’s enough to show that it’s a big change for her especially with Aud and Lilja. Then there’s Wendell, sweet exasperated, Wendell. I loved the never ending banter between Wendell and Emily. I also can’t leave out Poe, who was an unexpected favorite character. I loved how he casually gave away other characters’ secrets. The last element I want to mention is that I love how the use of Fae stories within the story help to understand how Emily’s mind works, and she’s able to go from one thought to the next. Ultimately, I could go on and on with all the elements of this story that I loved.
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There really wasn’t any aspect of this book that I didn’t enjoy. I’m just glad that there will be a sequel, so we can enjoy more of Emily and Wendell’s escapades.

I enjoyed reading the book. I found it very long and a bit boring but funny at times but too much info about life out there in the wilds. I like to read about fantasy and fairy tales, but this was long winded. The main plot was good with a great ending. Bambelby comes and takes over Emily 's space but in the end, everything turned out well

An absolute delight! This book was funny, dark, and surprisingly romantic. It was a combination of the Faerie Regency series by Olivia Atwater and The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan. It was cozy, meta and swoon worthy. Every page offered up a morsel of folklore, faeries, myths, all the while intertwining Em's perspective, personality and takes. She was a prickly pear that one can easily be besotted with. Also last but not least Wendell was a wonderful side character. He was the sunshine to Em's gloomy sky. These opposites made for a hilarious and great duo. I cannot wait to see what shenanigans these two get up to next. This book will keep you warm even as it has you descend into the coldest of places.

Disclaimer: I appreciate NetGallery giving me an ARC in return for a honest evaluation.

I devoured this book in a single day and found it to be quite enjoyable. I adore books about faeries, and this book provided a refreshing way of diving into them. It was a combination of mystical and gruesome experiences with the fae seen through a scholarly lens. I also adore how the fairies are portrayed in the narrative, which doesn't downplay their sinister traits. The story also revolves around being comfortable of receiving and asking for help, which Emily has a hard time doing.

I loved Emily, our primary character. Throughout the narrative, she showcased intelligence and competence, and her character development was endearing. It was fun to follow Emily on her journey throughout the book. Her exchanges with Wendell were immensely entertaining to me; they made me giggle. An entertaining pair: a flamboyant magical being and an antisocial introvert. However, the relationship itself wasn't the primary focus of the narrative. Therefore, rather than being a love story, I would classify this as a historical fantasy with some romantic undertones.

I absolutely adored this! One standoffish professor plus her exact opposite best (only) friend plus a countryside full of faeries? Magical!

At long last, Emily has made the long journey to Ljosland to study the Hidden Ones, the previous unresearched faeries who live there. Her entry on them will be the crowning achievement to her encyclopedia of faeries. If only she hadn’t somehow offended all the townsfolk on her first day… The sudden arrival of her colleague Wendell – and how quickly the townsfolk latch on to him – is an annoyance, but she’s determined not to let anything stand in the way of her research. Not even the enigmatic Wendell.

“I am an explorer, Wendell. I might call myself a scientist, but that is the heart of it. I have become what I am because I wish to know the unknowable. To see what no mortal has seen, to—how does Lebel put it? To peel back the carpeting of the world and tumble into the stars.”


The book is written as a diary with most of the entries from Emily’s point of view so, despite the format, we get a pretty clear look inside her head. While fieldwork is invigorating, Emily’s also the sort of person who wistfully misses her university library. As one of those people who’s dreamed of being a professor at one of those historic British colleges with gorgeous libraries, I instantly fell in love with her. She’s meticulous in her research and extremely knowledgeable about faeries but people are an utter mystery to her. I’m not sure it was intentional but she did read as neurodivergent to me. She can come off as uncaring – especially when interviewing someone about a faerie encounter – but it’s more that she gets so enthralled intellectually. But when someone needs help, Emily’s the first person to go charging in. One of the villagers initially refers to her as a “library mouse” and it seems to fit, but as the book goes on we see why Wendell fondly refers to her as “my dear dragon.” Which, oof, my heart!

“The problem with Bambleby, I’ve always found, is that he manages to inspire a strong inclination towards dislike without the satisfaction of empirical evidence to buttress the sentiment.”


Wendell Bambleby’s sort of a competitor but also her friend – her only friend in fact. Wendell’s a peacock and an absolute agent of (lazy) chaos so it’s no surprise that Emily’s frequently exasperated with him. But underneath all that it’s clear from the start that they care for each other in their own way. While there is a romance, it’s secondary to the main plot but it was still immensely fulfilling. There’s unrequited pining that’s just so delicious, and the gradual reveal of feelings is through their actions, not their words. He appreciates all of Emily, her strengths and flaws, though I suppose he’d rather she charge off into danger a little less.

The book starts out pretty cozy with Emily’s problems with the townsfolk being the worst problem. And then Wendell arrives and the plot careens into motion. While Emily’s first faerie encounter is relatively benign, it’s quickly clear that the rest of the Hidden Ones are not so friendly. There’s several very tense situations that had me on the edge of my seat. While I think it’s more slowly paced over all, those bits of terror nicely balanced out the slower pieces and made it nearly impossible to put the book down.

“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”


Like, wow, that quote?!?! I am completely in love with the writing, the characters, the setting and I would gladly devour a whole series about them. This gave me strong Uprooted vibes, and since that’s possibly my favorite book of all time, that’s pretty high praise!

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A magical journey with a very strong scholarly brilliant professor. She knows a lot of about the fairy folk and her colleague who joins her on her mission to gain more entries in her encyclopedia is adorable. I mean his name is Bambleby well his last name. He has so many funny quirks and is very charming but does no work. They are a very funny team with their quick wit and very difference in opinion and work ethic. Love their adventures and all the new facts they gather for her encyclopedia. Love the entries.

Thank you randomhouse and netgalley for e-ARC for honest and voluntary review.

Charming and whimsical! I was a little unsure about a book being written as journal entries but I was completely captivated and it worked so well for the story! Emily is not warm and fuzzy but her wit and intelligence kept me engaged throughout. Wendell is the complete opposite and they balance each other very nicely. I loved learning about the various faeries and lore as it’s interspersed with the storyline. I’m looking forward to what’s next! Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the arc!

Review published on Amazon on January 11, 2023.

What a delightful book! If you're looking for more Howl and Sophie-like dynamics (from Howl's Moving Castle), this is it. I also couldn't help comparing Emily to Artemisia from Vespertine - they're very similar in a lot of ways, namely their social skills (which is to say, none).

Emily Wilde is a grumpy, reclusive scholar who much prefers the company of books over humans. Her academic rival, Wendell Bambleby, is the exact opposite. He basks in attention and charms everyone he meets. So what happens when they're forced to work together? A lot of hilarity and tender moments, that's what!

While this book is being marketed as a cozy fantasy, I'd argue it's a little more action-packed than that label usually entails. Despite starting slow, atmospheric, and...well, cozy, it picks up a LOT. Especially once you hit the halfway point! The faeries in this world can be terrifying. I love how Fawcett dives into traditional faerie lore and creates magical encounters with them that are told through journal-like entries as our scholar navigates tricky situations. Also, there's a sword fight and a beheading!? Not your typical cozy fantasy in my experience.

I truly enjoyed this book, and if you're someone like me who prefers epic, high stakes fantasy books, this may be the perfect reprieve. It's somewhere between cozy and action-packed, and is the perfect read for a rainy day.