Absolutely loved, just like the first book, I couldn’t put this down.
I was notified I was approved for this ARC early afternoon and finished it before midnight that night. I adore Emily and Wendell, and I ended up really enjoying Ariadne as well! I have zero complaints about this book besides I would have loved a little more of Wendell’s POV.

I’m dying to know more about Wendell’s realm and was thrilled to hear there will be a third book. Waiting for it is going to be so hard! I have already pre ordered my physical copy of this book and cannot wait to have it on my shelves in January.

Wow I don’t even know how to put into words just how much I loved this book.

Heather Fawcett does it again with the amazing adventure of Emily and Wendell. I loved the second book just as much as the first and I didn’t want the book and adventure to end. Heather is so creative and I loved the fantasy world she creates. She does an amazing job of developing each character so you truly feel you know them. Every part of her world is so descriptive you can visually see every part of it. MUST READ!!!

Note just for the editing team: the final page says that the story will be continued in “Book 2”. This is book two. So I assume it means Book 3?

Having finished the first installment in this series earlier this year I was excited to drive into this ARC.

Note: a digital ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This is a continuation and another adventure with the lead characters Emily and Wendell in addition to some new characters. I appreciated the character development from the first novel to this one.

It is a cozy faerie adventure with the faerie being of the traditional sort - terrifying creatures full of trickery. I enjoyed some of the twists and reveals near the end. The story continued the romantic element as a side plot line which I personally prefer. This is not fairy smut like Sarah J Mass novels. It is closed door.

I personally love the UK covers for these books. And will probably purchase that version to go with my UK cover of Encyclopedia of Faeries. I can see myself rereading these novels after a few years as the fall/winter mood strikes.

#netgalley #EmilyWildesMapoftheOtherlands

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 5/5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚

read if you like:
♡ fairies and other magical creatures
♡ grumpy x sunshine (but she’s the grump & he’s the blonde beam of sunlight)
♡ cozy fantasy
♡ slow burn
♡ epistolary (written in journal entries)
♡ howl & sophie coded

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ deliciously whimsical and playful, heather fawcett has struck gold once more with her sequel, emily wilde’s map of the otherlands.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ emily wilde, prodigious professor of faeries along with her encyclopaedia brimming with its knowledge of faerie folklore and research are back. once again, she and her far more charming, if insouciant, fellow scholar wendell bambleby are united on an adventure. only this time they’re searching for a door back to his faerie realm, from whence he was exiled. there’s a new cast which poor antisocial emily must begrudgingly navigate, and more mysteries to solve, not the least of which are that of her feelings for wendell.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ordinarily, it’s a rather rare author who pulls off a sequel on par with their first book in a series, especially when said first book is such a literary pearl. fawcett has done just that and with verve. reading the gorgeous, delicately selected words - an art unto themselves mind you - is akin to drinking a glass of bubbly (non-alcoholic will do too if you’d rather do without) and being absolutely buoyed up in this effervescent world. there is something so innately joyful in fawcett’s narrative voice which could perhaps be chalked up to her body of work having previously focused on middle grade/children’s works. there is crack in these books, which frankly, i’m not even sure i’m referring to the proverbial sort at this juncture. it’s everything studio ghibli and the folk of the magic far away tree escapism. fawcett’s conception of fairies and other magical creatures continues to impress upon me a feeling of once again reading holly black’s imagined fairfolk, in that there is beauty and also a profound rich sort of ugliness and simmering if not untethered violence in many of these creatures.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ there was no divorcing from character, wendell and emily kept their hilariously singular dispositions here too. emily was just as resourceful, curmudgeonly as ever and wendell just as gloriously vainglorious as ever. the academic journal format preserves its status as a boon for this book and for the reader (and for the tremendously amused wendell). whilst there is finally more delving into and development of the romance between emily and wendell, it remains a more bashful slow-burn with a great deal else occurring at once. as far as i’m concerned this was the most logical outcome considering the first book, despite being furnished with their romance, does not align the whole story around it; rather it is simply one of many faces to this series. an overindulgence of their chemistry would have mauled this into a fanfiction. as always, their interactions and nature as being all but diametrical opposites had me kicking my feet out and giggling from the hilarity.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ conclusion:
as someone who is most adamantly not a cozy fantasy fan and a zealous worshipper of this series, i beseech you to come be transported in emily wilde’s map of the otherlands, regardless of whether or not you have a partiality for the genre. my hunger for fawcett’s prose in the interim will be insatiable again as i wait, thoroughly impatiently, for the next emily wilde’s instalment as it’s looking like we will be provided with further nourishment.

This is the second book in this series that I have read. Although I do not love the journal format for books, it works quite well for this series.

If you are a fan of fairies and the fairy kingdoms and female academics, this is the book for you. As a female academic, I really love Emily's character.

The second book further explores the relationship between Emily and Wendell and it looks at Wendell attempts to win back his kingdom. There are a few "side" plots that end up fitting well with the story.

Overall, I liked the first book better, This one seemed to slog until the final 1/5 or so of the book, which went almost too quickly (especially the very end). I did appreciate the character building and the new and repeat characters. I will probably tune in for book 3.

Thanks publishers and Netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really liked this book! Emily is currently working on her second book, a map of the faerielands (coincidentally this is book two of the series, haha) when assassins sent from Wendell's stepmother show up at their university. This spurs the two on a search for the nexus, a mysteriously-theoried door that may connect to many parts of faerie and be the key to getting Wendell back to his homeland. With her trusty dog Shadow, Wendell, and new characters Professor Rose and her niece-turned-assistant Ariadne, Emily sets off to St. Liesl in the Austrian Alps. We meet a new village of friends, both faerie and mortal, and also see a return of Poe, our brownie friend from book one! And of course Emily struggles with her feelings for Wendell, because the woman is too logical-thinking for her own good (figure it out already, you love him!!). Overall I thought this was a wonderful sequel, and anyone who enjoyed the first book will love the second!
4⭐️s!

There’s something to be said when the opening in a book begins with a foot being shoved into a backpack, which makes it so delightfully academic-like to happen in any setting. Although this is the first time I have read anything by Heather Fawcett, I found myself immediately drawn into the world of Emily Wilde, not only as a Ph.D. student on sabbatical (hopefully briefly), but the way the novel is written in a semi-journal style, made reading the book, all the more alluring for me, and for others. Published by Del Rey, and a mix of academia meets Faeries, the book, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands,is a mix of wit, charm, and fun sarcasm, and captures the life of a professor further complicated not only with teaching, grading, and negotiating the academic hallways but throws faeries and the not always delightful complications of the heart, into a page-turning fantasy story.

The cover is eye-catching, and while it can be summed up in the trendy “cottage core” terminology, it brings the readers in to discover, a mix of modern, and not-so-modern tales. As a scholar, nerd, and student, I found myself loving the use of footnotes throughout the book, and determined to add a hardcover copy of this book to my current bookshelves filled with textbooks, classics, and fantasy. I love how the setting is in the 1900s and Heather Fawcett's writing, brought up images of Studio Ghibli imagery, making me wish with the captivating characters, the strong story, and the background, an anime version would be made of the books. Emily and Wendell are delightfully written as characters who easily in real life, react with the perfect academic reaction to the situation of people being taken, and disappearing. The semi-journalistic style of writing helps bring the readers into a sense of stumbling upon Emily’s documentation and finding themselves enthralled in her captivating description not only of the events she encounters but the “troublesome” feelings her heart presents to her.

While these seem like minor factors, the writing style and approach render Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands as a heartwarming read, which will leave readers laughing, caught up in a “fun” mystery, and falling in love with well-written characters whose personalities are not one dimensional, but with each chapter, gain a unique life of their own. There was little I didn’t like about the book, other than the fact it ended, and left me with a need to have not only read the first book of the series, but want all books of the series to be sitting on my shelf, due to the beautiful artwork, the eye-catching title, and since I normally don’t bring e-books on vacations, I need a hard copy of the book to have on hand with me when I do travel. The basic plot of a genius scholar who specializes in faerie folklore to the point she completes an encyclopedia, only to find herself not only having feelings for the faerie king, but Heather Fawcett wonderfully captures, how research can interfere with daily life, even when it involves faeries.

Although I am currently working on a rating system, if one is possible, I would have to go with a default five out of five stars, and already recommending this book to friends who are looking for a fun read for the summer, or simply a new take to reignite their love for reading. Emily is endearing as a professor; The use of coming from an academic angle with fun and wit thrown in, makes Emily all the more loveable, and the tale of a professor investigating faeries, makes the book too difficult to put down or to forget at the end of the book. There is a slight advantage in not having read the first book yet, so reading the second felt like landing in the middle of a conversation, devoid of context, and in the process, not only have my interest pique but with a fresh look at the conversation, determine, I really want to get to know Emily Wilde, Brambley and others more. The book becomes a refreshing and whimsical reading not only for the summer, but there is something delightful about connecting in unexpected ways with characters in a book, and feeling like one has picked up a new book family.


Thank you Netgalley for sending me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review


Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

I loved the first book so much and this one fell a little short for me. I still really enjoyed reading it, but it didn’t give me the same excitement as Encyclopedia of Faeries.

I thought the pacing was really slow. With this being a sequel, I expected more to happen. This almost felt like another introductory book to the world. The first 60% was rough to read and I almost gave up, but then it started picking up and getting good in the second half.

Another issue I had was there were times when I thought there needed to be more descriptors and imagery used to explain what was going on. There was a lot of telling but not showing. There were a few times I had to read a page a couple times to fully understand what was going on.

I love Emily and Wendell's relationship and teasing behavior. I like that there is a good reason for Emily not saying yes to Wendell's proposal yet. She cares for him, but has heard so many stories about Faerie and is being cautious. I did think Wendell's character was more dull in this book, but that is partly due to his poisoning and him not being central to a lot of the action. I am still not his biggest fan after book 1 when he slept with several girls from town and then proposed to Emily not much later… I also am not a big fan of the way he talks to Emily about her human quirks. It's almost as if he talks down to her and thinks himself better. Which is a major red flag to me.

I didn’t connect to the secondary characters the way I did in book 1. I felt a genuine connection to the towns folk in book 1 and was sad when Emily and Wendell left. In this book, the towns folk were just weird side pieces that felt off in the story. They didn’t have distinct characteristics that made them interesting the way they did in book 1. I also thought Rose had such potential to be a really great addition to the cast, but he was very one note and had no depth. He got very repetitive and annoying at times. I did however like Emily's niece Ariadne. She felt more well-rounded and developed. She had real feelings of excitement but also fear of the Fae world that were fun to witness. I loved her relationship with Emily and that we got to see it evolve.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A delight! Just like the first one. I just really enjoy these characters and watching them all grow and learn and be awkward around each other. I love the unexpected friendships they find, and how underestimating each other so often leads to them being surprised by one another. I will keep reading these as long as Fawcett keeps writing them.

This series is proving to be absolutely delightful and cozy. I love the intimacy of the journal entry format, especially because Emily's voice is both witty and efficient. She has a unique way of seeing both the human world and faerie worlds, and I love seeing her relationship with Wendell through her eyes.

I think I liked this sequel even better than the first book. Emily and Wendell are with each other almost throughout the whole story, so there's more romance and banter. There's also greater stakes and more tension with a race-against-time plot. I loved being in the Alps too. The setting comes alive through Heather Fawcett's writing as well as the different types of faeries. As I read, I feel like I'm a faerie scholar learning from Emily Wilde as if she were real.

I can't wait for the next book in the series. I'm really pleased with where the story is going, and I think the next book will be the best of all!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Random House Del Rey and NetGalley, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: poisoning, monster and fighting violence, very vague fade to black

I liked this one more than the first book. It moved at a faster pace and included less of the tangents that Emily seemed prone to in book one. I found all the characters easily likable and this story seemed to flow more sensibly than the previous. The difficulty I had with enjoying this series I think has a lot to do with the way the story is told. I realize it is written as Emily’s journal so it makes sense that she is being overly descriptive, but for me that felt over done. I would find myself losing focus and it took away from the fun and action.

Awesome sequel to the first in this series. I love the writing style of this book and the engaging story line! I'm already telling friends they need to read this when it comes out.

Thank you publishers, author and NetGalley for providing me the ARC for this book. First, I would like to commend the humor in this book, I am instantly enticedand hooked. It is definitely a good read for me because it was fun, hilarious, with a mix of mystery and a little bit of suspense. It is very ease to read as well as a fantasy series reader newbie. I love how simple and easy to understand the world building in this book. I love reading this kind of book where the author is able to make the reader imagine the world so easily and enchanting. Overall, this book is one of my favorites!!! Excited to read the next!

Reviews will be posted to retail sites and Goodreads closer to the release date at the publishers request.

Heather Fawcett's "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" invites readers on a captivating journey filled with magical charm and endearing characters. This enthralling sequel follows Emily Wilde, a spirited dryadology researcher and professor, as she dives headfirst into the study of local fae and embarks on a quest to locate a hidden fairy door. Brace yourself for surprising twists, heartfelt connections, and a world brimming with enchantment.

The character development in this book is an absolute delight. Heather Fawcett skillfully portrays Emily's growth since the first book, showcasing her newfound appreciation for relationships and her blossoming comfort with romantic intimacy. As readers follow Emily's journey, they can't help but cheer her on, forming a genuine emotional connection and rooting for her happiness.
The cast of characters in "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" adds depth and warmth to the story, making it an incredibly enjoyable read. Wendell, Emily's would-be fiancé and dethroned fae king, adds intrigue and complexity to the narrative. Their relationship is filled with tender moments and keeps readers fully engaged and invested in their adventure.
Accompanying Emily and Wendell are Rose, Emily's headstrong and uncompromising department head, and Ariadne, her inexperienced yet enthusiastic niece. These diverse characters bring distinct personalities and perspectives to the mix, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and camaraderie. Their interactions create a delightful dynamic, as they face dangers, outsmart assassins, and chase the ghosts of old professors together. Also enriching the story is the ensemble of locals in the small town of St. Liesl, which adds both charm and character.

While this installment focuses less on academic research compared to the first book, it offers a fresh and intriguing exploration of personal motivations. By delving into Emily's personal journey, readers gain deeper insights into her character, witnessing her growth and understanding her innermost desires.
However, one aspect that could have been further explored is the consequences of Emily and Wendell's actions. Although the story is filled with danger and suspense, the aftermath of their choices is not thoroughly examined. Exploring the repercussions could have heightened the stakes, infusing the narrative with even more tension and excitement.

In a nutshell, "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" is an enchanting and heartwarming read, tailor-made for fans of cozy romances with a touch of fairy mischief. Heather Fawcett's storytelling brings characters to life in a vivid and magical world that captivates from start to finish. With its endearing characters and captivating plot, this book is a delightful choice for those seeking a whimsical adventure.

A huge thank you to Heather Fawcett, Random House Publishing Group, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the digital ARC. This was a voluntary review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" and may or may not have squealed out loud when I saw "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" was available to download. This newest installment of Emily Wilde's adventures is fraught with danger, violence, and vivid side characters all interwoven beautifully on her journey to unravel the mystery of the location of Wendall's Door.

I felt that the story was engaging and funny as the journal-like entries following Emily and her ragtag group of allies--willing or not--describe the frustration and eventual emotional evolution of a refreshingly detached anti-hero. But perhaps the best part of the series (to date!) is to watch Emily become a force to be reckoned with as she realizes that she is a person worthy to receive and give love.

I can't wait to read more adventures into Faerie and wish all of the references to books so casually explained as footnotes in this series were actual scholarly works I could look up at the library myself!

This was just as good as the first book and I am so happy to be back within this world again. A return to Emily and Wendell, new characters to fall in love with, and a lovely nod to some of the characters in the previous book. This series has become one of the hallmarks of cozy fantasy to me, and reading it is just comforting and relaxing. How am I supposed to wait for book 3??

Thank you to netgalley for the arc.

What can I say - I loved this second installment just as much as the first! The storyline and characters really just pull you in, and the world building is just so fun to escape into. We get to dive deeper into Wendell's story while they are in search of his realm, and were introduced to some new characters that really added to the overall story. I loved the new landscape and learning about the traditions of the locals, plus a more informed story of de Gray. This book really tied into the first wonderfully. I absolutely want more!

I was so excited to read an early edition of this. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine/Del Rey for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I want to thank netgalley and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this EARC of Emily Wilde's map of the otherlands for my honest review!

I thought this book was delightful, another cozy read. Learning more about emily and her journey through this amazing fae world. The more in depth connections with wendell! The world building is in great detail. I really enjoy the feature that its her own journal so it makes it that much easier to connect with the characters.

Cozy reads arnt usually my go to read but emily wilde has done it again. Thank you for letting us into this world of fae adventures.

Thank you to Heather Fawcett, Del Rey and Net Galley for the ARC.

The second installment in the Emily Wilde series proves to be more enchanting, whimsical and daring than the first. As any sequel should, not only does Map of Otherlands up the stakes of the world but of the relationships of the characters involved. The pacing is expert. The romance is swoon worthy. The adventure and setting are breathtaking. I am more eager and enraptured than I was in book one and know that I will be waiting with bated breath for news on the third.

A masterful sequel through and through.

I love the first book in this series - I told basically everyone I know they would like it. And this book is… fine. It’s a respectable second book in a series and I think set up well for further action. But it was a lot more focused on interpersonal relationships than fantasy academia, and it turns out what I was into was fantasy academia.