I liked this a lot. Lovely descriptions, vivid characters, and a natural but action-filled plot arc.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett - 4/5

The title and cover of this book caught my attention right away and I still love looking at the details. This book was a little different with the journal entry format, but it was easy to follow along and truly gave it that encyclopaedia feel. I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and the MC Emily. Emily draws you in with her personality and tone throughout the story and this is a book I can see as a comfort reread and one I recommend to others.

Heather Fawcett's Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is utterly charming. While an initial slow start made me fight to get into the world of the novel, once I was in, I was completely under its spell.

Emily Wilde is an excellent character: prickly but wanting to be soft; intelligent (and she knows it); ruthlessly determined and competent, but not flawless. She really did feel like a curmudgeonly old scholar. Get to know her and her best qualities will show themselves. Wendell is just as well written, and the mystery of his identity is spooled out to us well. I loved getting to see the layers of him unfold through Emily's point of view.

I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the Emily Wilde series. If you enjoy historical fiction of the Victorian explorer bent, fantasy stories similar to Sarah J. Maas (just much less racy), fairy tales of any sort, then you will not mind being taken to Fawcett's fairy land.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for my copy of the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC copy for review! This book comes out January 10th, 2023.

I was enticed from the very first pages of this book. I liked the diary style because it made it easier to read while learning about the different fantasy elements. The imagery in this book was incredible. I love fairies, so that was why I requested the book. I love how it blended the fairies with historical fiction. I also liked watching Emily and Wendell’s relationship throughout her diary.

This new fantasy series by Heather Fawcett is an interesting cross between academia and fantasy that I really enjoyed. The story is written in the style of academic journal entries, where each chapter is a dated journal entry of the events the main character is observing while trying to document faerie interactions and observations for her encyclopaedia. Most of the chapters are written in first person point of view of the main character, Emily, and a few chapters in the same style but another character's point of view. A lot of the chapters even have footnotes with references to ‘famous’ faerie stories or faerie items, which really helps the book feel more academic. The pace of the book is slow and informative, due to our main character’s scholarly style.

The main character is Emily Wilde, who is a scholarly woman in her late twenties with dreams of furthering her academic career - making tenure and publishing her observations into an encyclopaedia. She is logical, intelligent and ambitious and could be relatable to many bookworms.

The book takes place in the 1800’s in a northern small town of Ljosland, where the winters can be harsh and frigid but the local community work together to support each other through the hard times. This book is filled with faerie folklore, as the main character is still trying to learn as much as she can about them. Many of her interactions are whimsical and a little silly at times but fun to follow along. There aren’t too many crazy plot twists but it is a light and entertaining read. Lastly there are some hints of romance here and there - nothing steamy but just cute sprinkles throughout.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light hearted winter season read and anyone who enjoys folklore or academic themed books. I would not recommend this to someone looking for a romantic comedy or a fantasy with crazy plot twists. I do look forward to the next in the series and seeing where the author takes us with our lovely characters.

Thank you to Ballantine Del Rey to providing me with an ARC of this book for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book.

I'll be honest, I picked this up mostly to read it ahead of getting it in a book box subscription, but honestly, this completely exceeded any and all of my expectations! I went from page one thinking, "Is this a diary? Oh, I don't think this is going to be for me." To knowing how wrong I was a bit further down on that very same page. I finished this book in one day, if that tells you how invested I was- I truly could not put it down. And I HATE that I read it before book one is out and who knows how long it will be until book two is available. As for being a diary entry? I LOVED the format in which this book was told. It made Emily Wilde so much more real and relatable. Also, with Wendall's help, it made her more well rounded than she might have appeared if it was told from an outside perspective or someone not as close to her and able to explain her feelings or make her personality seem more quirky and sweet rather than standoffish.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries is about Emily Wilde, a bit of a loner scholar and professor who has been studying faeries across the world as part of her research for a comprehensive fae book she is working on. Wendall Brambleby is her coworker and professional rival, and while she knows he has a habit of falsifying information in his papers and seminars, people love him and how charismatic he is and she constantly finds herself behind him in their studies when it comes to popularity. She knows this book she is working on will carve her place in the industry, but she is also aware that a bit of endorsement from him will help push it further. However, that's not what this book is about-not really. Instead, it is this charming and cozy story of her research in an icy foreign land where she puts her knowledge to the test to save townspeople and maybe make some friends along the way. It is beautiful, atmospheric, lovely and all around one of the best books that I have read in a long time.

I will say, that this gave me House in the Cerulean Sea kind of cozy, found family vibes, and if that is something that you enjoy, I would definitely recommend picking this up.

This is simply one of the best books I’ve read this year. I loved everyone from Emily, to Bambleby, to the villagers. I found myself cheering for Emily as she makes scientific discoveries, friendships, and success. I need more of this world and adventures with Emily and Bambleby. Fawcett’s world-building is absolutely top-notch. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review. This is one I’ll be buying for my personal library.

At 30 years old in 1909, Emily has a doctorate in dryadology from Cambridge University. She has devoted her academic career to writing the titular folklore encyclopedia covering all species of fairies, but she needs to do field work covering the species that is missing, the Hidden Ones of Ljosland in Northern Scandinavia. However, her ability to build relationships with the mortal inhabitants of the small town where she will spend six months in a rustic cabin is almost nonexistent, as she has always found personal communications and social interaction difficult.

Emily is startled by the unexpected arrival of her Cambridge colleague and rival, the dashing Wendell Bambleby, as she worries his reputation for delegation and even falsification of research results might endanger her attempt to publish her book alone and obtain tenure in the process. She also suspects that Wendell is not entirely who he claims to be.

Written in a journal format, the first half of the book seems a bit slow, although I later realized that it was necessary to set the tone and lay the foundation for what followed. There are a few footnotes, but the ebook happily provided a link to skip those (and I did). And what a second half it is! Getting more involved with the townspeople than she had intended, Emily finds herself committed to using her vast knowledge of fairy folklore to find and rescue a young boy who was replaced by a troublesome changeling five years earlier, as well as two young women who strayed into Folk territory. I was simultaneously thrilled and amused by the author's imagination in describing the nonstop action of the book's second half, not to mention the ever-changing fairy landscape, the lore and powers of the Folk, and the resources Emily was able to call upon in treacherous situations.

Emily undergoes some character development, Wendell is a surprising and entertaining presence, and I found the supporting characters (including the huge dog, Shadow) well drawn. This book was an unexpected delight, and I was very happy to learn that there are more Emily and Wendell adventures to come. Highly recommended, even for those who don't read a lot of fantasy.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

I loved this book so much! It had academia vibes, fae, and was fantastical in the best ways. The characters were fun, and the world-building was amazing. I didn't want the book to end and can't wait to continue with the remaining books.

Overall, 3.75 stars - I enjoyed this

I thought the journal element was really interesting and I believes does a great job opening a door for the reader to see themselves within the MC's journey. After all, who hasn't written in their journals or diaries about creatures we wished to discover.

I became more interested in the story as it progressed. The first 15% or so percent was (for me) a little difficult to get through. But, overall, this was a really solid book and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great fantasy story with a sprinkle of romantical-side-plot thrown in the mix.

**Thank you Netgalley and Random House for the eARC - All opinions are my own**

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a beautifully written, atmospheric fantasy written in diary format in the early 1900's. This original story follows Emily Wilde, a Cambridge professor writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. The story takes some unexpected turns and is enchanting from start to finish. There is a nice bit of romance throughout as well. Highly recommended! Be sure to check out Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries today.

This book goes 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥.

𝘌𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦'𝘴 𝘌𝘯𝘤𝘺𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘖𝘧 𝘍𝘢𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 follows Emily Wilde, a scholar on all things faeries, who's on a fieldtrip to Hrafnsvik. Accompanied by her colleague Wendell Bambleby, she unearths several secrets of the faery folks and even a few of her heart.

- ~ -

Considering I read the first page and absolutely dreaded the story but went on to fall in love with the storytelling speaks volumes.

I can best describe the aesthetic as a historical fantasy set in the wintery woods with dark academia(ish) vibes.

I don't really know how to sum up the faery kindgom because of it's vast and complex nature but no doubt, there remains much to be revealed.

Emily progressed as a character not only in knowledge but also in her social abilities. She came to town as a grumpy and proud professor of Cambridge but left with her heart full of affection and memories.

For me, the romance had a very subtle longing to it which built up to something small but magnificent (think in terms of Pride & Prejudice 2005 version). Those small gestures and confessions probably conveyed more than most romances are able to at times.

Conclusively, I can't wait to get my hands on the next leg of our characters' journey and hopefully join them back in the same town.

- ~ -

4.01 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

This wasn't my favorite book this year, but overall it wasn't a bad read. It was very very slow going for majority of the book, then it seemed like all the fun and action was rushed through in the ending. It is in the main character's point of view in a journal style so I know that's why it was so dry in the beginning, as that is also the way the character is. After the ending, I will definitely still be reading the sequel, but I'm not anxiously awaiting it like some other books.

5 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.


To say I loved this book is an understatement. For fantasy lovers, this one is amazing. Fun and terrifying and fantastical. Everything you want in a fantasy novel.

Emily is a professor in dryadology at Cambridge. She’s undertaken her life’s work of compiling an encyclopedia of all the types of faeries she’s encountered in her work. She is currently habitating in the town of Hrafsnik in the northlands of Norway. It is a cold place. Her cabin is even colder. When she arrives, she immediately offends all the locals, most importantly, the head woman of the town. Because, Emily kind of sucks at her people skills.

But what Emily does excel at is understanding the faerie world. When Bambleby, her colleague, shows up unexpectedly, Emily is a tad peeved. She feels he’s going to co-opt her work without doing anything of value. But Bambelby turns out to be exactly what Emily needs to soften the townspeople and help her work along.

This novel touched on a lot of themes within the realm of fantasy. A little bit of romance and a little bit of terror, which is entirely expected when dealing with fantasy. I truly loved it. I fell into this world that Fawcett has created and I never wanted to leave. Must read.

I loved the premise of this book - a mix of fantasy and realism - academia, books, and a cozy Scandinavian town. And while I liked the novel, I had a hard time getting into it. I'm not sure why, because it's well written and the characters are delightful. I persevered, but even the ending left me a little at a loss before I realized there will be another book. I will read the second novel, but I hope it pulls me in faster than this one did.

An absolutely charming fantasy! Almost a fantasy rom-com. The faeries are interesting, and the main character is delightfully obtuse when it comes to emotions. A fun, light read!

5/5
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries enchants with a cozy atmosphere and scholarly inquiry into the world of the fae. Combining fantasy, mystery, history, and romance elements, this is a one-of-a-kind story, unlike anything I've read concerning faerie so far. Fawcett debuts a delightful academic fantasy to cherish and revel in.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries was a really fun read! I was surprised by the change of tone midway and did not expect the MC, Emily, to have such an eventful time in the small village of Hrafnsvvik.

As someone who likes a book to build up anticipation, I wasn’t a fan of the journal entry format. I feel like all the major issues were solved within a page or two. It did remind me a lot of the Fairyopolis: A Flower Fairies Journal I had as a child and I hope Faecett is able to make something similar, giving us a peak into Emily’s Encyclopedia!

Possible Spoiler:
There is still a major plot in this book that hasn’t been resolved and I hope the next book Emily is able to get swept away with faerie once more!!!

Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Book for providing an ARC for an honest review.

I requested this ARC because I found the title interesting. I admit that when I started reading I struggled a little. The narrator was a little hard to get used to, the format of the book is that of a diary of the main character. It was a bit of a slow start for me, Emily's dry tone was not one I found particularly easy to get through, she is a person who is not good at people and it comes across her diary entries. That being said, about halfway through I really started to get more into the story, especially after Wendell came into the story. It was a very interesting read and I did enjoy it, once I got used to Emily's personality and tone, and while it took a while to get into it, I did enjoy the book. It would be interesting to see where Emily and Wendell's story will continue next.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun adventure with Emily and Wendell! I must admit, the beginning, with Emily getting off on such a wrong foot with the village she was staying in was hard to read. She really is not all that great with people and was making a right old mess, offending people and not even being able to chop wood! Thankfully, though he gets on Emily's nerves (and maybe a bit more) Wendell shows up in the nick of time with all his shenanigans and then things get really interesting when they go searching for the "tall ones" and other secrets are revealed (ahem, Wendell!) And though Emily doesn't have the easiest time with regular people, she sure is an expert of the other folk and can usually figure out the solution with all the research she has done for her encyclopedia.

I sped through this and was very satisfied with the ending, though I would not mind more of these two characters, possibly as they go searching for the Wendell's door? They are so cute and balance each other very well. :) And a shout out to Shadow, a dog with his own secrets but also extremely loyal to Emily.