Are you ready to return to the delightful world of Emily Wilde, professor of Dryadology at Cambridge University? In this second adventure of Emily and her friend, colleague, and potential fiancé, Wendell Bambelby (also known as the exiled Fae King of Silva Lupi), we continue the journey to find the door that will lead them to Wendell’s kingdom. This time the journey takes us to the Alps in Austria where we meet a new crew of common fae, colleagues, villagers, and enemies.

Emily Wilde and the Map of the Otherlands, was just a delightful as the first novel of the series. Cozy, charming, and beautifully touching, this novel is a speedy read for those that love a light fantasy adventure. The world that Heather Fawcett has built is one that I look forward to visiting again and again. I can’t wait for book 3 to see what happens next!

I loved this book SO much. I fell absolutely in love with dry, prickly, brilliant academic Emily Wilde in the first book this year, and it was a delight to return to her adventures with the cheerful and gregarious and cleanliness-obsessed Wendell.

I loved seeing Emily and Wendell becoming more comfortable with each other, and Emily more comfortable with other people and showing affection in general. The addition of Emily's niece Ariadne and her grumpy department head Rose to the party created the opportunity for more interpersonal dynamics and for Emily to grow used to more people.

I was swept into the story from the first page and it did not let me go until I had turned the last. Emily's voice is so unique and authentic that it's like being told a story by a close friend - you don't question even the most outlandish details. And boy howdy were there some outlandish details, as one would expect when dealing with the fae. I trusted Emily as a narrator unquestioningly and though I was occasionally reminded that I was in effect reading a journal of past events, that never bothered me or threw me out of the story.

Part of that trust comes, I think, from Emily being so delightfully and thoroughly herself. She feels real in a way that many literary characters don't manage, and so consistent that one never has cause to doubt her or remember that she is, in fact, not real.

Wendell is close, but doesn't quite manage the weight Emily brings to the story. Perhaps because he's not the main character. Every interaction with him is quite delightful and I can't get enough of his and Emily's antics.

Ariadne and Rose don't have that same weight of realness to them; as Emily spends much of the book seeing them as side characters who are not always important to the plot, I found myself doing the same. They do have their moments, however, and the book would not have been the same without them.

Another thing that increases the realness feeling for me is the fact that Emily's journal entries seem to fray around the edges the longer she finds herself in faerie. She isn't a one-note dry academic, she is changed by the people and environment around her and the adventures themselves.

I cannot wait for more of Emily and Wendell's adventures. This is one of those series where I know I will be desperate for more for as long as the author chooses to write them. Indeed, the way she has structured the story, there will always be one more adventure, one more encounter with the fae, one more tale to tell. I cannot wait.

If you have read some of my other reviews, you will know that I desperately love books about academia, especially ones that feel really authentic. Emily is perhaps the most believable academic out there, and so if you, too, love books about academia, I couldn't recommend these books any more highly.

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

I received an ARC from the publisher (thanks, NetGalley!) in exchange for my review.

First things first: This is a sequel. If you haven't read Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, stop reading now and go read it. You won't regret it! I can't say enough good things about these novels, and I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3!

I was ready to dive into Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands the moment it landed on my kindle. It was so lovely to jump back into this delightful world of scholarship and fairy-tales. Emily Wilde, the novel's narrator, is a scholar of "dryadology" in the early 1900s. The novel is grounded in the real world: Cambridge, Austria, and Greece are some of the places we'll venture to. But of course this is an alternate reality, where studying fairies and myths is a serious academic discipline, because encountering these creatures is commonplace.

If you have spent any time reading fantasy of any flavor, you know that world-building can be tedious if not done well. Heather Fawcett avoids tedium by structuring these novels as Emily Wilde's journal entries--so any and all excessive detail can be attributed to scholarly enthusiasm. But there are no unnecessary digressions here. Every word matters, and it's clear that the magic system and mythology of Emily Wilde's world are fully formed.

It's not just that the world-building is seemingly effortless, however. Emily Wilde's character is relatable, especially to any of us who are in any way neurodivergent. She's funny, self-aware, and smart, everything you'd want to be if you were a dryadologist. The romance between Emily and Wendell continues to grow in Map of the Otherlands, with some very satisfying banter and more (A caveat to readers who are hoping for more than fade-to-black: this is not a spicy book. It's still very much worth your time). The level of peril is enough to keep you reading, but not so much as to give you nightmares. It's a cozy romp through danger--as a reader of many novels involving fairies, I particularly love the way that common fae are given importance--Poe from Encyclopaedia of Faeries plays a crucial role here, and we meet a new ally in Snowball.

Let me sum up: If you like nerding out about fairies, a little danger, a lot of coziness, and a dollop of romance, go read this book.

I was afraid that this book would suffer from second-book-syndrome, but I’m happy to report it really did not. This one was as atmospheric as the first one and I had loved the first one so much that following Emily, Wendell and Shadow’s adventures again was an absolute delight.

Emily’s academic pursuits are this time mixed with more personal reasons for looking for a very specific door to Faerie. Her voice is still unique and the writing is incredible, I loved how relatable Emily’s way of thinking is for me and having such an amazing main female character with neurodivergent-coded thought patterns feels so refreshing. Not to mention her relationship to Shadow, which deeply resonates with me.

She’s funny and endearing and her quiet sort of fearlessness was still as entertaining as her rightful outbursts.
I adored Wendell’s antics and their relationship, their teasing and banter was everything I could hope for. I was ecstatic about seeing old friends of theirs and easily came to love the new cast of characters.
I could probably find less positive things to say about this second book if I thought about it for a minute, but I was so happy to go back to this world that I’m not going to bother with it. I hope we’ll soon get the news of a third book being in the works.

I just finished the eARC (thank you, NetGalley!) and am so excited for this book, and hopefully a book 3!

Heather Fawcett has done it again treating us to the academic if not slightly chaotic Emily Wilde and Wendell Bambleby. This time Emily has a new academic endeavor, that of course Wendell infringes upon but in the best possible ways. Similar to the first book, this is a cozy read but the stakes are a little higher this time around! I absolutely love the new characters (who doesn’t love a good quest?!) and am SO glad that readers will get to see some familiar faces as well! While readers do not have to have read Emily Wilde’s Encyclopeadia of Faeries first, it will be useful and I would definitely recommend if only because it’s a fantastic book.

I will absolutely be purchasing this book upon its release, and hope to reread it and lend it out with Wilde abandon to anyone. Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands similar to the previous book has bit of fantasy, intrigue, intellectual pursuits and academy, as well as friendship and love. For the Emily Wilde books are those that I will recommend to any and all readers, as they truly have something for everyone.

I made the mistake of sampling the first chapter at 11 pm. Well, it's six hours later, my eyes are strained from staring at a screen, and my sleep schedule is absolutely wrecked this weekend.

I. Am. VIBRATING. This book is so freaking smart. If you loved the first one, you will definitely not be disappointed. Like how did Heather Fawcett take all the lingering threads from the first book and resolve them so perfectly?! The romantic courtship, the mysterious faerie door, Wendell's bloodthirsty family... it was everything that I imagined and more. I'm sorry that this review is pretty useless, but I just want to throw these books at people because I cannot coherently articulate my awe. I need to plan a vacation at some snowy lodge so I can curl up by the fireplace, sip hot chocolate, and listen to the audiobooks in a reread. Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. (less)

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love everything about this series. I love these characters, particularly Emily and her perspective. She knows her strengths and her weaknesses, and she's so pragmatic about them. The sheer amount of faery lore in these stories is wonderful, especially when paired with the academic setting. Add in travel to primarily cold and snowy areas, and I'm just in love. I really thought Fawcett would be hard pressed to top the first book in the series, but this second installment is just as strong and just as enjoyable.

Well, goodness. I am always nervous about sequels, but this did not disappoint at all. The end said the story will continue in book 2…but I’m hoping that’s a typo and there is a book 3.

I love Emily and Wendell, so so much. I catch myself just smiling while reading these books which isn’t typical for me. These are just a delight and I would gladly read 1,000 more.

I received this from net galley in exchange for a review.

The second book in this series is just as imaginative, witty, funny and sweet as the first one! I LOVE this series and these characters. The writer has such a keen understanding of folklore and faerie logic, and I love the way she uses that to make the worldbuilding so compelling and intricate. I also love the footnotes and the wry British academic tone. If, like me, you're a big fan of Naomi Novik's books Spinning Silver and Uprooted (or the classic Howl's Moving Castle), I think you'll love this adventurous and warmhearted series.

In the second installment of this enchanting series, Wendell has been poisoned by his stepmother so his magic is off kilter and he’s slowly dying. They take off on an expedition to try and find a nexus to Wendell’s realm along with Emily’s niece Ariadne and the annoying Professor Rose . The planned expedition becomes increasingly tense as Wendell’s health deteriorates. Can Emily find the cure on her own? Who is the ghost who keeps turning up? Where is the long lost Professor DeGray? This series so reminds me of the Amelia Peabody series only with dryadology instead of archeology! A huge compliment, btw. Can’t wait for number 3!
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

heather fawcett has managed to make “map of the otherlands” just as whimsical, folklore-y, informative, mysterious, and beautifully written as “encyclopaedia of faeries”—which is a literary feat, as book one is the blueprint for cozy light academia fantasy.

emily and wendell embark on an adventure to find the faerie door to wendell’s realm, while quietly growing themselves in the process. the slow and subtle development of emily coming to understand her emotions and opening up about them was so remarkably done. naturally, the prose is alluring. the academic themes and the epistolary style is to die for (i’m a big journal entry and footnote fan). the pacing felt even quicker than the first book, yet still perfectly comfortable and fleshed out. some of the fae are so undeniably CREEPY, while others (e.g., poe and bluebell) are so CUTE!

i am so excited for the next installment, as well as more of emily, wendell, and this wonderful world!!!

thank you so much random house publishing group-ballantine & netgalley for the arc!

4.5/5 stars!

Emily and Wendell are back at the research, this time in Austria!

I love these characters to pieces, and watching their relationship evolve throughout the book continued to delight. I also loved the new characters we got to meet, Professor Rose and her niece, Ariadne. They brought interesting outside perspective on our favorite chaotic couple and added their own flavor of chaos to the mix!

We spend a lot of this book hunting for faerie doors, which makes sense. But I think that resulted in some lost charm that the first book had…the local community and stories of interactions with a variety of faeries made the first book so fun and engaging. The more topographical study of landscape in the hunt for door was much less compelling.

And my biggest disappointment: the journal format that works so beautifully in the first books makes little sense in book 2. The title is “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands,” but unlike the first journal, this isn’t her field study journal for her book. It’s more of a diary, which contains a few random footnotes, and even Emily isn’t sure why she’s writing it. The journal itself lacked sensible motivation, especially when it contained all of her personal relationship musings. I wished she had a more concrete reason for writing a separate journal. Or, it would have worked to give us the Otherlands Mapbook journal and infuse her notes with her personal interactions and conflicts again. As it is, the format doesn’t translate to a sequel well. Emily does nothing without immense forethought and clear benefit. I can’t imagine she would spend this time just recording interactions without purpose.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I am here for whatever chaos Emily and Wendell will stir up, but this book is a shadow of the first. But who can blame it? That first book was complete perfection.

This series is becoming my favorite cozy fantasy! The first book was adorable and warm, this sequel was the same. I love Emily & Wendell and of course Shadow. A very charming and fun story!

The plot isn’t crazy intense but it’s still very interesting and entertaining. Kept me hooked, the writing was great and brought the story to life.

Just as good as the first book of Emily’s and Wendell’s adventures. Little bit of academics, beautiful nature, epic folk stories. Already pre-ordered the hardback from Waterstones. For some reason UK has prettier cover than US.

Full review will be posted on Forever Young Adult's blog closer to the publication date.

Cover Story: Montell Jordan

GIF from Montell Jordan's music video "This Is How We Do It"
I’m glad they kept a similar theme as the first book, including new, little details like the compass and the fox fae from this book. The mountain on top of the M is a nice touch. These would look so pretty on my bookshelf as a matching set!

The Deal:

It’s been just about a year since Emily’s trip to Hrafnsvik (when she was almost married to the Winter King and found out the truth about Wendell Bambleby’s Faerie heritage), and things have been looking up. Her encyclopedia was published, and she’s already looking onwards to her second huge work: a map of the Faerie kingdoms—or, rather, as much of a map one can make when doors and borders tend to move on a whim. Her interest in maps was prompted by her promise to help Wendell search for a nexus door so he can return to his kingdom and overthrow his murderous stepmother. And now, after months of research, she has quite a surprise to share with him.

Dodging assassins, searching for lost academics, avoiding marriage proposals, and searching for a specific faerie door like it’s a needle in a haystack—it’s all just a new, totes normal academic trip for Emily Wilde!

BFF Charm: Platinum

I love when there’s character growth without completely changing who the character fundamentally is. Emily is not “good” with people, and that is still true, but she realized throughout the first book that she was actually lonely, and sometimes connection with others isn’t a bad thing. But while she recognizes the need for small talk and is willing to “make nice” with the locals before badgering them with her research questions, it still doesn’t mean she’s good at it.

Emily even admits her journal writing is no longer just for academic research, but also to help her sort through all her new feelings, and I love that she is being more honest with herself and exploring what she really wants out of life. I still think Emily would look at my BFF charm and scoff…but she may actually end up wearing it after she had some time to think about it. Progress!

Swoonworthy Scale: 6

We left Wendell and Emily’s relationship in the first book in a “tentative” state: Emily realized she did like Wendell despite him being, well, Wendell, and Wendell revealed he’s been smitten with Emily’s “dragon” energy almost the entire time he’s known her. Fast forward almost a year later and it seems the status of their relationship has relatively stayed the same in that they’re still more than friends who like each other and have zero clue on how to progress with that. But this past year has seen Emily come out of her shell more and more, so while she’s currently giving Wendell a solid “no” when he continually asks her to marry him…we’ll see how it goes by the end of THIS book.

Talky Talk: No Bridge Book

If you made it through book one and loved it, then I don’t need to caution you about the writing style by now, so suffice it to say, I think you’re going to love this one just as much. As Emily has relaxed a bit, so has her journal writing, and while it’s still observational and quick-witted, there is a looser, unclenched quality to it (although Wendell and I both still chortle at the fact that she uses footnote references in her own journal). There’s more action in this story than the first, and it serves to expand the world-building and up the emotional stakes. I saved this story specifically for when I could spend a day in bed, totally uninterrupted, and I adored every dang moment.

It looks like Emily’s story will continue with at least one more book, and I’m already in despair that I don’t have in my grabby hands. I’m thankful Fawcett wraps up this book’s main plot and dangling questions, so we leave on a “ooh, what’s the next adventure?” and not a “OMG WTF was that cliffhanger??”

Bonus Factor: Colorful Characters

Joining Emily and Wendell on their adventure is Emily’s niece, Ariadne, acting as Emily’s assistant, and the head of their academics department, Farris Rose. I enjoyed the addition of these new faces and Emily’s complicated relationship with both of them, as no one is initially thrilled that they’re all grouped together. We’re in a new part of the world, which means new faeries—good and bad—but also the return of some old friends!

Bonus Factor: Faerie Worlds

I think part of the draw of the fae is that anything goes, so authors can be as imaginative and as wild as they want. I don’t want to give too much away, but Emily finds herself in some uncharted territories, and I couldn’t wait to see what dangers and oddities lurked around every corner. This book also gave some hints about where we’d go in the next installment, which has me very excited.

Bonus Factor: Mysteries

On top of trying find the door to Wendell’s kingdom, Emily and Co. must also solve the mystery of the presumed-dead academics who disappeared decades ago from the very same small town they are now investigating. Had those “ghosts” found the very thing that Emily is seeking?

Relationship Status: Engaged

If you asked ME to marry you, Book, there’d be zero hesitation to my answer, unlike Emily dragging her feet with Wendell. It would be a wholehearted YES. Only…let’s not get married in the mountains, okay?

FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from Del Rey. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review. Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands is available 1/11/24.

I am *obsessed* with Emily and Wendell. This is probably more of a 4 star read but Emily and Wendell—on their own, and together (especially together!)—are two of the most delightful characters I’ve ever come across. And the world Heather Fawcett has created in this series is so lush and wonderful. The experience of reading it is so immersive.

I enjoyed every minute I spent with this book. For that reason I can’t give it less than 5 stars. Fairyloot can take my money because I’ll be buying a special edition of this just like I did book 1.

A more coherent review to come closer to publication.

Thanks to Random House for the ARC.

Emily Wilde sets off to map the otherworlds, or the realms of faeries with Wendell, her neice, Ariadne, and Rose, her colleague who invited himself on the mission. The group takes residency in a village known to have a lot of faeire doors. After a few run ins with dangerous faeries, Emily starts to notice that Wendell is on the brink of dying.

Emily and Ariadne set out to retrieve Wendell's cat, the only thing that can save him. But to do so, they must avoid Wendell's stepmother who wants both Wendell and Emily dead.

I really liked this book. I enjoyed how it was told through Emily's journal she is writing about the otherworlds. I thought this made the book different from other books that are just told through the narrator. I liked the story around Wendell's disease and how it connected to an excerpt (or supposedly an excerpt of another story).

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading fantasy or adventure books.

Heather Fawcett you did it again!
Emily and Wendell, truly the best lovable, academic idiots (affectionately!). We get new characters, new locations, and even better descriptions of Faerie and the types of Folk. Light academia and cozy fantasy have never been better.
Also...there was only one tent....

This is a sequel I've been incredibly excited about. The characters are everything I loved in the first book. We learn more about Emily's personal life as well as life in the Dryadology/Folklore department at Cambridge. And, of course, the dynamic between Emily and Wendell is continued beautifully.
It has had what so many sequels lack - not just a reimagining of the first books's plot or a desperate extension.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

As good as the first book, and perhaps a little bit better. The characters are flawed and have blind spots and foibles, and are all a delight. It puts me in mind of the Lady Trent series A Natural History of Dragons. Fun and imaginative. Emily is professional and stiff, right up until the moment that she channels her brilliant mind and undaunted courage. Wonderful series and I am happy to hear that there will be a third book.