The latest adventure of Emily Wilde and her now-fiance Wendell, King of Faerie! Is Emily ready to become the Queen of Wendell's Faerie kingdom? Talk about an insider's view: as a scholar, Emily can barely contain her eagerness. But as a human with a faerie partner-- she's terrified of what will become of her and Wendell. Can Emily's scholarliness and human perspective save the day?

The third Emily Wilde fantasy has Emily and Wendell returning to his fairie kingdom. He is happy to be home and she is intrigued by all the research she could do now that she lived in his kingdom.

However, the deposed queen has left a curse behind her.

Now, Emily and Wendell have to find the deposed queen and Emily has to decide which story is being played out in the here and now. Emily being a dryadologist has a vast knowledge of fairie stories. But the story that seems to be playing out could lead to Wendell's death.

This was another engaging historical fantasy complete with footnotes. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the wide variety of fae creatures involved.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC! This was an amazing continuation to the Emily Wilde series and a rollercoaster of a story. I actually cried near the end during a special moment between characters. While I don't know if this series will continue, I will definitely read whatever comes next.

In a Nutshell: The third book of the Emily Wilde series. Not a standalone. Great characters,. Slow-ish pacing. Too convenient and flat in the plotting. Not as dark as could have been. Recommended in publication order only to those who are keen on completing the series. Not my favourite of the series by far.

(Note: This review might contain minor spoilers from the earlier two Emily Wilde books.)

Plot Preview:
1910. Emily still can’t accept that she might soon be the Queen of Faerie. An accomplished mortal scholar on faeries, she is now working on her biggest research topic – studying the faerie realm with her foe-turned-fiancé Wendell, who is making plans to recapture his rightful position as the King of Faerie. However, the duo soon learn that Wendell’s stepmother, the earlier queen, has placed a curse upon the kingdom. Wendell can use his magic to save his home, but that alone won’t be enough as the consequences are deadly. It is up to Emily to find the perfect story so that she can write a happy ending for her beloved.
Just as in the earlier books, the story comes to us through Emily’s journal entries written in first person.

This book is not to be read as a standalone work. It starts right at the deep end, continuing immediately after the events of the second book. As such, it ended up as a big test of my memory, which sadly didn’t come to my assistance. I regret the long gap I had between Books Two and Three because I didn’t remember the nitty-gritties of the earlier plot.

Bookish Yays:
😍 Emily as a character – a rare fictional thirty-one-year-old who acts her age. Though she is as focussed on her scholarly pursuits as ever, she is more open about showing her emotions. I love her character growth over the series.
😍 Wendell – the incorrigible fae king who has so many flaws and is still so appealing. This book shows both his practical and his wild sides.
😍 Most of the remaining characters, comprising a motley mix of human and courtly fae and common fae. The variety is extensive this time. Loved the reappearance of some beloved characters from the earlier two books.
😍 A special Yay to Shadow and Orga for being as awesome as always.
😍 The personal-journal approach to storytelling. Emily’s diary actually feels like a journal and not a novel. While her attention to detail can get tedious as well as a tad spoiler-ish at times, I still appreciate it as the writing is authentic to the source of information.
😍 The relationship between Emily and Wendell, which began as a one-sided attraction, turned into romance, and has now blossomed into love. I like how the relationship is based on their connection as well as their mutual need for and respect for each other. Wendell isn't shown as the ideal suitor just because he is fae. Emily isn't depicted just as the grump to Wendell’s sunshine.
😍 No needless recaps of the plotline of the earlier books. The author clearly remembers that this is part of a series, and she expects readers to enter into this story knowing what happened earlier. Though my memory failed me on this, I still respect this writing choice of maintaining proper continuity.


Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 The plot is firmly Emily’s this time around. Though Wendell does have a strong role and there are several supporting characters, the story relies mainly on Emily to proceed. This feels a bit too limiting, especially for one reason: almost every decision taken by Emily is based on the titular “lost tales”. So much so that she is like a horse wearing blinders about only stories being able to help them out of the problems. I did like the cleverness of the lost tale itself, but I didn’t understand this narrow-minded over-reliance on the tale. It restricted the plot.
😐 Yet again, there are plenty of footnotes in Emily’s journal. Some of these (especially the lore) are interesting, but after a while, they just feel superfluous. Just as in the second book, I skipped reading the footnotes after a point and had no trouble understanding the main plot. (On an aside, I found it amusing to see Emily herself complaining about footnotes in her research books.)
😐 The pace is quite slow for most of the way, though the tempo jumps up during the few action sequences. The second half has much better pacing.
😐 While this is the most serious of the three books, it is also the lightest in terms of plot. The action scenes, when they do pop up, are gripping. However, they are far and few between, with most of the storyline moving ahead mainly on research and discussions. The potentially most dangerous sequence lasts hardly for a couple of pages.
😐 I missed Wendell’s bantering with Emily. Granted, the relationship has grown and they aren’t in that initial phase anymore. But it would have been nice to see more of those lovely teasing moments between the two.

Bookish Nays:
😒 The only new entrant to the cast is a disappointment. There could have been so much more to that character’s arc, but it was reduced to a discordant one-noted tune.
😒 The plot development is too convenient. Even when there are major confrontation sequences, the challenges pop up only from others’ malevolence, not from Emily’s actions or decisions. All her issues, no matter how troublesome, are resolved on her very first attempt at tackling them.
😒 The final chapter – such a flat and boring ending. Instead of ending on a high, the story ends on a mundane level. The endings of the earlier books were much better.

Basically, I had enjoyed the first two books of the Emily Wilde series, and had been looking forward this third book since a long time. The end result is decently good, but not great. I did like it, but overall, I am disappointed at how it didn’t live up to the earlier two novels.

While the story does reach an end, the ending seems like it has deliberately left the gates open for another outing. If ever it comes, I wouldn’t say no to another Emily Wilde book. In fact, I hope there is one more book in this series so that I can enjoy it and say goodbye to Emily and Wendell on a better and happier note.

Recommended to those who have read and enjoyed the earlier two novels of this series.

3.25 stars.

My thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing the DRC of “Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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

Alright, why did this final installment make me cry so much? I'm crying again just from trying to pick out quotes for this review 😭

This was a great conclusion to a series that holds a special place in my heart. Emily and Wendell's journey and their adventures together has been so wonderful to see. Wendell is every bit of the dramatic man we met in book one, but his love for Emily absolutely stabs me in the heart. He is so incredibly romantic and thoughtful. Everything he did in this book had tears in my eyes. The amount of thought and time he put into things for Emily was beyond anything I could have imagined.

"But you are wrong in one thing: I was thinking of you, Em. You were my first thought, as well as my last."

Emily is still the incredibly smart, faerie obsessed academic that we all love, but her growth makes me want to jump into this book and hug her. I highly recommend rereading from book one to three if you haven't read the first two in a while (it's what I should have done) but regardless just as impactful. This isn't really a spoiler, but skip over just incase. The way she had gone from always doing things alone in book one, to finally being able to ask others to help her in book three. STAB MY HEART AGAIN. I love you, Emily Wilde. You are more than enough as you are, and I'm so glad she was able to see that in the end.

My only complaints are that although this final installment pulled at my heart often, crying from one moment, to anxious the next. This book somehow felt just a tad too long. I wasn't bored by any means, but at some points I did feel a small drag, which really surprised me because something was always happening, and there wasn't a dull moment. I can't really put my finger on it, but regardless I had a great time.

This was a wonderful read to start off the new year. If you're looking for a cozy fantasy (with stakes!!!) series with a faerie obsessed professor who loves books more than people, the cutest friendships and heartwarming self journey (still crying about certain scenes in here) with a dramatic BUT SO STINKIN THOUGHTFUL golden retriever love interest, this is the series is for you.

ALSO, there is a dog named Shadow, and Shadow deserves the whole dang world and all the faerie kingdoms. That is all. 😭

Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for this arc!

Honestly? I’m a little confused at how we’ve made it to book 3 and Emily is still doing whatever Emily wants, without thought to the people in her life. Mainly... her fiancé. It was fine in book 1, and maybe a little in book 2, but why is she still suffering from lack of character growth? She’s agreed to marry someone but doesn’t really want to include that person in her life.

And why does each journal entry remind us of how fast or when she wrote the previous journal entry? We get it, you’re busy, it was scribbled fast.

This is still a lovely read, but in a slower paced, not as whimsical, sort of way. It also feels like it could be the end, but I’ve said that before. I hope it’s not the end as I would like to see her redeemed.

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is the perfect cozy fantasy read. We get to see Emily and Wendell living in the Faerie Realm and all the adventures that ensue. I live for Wendell and his pining over Emily. This was definitely the most romantic of the 3 and also had the most adventure! This was the perfect way to wrap up the trilogy and I highly recommend reading this.

Heather Fawcett does it again. Emily Wilde is back at it along with Wendell, some old friends, and of course her trusty pet, Shadow.

In this next adventure we find Emily and Wendell having made it back into his realm and being the process of settling into power. We get the same cozy storytelling but with even more adventure and intrigue now that they’re really into the fae realm. Unlike in the previous adventures, Emily really comes into her own within the fairy realm.

Wendell is even more the most incredible and thoughtful man (fae king) for Emily. His ever present “oh, Em” is just so endearing. He is top tier book boyfriend (and a blond!)

And please don’t get me started on Shadow. I finished this book while my own old dog lays snoring beside me. Heather, you better find a way for Shadow to become immortal. I just can’t handle it. Emily’s love and concern for Shadow is the most relatable.

The previous books in the series I read via audiobook. I can’t wait to experience this new one through that medium as well.

Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is a masterful blend of cozy fantasy and high-stakes intrigue that left me utterly enchanted. Emily’s journey as a reluctant Queen of Faerie, alongside the ever-dashing Wendell, is both heartwarming and thrilling, filled with clever twists, magical lore, and moments of genuine emotional depth. The dynamic between Emily and Wendell is a highlight, with their wit and devotion adding warmth to the book’s rich, atmospheric storytelling. Fawcett skillfully weaves together threads from the previous books, creating a satisfying sense of closure while keeping the sense of wonder alive. From Emily’s scholarly approach to the treacherous beauty of Faerie to the poignant moments with the attentive oaks, this story is a delightful reminder of why I fell in love with the series. If this is the final chapter, it’s a farewell I’ll treasure—but I’ll hold out hope for more adventures in this magical world.

Having loved the first two books in Heather Fawcett's "Emily Wilde" series, I was thrilled to dive into Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3)—and it did not disappoint! Fawcett masterfully weaves a story that feels both enchanting and effortless to read. It has love, adventure, suspense, and at the heart of it, is Emily's constant scholarly pursuit. If you're a fan of the series, this is a must-read. It's another enchanting chapter in Emily's journey that left me eager for more. Highly recommended!

I had a lot of hopes for this one, and my first reaction was a little bit of a let down. Part of it is having to give up these characters, because I adore them so.

Wendell is ready to take his throne, with Emily as his queen. Emily is... less sure. She may know the faie and some of their ways, but living in their world is something she's entirely unprepared for. Especially as she observes Wendell and how effortless everything is for him.
When his stepmother leaves a curse on the land, Emily does what she does best - goes and studies every story she can find for similarities. She finds one tale - King Macan's Bees - that seems to match their situation exactly. Only, the story will end with either Wendell's death, or his corruption. Either way, Emily is not going to let Wendell be sacrificed. She's going to find a different ending to the story. Or maybe write her own.

With Shadow as her companion and protector, she sets off to change the ending, using every faerie connection she can find.

I think part of the let down for me was that Emily was on her own for so much of this. She'd leave Wendell (to his displeasure, for he could barely stand a day away from her) and refuse to dwell on how much she missed him. Some fans might appreciate Emily's tenacity and determination, I found myself missing their partnership. Emily always has a few tricks up her sleeve, and a well thought out plan, and her ability to weather the ways of the folk are much greater than she gives herself credit for.

"He laughed, and the forest around us seemed to brighten"

I love the way nature, especially in his kingdom, reacts to Wendell. It can be ominous when it picks up on his moods, but I love how it normally brightens in his presence. He is such a bright, lovely character, and this just makes me love him more.

While I'm sorry to see Emily's adventure come to a close, I know Heather Fawcett will be bringing us a new world to explore, and I can't wait!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the EARC for review.
I was so excited to read this finale book to this series as I have absolutely loved the last two books and absolutely adore Wendell and Emily.
It mostly hit the mark for me as I loved watching where Emily and Wendells' relationship goes and develop as they try to adapt to their new situation, and of course, as usual, something goes wrong. Emily uses her scholarly pursuit to solve it.
That's what I love about her character she never changes who she is or her love for knowledge but instead slowly opens up and learns to care for those around her knowledge.

I loved everything about this book, but somehow, not as much as the previous two. I think it suffers a bit because I feel like there's not as much banter in this one. Their relationship is still my favorite, but I don't know some parts in the middle felt slow to me. However, overall, this was definitely a worthy conclusion to the Emily Wilde series, and I'm so happy to have read it. I highly recommend this series as a whole!

If you have not read the Emily Wilde books, this is the 3rd installment in the trilogy. Go away if you don't want the first two books spoiled!

Emily and Wendell finally venture into his realm so that Wendell may take is throne back and become the proper King. While Emily has been enthusiastically prepared to join him, her friends have some reservations about her being a human living in Faerie.

I absolutely loved this book (as expected). However, I could understand if people might be disappointed at the low stakes and easy resolution of problems and conflict. If this were any other series I might feel the same way. However, I think this is meant to be a more low stakes cozy fantasy series where even the more harrowing parts of the story are not meant to inflict emotional damage. That being the case, I was easily swept away in this conclusion to one of my favorite series.

Thank you to the publisher for sending an early complimentary of this book through netgalley. All the opinions in the review are my own.

This review is currently posted to Goodreads

This was the perfect conclusion to a very cozy and lovely trilogy. Definitely recommend! I just think Heather's writing style is so perfect. I will definitely continue reading everything she writes.

After loving the first two books, I went into this with sky high expectations and while I liked it, I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would. It’s still entertaining and I love the characters, but it was missing some of the whimsy and fun found in the other two books.

The pacing was a bit uneven. The first part was particularly slow, and for a third book in a series, there was an excessive amount of information dumping. The footnotes weren’t as well-integrated and felt more like citations of books rather than the humorous ones I’ve come to expect. The book felt a bit repetitive, as a significant portion of it revolves around Emily’s introspective moments and her use of similar wording in her journal entries. Additionally, there’s a considerable amount of filler content that describes her library studies, various academic styles, different professors and colleges, food and tea, clothing, and other details.

The action picks up but the last 20% contains a new sub plot that felt a bit ridiculous to me and relies on lack of communication which isn’t my fav. Wendell was relegated to a minor character for a significant portion of the book, which further hindered the development of the story. Without the dynamic between Emily and Wendell, Emily’s character becomes somewhat tedious—a fussy academic lacking the necessary balance and comic relief provided by Wendell.

It’s still one I’d recommend, even though I didn’t love it as much as the first two books. I did enjoy seeing all the characters again and learning more about Wendell’s kingdom. I’m not certain whether there are additional books planned for this series, but if it end with this book, I believe it concludes on a satisfying note.

Thanks Random House - Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC!

If Heather Fawcett is writing it, I will always read it. This is another stunning installment in the Emily Wilde series and I only wish I could read at least a dozen more books of E
Emily and Wendell’s adventures.

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is the perfect third installment for this series (and I'm hoping not the last?)
I absolutely love Emily and Wendell, they are complete opposites but they work so well together, especially as the rulers of a Fairie realm.
I don't think that I will ever be tired of reading books about these two, and I will recommend these books to every customer that will listen.

The third installment in the Emily Wilde series does not disappoint. If you haven't read the first two in the series, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands, this review will contain spoilers for those books. (seriously, read the books in order). In this volume, Emily and her fiance, Wendell, having at last overthrown his stepmother and ascended to the throne in Faerie, settle down to the business of being King and Queen. There is, as in the first two, the same delightful humor as Emily is enthralled by the academic study of all things Faerie, while horrified as the wardrobe her new role requires. Wendell's ascendency is met with both excitement and a bit of raised eyebrows at some of his "common" ancestry, which also provides some comic relief - as well as a subtle commentary on prejudice. Emily is also concerned, watching for changes in her beloved- she's well aware of his flaws (see volume one in particular) but is concerned about the changes becoming a king may have on him, as so many faerie kings become corrupted by their power. However, the largest and most immediate threat is that the evil former queen has thrown one last play, she has somehow cursed the land, a curse which threatens to destroy all of Wendell's kingdom. The result is a fun read, and while we suspect that all will be well (this is more a romance, which means a HAE is expected), it does not lack suspense. Recommended. I was given an advance ecopy in exchange for an honest review.

I was glad that I reread book 2 before starting this, because this one picks up right where that one left off. What a great ending to the series! Emily Wilde is truly a character of all time, and this book is definitely about HER. I know that some people will feel that Wendell was underutilized, but it’s not called Wendell Bambleby’s Compendium of Lost Tales, and this ultimately didn’t bother me too much.. I’m aware that this its the end of the series, but I would always be happy to end up back in this world again if the opportunity presented itself.

The Emily Wilde series has one of my favourite faerie worlds. The way the inner workings of the fae are portrayed and the sheer scale of detail to everything is incredible. To start the opening line was five stars and I loved it, anything involving the beloved animal companions and banter between our main characters brought a smile to my lips.
This final story is full of peril with a deadly curse, there’s adventure, sword fights and Emily using her knowledge and wit a plenty. The pacing was still cozy despite all this, as there were plenty of lulls, with characters just spending time together and world-building. At times I felt the pacing was off due to this but overall I enjoyed this very much, maybe didn’t enjoy as much as the others just because I’m mad it’s ending. If you want amazing faerie realms, romance, adventure, mystery and academic vibes then this series is a must! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.