I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style of this one, so it did take away from my overall experience with it. It was a DNF for me.

It did take some time to get into this because I am generally not a fan of epistolary style. However, this is a delightful story. It's told in journal style with footnotes, because of course it is. Emily is an academic, after all. It's so fun to see her journey throughout this book, as well as read the fairie stories inserted.

It was a bit slow for me. It was an interesting story but I didn't love the way it was told through the letters. Not for me, but I think plenty of people will love it.

I don’t love much in the way of fantasy, but fairies will get me every time.
This book enchanted me just as I hoped it would. I especially loved that the plot revolves around academia as Emily is researching and writing the first encyclopedia of fairy lore. The curmudgeonly townsfolk were a delight and added a wonderful element of humor to the story. I think this book would best be described as a cozy fantasy with just a hint of darkness that kept it from being too cloyingly sweet. The relationship and rivalry between Wendell and Emily intrigued me and I appreciated that it was light on the romance. I imagine it will evolve with the series and I look forward to seeing what direction it takes. Fairies, academia, mystery and a hint of romance, this book charmed me in a way that few do. Thank you to @netgalley and DelRay publishing for this arc.

I really enjoyed this! Low stakes & cozy with humor and wit! For some reason my brain read the book in the voice of Temperance Brennan from Bones (the tv show) and that was absolutely perfect for me! I love how it truly read like Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia and her journal - it gave a unique perspective of what was happening in the story and actually made it cozier! 5 magical ⭐️ and I can’t wait to see where Heather Fawcett takes the series next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! This is exactly what I want to unwind and relax. It is so cozy and the characters we adorable and snarky! I couldn't ask for a more "me" book.

The snowy atmosphere with mean faeries and charming town chock-full of quirky characters was exactly what wanted in a cozy fantasy. I am so excited to get my hands on book #2! I know that until then, I will be picking this book up again and again for the warm and fuzzies.

Emily Wilde is a woman her is used to doing things on her own, and prefers it that way. Emily has been working on an encyclopedia of faeries for years - a culmination of all the work she has done. Told in a series of diary entries, she takes us on her latest expedition.

I didn't know that Fantasy academia was a genre I needed to read until now. I've never thought of it but Fawcett's book may have hooked me on the genre. Well written and extremely fun, not to mention very cozy (My favorite!) I couldn't help but be enchanted by Emily. She was just so smart, brave, and a bit awkward, it was just so fun getting to know her throughout the book. I couldn't help but connect with her, as she reminded me of myself back in school.

Wendell was a delight and the way he flustered Emily was just so cute. I don't usually like the enemies-to-lovers thing but this romance was just so cute and I was just besotted with Wendell since he was first introduced. At first, I did not think I would like the format of it being in Journal entries but the more I read the more I really liked it, it was like a bit of fresh air, so unique.

Overall, a fun cozy read

This was absolutely delightful! I loved every second. One of my top reads of the year thus far and I suspect it will remain in the top 10 at least.

Emily Wilde is a gruff, curmudgeonly professor AND a woman of 30. She doesn't know what to do with people or how to act around them (in fact, I am suspicious that she is autistic, because she displays a lot of the characteristics) and is constantly accidentally causing offense. However, she is a genius with faeries of all kinds and her expertise and ability to find the story that underlies a situation is unrivalled.

The book is written as her field notes, and her stubborn, perpetually annoyed (particularly at her colleague Bambleby, who attracts people as easily as she repels them) voice is so strong that it makes for incredibly enjoyable reading.

I am so glad there is going to be another book because I could not get enough of Emily and Bambleby. Their love story was so exactly the type I adore, full of exasperation and grudgingly fond insults and a deep, hidden loyalty.

I also adored how Emily found the people of Hrafnsvik (and especially her colleague Bambleby) sneaking into her heart and becoming her friends quite against her will. It perplexed her greatly throughout the story, because she is so determined to care only for her research, and she doesn't know what to do with the affection she feels and is shown.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing an early copy for review.

This book was different then I originally expected but so good. I loved the layout, how it was journal entries and POV. Not a format everyone will like but I enjoyed it!

4.5 ⭐️

I’m obsessed with everything about this book—especially the characters and setting. It took me awhile to get into this, but once I was, I was hooked. I loved how it got more fantastical as the story went on. Every character arc was stunning and the light touch of romance was achingly beautiful without being overwhelming. I will certainly read this again and preorder the next one! Highly recommend for someone who loves light academia.

This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the cover. (yes I do judge books by their covers)

And while the whole summary of the book was also good - it was mostly the beautiful cover that pulled me in.

Until I started reading it. This is easily one of the best books I’ve read in 2023. The storyline was new and something I haven’t read fifty times already. I liked the professor vibes this gave and could not put it down. Highly recommend!

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is the first book I've read by Heather Fawcett. The format of this book was a little different, but I really enjoyed it. The story is told through Emily’s journal/research notes and even includes footnotes with further descriptions and backstory (I found it was easier to access these on my Kindle than it was on my phone). I enjoyed Emily’s character and her attempts to forge relationships with the locals, but even more enjoyable was her banter with her rival, Wendell Bambleby. Although Bambleby initially came across as arrogant, eventually his softer, more loving side was revealed.

I found that the first part of the book effectively introduced me to the characters and the world, while the second half of the book was where most of the adventure took place. The ending of the story left no doubts that there will be a second book featuring Emily and Wendell.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to review and eARC of this title!

WOW! Where to begin?! This book is one of those stories that burns itself into your soul. I absolutely couldn’t put it down. The characters are so lovable - Emily & Wendell’s banter was top notch - and the cozy light academia feel of this was unlike any other fantasy I’ve read before. I truly did not know what to expect from one page to the next. I was completely enraptured from start to finish. I’m ANXIOUSLY awaiting the sequel! And already considering a reread. Five stars, cannot recommended enough.

great book and such great characters. I enjoyed the mystery and some romance. I also enjoyed the journey of the characters. I didn't know what to expect with this book but I enjoyed it .

This book was whimsy and and an entirely different take on faeries. These are the faeries that magical stories reference where they are full of mischief and trickery. I found parts of the story very interesting but overall was neutral on the story. I didn’t like the two main characters together. I felt like they were weirdly meshed together and it felt unnatural. I did enjoy the quirks of each character individually though. Overall, I am glad I read this story but I do not think I will continue with this story. I am satisfied with using the end of this book as the end of the series.

I really enjoyed this title. It was a cozy fantasy and a good comfort read. It dragged a bit around the 3/4 mark but I was reading for the vibes more than the plot so I didn't mind,

I adored this book and cannot wait for what is to come in the series. Charming and spooky, with so much depth to all the characters. I cannot wait to dive into her back list!

Do you love fae? Are you a fan of Holly Black's fae books that go deep into fairy lore and stories? Then you will love this book. I adored everything about this book. The setting, the prose, the characters and their relationships. Everything about this book is written perfectly for those who are fans of detailed fae stories. I cannot wait for the second book, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, and see how the story and character's relationships progress. Highly recommend if you liked the atmosphere of the Folk of the Air and are looking for a more cozy fantasy vibe.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was initially drawn to this book for the cover. It is absolutely beautiful. Then I read the description and was hooked. Fairies, travel, a mystery and possibly a romance? Well, let me tell you , it did not disappoint. This book is so charming and magical that it gives you all the feel-good vibes. So, get comfy and cozy and dive into the wonderful story.