Welcome back to Climbing Mount TBR where I, your humble Book Kaiju, struggle to climb to the top of my “to read” pile one book at a time. I want to begin by saying this isn’t what we originally had scheduled for today. We here at Kaiju & Gnome (at least the Kaiju half) have big plans for the month of November. How big? About thirty stories high, breathing fire, his head in the sky!

But with *vaguely gestures everywhere* happening, we decided to take the week off and do something different: actually, read a book we want to read! The world is crappy enough at the moment without having to read bad books. Instead, we’re taking the time to do some self care and escape into better worlds where heroes triumph, love conquers all, and there are dragons.

With that in mind, I decided to dive back into my favorite cozy(ish) fantasy series “Emily Wilde” by Heather Fawcett. This time I’m looking at the third book in the series, Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales. I also want to give a shout out to the publisher, Del Rey, who gave an eARC to Kaiju & Gnome for an honest review.

Since this is book three in the series, this review is probably going to contain minor spoilers for the first two. If you hate having even the mildest of plot developments spoiled, then go read Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies and Emily Wilde’s Atlas of the Otherlands right now. They are great tales about a female academic who is trying to discover how the Fae world actually works told through her journal entries. Emily is stiff, awkward, and all too human, and the prose captures her perfectly.

So, what’s Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales about?

Emily and Wendell have finally found a door to Wendell’s home “The Place Where the Trees Have Eyes.” No, that’s not a euphemism. Yes, it is very creepy.

After the events of the last book, the Queen is nowhere to be found, meaning that Wendell has an easy time taking the throne. Sure, he must do a few sword fights, make a grand entrance, and convince Emily to be his queen, but Wendell is charming enough to make it all happen.

Sadly, the “just became your monarch” honeymoon period ends quickly when the old queen reveals a final trick. She has placed a curse upon the land that will turn it into what can best be described as “a zombie apocalypse.” Now Emily must stop it using the most powerful weapons known to humankind: the library and the power of research!

Will Emily find the answers she’s seeking, but are they the ones she needs? And what does a forgotten story of a minor fairy lord have to reveal about her and Wendell’s future? And what’s going to happen to Shadow, the best supernatural doggo in existence?

Let me be blunt, I needed this book. It was a nice, cozy read filled with the kind of wonder and excitement you find in a travel vlog. You’re reading about fantastical places and people in such a way that it feels like your friend is sending you postcards from abroad. You feel envious that they’re on this grand vacation, and you’re stuck in the Midwest.

It also at times reads like an anthropologist talking about their newest field of research. They’re explaining the interesting culture of the tribe they just made contact with for the first time. They use footnotes to cite their research.

Sure, at times the story drags a little, but then again, who’s life is constant hair-raising episodes? The slow moments help us appreciate the excitement. Plus, after three books, Emily’s character growth has really made her a wonderful character. Her rough edges are still present (thankfully!), but lightly sanded. The reader is less likely to get a splinter.

This series is simply perfect for me. It’s cozy, it’s worldbuilding, and there’s footnotes! Plus, a romance that doesn’t suck! What more could you ask for?

Sometimes you don’t need high fantasy with swords and wizards. Some days you just want a professor with a notebook and a library card. Not someone that can change the world because they’re the chosen one, but because they’re willing to ask questions and find answers.

If you want a break from the world, then give Emily Wilde a chance. You’ll leave with a warm fuzzy feeling and hope. I highly recommend this series as a whole, and Compendium of Lost Tales is a wonderful addition. It’s coming out in February, so you have plenty of time to binge those first two!

That’s another book down off the pile. Only… 554 to go!

What are you reading right now? What’s your favorite cozy book? Which author utilizes footnotes the best, and why is it Terry Pratchett? Feel free to answer all these questions and more over on Bluesky @kaijuandgnome.bsky.social.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The third installment of the Emily Wilde's series by Heather Fawcett was such a lovely continuation of one of my favorite cozy series. We follow our prickly, endearing professor as she embarks for the faerie realm and is thrust into the inner workings and political intrigue of her fiancé's new faerie court.

One thing I love about this series are all the relationships that we've met along the way and how they come to play as the story continues. I think both Emily and Wendell are characters that you wouldn't necessarily think of as being good at fostering relationships, but their societal flaws are what make them so loveable, and it really gives a fresh look at the innerworkings of community. It doesn't have to be one way; it can be as unique as the people themselves.

I'm not sure if this will be the final Emily Wilde book, but I loved how everything was wrapped up in the end with a tidy bow. If the author chose to end it here, I think she's done a perfect job of doing so. Overall I gave this read four stars and would recommend this as a cozy fall read to enjoy with a hot beverage before the fire...hopefully while it's snowing/raining!

What a LOVELY follow up to the second book. Well done, Heather! I really enjoy this writers' prose, creative storytelling. I am looking forward to getting this one in. We struggle to keep the first two books on our shelves at all!

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey and Heather Fawcett for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Emily Wilde is one of my favorite series of all time, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of the latest installment. I hope Fawcett will write spinoffs because I'm just not ready to leave these characters behind! As one of my most anticipated reads for 2025, this book did not disappoint.

I thought this was a great conclusion to Emily and Wendell's story, and tied up the series neatly with help from some familiar faces. I was intrigued by the premise of the story, especially with its focus on fairytales and their prophetic nature in Faerie. As usual, I loved that Emily is a competent, self-assured protagonist that gets things done using her wits and the friends she has (reluctantly?) made along the way!

If there were two things I would give feedback on, it would be that 1.) I wish E + W had more time to really connect and be honest with each other. It felt like there were some things that were left unsaid that could've given both sides some clarity and reassurances. And 2.) I wonder how readers will react to Shadow's fate? It seemed odd to me that so much focus was given to Shadow's age in the second installment and in this one, but I don't believe we worry about this when it comes to Poe or Snowball? Plus, being a Grim, I would've just assumed he was immortal. At the end, though it was supposed to be a grand gesture or give us readers a sense of relief, it felt like Wendell was building up to a cure for Shadow, even going so far as to mention that if they had gotten to this solution sooner it would've been manageable (or something along those lines). So when it just came down to an extension of a few years, it almost seemed a disappointing last note to end on. That confused me a little, so I wonder how others will feel!

Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will be eagerly awaiting Fawcett's next title!

Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for an ARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is an absolutely delightful and utterly enchanting read. As a lover of this series and Heather Fawcett's writing, I WAS NOT disappointed with the latest volume that will undoubtedly beguile fans of fantasy, academia, folklore, and historical fiction.

The whole series is all about strong, intelligent heroines in academic swoon-worthy adventures with lighthearted, humorous magical banter and self-discovery. The setting in this book was just cosy as the previous books, and I loved how we got to see more of Emily and Wendell's relationship. The author stays true to their natures and creates a connection built on banter, trust and pure love of one another and their true selves.

The story took so many turns, I never wanted it to end! Heather Fawcett has created a consumate cosy academia fantasy series: I look forward to more from her!

These books are pure magic. Each one in this trilogy is full of whimsy and enchantment and I couldn’t get enough.

Emily and Wendell are just so dynamic while also being funny and endearing. I adore this world, but the human and faerie ones, created by Heather Fawcett and will be looking to see what’s next for her. Her books truly cast a spell on you, immersing you into this world full of fun and fantastical characters.

This series is a must read for anyone looking to add a little magic to their tbr!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before it is released!

While nothing can compare to the very first Emily Wilde, I feel like this book honored all of the characters we have seen so far and is a good conclusion to the series.

As always, Wendell is my favorite and we get to see more of him in this book than the second.

Such a charming series. I cannot wait to read more of this authors work!

I have loved reading Emily’s words in the first two of this series and this one carried on in the same fashion and did not disappoint. The plot made me curious about how it would be resolved and I enjoyed the ending. I look forward to reading more of Emily’s adventures in the future. I would give this a 4.5 rating.

This book is such a satisfying conclusion to this cozy fantasy trilogy!! I had listened to the first two books in the series as audiobooks (the narrator is so good), but really enjoyed reading the conclusion in book format!

Emily is such an endearing heroine, and I loved watching her grow in confidence in her relationships (with Wendell, old friends and new ones) and in herself as she tries to save the day several times throughout this book.

*Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Net Galley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!*

I don’t even know where to start with this review!

I think this might be my favourite book of this series? The pacing was excellent, it feels different to the previous 2 books, much faster which I prefer. The writing continues to be wonderful too! Plot wise, this definitely is more action packed in comparison, but in hindsight this makes sense as the pacing/action has increased with each book, so if this is the final act then this works very well!

I loved being able to see how Emily & Wendell’s relationship progressed, how they grew & evolved together while still retaining their unique quirks & personalities. Everything you love about them both remains in tact but they also bring out the best in each other which is so lovely to see.

Not going to lie, I am confused about the ending…as far as I was aware this is a trilogy but the ending definitely leaves room for a continuation of the series, whether or not that actually happens I guess we will see! I would absolutely devour more of Emily & Wendell but I am also fairly happy with how it ended (despite it being open…)

Thank you to Del Rey & NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

The first time I opened Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, I was absolutely hooked and read that book in a marathon reading session. It was magical. The second book was still captivating but less so than #1. This third and final entry in the series I found a bit boring at first. The banter between Emily and Wendell felt stale and the first third of the book was a snooze. That said, if you make it through that first third of the book, the magic kicks in and takes you on a wild and satisfying conclusion to this delightful series.

What an amazing third installment of this wonderful series!
I was so thrilled to receive an ARC of this book, and it did not disappoint!
Emily and Wendel killed it. Plot was pretty good. Overall 4/5 stars!!!!
BE EXCITED FOR THIS TO COME OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate saying goodbye to series that I love so of course what I am assuming will be the final entry in Emily Wilde's adventures (at least for now...) left me with a heartwarming sting.

Wendell and Emily are something special in that they are characters whose dynamic lives in my head rent free. I always wanted to see more of them after each installment in this series.

Keeping true to form and elevating the dangers with each entry, I found this to be a perfect conclusion to the overarching story that was set up from book 1. The pacing of these books is just perfect for my brain and it really ramps up the tensions that were set in place by the first two entries in the series.

The constant feeling of impending doom make it an unputdownable read. This is not a series to be ignored.

I was so excited to get approved for an ARC, so thank you to the publisher and NetGalley! The way I love this series! This third book really ramped up the tension and built on the past books, but at the same time, the signature coziness and cuteness persisted in a way that made this the perfect book to curl up with a warm mug and blanket on a dreary fall day. Obsessed and couldn’t recommend this more!

This enchanting tale picks up seamlessly from where Book 2 concluded, so I definitely suggest revisiting the previous books before starting this one!

Book 3 is relatively high stakes but still manages to feel cozy and not overwhelmingly dire. There’s still some conflict between Emily and Wendell as they settle into the kingdom and have to save it but they really do get their happy ending.

To be loved is to be known, and Wendell embodies this sentiment exquisitely! His love for Emily and the tender consideration woven into each of his actions have utterly captivated me.

The first ⅓ of the book can meander a bit but the pace picks up around the 30-40% mark, though there is still much to like in the quiet moments. It was quite funny and had me laughing out loud at times, but still managed to keep me on my toes.

Lord Taran emerged as a surprisingly delightful character, particularly in the latter chapters, and I found Shadows storyline to be so sweet, however Orga really stole the show for me personally. I love unhinged characters.

I had hoped for more scenes of Emily and Wendell but I did admire how Emily embarks on her own quests, still it would have been nice to see them a bit more considering this is the last (planned) book.

Many series that venture beyond their initial design often stumble, so if this is to be the final chapter of Emily and Wendell then what a way to go out, a truly beautiful end to a great series! It felt satisfying in its conclusion.

Also the cover is adorable!!

This third installment in Fawcett's Emily Wilde series brings back everything that's great about the first two--the relationship between Emily and Wendell, the uncanny balance between the charming and the eerie, the enchanting worldbuilding, and of course Emily herself! A fantastic addition to the collection.

Thank you so much to the marketing team at Del Rey for sharing an E-ARC of this book with me!! So many emotions came up for me throughout, especially grief knowing that this was the series's final installment and would be the last time I enjoyed my favorite dryadologist’s vast knowledge, penchant for field studies, and reluctance for emotion and vulnerability. I’m tearing up writing this because I connected with Emily on such a different level than I think I have with any character. She’s so funny, clever, and matter-of-fact. And the epistolary narration in this book works so well to show her growth from the first book, where she was more reluctant to let the readers into her inner turmoils and was mostly solving things off-page and coming back to update us. While still somewhat the case, her feelings were a huge plot point in this book, particularly concerning Wendell and his kingdom.

Fawcett does an amazing job at highlighting the power of stories and storytelling for a community, and how the past can shape the future unless we actively work against it. I wish we got a little more about Taran, I enjoyed every scene he was in. But the world-building and the creatures (Shadow and Orga and Poe and Snowbell ofc) made this, as always, a hilarious, cozy, and somewhat creepy read.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey/ Ballantine books for the gifted ARC!

I LOVED this book. Emily Wilde's alternative universe is so immersive and fun to read about. It is an incredible atmosphere and it so cozy to read. It is such a well written book with good pacing and plot. I had so much fun reading it. I love to combination of mortal world and faerie realm as well as the incorporation of scholarly pursuits. The third book in this series was no exception.

Emily and Wendell have my heart and I wish this series would go on forever because I would read about every single one of their adventures. I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters and this world.

Super excited to buy this when it comes out!

So incredibly grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book series is the perfect cozy fantasy adventure. It's so good. Emily is so lovable, even if she is a bit cliche in some of her interactions. Wendell is great. The fae they befriend are great. The stories are always high enough stakes that you feel invested, but never so high that you feel anxious. I loved the twists in this third installment too, and while I believe this might be the last one, I would not be sad to hear about a fourth Emily Wilde book.
Seriously, these are delightful. Shadow is my favorite and there were a few parts where I genuinely felt so attached that I got a little misty, especially because Shadow is an old boy.

This is just a really great story for someone wanting a cozy but not entirely character focused fantasy (I find some fantasies that are defined as cozy to be entirely slice of life or character driven. This one has a plot, but also focuses on the characters). I think, if you like the other Emily Wilde books, do it!

"And what sort of queen would that make me?" He looked perfectly earnest as he leaned in to kiss my cheek. "Mine."

The opening line made me laugh out loud, enough said.

Ok, ok...

The third installment takes place shortly after the ending of Emily Wilde # 2. Set in a wintry Ireland, as well as the Faerie realm. I am always captivated by the whimsical imagery, immersive writing, and fairytale feeling this series exudes. The journal format, letters and footnotes also add a layer of intimacy that I adore.

Emily and Wendell are quite literally perfect and I didn't realize how much I missed their interactions until now. The love and tenderness could be felt through the pages. Much like the other books there are moments that feel cozy, but I would argue that there is more adventure this time around. The plot moved along at a great pace and kept me on my toes. I was constantly worried about what was going to happen next and to whom.

Of course I can't end this without mentioning some of my favorite animal companions. I was so happy that Shadow was taken along on all of the adventures moseying around in his old age and of course the antics of our ferocious feline friend Orga had me cackling. The ending was perfect and left the door open for more adventures with my comfort characters (fingers crossed). If you enjoyed book 1 & 2 in the series then I have no doubt that you will LOVE this one as well.

Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for an eARC.