Thankful for the ARC I received through @netgalley!

I love this cozy whimsical world with the Faerie folk. I devoured Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands just as quickly as the first book and I still want more. I expected more of the story to surround the map and maybe hoped for more imagery of it with it being in the title but I was not disappointed and think that this series could continue on to provide that! I hope there will be a third!

Back at Cambridge, Emily and Wendell are attacked by faerie assassins, and resolve to find a door to his kingdom even more quickly. The two set out to the Austrian Alps with the head of the dryadology department, and Emily’s niece Ariadne in search of a multi world door last theorized of by a dryadologist who’s been missing for fifty years. Emily must unravel the mystery of the door, the local faeries, and what’s plaguing Wendell, all while struggling with answering Wendell’s proposal.

I love this. It’s so cute. Emily is such a strong character and Wendell is just silly enough. I feel like I didn’t get a good enough reason why Wendell’s stepmother was allowed to send assassins now when she wasn’t before but maybe that’s just part of the illogical nature of the folk. I also found Farris Rose really pretentious and self-important and didn’t think he made enough of an improvement on himself for Emily to forgive him.

Since it was announced, I’ve been looking forward to reading Emily Wilde’s Map Of The Otherlands, the second book in The Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett.

My anticipation was palpable (yes, I get that way with books).

There were so many questions running through my head, I was kept up some nights. Will the second book be as thrilling as the first? Will the land of faeries be as lush and fantastical as it was in Emily Wilde’s Encyclopeadia of Faeries? Will I lose my love for the characters? Sequels can be so hit or miss.

I lost sleep for no reason. Brilliantly written, the story pushed me to the edge of my seat from the moment I opened the book.

Familiar characters are back, with new ones introduced who instantly become friend or foe. This includes Emily’s niece/assistant, Ariadne, and a few of her colleagues in the field of Dryadology. Colleagues that hold fantastical secrets that span the years.

The day that I began to read Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, I had a relapse of long Covid. I was feeling horrific, camped out on the couch and looking for a respite from the illness. I found it with Emily. The book helped rescue me from my misery and whisked me away on a delightful story. Nay. More than a story – a quest.

The characters became like family to me and I journeyed with Emily along the way. Her bravery became my fortitude against Covid. I could almost feel Shadow leaning against my couch, keeping me safe while I read.

My love for Wendell grew exponentially as did my love for his kingdom. Before this series, I was never a faerie fan. “Fairies” were either cutesy or evil. Heather Fawcett changed that perception. Although they can be evil, they are far from cuddly.

The magic that moved through the pages of the book and the powerful message of the quest kept me cheering all the reading through. I fist pumped the air weakly but with great intent.

This book helped me through a difficult time by transporting me to another world while my long Covid symptoms began to subside. I could feel the excitement of a quest without ever leaving my bed/couch.

Be sure to pre-order your copy today. It comes out on January 16, 2024.

I blew through this book in just two days, unable to put it down. Its sequel surpassed my expectations and matched the standard set during the first installment, a rare feat. With its blend of humor and atmospheric storytelling, this series has firmly secured itself some of the top spots in my list of favorite reads this year.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Emily Wilde series is just as good, if not better, than the first! The author delves into mythology and folklore of Irish faeries as well as creatures from other parts of Europe, and even though I have a foundational knowledge of Irish lore there were still interesting twists and turns and surprises. I would highly recommend this series and this book to any reader who loves fantasy, and even readers who are just interested in a little bit of an escapism story.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advance copy of Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries was one of my favorite books read this year, until I read Map of the Otherlands. The story was incredibly cozy and engaging, and I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know how Emily would get herself out of each entanglement, and was delighted by the banter between the characters and the picturesque world.

I love the world Emily Wilde inhabits. Whether in Cambridge, exploring remote regions, or delving into the world of Faerie the world felt rich and flushed out. Seeing the world colored through Emily's perspective also allows me as the reader to experience delight and fascination when she discovers something new to her. This is more true when exploring the Faerie worlds, but even hearing her talk about the non faerie landscapes painted really vivid and beautiful pictures for me, and made me feel as if I was there.

Emily's relationships take more of a front seat in this book, which I really liked. In Map of the Otherlands we see a lot more interactions with people she already has established relationships with. I really loved this as it not only showed her perception of these people who were fixtures in her life, but also showed her change her outlook on people as she interacted with them. I also really love Emily's characterization and that of Wendell, her foil. I think they are really well matched, and I like that although Emily has warmed to Wendell that their relationship retains many of the aspects of of the reason I fell in love with it in the first book.

I love this world, and I love these characters. I felt that although the two books have distinct plots, that they fit together like puzzle pieces, which-to me-is the mark of a really well done series. It's also a story that I will delight in re-reading so that I can continue losing myself in it.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett is the second book of the series named by the protagonist, this time following Emily and Wendell as they search for the door to Wendell's kingdom. Though I recently have been picking up a good number of smutty books, I absolutely loved escaping back into this world! The characters are so well developed, including the new side characters, and the plot keeps moving forward, which I really appreciate. This book is relatively short and I felt myself inhaling it, so I made an active decision to read it in smaller pieces so I could enjoy the book for a bit longer. Also, I just loved seeing how all of the relationships between the characters, especially that of Emily and Wendell, developed throughout this book. It is evident that Heather Fawcett put a lot of thought into making the world-building phenomenal; I am especially a fan of the footnotes placed throughout to give the journalistic writing style more of an academic feel that matches Emily's character so well. This book ended with just enough loose ends that I cannot wait for the third book in this series (fingers crossed!)! I would highly recommend picking up this fun series!

Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for this ARC!

I absolutely LOVE this story. What a fun and exciting adventure filled with great characters. I was ecstatic to be approved for this sequel, and boy it didn't disappoint.

This book was filled with mystery, magic, and a little bit of romance, which was just up my alley. With being a sequel, it did not drag on and on like some do. It kept me wanting more after each chapter I finished.

I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait to have a special edition of it in my hands.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

I think I enjoyed this one more than the first. Seemed more personal and full of adventures vs just straight academic notes. Looking forward to the next one!

I really enjoy this series. It's such a refreshing fantasy about faeries set in the Victorian period.

While the format is similar to the first book (new country, new local Folk, new "mystery," and new faerie realm entered), this one had far more adventure and action in it. I absolutely enjoyed Wendell so much since we now know his origin and he doesn't hide it from Emily. It was hilarious learning all things he's enchanted of Emily's, but it was also thrilling to see him in action!

Emily is still very much Emily and still has not given Wendell an answer to his question at the end of book 1. I love how they're able to jest about it and I love their banter most of all. Wendell is so flippant at times, but his quirks and charms definitely endear him to the reader. It's also endearing how Emily knows how Wendell is and accepts him for it and how Wendell knows how Emily is and accepts her for it. Are they an unusual pair? Certainly, but it definitely works for the two of them.

This book is a lot about trying to find a door back to Wendell's kingdom and, in the process, solving the mystery of the disappearance of Danielle de Grey, but they end up bringing two new people: Rose (department head) and Ariadne (Emily's niece). Shadow, of course, goes along with them. The extra personalities are interesting. Rose is kind of your male counterpart to Emily who questions her and also Wendell, but is a little more set in his ways given he's older. Ariadne I wish we had more time with her, but I enjoyed her being the "young" personality in the group. We also see some old faces too, which was an absolute pleasant surprise!

If you liked the first one, you'll definitely enjoy this one since it's still Emily and Wendell, but they're off on a new adventure. We learn new things about faeries and their magic, which I found interesting and the new faerie realm Emily goes to was definitely intriguing. This book, perhaps more than the first book, leaves you wanting the next book with the ending it has!

Heather Fawcett invites readers on a spellbinding adventure in "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands," a tale that seamlessly blends faerie folklore, romance, and danger. With an intelligent and spirited protagonist, a captivating world of hidden realms, and a quest for freedom and love, this book enchants readers from beginning to end.

Emily Wilde, a brilliant scholar of faerie folklore, has recently penned the world's first comprehensive encyclopedia of faeries. Her knowledge of the Hidden Ones is unrivaled, thanks in part to the infuriatingly charming fellow scholar, Wendell Bambleby. However, Bambleby is no ordinary scholar; he is an exiled faerie king seeking a way back to his realm while evading his murderous mother. Despite her growing feelings for Bambleby, Emily is hesitant to accept his marriage proposal, fully aware that loving a member of the Fair Folk entails secrets and dangers.

Emily's focus shifts to a new project—a map of the realms of faerie. As she delves into her research, Bambleby's presence once again lands her in trouble when assassins sent by his mother invade Cambridge. Now, Emily and Bambleby embark on an exhilarating adventure to the picturesque Austrian Alps. It is there that Emily believes they may find the elusive door to Bambleby's realm, unlocking the key to freeing him from his family's dark plans. However, amidst navigating new relationships and facing lurking dangers, Emily must not only unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors but also navigate the depths of her own heart.

Heather Fawcett's storytelling shines through her vivid descriptions and intricate world-building. The realm of faerie is brought to life with enchanting detail, immersing readers in a world filled with magic, folklore, and peril. Emily Wilde, with her sharp intellect and prickly demeanor, is a delightful protagonist who captivates readers with her determination and vulnerability. Her growth throughout the story, both intellectually and emotionally, is a testament to Fawcett's skill in crafting complex and relatable characters.

The forbidden romance between Emily and Bambleby adds an element of tension and intrigue, as they navigate their feelings amidst a backdrop of danger and secrets. Fawcett expertly weaves together romance, adventure, and the complexities of trust, creating a compelling dynamic between the two characters.

While the story is engaging and beautifully written, some readers may find the pacing occasionally uneven, particularly during the exploration of faerie lore and the intricate workings of the realm. However, the thrilling plot and the chemistry between the characters more than compensate for any slight pacing issues.

In conclusion, "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" is a captivating journey into a world where folklore and magic intertwine. Heather Fawcett's imaginative storytelling, well-crafted characters, and enchanting world-building make this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and faerie tales. Prepare to be swept away by Emily's quest for knowledge, love, and self-discovery as she unravels the mysteries of faerie doors and faces the trials of her own heart.

Loved every bit of this book! I loved both books so far but I think book 2 might be my favorite so far! And i really hope it doesn't stop at just 2 books. I definitely plan to purchase a physical copy as soon as it releases. I also plan to recommend it to my book club and Instagram followers.

I love that instead of chapters, this book is written as a journal. I loved the writing, the characters, the setting, the plot, all of it! And the cover is very beautiful!

At first I was sad that the one bed trope didn't happen like I thought it was going to, but after finishing the whole book, it was worth not seeing that trope in there. And I love how the grumpy x sunshine roles are reversed with Wendell and Emily. I haven't read any other books where the female is the grumpy (technically just very serious) one. And lastly, I just love that Emily manages to either befriend the fae or always finds a way out of things, like she did with Wendell's stepmother.

Can't wait for this book to officially release!

Taking place fairly close to where the first book ends, Emily is back to find out more about the nexus that interconnects the Faerie lands and figuring out why Wendell, her sort-of-fiancee is exhibiting signs of weakness. Is his stepmother trying to poison him from afar?

I like how this book is told from a diary entry point of view - it took me a while to realize why it felt like I was reading a story while floating above the characters, as opposed to being right there with them in the story, and it’s due to the diary nature of how the story is told. It certainly gave me a little distance between the characters, but ultimately I enjoy how the story unfolds and lost myself completely in this world. A great way to escape from our actual world, especially lately as it's been tough to read all the depressing news.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands is even better than its predecessor! More wit, more danger, more humor, more characters, more romance (but not too much!), and an even darker cottagecore atmosphere.

Emily’s encyclopedia has been published, she has been offered tenure at Cambridge, and she has begun working on a mapbook while helping Wendell find the door to his kingdom.

With even more wit and charm, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands sweeps the reader away to a land of scholarship, whimsy, and a little danger. Set partially in an alpine Austrian village and the Faerie kingdom of Silva Lupi, Emily and Wendell are surrounded by beautiful scenery. I like how both books have begun at Cambridge so we see the protagonists journey to their fae-connected destination. This makes it feel like a true adventure story.

I found myself enjoying Wendell’s character much more. Emily was always easy to like (despite her arrogance) because the readers are in her head via her journal. But I found Wendell too charming and too lazy before. Now he has proven his merit.

I believe Fawcett has masterfully planned this trilogy (?) and will wrap it up nicely when the time comes. Despite being a middle book, Map of the Otherlands didn’t have the feel of the typical second-book slump. If anything it was more action-packed and immersive than the first.

My favorite aspects:
- The overall sense of adventure
- The European autumn setting (train travel, cozy cottage, fallen leaves)
- Wendell accidentally sprouting flowers and plants all around
- Ariadne and Rose as new characters
- The different fae creatures (some cute, some scary)
- Faerie assassins and strange quests
- The dark cottagecore atmosphere
- A Poe cameo! I find him to be adorable. Snowbell was a fun new faerie creature as well.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable series, and it remained engaging even though (I hope!) this is the middle book in a series. A fast-paced plot, some interesting new characters, a ton of new world-building, and some good character development. If you liked the first book, you will like this one too.

Random House sent me an advance readers e-copy of the second Emily Wilde installment by Heather Fawcett (releasing January 2024), and it's just as delightful as the first book. Map of the Otherlands also has that cozy fantasy vibe, and it has more adventure and romance than the first installment. Emily and Wendell's relationship is further developed without overwhelming the central plot, and new & old characters bring a quirky, endearing atmosphere to the story. Fawcett's imagination and descriptive powers are second to none; I loved it as much as the first one, and I hope there's a third in this series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This enchanting book will carry you deep into the magical world of fairies. The author paid meticulous attention to world building. Well written with a plot line to keep readers turning the page.

I appreciate this revisiting of Emily Wilde's life and adventures. The story had good pacing and the characters were developed and interesting. I appreciate Emily's style and her attitude towards her life and her passions. This was a fun follow up to the first book in the series and I look forward to reading the next installment.

An absolute joy to read. How lucky I feel to have returned to Emily Wilde’s journal. I cannot wait for the next installment!

I liked this one even more than the first! It’s perfect for those of you love, a cozy mystery, fantasy type of read. It’s a nice step in the opposite direction of many fantasy books that tend to be very high stakes and action filled, this was a nice, relaxing take on a faerie world. I really enjoyed getting to see Wendell and Emily‘s relationship make some progression after the bits we got to see from the first book.