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.

I LOVE this series. Thank you so much for letting me ARc read books 1-3. This one hit the spot just as well as the others. I love the classical faerie lore used and the variety of other cultures lores. This book is perfect to read and cozy up on a fall evening.

3.2 Stars
One Liner: Oh, Emily!

Emily and Wendell (with some reinforcements) enter his kingdom to stake claim to the throne. Of course, it’s not easy. Emily, with all her scholarly interest in the fae world, doesn’t feel comfortable being a queen. However, she has no time to deal with this. Wendell’s stepmother has placed a curse on the kingdom. They need to use all her knowledge and Wendell’s powers to break the curse and save the kingdom.
The story comes in Emily’s first-person (through her journal writings).

My Thoughts:
Well, I’ve been excited to read this since I finished book #2. Sadly, the results are mixed.
The book takes off where the second one ends (though it took me some time to remember that part). Anyway, I soon got into the setting and the mood. The stakes were high this time, and I was ready for a lot of danger and action.
Somehow, the pacing was decent for the first 10% and then became slower than a snail. Since the previous two were also slow, I was sort of used to it. It does get better in the last quarter.
There’s some action here and there with Wendell showcasing his swordsmanship. However, it is not as much as I hoped for.
But… my major disappointment comes from the execution of the premise. The stepmother’s curse, fighting her, etc., should have been more gripping and engaging. Instead, we get a mild version (the whole book has YA vibes) with more focus on scholarly research than actual implementation. Balancing both elements might have helped. The action, when it takes place, is short and over in a few paragraphs. Easy peasy and convenient!
Instead of having so many developments and rushing through them with easy solutions, there should have been one or two tension-filled dark scenes with details.
For a book with such high stakes, the approach is more of a cozy fantasy. This was supposed to be the last of the trilogy, but I feel there will be more books. Even the open-ish ending (also lukewarm) gives the same feeling.
What with Emily and Wendell being a couple, we don’t get much banter either. Also, they don’t spend time together much. The only highlight of this is Wendell’s letters to Emily. Those were adorable.
Shadow and Orga were cool (Orga was a lot more fun). Poe had a tiny role but shined in it. Snowball had more space and brought some laughs. Not sure about say about Deilah’s character either. What was the purpose? It would make sense if there was another book with her having some role. She couldn’t have been only for comic relief surely?

To summarize, Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales wasn’t as good as the previous books but managed to be a decent read. I like it okay but man, I wanted so much more! Might as well give us book four next.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Del Rey), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

5 stars. Lovely book, as usual with any Emily Wilde stories by Heather Fawcett. Such a marvelous and delectable prose that feels like a warm hug of coziness during the winter months.

Faerie expert Emily Wilde and academic colleague/fiancée Wendell Bambleby are at it again and this time the pair are in desperate need to lift a deadly curse on Wendell's kingdom, placed there by his evil stepmother. Can these two find the cure to save the land as well as the happiness this mortal and faerie deserve before it is too late?

Ok, so my journey with Emily Wilde is long-winded and complex. The first installment was promising but was a bit meh. The second was more promising, as the world-building was already done (which I think contributed to the slow pacing of the first), but this last one... AHHHHHH! This is what I wanted Emily Wilde to be, and I totally loved it. I am an Emily and Wendell stan forever, and I am just in love with their dynamic. This was all I wanted and more. And I'm thrilled that the ending seems to be open. Like the door hasn't shut completely on the two so please give us more??? Highly recommend and am happy to have this in our collection!

This has been one of my all-time favorite series. I gave all three books 5 stars. Emily Wilde‘s Compendium of Lost Tales was highly anticipated for me and did not disappoint.. I eagerly await the audiobook.

E-ARC generously provided by Del Rey/Ballantine Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

4 stars. Strangely comforting yet harrowing, Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is the most romantic entry of the series to date and serves as a solid, slightly open ending for Emily and Wendell's adventures.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales in exchange of my honest opinion.

OMG, what a gem this series was!!! I wish it continued for several more books because I love Wendel and Emily so much! Heather Fawcett managed to keep the banter and quirkiness of our favorite couple alive as if it were the first time you were reading it.

This time, Wendell has to inherit the throne of his family's fae kingdom and bring Emily with him. Of course, there will be several adjustments to be made, but they are so thoughtfully to each other that I was eating up every single detail of Emily's transition to this new life.
The big challenge here is that his kingdom is sick and Emily has to compile all the information and tales she can to help Wendell find the cure for the land.

We have a bigger focus on the romantic aspect in this installment, which I loved, however there is still plenty of fae lore that rounds this work as a perfect fantasy romance!

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett was just as enjoyable and fun as the previous two titles in this series. It’s such a comforting series and this new title doesn’t disappoint. Heather Fawcett’s writing continues to get better with each new book and I look forward to reading everything she publishes. The story is compelling and keeps me reading. The romance is fun. Overall, a very good read!

This one didn't really absorb me as much as the other two in the series. I think it's because there aren't as many cozy scholarly antics--it's much more plot-driven and high stakes, which isn't what I come to the Emily Wilde books for. I enjoyed it, but I wasn't particularly invested.

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Emily Wilde’s Adventures are always fun, and the third installment is everything you’ve come to love from the series.

Lots of academic style nerding out about all things faerie, a little romance and the absurdly adorable Wendell, and a fun adventure that has you on the edge of your seat!

Cozy fantasy at its best, it’s a warm hug and medium stakes, perfect for lovers of folk tales!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House - Del Rey for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

emily wilde really is the ultimate comfort series. slipping back into emily’s journals feels like putting on your favorite old sweatshirt that probably has run its course, but you can’t bear to part with it. i have to admit that i struggled with the pacing in this one— i found it super slow at the beginning, but engaging once the action picked up.

i do wonder where this series has left to go, especially in the romance department— with the main couple already well-established (though we do see growth in their relationship in this book), it seems like the two of them could go on infinite frivolous adventures in various faerie realms— which, don’t get me wrong, i will definitely read! the series formula just started to feel a little stagnant in this book.

i think far and away the strength of this series is that it’s told through emily’s voice. i love her witty and wry observations about the world and people around her, and i love that as readers, we really only see things from her point of view and therefore are subject to her biases and flaws. i find her very endearing.

i also liked getting to know wendell’s realm in this installment. learning about the way it functions in comparison to some of the other faerie worlds we’ve visited in previous books was super interesting.

overall, book three didn’t reinvent the wheel, but i still enjoyed it, and i think if you have liked the first two books in the series, you will enjoy this one, too! winter cozy comfort vibes for sure.

i received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

While different than the previous books in the series, this book delivers an immersive story that is just as compelling to read but maybe the darkest one yet (or maybe I just forget how dark they are once I finish them). Slipping into the world of Emily Wilde and Wendell is always an adventure that is full of the mildly terrifying horrors that are the Fae, but mixed with the more cozy academic and love story that we have seen grow over the last 2 books. I never have any idea where these books will take me, but each one is unique from the previous as well as from anything I've read before. This book defies classification as much as Wendell does but I love them both wholeheartedly. These are the books I crave when someone mentions fantasy academia because of how Fawcett perfectly captures the people who populate academia. Her depiction of the Fae and their world is a continuation of the previous books, but again is like nothing I've seen before, but to me is the most accurate Fae world I've read. I desperately hope that there are many many more to come - I've not ready to leave Emily and Wendell just yet.