five stars phenomenal series emily and wendall will always have my heart and they just get better in every book

A very cosy read. Not my usual kind of book but still enjoyable all the same. Fawcett does a great job painting the picture of the world Hrafnsvik and you can almost feel the cold emanating from the page. It is very well written and doesn't waste words, everything has a purpose and it prevents it from becoming tiresome at any point. It is an interesting and different take to the usual impression you get of these kinds of fantastical creatures. It has a touch of darkness that is somewhat refreshing.

I understand why this book works for so many people. Unfortunately, I'm just not one of them. I found the writing not to my taste, and I actually got fairly bored in the second part.
I do think that this is a unique story with a great setting, and great for fans of cozy, wintery books. Unfortunately, I'm not that person.

I really wanted to like this book, the cover and the premise is just wonderful and I absolutely adore a cosy fantasy but this just didn’t grip me like I wanted it to. I enjoyed the first. 60% however then I found I got bored and just could not find the urge to pick it up. Such a shame but I am definitely in the minority as I have heard such wonderful things about this one. I would definitely explore more from this author.

An absolutely magical novel with adorable protagonists. I sped through this one and it definitely left me eager for the sequel.

3.5 stars rounded up

Fully review to come after some rumination tomorrow


I have ruminated for several days, like washing up you should have done but are letting ‘soak’.
Anyways, I actually enjoyed this. I wasn’t sure I would. I would once again out this into the weirdly specific pet fantasy genre I seem to like and it’s one again that would work better at a tv mini series or a movie than it really does as a book.

Here’s some things I didn’t like about it though

The time setting: really dislike the Victorian era in general, and while I appreciate that it’s like an alternative history much of what makes the uk the way it is was previous social conventions. The Victorian way wouldn’t really make sense with women having equal rights and being doctorates at Cambridge and so on. I don’t think that those things quite work, simply because things would have been less shut in Victorian England if women hadn’t still been horribly oppressed. Yes, even the rich ones couldn’t attend university then.

However, since most of the book isn’t set in England it’s more of a background issue. I believe the book is set in Iceland, but apparently much of the linguistics and character names are Norwegian. Maybe I mixed that up. Honestly, I originally thought it was meant to be a fictional country since we clearly were not sticking to our version of history. Perhaps you could argue that this could apply but with no context for the difference it just falls flat.

The main character: the main character is very clearly autistic, but the book characterises her as unfeeling and hyper logical and all times, even about others pain which I just find patently untrue about many other autistic women. I’m not saying it can’t happen but given all of Emily’s other traits I don’t believe she would be this unfeeling to people in need.

The love interest: why are they always fuck boys until the mc takes notice of them? Again doesn’t really fit with Victorian sensibilities either.

The format; I really hate things formatted like letters so I’m genuinely shocked I enjoyed this. This also means there’s a lot less depth to character development as a result since people don’t tend to extrapolate forever about what snow looked like etc.

What I liked:

The love interest: I saw some people say he makes fun of her autism, but I actually liked him. I felt that he made fun of her lightly knowing she wouldn’t take offence and that he was in his own way trying to understand her and communicate his feelings. I liked that there wasn’t a big plot reveal and the author and the mc were smart enough to figure out the big reveal so we didn’t have to wait 69 chapters for the main character to catch up with the reader about our live interest’s identity.

Plot; I generally just enjoyed the plodding. Not much happened but I’m okay with that, it felt quite realistic to how most autistic people navigate the world and how people don’t understand us, but as they get to know us they understand we aren’t being rude and that just who we are.

I absolutely adored this book!

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Fairies is a cosy fantasy book set in a world where fairies exist and scientists are dedicated to studying their species. The diary form of the book was interesting, and I absolutely loved Emily. Her dedication to her studies was extraordinary, and she was such a clever heorine.

But the show was definitely stolen by Wendell, her mysterious colleague, who follows her on her expeditions for reasons unkown to Emily. He is charming, but not flawless, and I enjoyed his character so much. My only, small but regarding this book is that the beginning was super slow, and only the last thirty procent of book was action-packed.

The entire book was so cosy and I definetly recommend it!

Emily Wildes Encyclopedia of Faeries is such an enchanting and cosy book perfect for winter reading.
This book has a fantastic host of characters who'll fall into your affections in some shape or form.
Emily Wilde and her trusty dog Shadow are on a research project in Ljosland for her book ; Emily Wildes Encyclopedia of Faeries, and haven't gotten off to the best start. After unknowingly insulting the head woman of the village, her accommodation is less than inviting, and she can't even swing an axe to chop her own firewood. When her colleague Wendell Bambleby turns up on her doorstep with his two assistants, Emily questions the reasoning for him to decide to accompany her. Bambleby seems to know much more about the fae than he lets on, and Emily has her suspicions about him.
As Emily starts to get somewhere with her research, people are taken by the fae from the village, and Emily sets out to get them back hopefully in one piece.
This was an enchanting, captivating, and funny book with some great surprises and loveable characters. My favourites besides Emilyvwere Poe, Shadow and Bambleby. I'll definitely be getting book 2 ASAP.

If you’ve ever been captivated by the mysteries of faerie folklore or charmed by the cosy atmospheres of low fantasy tales, then Heather Fawcett’s “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is a book you won’t want to miss. This unique novel, set in the remote Scandinavian country of Ljosland, immerses readers in a world where the boundaries between the ordinary and the magical are delightfully blurred. Join us as we delve into the captivating characters, the intriguing plot, and the enchanting writing style that make this book a must-read for fantasy lovers. Whether you’re drawn to the academic journal format or the rich tapestry of Scandinavian folklore, “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” offers an engaging and memorable reading experience.

A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party–or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones–the most elusive of all faeries–lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all–her own heart.

Heather Fawcett has crafted a memorable cast in Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, beginning with the titular character, Emily Wilde. An intriguing academic with a deep fascination for faeries, Emily struggles with social interactions, embodying the traits of an introverted yet ambitious scholar. Her character is relatable, especially for readers who have ever felt out of place in social settings.

Joining her is Shadow, the lovable dog who quickly became my favorite character. Shadow’s loyalty and presence provide a comforting touch to the narrative.

Wendell Bambleby, another academic, contrasts sharply with Emily. Initially perceived as self-obsessed and lazy, Wendell’s many layers are gradually uncovered through his interactions with Emily. Their evolving friendship adds depth to the story.

The villagers of the remote Scandinavian village of Ljosland are also noteworthy. Despite their brief appearances, they are introduced with rich backstories that enrich the world-building and make the setting feel lived-in and authentic.

The story is set in the Scandinavian country of Ljosland, within a remote village steeped in folklore and tough winters. The plot progresses slowly, focusing largely on setting the scene and introducing readers to Emily’s world and her meticulous research on faeries.

The narrative leans heavily on Scandinavian folklore, reminiscent of the enchanting yet dark tales found in The Spiderwick Chronicles. Themes of changelings and kidnappings weave through the story, adding elements of mystery and danger.

The writing style is cosy and fits well within the low fantasy genre. The story is told from Emily’s perspective, structured almost like an academic journal complete with footnotes. This unique format adds a layer of authenticity to Emily’s scholarly pursuits and provides occasional humor.

Fawcett’s prose is engaging and often amusing, making for an enjoyable read that balances the darker elements of faerie lore with lighter, more humorous moments.

Emily Wilde’s character appears to be autistic-coded, evident in her intense focus on her special interests and her unique social skills. This representation adds depth and relatability to her character.

The book also delves into dark faerie tales, exploring the more sinister aspects of folklore. These elements are balanced with themes of friendship and personal growth, particularly through Emily’s interactions with Wendell and the villagers.

This novel fits perfectly within the cosy fantasy genre. It offers a gentle, comforting read that still incorporates the enchanting and sometimes eerie qualities of traditional faerie tales.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is an entertaining and unique read that many fantasy readers will enjoy. The blend of academic journal style, rich folklore, and well-developed characters makes it a standout in the genre. I highly recommend it for those looking for a cosy yet captivating story.

Positives of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
- Intriguing Main Character: Emily Wilde is a well-developed and relatable protagonist, especially for introverted readers and those with an academic interest.
- Unique Writing Style: The book’s format as an academic journal, complete with footnotes, adds authenticity and a unique touch to the narrative.
- Rich Folklore: The story leans heavily on Scandinavian folklore, providing an enchanting and well-researched backdrop.
- Engaging Secondary Characters: Wendell Bambleby’s character development and the backstories of the villagers add depth to the story.
- Cosy Fantasy Atmosphere: The book offers a gentle, comforting read while still incorporating the mysterious and dark elements of faerie tales.
- Humor: The writing includes moments of humor, which balance the darker aspects of the plot.

Negatives of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
- Slow Plot: The story progresses slowly, focusing more on world-building and character introductions than on fast-paced action.
- Limited Time with Villagers: Despite interesting backstories, the villagers have limited on-page time, which may leave some readers wanting more.
- Academic Journal Format: While unique, the journal format and footnotes might not appeal to all readers.
- Low Stakes: The cosy nature of the story means the stakes often feel low, which might not satisfy readers looking for high-tension fantasy.

Puede que llegue tarde a la fiesta que Heather Fawcett ha montado con su serie sobre Emily Wild, que incluso está publicada en español como La Enciclopedia de Hadas de Emily Wilde con traducción de María del Carmen Boy Ruiz. Pero también dicen que nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena y he disfrutado mucho con este relato fantástico de aproximación académica al mundo feérico.


Lo primero que nos puedes sorprender es que el formato elegido por Fawcett para contarnos la historia es mostrarnos las sucesivas entradas del diario de la propia Emily, con alguna que otra intervención ajena, por lo que puede ser un impedimento si no nos gusta demasiado este tipo de lectura. A mí, la verdad, me ha resultado muy entretenido, aunque no me quiero imaginar el tamaño del diario con lo kilométricas que son cada una de sus entradas. Vamos que la enciclopedia del título lo mismo se queda corta en comparación con todo lo que Emily escribe en su diario personal. Además, las notas a pie de página son un añadido que amplian la construcción del mundo sin llegar a resultar abrumadoras.

La historia en sí es simple, pero agradable y resultona. Emily Wilde es una estudiosa de las hadas que se desplaza al norte para llevar a cabo trabajo de campo investigando unas hadas sobre las que previamente no había habido noticias. Su ambición es publicar una Enciclopedia que compendie todo el conocimiento del mundo feérico, un trabajo vasto y muy exigente. Pero la verdad es que Emily está tan volcada en él que lo que vienen siendo las relaciones humanas no le quitan nada de tiempo, ya que su meticulosidad en los estudios se opone diametralmente a sus capacidades sociales. Sus planes cambiarán con la llegada de Wendell Bambleby, su rival académico que va a “ayudarla” con sus pesquisas.

Como no todo va a ser paseos por el campo y alegría generalizada, también tendremos conflicto con las hadas y su manía de secuestrar niños, junto con luchas intestinas de poder, La parte del romance, aunque es perfectamente previsible, está bien llevada y deja el camino expedito para las continuaciones de la serie.

Heather Fawcett ha creado un mundo entrañable en el que da gusto adentrarse, sin innovar en exceso sobre lo que es el conocimiento habitual sobre las hadas y su comportamiento veleidoso, pero creando una atmósfera acogedora y unos personajes la mar de achuchables. Nos encontramos ante un entretenimiento delicioso que se lee con media sonrisa.

I almost DNF'd this around the 50 page mark because it felt like reading a textbook. But I pushed through and it did get better. I'll read the next book purely out of interest around Wendell and Emily and because I own it already but whether I continue after that is TBC.

I absolutely loved this book. It was the cozy fantasy I needed and helped me find the love for my own academic research. Emily and Wendell have a dynamic that reminds me of Sophie and Howl in Howls Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, which is a huge compliment because it is one of my favorite books. My only critique as someone who lives in Ireland and speaks Irish, Fawcett seems to have forgotten that Ireland is a real place because she makes statements about the country’s landscape and the language which isn’t true.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries captivates with its homey feel and academic exploration of the fairy realm. This unique tale, which combines fantasy, mystery, history, and romantic themes, is unlike anything I've read about faerie thus far. Fawcett presents a beautiful fantasy for academics to love and enjoy.
I really enjoyed the humor and the overall feel, but I had a terrible time keeping my attention and figuring out where the characters were and what they were even doing. Though not the first of its kind that I've read, the style is distinctive.
I was engrossed in this narrative for so long that it was as though Emily and I were exploring fairies and making notes about everything in the woods.

Emily Wild'e’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a cozy fairy tale in which scenes of violence and madness are interspersed (I know it seems counterintuitive but trust me, it's true). And that's why I LOVED it.

Emily is an academic and fairy expert who is writing the first encyclopedia related to the legends of these creatures, exploring the world to document her research. The book focuses on the trip to Hrafnsvik, a frozen country located between the sea and the mountains of Norway. There the protagonist comes across the gruff inhabitants of that inhospitable place and her colleague Bambleby. But as Emily gets ever closer to the secrets of the Hidden Ones, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: who really is Bambleby? And what is he looking for?

I understand that it’s not a suitable read for everyone because it’s a bizarre and wacky story, so perfect that it made me fall in love instantly. Everything is described in the form of a diary and tells Emily's story set in the early 1900s. There are also footnotes that explain the fairy folk in detail.

The protagonist is very particular, a strong and independent woman but also rational and selfish. For me this mix works very well, we finally have a character who deviates from the canons represented in the other books. Bambleby on the other hand is out there like a bell and he's a fantastic character too.

In short, a read not to be missed!

First I would like to say thanks to Netgalley for giving me early access to this book prior to release. (Apologies it took me so long to get to it….)

This story follows our main Character, Emily Wilde, as she embarks on an adventure to complete her Encyclopaedia of Faeries. However even though Emily is good at many things, she is not great with people, and she needs to heavily rely on them to get the data she needs.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

I did enjoy this book, however the pacing in this book was sometimes a little bit too slow for me, for only 315 pages it felt like it was over 500 at times, there really isn't much in the way of plot to keep the story progressing. By the time I got to 65% I kinda wanted the story to be finished as there wasn't anything grasping my attention.

Also Emily sometimes came across as completely unobservant for someone who is supposed to be scientifically minded. The Romance storyline I could have lived without, for me personally if I was sharing a cottage with a man who was sleeping with anything that moved and then decided to propose to me for literally no reason (like it felt really out of nowhere as they barely were together)

Overall an ok cosy fantasy, will probably read the 2nd one but wont be in a rush to do so.

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4 stars

This sounded so interesting but I'm sorry to say I was just plain bored reading it. Not what I thought it was going to be and not my cup of tea

I've always been fascinated by the folk/folklore and fairytales, and I really should seek out more fantasy tales that centre on the traditional folk/faeries because I truly love them so.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a magnificently fascinating adventure of Emily Wilde (surprise!) and the adventure that follows her as she seeks to fill her journal/encyclopaedia with knowledge of the 'tall ones' / courtly fae and ends up finding herself entwined in a faerie tale with a likeness to the ones she chases. I specifically loved Wendell, his characterisation was immaculate, he was hilarious and the perfect fuel to Emily's fire. I loved learning about the fairytales/folklore and types of faeries that Emily had uncovered. Her encounters with them were equally as amusing. It was especially interesting to read about a world where the studies of faeries is a RESPECTED CAREER. I want to go to there.

For anyone who loved the characterisation and nature of "true" faeries in The Cruel Prince, by Holly Black, and the lyrical, fairytale musings of Stephanie Garber's writing.

This was an atmospheric and captivating tale with elements of folklore and exploration and very likeable characters. The setting of this was immaculate, I love any books that had a cold, hygge type vibe and this book had that in spades! It reminded me a lot of the natural history of dragons series with a scholarly main character who was very reminiscent of a Jane Austen heroine! The magic was enchanting and the plot was well balanced with developing the characters!

Overall I would definitely recommend this and I’m looking forward to the sequel!

This was a cute read. I enjoyed Emily's characterisation as a no-nonsense scholar who struggled to find her place with people. Never sure of what to say or how to say if Emily is an endearing character.

She visits a small village to research a Faerie type that hasn't been covered yet in the scholarship of Faeries. She finds the village hard at first and the practicalities of village life such as making nice with the head lady of the village and dealing with her fireplace tricky.

Eventually, with the help of a colleague she finds her path and makes discoveries that delight her both in her personal life and her career.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.