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.

I have been waiting for days until I was able to read this book early on. I absolutely love all of Emily Wilde’s books. It’s literally the best cozy fantasy books to read. And I am beyond graceful that Del Rey gifted me an early eARC of Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales.

Before I go any further, please be warned that it may be spoilers. You are warned.

If you haven’t read the previous books in the Emily Wilde’s series, please do. It will get confused if you read it out of order.

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales picks up after the previous book's ending. Emily and Wendell travel back to Wendell kingdom and retake his throne. It’s a bit of a chaotic adventure when they have so many common folks traveling with them. I find it adorable because these common folks are too charming yet a bit creepy at the same time. And it gets a little more crazy along the way.

What I found so fascinating about Wendell retaking his throne is that he needs Emily by his side. No matter what, Emily completes him. She is always his, even though she is completely committed to her research of the fae world. Plus, Emily always knows more than him regarding his world, which is helpfully ruling his throne.

I will say that there is a bit of challenge when Wendell retakes his throne. I won’t say much, but expect surprising details. I found it fascinating about what more to come.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
★★★★★
Emily Wilde’s Map of The Otherlands
★★★★★

Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde series has quickly become one of my all-time favorites, a magical, richly woven story that resonates with me on such a personal level.
Emily Wilde is an unforgettable main character, and part of what makes her so special is how much I see of myself in her. She’s introverted, deeply passionate about her research, and entirely driven by her dedication to documenting the faerie world.
It’s rare to find a protagonist who feels so relatable in her love for scholarly pursuits and her sometimes awkward, endearing social interactions. Reading about Emily’s journey is like stepping into a version of my own dream adventure—she’s the kind of character I’ve always wanted to see leading a story.

From the first book, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, I was swept up in Emily’s meticulous, journal-style recordings of faerie species, her thrilling discoveries, and the darkly enchanting atmosphere that Fawcett creates.
The faeries in this series aren’t the sanitized, whimsical creatures we often see; they’re dangerous, mysterious, and feel both enchanting and unsettling. Fawcett captures the essence of folklore so vividly that, at times, it gave me chills. The different faerie species Emily encounters are each unique, with their own histories and complexities, yet the story never lets us forget their dangerous and unpredictable nature—even with Wendell.

And speaking of Wendell, he’s such an essential and beautiful part of this story. He’s everything you’d want in a partner for someone like Emily: supportive, loving, and respectful of her quirks and her passion for her work. Wendell’s warmth and patience balance Emily’s more introverted nature perfectly, and their relationship is written with such tenderness. They’re an unconventional pair, but they truly bring out the best in each other, creating a partnership that feels both magical and deeply real.

Another element I absolutely loved was the setting. Emily’s journeys through cold, remote landscapes added such a cozy, enchanting quality to the story. Fawcett captures these wintery settings beautifully, making you feel as though you’re right there with Emily, surrounded by snow and mystery.

In both books, Fawcett has crafted something truly extraordinary—a dark, immersive faerie tale filled with realistic characters, thrilling adventure, and a respect for folklore that makes it feel grounded and timeless.
These books are masterpieces in their own right, and I can’t wait to dive into the third installment, Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales, to see where Emily’s journey will take her next.




ARC Review: Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales
★★★★.5

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and when I sent a heartfelt message to the publisher, I never expected to receive an eARC in return! Thank you so much, Del Rey Books, for this incredible gift—you have no idea how much it meant!

As the conclusion to one of my favorite series, this final book gave me everything I’d hoped for.
This book diverges from the first two by taking on a much more dynamic, unpredictable pace; there’s a lot more happening all at once as we see Emily navigating her role among faeries, dealing with shifting alliances, and adapting to a world of constant change. Although we still get glimpses of Emily’s research and the mystery-solving elements we love, the stakes are higher, and her journey is far more expansive.

Many beloved characters from the previous books return, adding depth and warmth to the story as Emily faces her biggest challenges yet.
With the faerie realm now under new rulership, Emily must navigate the complex, often treacherous process of earning its trust. Alongside this responsibility, she grapples with profound questions of self-discovery and the weight of her new role.Emily stands closer to Faerie than any human ever has, yet she feels strangely out of place. Will she choose to give up her research to rule the faerie realm, or will she walk away from the throne to reclaim her old life?

Through it all, Wendell is the perfect, supportive partner as ever, standing by Emily’s side through every challenge. And Shadow and Orga, the loyal animal companions who make Wendell and Emily’s little family complete, are as endearing as ever. Meanwhile, old faerie friends like Poe and Snowball return, bringing the warmth and familiarity that fans of the series will appreciate.

Though it didn’t quite surpass my love for the first book, it did provide a deeply satisfying conclusion to this series.
If you’ve fallen in love with this story, this world, and these characters, you’ll find immense satisfaction in this final installment.

Without giving too much away, the book, like Emily herself, remains true to its purpose and spirit. Emily has grown and learned so much, yet she remains uniquely herself—no one else could have achieved what she and Wendell accomplish here.

I’m truly happy for them, and while saying goodbye was bittersweet, the ending felt exactly right. It respects the characters’ personalities, hopes, and dreams, and wraps up the series in a way that feels both fulfilling and true.

The Emily Wilde series has been a beautiful, enchanting fairytale from start to finish. I’m so grateful to have been a part of Emily and Wendell’s journey, and I’ll cherish these stories for years to come.

I adored the first two Emily Wilde books, so I was both thrilled and nervous to be granted an ARC of the third book in the series. Would it live up to the high standards set by the first two books, now that Emily and Wendall were reconquering his kingdom and leaving the world of academia, books, and awkward social interactions with the local humans? I'm pleased to say, that Fawcett once again knocked it out of the park.

Emily and Wendall arrive in Faerie and reconquer his kingdom in record time. Of course, nothing can be that simple. Wendall's stepmother survived being poisoned and has figured out a way to force the kingdom to share in her fatal illness. It's up to Emily to use her academic research skills to unravel the twists and turns of the fairy tale they're following, and figure out how to turn it towards a happily-ever-after for her and her fiancee-no-not-yet-husband-everyone-can-stop-asking-about-it-now-thanks. Along the way we run into old friends and frenemies from books 1 and 2, Emily starts to learn that she has people who do love and understand her beyond just Wendall, and Faerie is at its most exasperatingly terrifyingly fascinating best.

Thank you to Random House for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review!

I have to admit, this isn’t my favorite book in the Emily Wilde series. Don’t get me wrong, I still did very much enjoy it. I just felt like it was a bit weak in terms of plot. We did learn a lot about how curses and the faerie world builds itself, but it left me wanting more. I wanted a bit more revenge. I wanted a bit more romance. I just wanted more. I don’t know how else to say it. I did appreciate the way we got to see old friends from the previous books, Poe is still my favorite.

It feels as though the ending could possibly lead to more stories in this world, I don’t know what else there would be to tell! However, i do know i will probably pick up another one if it does come out.