ARC was given by NetGalley & Del Rey.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands takes you on a fantastical adventure from start to finish. Emily, Wendell, and Shadow the dog embark on another adventure, this time to Austria, in order to seek out a hidden faerie door. As always, the journal entry format of these books is SO much fun. I love reading the footnote, and you can see how immersive the author made this world! I also like that it makes Emily an unreliable narrator, as everything we read comes from her perspective only (unless Wendell steals it to add his own entry).
I loved the addition of the new characters: Professor Rose from Cambridge, a colleague of Emily and Wendell's, and Ariadne, Emily's niece and student. They added some conflict in the group while also allowing Emily to show some character development.
Of course, another amazing part of this story was Emily & Wenndell's relationship. They play off each other so well, and their banter is something I genuinely loved to read about! Seeing how much they care for each other and how their relationship has grown since book one was such a treat!
Overall, this was an amazing sequel and I can't believe everyone has to wait until 2024 to read it! I of course am now realizing I will have even longer to wait to read the third book *cries*

I loved the continuation of Emily and Wendell's story. The new setting and new characters were fun, as well as the familiar faces. More glimpses into the faerie worlds were super interesting, and I loved learning more about Wendell's kingdom. I love the journal style of writing and the footnotes are fun. Definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy!

This book, like the first in the series, really nails the oft-mishandled trope of a handsome, successful, charismatic man in love with a female slob. No one is doing it like Emily and Wendell.

This time around, they are in the Austrian Alps, searching for the door to Wendell's kingdom. This setting allows the author to bring back many of the beats of the first book, but to keep them fresh. There are stunning alpine vistas, distrustful locals, Malignant Mists, frightening fae, slightly less frightening but still disturbing fae, gratuitous footnotes. Wendell gets to use a sword! More than once! There is even a magical cat. Bliss. I would probably read fifty of these books.

I read this ARC on an unpleasant plane ride, and it really came through for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for this delight.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries was one of my favorite reads of the year and now this sequel Map of Otherlands is added to the list as well. I enjoyed the continuation of Emily and Wendell’s story so much and I think I even liked this book more than the first!

This book started off a lot faster than the first and we get to jump headlong into a new adventure with this one largely taking place in the Austrian Alps— the setting is eerie and dangerously beautiful and the faeries equally so. I personally thought the faeries in this book even more chilling and otherworldly.

And as for Wendell and Emily: I love them together so much and I was totally here for more development in their relationship!
The new characters were also great I loved the different dynamics that they added to the story and it was a surprising change of pace that I wasn’t mad about. I also enjoyed the layered storyline it added mystery as well as a continuation of the overarching story.

Big fan, really recommend these books!

I am such a fan of Emily Wilde’a adventures. I loved Encylopaedia and Faries and was so excited to find book #2 coming early Jan 2024. It was so fun to follow Emily and Wendell’s blooming relationship while they search for the door to get Wendell to the Silva Lupi kingdom. As always, Emily gets herself into multiple predicaments making her rely on befriending and trusting the little ones. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but can we please get book #3!?

This book is the second in a series following the main character Emily Wilde. I found it to be a cozy, enjoyable read (despite some honestly scary parts), and enjoyed reading another tale of Faerie adventures. As the book is told from the perspective (for the most part) of the main character I thought it did a nice job exploring self perception vs. perception by those around you. It delved well into the landscape of the setting in the Alps which helped bring a real element to the characters actions. While some of the names of the creatures could get confusing it was interesting to be introduced to many new types of Fae, their traits, and their interactions with the villagers.

I found that some parts of the book felt a bit rushed when it came to the larger action scenes, but I think that’s a part of the genre of it being told from the perspective of a journal.

Overall, I enjoyed this book as much as the first and would recommend as a cozy fall/winter fantasy read.

Wonderful! Such a great addition in a spectacular series. I really loved that this book was full of new myths and adventures, while also continuing some story lines introduced in the first book. Heather Fawcett is a genius for the way she so subtly weaves in details throughout this story that she’ll call back to in such a huge and unexpected way. Definitely a must read for fantasy and folklore lovers!

This series continues to charm me and I think book 2 surpassed book 1! I love the cozy fantasy, academia, journal vibes. And the action and conflict start early which drew me in immediately. Emily continues to be a favorite of mine with her clever and analytical approach to all things and how she makes sense of the nonsensical fae world. We also get to see her grow in terms of understanding feelings and friendships, including her relationship with Wendell which I absolutely love. They are such an odd pairing of opposites but are so adorable together and I hope there is a book 3 so we can see where they go next (both in their relationship and in the Fae world).

If you enjoyed the first book, then the second is sure to delight! Thank you NetGalley for the digital arc.
Review will be posted to my IG @_twodogsandabook_

5 Stars

I'm so happy to be back with my favorite characters in a book Emily and Wendal. I absolutely loved their interactions and dialogue in the first book and this second installment did a great job continuing their story. The witty banter and adorable/funny dialogue was as strong as the first book. Wendal still is just such a perfect lot written character. Fawcett has such a talent at writing characters.

This story is still written in a journal style. It continues to work really well for this story. We are also introduced to a new village and side characters as the go in their quest to find Wendals door, Comparing the two books I did enjoy the side characters and interactions with the village much better in the first book. I just had little no interest in Rose's character in this book. I also found that this book was a bit slower than the first. Still a great story but I think I liked the first one a bit better.

I would recommend this book to any cozy fantasy readers. I also would recommend this book to any readers who really love banter style dialogue and humor sprinkled in. I think this series will be a favorite for many readers.

I am so excited to see what else Heather Fawcett writes in the adult genre. I want to read so much more from her with these type of character development and interactions.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.floofs.booknook and retail sites close or on publication.

WOW So this one hit it out of the park. It still has that Deadly Education feel but now lord did this get darker. I loved every page and can not wait for more from this author. This one was spectacular with more romance and more in depth understanding of Emily and her world. I could not put it down and neither will you!!! Don't let this one slip through your fingers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for your ARC of Emily Wildes Map of the Otherlands.

Emily Wilde, the famed professor from Cambridge with knowledge and a passion for the fairy world that knows no other, we know her, and we love her, from Emily Wildes Encyclopedia of Faeries. Wendell Brambleby, the charming and charismatic Faerie King, the sunshine to dear Emily's storm cloud. When we left off book 1, they had just worked together in snowy fields that brought back beautiful memories of Iceland, working with the locals to understand and sometimes save the village from all of the fae living in their wilderness. Book 2 gives only a minor time jump, a few short months, before Emily and Wendell find themselves on another adventure, running from wicked stepmothers, discovering famed academics who had found themselves lost in time long ago, breaking curses, and perhaps taking a little time to figure out just what they mean to one another.

Simply put I absolutely devoured this book. I finished the first book, thanked my lucky stars Random House was gracious enough to approve this ARC, and immediately jumped into book 2, where I read it in a single day. I just loved it. I really enjoyed book one, but book 2 came and swept me off my feet. For me, at the end of the day what I love is characters, relationships, and the story. Book 1, while it had all of that, there was a lot of time spent creating the world, which I SO appreciate, and I know that may be the best part for many others, but book 2 for me, held more time with the characters and events that were occurring right now in the moment, and I really loved that. I would a thousand percent recommend this series and I am now going to cry a little bit at the thought of how long I will have to wait for book 3!

"Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" is a masterful and enchanting tale that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through a world where imagination knows no bounds. Penned by Heather Fawcett, this remarkable novel transcends the boundaries of reality and invites readers into a realm of wonder and magic.

The story follows Emily Wilde, a young girl with an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding spirit. When Emily discovers an ancient map that promises to lead her to the mysterious Otherlands, she embarks on an adventure that defies all expectations. The author's storytelling prowess shines through as readers are transported into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the impossible becomes possible.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its world-building. Heather Fawcett has crafted a universe that is both richly imaginative and intricately detailed. From the whimsical landscapes to the eccentric characters that inhabit these Otherlands, every aspect of this world is brought to life with vivid descriptions and boundless creativity.

Emily Wilde is a protagonist who will capture the hearts of readers of all ages. Her unwavering determination, unbridled curiosity, and indomitable spirit make her a character to root for. Her journey of self-discovery and growth is beautifully rendered, making her transformation throughout the story both inspiring and relatable.

The themes explored in the book, such as the power of imagination, the importance of friendship, and the magic of believing in the impossible, resonate deeply with readers. The narrative is a celebration of the human capacity for wonder and the endless possibilities that exist when one dares to dream.

The pacing of the story is impeccable, with each chapter offering a new and delightful surprise. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep readers eagerly turning the pages, and the sense of wonder that permeates the narrative is both infectious and heartwarming.

In conclusion, "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" is a literary gem that reminds us of the transformative power of imagination and the magic that can be found in the everyday. Heather Fawcett has crafted a timeless tale that will captivate readers of all ages, transporting them to a world where dreams come to life and adventure knows no bounds. If you're seeking a heartwarming and enchanting read, this book is an absolute must.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands continues Emily's academic exploration of Dryadology, the study of fairies alongside her dog Shadow and fellow professor Wendell Bambleby. This book contains an adventure that leads them and their research to the Alps to find a missing professor in the midst of a major academic breakthrough. Book 1, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, focused on Emily's academic ambitions and with Otherlands it focuses on her personal ambitions. The relationship between Emily and Wendell develops and plays critical plot points along the way. I really enjoyed Emily's personal journey and growth in this book in addition to the new relationships introduced.

I absolutely love the world Heather Fawcett created mixing historical fiction, adventure, fantasy, and magic. I mean, it's all around magic. Fawcett's language is so complex without being pedantic, creating a rich view into the larger personality of Emily Wilde through her journaling. I fell in love with book 1 of this series, imagine my surprise when book 2, Map of the Otherlands, was even better. I REALLY loved this book.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for the advanced copy. This honest review contains my own opinions.

I loved this second book. The writing and story is still as addictive as the first book. I enjoy getting lost in this world. It has a way of bringing you into the story with relatable characters. We saw some new and some old ones reappear. Thank you to Random House and netgalley for the arc in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. I love this series and am looking forward to adding this to my shelf when it comes out!

What a joy to be back in Emily Wilde’s world! Her quest for more fae knowledge continues but this time it’s primarily motivated by Wendell’s desire to find the door to his world and stop his stepmother’s rule and assassination attempts. We meet a whole new set of fae along the way as Emily, Wendell, and the rest of the crew try to trace the steps of people who went missing decades ago in the Austrian Alps. Complicating matters is Wendell’s stepmother has decided he needs to go by way of poison so they’re racing against the clock to not only find the door but a cure.

I continue to be delighted that this is an epistolary novel that actually works for me, thanks to Emily’s penchant for scientific accuracy and excellent memory. That said, I did find this to be slower paced compared to the first book and while I enjoyed <spoiler>Wendell having to write portions of the journal in book 1 due to Emily leaving it behind while she was in captivity, it didn’t make as much sense for him to jump in and write his perspective on the events that took place in this installment. Let her sleep and detail what happened when she wakes up! Just because readers appreciate something in the first book doesn’t mean you have to keep replicating that.</spoiler>

I suppose my larger concern is that Emily doesn’t appear to have grown at all. One of the things I enjoyed most last time was how she came to see the importance of community and friendship. She has kept up her correspondence with a few people from Ljosland, which was nice to see, and Poe makes a few appearances. But she doesn’t appear to have befriended anyone at Knight College or even attempted to. Okay, so I didn’t expect she would have become a social butterfly but that her world in England has only widened to include Wendell is befuddling. Especially when there would be an easy entry point for her: her 19 year old niece Ariadne is serving as her assistant. Emily isn’t close to her family (and I wholeheartedly approve of this not changing) so she wasn’t around for Ariadne growing up. They don’t have a typical aunt-niece relationship but Emily doesn’t even try to get to know her, even though it is clear Ariadne is much more like her than their relatives. It would have been nice to see more warmth there from the beginning, even if Emily feels awkward at times. This happens by the book’s end but I’m concerned that this is going to be the pattern for the series, since this is also the map for what happens between Emily and a colleague that joins them on this research trip. At some point, we need to see her world open up for more than interactions with the fae and her relationship with Wendell.

All that aside, I am very eager to see what happens in book 3! Orga the cat is a great addition to the mix and I look forward to seeing how or whether she and Shadow get along.


<i>Characters:</i> Emily is 31 year old white dryadology adjunct professor. She has a dog named Shadow who is a Black Hound/Grim (type of Fae pet) and blind in one eye. Wendell is a 29 year old white dryadology professor and Fae king. He has a fae cat named Orga. This is set in 1910 England and St. Liesl, Austria in the Alps.

<i>Content notes:</i> missing people, murder, assassination attempts, poisoned and slowly dying MC, physical assault, animal death (fae war horse), spiders, lacerations and ear cut off (secondary character), secondary character accidentally injured by dog, mummified foot (tree faun), skeleton/bones, aging pet dog (he’s fine!), FMC missing finger on left hand, past execution of MMC’s older siblings and banishment by stepmother, past death of secondary character’s wife and friend, past infidelity (man who died), off page sex, hangover, pipe (secondary character), ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide, reference to past death of student’s cat

Emily is back at it again in a new adventure! After a few weeks back at Cambridge, Emily and Wendell are falling into a type of relationship with each other, he's a bag of sunshine and she's a grump that rather avoids everyone if possible. So cute!

Oh - he's also an exiled faerie prince whose mother is sending assassins after him (and possibly also poisoned him!) After one attempt at the university, they set off to Austrian Alps to try to find a door for him to return to his home and defeat his mother. But with his magic running low and painful, Emily is running out of time to save his life. Her only theories revolve around a woman that hasn't been seen in years but possibly lost in faerieland.

This book reads very similar to the first style wise, with random notes tossed in the margins, the format is still set in journal entries which I found charming. Wendell, as always, is a great love interest and it's clear how much he cares for Emily. We are also introduced to Rose, her boss and her niece, Ariadne who loves the folk just as much as Emily. New setting, new characters but still lovely!

This book builds up slowly and imo ends too quickly. The climax with Wendell's mother seems to be over before it starts, a huge difference between this book and the first one. This entire book feels like a huge set up for book 3 and that's my entire issue with this, I felt like it didn't need to be stretched out no matter how much I enjoyed it.

Overall, Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is full of new folk and adventures set but with higher stakes than the first! If you liked that one, you're sure to like this one as well!

cw// injury detail, violence, blood, animal death, gore, murder

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THIS BOOK! Like Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands entirely surprised me. I was afraid the second book would fall short like several other second installments, but I enjoyed this book even more than the first!

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands felt like such a pleasant treat! It was the perfect cozy fantasy entangled with passionate characters and magical mysteries.

Heather Fawcett does a remarkable job of creating a story with easily loveable characters and companions and a charming plot through enchanting descriptions and world-building. It was so entertaining that I had a huge smile plastered on my face practically throughout the entire book.

Alongside the whimsical adventure of searching for Wendell’s door and possibly a nexus of multiple doors, seeing Emily’s relationships with the people around her blossom was a delight. Emily and Wendell have to be my favorite grumpy sunshine duo. Their personalities bounce off one another so well, that it was amusing to witness. The two of them have my entire heart.

My only complaint was having reached the end! Finishing the book felt like letting go of a tenderhearted hug from a cozy cottage daydream. I would positively recommend this to anyone curious about faeries and seeking wanderlust for a few short hours. I imagine there’ll be a third book, and I'll wait for it enthusiastically.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for sending me an e-ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

Many thanks to @netgalley and Random House for the eARC of Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands! This installment was just as much fun to read as its predecessor. We jump right back into Emily and Wendell’s lives, this time on the search for a door to a specific faerie realm. The cast of characters is bigger and the stakes are higher, and the ending definitely left me needing more books in this series.

Overall, this book was absolutely lovely. I loved revisiting Emily and watching her navigate how to interact with humans and fae alike, as well as struggle with her feelings for Wendell. Wendell Bambleby is becoming one of my favorite male characters. I adore his seemingly carefree personality and how he would do absolutely anything for Emily. I only wish that we would have seen more of him in this book.

I did, however, like the setting and side characters a lot more in the first book. The townsfolk were not nearly as welcoming or played as large of a role, and I found myself missing the people of Hrafnsvik. I also never grew too fond of Ariadne or Rose, and would have gladly have given them up for more time spent with Wendell.

If you’re looking for a cozy and immersive fae-centered fantasy, definitely check Encyclopaedia of Faeries out!! Map of the Otherlands will be hitting shelves on January 16, 2024! And fingers crossed that this isn’t the end of Em and Wendell’s journey together.

This book was somehow even better than the first Emily Wilde. The world building is so well done and really made me feel like I was also adventuring among Faerie. Heather Fawcett has a beautiful way with words and is able to create beautiful descriptions. She creates amazing characters, worlds, and fun adventures. If you like adventure, fantasy, Faeries, or a fun world this book is definitely for you.

After the events of creating her encyclopedia are finally finished, Emily knows it’s time to find Wendell’s door and she can use that opportunity to create a map of Faerie while she’s at it! When her leads take them to a village in the Alps, and assassins behind them, they find a bit more than they bargained for but could they possibly also find the nexus of multiple doors to numerous realms as well?!

This was a fun continuation and I’m hoping for a full conclusion in the following book! I enjoyed the relationships build up a lot more and be better in this book as well.