"If Wendell’s stepmother has us slain before I have a chance to contribute to the scholarly debate, I will be very disappointed."

Big thanks to the Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for granting me another ARC in this instalment.

Whenever I pick up this world, I know I will be wrapped in magical wholesome whimsy. :)

In this third part of Emily Wilde's adventures and stories, we are again greeted by a delightful cozy plot, where you just know everything is going to be just fine (yes, even in *those* parts). Wendell and Emily embark upon another adventure, this time in a different realm. Without giving away too much, you can expect the classical scholarly tendencies Emily has, as well as typical Wendell who is spoiled, chaotic, and very, very, very in love. :)

While this part was not as strong as the second book (for me!), I did find myself enjoying the little twists and turns and seeing how our characters would get out of certain troubles.

I really don't have a lot to say because this book was the perfect ending to an incredible trilogy. Emily Wilde is easily my favourite trilogy in recent years, it is such a comfort read, perfect for all seasons. I absolutely love Emily and Wendell as a couple in book 3, their relationship is so warm & gentle without dominating the story. As always the plot is full of hurdles to overcome and they do so with grace and thorough research.
I'm so sad this series is finished but very exited to see what Heather Fawcett brings us next!

I was so thrilled to receive an ARC of this book, I have loved following Emily and Wendell’s journey through the last couple of books so was so happy to get started on book 3!

It was great to spend more time in Faerie in this book, really getting to grips with Wendell’s realm and picking up immediately after the end of book 2. I love the way the realm is described, showing beauty but retaining the disconcerting elements.

I really enjoyed the way this book constantly links back to stories and folklore, it made for such an interesting theme throughout and it was so fun to see Emily in her element!

I wish this book had allowed a deeper look at Wendell & Emily’s relationship as it felt quite surface level (I still love Wendell though!). I don’t need anything explicit but some more intense descriptions of their romance would be great, otherwise it reads as a fairly platonic relationship to me!

I also think this one loses the dark edge that the previous books held, there is just a shallowness to those elements which make it less impactful… The Crimson Cloaked lady could have had a bigger/darker part to play!

I will definitely pick up any other books Heather Fawcett writes and continue to recommend this series to fantasy lovers

4 stars

Thank you so much to Orbit books for my e-ARC!

Really enjoyed it just like the previous two installments. No surprises. I do hope someone makes a full cast audio books of this series as I think it would be magical.

Emily is determined to assist Wendell in reclaiming his throne by overthrowing his stepmother and breaking the curse that grips the land. Yet, various fairy tales warn that such quests often lead to disastrous outcomes. Emily must devise a strategy to outwit not only the current queen but also the intrinsic mechanics of the fairy world, which seems designed to thwart mortals and their dreams of happy endings.
The tone of the narrative has become more serious, appropriately setting the stage for a perfect resolution to all open ends. We get some great new characters while also featuring brief appearances from beloved or feared characters from earlier in the series. What could have been mere fan service instead addresses every lingering plot line, bringing the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion while beautifully highlighting Emily's journey and growth since the very beginning.

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is a lovely conclusion to the series, even though it didn’t quite capture the same magic as the earlier books for me. Emily’s growth is amazing; she’s still that smart, thoughtful person we love, but she’s definitely more open about her emotions in this one, which is a nice touch. Wendell and Emily’s relationship is still adorable and feels so real, with plenty of growth on both sides, which I really appreciated.

The book takes a darker turn compared to the previous ones, which is interesting, but the pacing can be slow at times. Emily spends a lot of time focused on these lost tales, treating them as the solution to everything, which eventually feels a bit repetitive and, in some ways, holds the story back. That said, the world of Faerie remains fascinating and atmospheric.

My main issue is that the plot feels too convenient: challenges are resolved too easily, and there’s not enough of the charming banter between Emily and Wendell that made the earlier books so enjoyable. The ending is particularly underwhelming, lacking the impact you’d expect from a series finale. The footnotes, while fitting for Emily's academic style, become excessive after a while (ironically, even Emily complains about footnotes in other books).

That said, I still enjoyed the book overall. If you’ve been following Emily’s journey, it’s a sweet and cozy read to finish off the trilogy. I'd give it 3 stars, it’s fine, but it could have been much more satisfying as a conclusion.

(Though I wouldn’t say no to another book, since this ending leaves some room for more stories *wink*...)

This series never ceases to amaze me, it's so cosy, romantic and mysterious. I really liked this third book! It's well-constructed, it doesn't lack adventure, mystery, cozy atmospheres and romance. The interactions between the two MC are fantastic and I love those two with all my heart. Wendell is so cute and hot, he's the perfect book boyfriend.
Thanks to NetGalley, OrbitBooks UK and the author for providing me with this e-ARC.

The third chapter in Emily Wilde’s mad hat yet still cosy adventures is a delight as always but doesn’t hit the highs of the previous instalments. The book starts immediately following the events of book two and to be honest I couldn’t quite remember all the specifics so I spent the first few chapters trying to remember who some of the characters were. Emily and her fae lover boy prince, Wendell, are back as their efforts to defeat his stepmother for the throne were in vain as the previous queen has left the Fae in a state of decay with inevitable destruction on the horizon. There are a few new characters but aren’t really given enough to do. In fact, I feel Emily isn’t really given enough to do. The stakes are very very low even for a cosy adventure. If you are a fan of the first two, I’d recommend it 100% to finish off Wendell and Emily’s story.

What a delightful third book! It has all the charm of books 1 and 2, with an all new adventure into the faerie realm. I’m just really enchanted by this series, such a cute, enjoyable read!

4/5 Stars – A Delightful Return to Faerie Mysteries

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is a charming and immersive sequel that once again showcases Heather Fawcett’s talent for blending academia, adventure, and fairy folklore. Returning to Emily’s world feels like slipping into a cozy, well-worn armchair—full of rich descriptions, whimsical charm, and just the right amount of peril.

This time, Emily finds herself unraveling more fae mysteries, with Wendell by her side in all his roguish, enchanting glory. Their dynamic continues to be a highlight, balancing sharp wit with genuine emotional depth. The novel expands the worldbuilding in intriguing ways, introducing new fae lore and creatures that feel both wondrous and eerie.

However, the pacing stumbles slightly in places, with some sections feeling a little meandering compared to the tightly woven intrigue of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries. Additionally, while the romantic and character-driven moments are lovely, some readers might wish for a bit more high-stakes tension.

Overall, this is a beautifully written, atmospheric, and deeply enjoyable follow-up. While it doesn’t quite surpass the magic of the first book, it remains a worthy and enchanting sequel for fans of cozy fantasy and fae folklore.

What a fantastic ending to the trilogy this book was. Emily Wilde has been from the beginning a series that had me enthralled and absolutely captivated and each book managed to pull the same feeling out of me over and over again.

I doubt I will ever be able to get over how amazing this series was. I loved it. I love it. And I will keep loving it. This book takes us back into the world the same way book two did. However, this time we are in Faerie and, to be honest, I loved being able to discover this new version of the world. To finally dive into it and discover what we have been able to discover and learn through Emily's research all this time. Wendell is as always a fantastic character, with so much subtle and not so subtle humor about him. Yet, he also has a darker side I always long being able to witness and read about.

Between the story, Emily and Wendell, the side characters, Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales once again pulls off what Book 1 and Book 2 managed to do and delivers a fantastic story I am sure to run back to whenever I have the chance.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book!

What a great end to this trilogy. I adore the entire vibe of this books and the whole trilogy, it just always gives such a cosy feeling and never fails in making me laugh at points but also going to darker themes.

Wendell is just honestly amazing and I love his adoration of Emily and everything that she is. Reading his letters to her when she wasn’t with him were so cute and just made me melt. I loved seeing him come into his own when returning as a King of Faerie and although I was really worried he was actually dead, I’m so happy that Emily, as always, managed to find a way.

Emily is one of my favourite characters, she’s so confident and you can see how she has grown throughout the 3 books. She trusts her instincts and once again was proved right to do so.

It was great seeing some older characters from the previous books, and Emily going back to the Hidden King had a nice circle feel to the whole trilogy, going back to where we started. Reading this has made me just want to reread the whole series again and see how much these characters have changed.

A trilogy I have truly enjoyed reading is over, and this is a series I will definitely be recommending!

Heather has that cozy fantastical feeling down to a T. Being in Emily’s mind through her POV as she embarks on her journey was a welcome pleasure, as usual. The world was clear and fun, but you still had those reminders sprinkled throughout out that faeries aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. I don’t think I’ll find another book that encapsulates the feelings those series gave me!

No spoilers for this books but as its the conclusion of a trilogy, there are some for previous books.

Emily and Wendell are thrust into the court now expected to be in charge

Will the court accept the Prince and his human bride to be...

As well as navigating this, they are dealing with a curse on the lands from Wendells stepmother and what will it take to stop this... maybe more than Emily is willing to sacrifice

I think this was actually my favourite of the series, great conclusion and completed now so you can get caught up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Browm/Orbit for the review copy, all opinions my own

What an adventure! Wendell and Emily continue to be some of my favorite characters. Their story is the sweetest! If you're looking for a cozy time with a sprinkle of mystery, dark faeries, and suspense, this is the read for you. A perfect follow-up to the first two books in the series. I'm a huge fan!!

How I love cozy fantasy.

Not much can be told in this third part as it may be spoilers.

Emily and Wandell are a beautiful couple who have evolved greatly.

The setting has been the touch for me, I loved how the author creates all this magical background and all that academic mood (I wanted to immerse myself in this world) I just wanted to know more about the fairies as well as Emily.

The whole cast of secondary characters and in general everything Emily goes through has fascinated me, I just want more and more of her.

It has been phenomenal.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this amazing ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ahh! I just love the relationship between Wendell and Emily. I love the relationship they have with shadow and I love the adventures they have as a couple and as scholars. Emily continues to be pragmatic and shows her love in unconventional ways and I just feel so warm reading this series. 5 stars, chefs kiss 😘 thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

With the Emily Wilde series, Fawcett managed to craft multiple worlds and a seemingly never-ending cast of unique, creepy and adorable Folk who bought the stories within these novels to life.

In ‘Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales’, we get thrown right into Wendell’s faerie realm, Silva Lupi, AKA. ‘The Place Where The Trees Have Eyes’. Brambleby is here to take the throne, following the death of his Stepmother at Emily’s hands, and he’s brought Em to sit beside him as his queen. He’s excited to show her all the things he loves about his home, and give her time to do what she does best; study the fae. There’s just one small hiccup. His Stepmother is poisoning the kingdom, and it appears Wendell and Emily are the only ones who can put a stop to it. There must be some stories out there to help them on their quest though, right?

"What a mess! And I am to deal with all this today? It is not possible. For one thing, I was planning to take Emily to the Broken Meadows for a picnic."

“With a kingdom to rule, and a vengeful rival on the loose, our queen is occupying herself with trivial matters of scholarship?”

The finale to this trilogy had just as much richness and atmosphere as the first two books. Fawcett’s imagination, and the way she’s able to convey the nature of these reals on page is an absolute marvel. I am, by my own admission, pretty rubbish at picturing things I read about, but when I read these books I can see everything, from the creepy trees watching me, to the blushing brownies with buttercups hats and the courtly fae perpetually dripping in blood.

"I understand that stories are an important part of Faerie, but-",
"Not part," Niamh said, pausing at her typing. "They are the very foundations of this world, and all others. As such, they may be used as compasses. Guiding stars. Choose whatever analogy you like."

Despite being thrown right into the faerie world with this instalment, it still felt like the plot took a bit of time to get rolling. There were relatively new characters that we needed to meet, and we spent a bit of time establishing what the dynamics were between everyone. When the action did kick in, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged, and I appreciated that we didn’t lament on one path for too long before a new hurdle arose. The respites of Emily’s research in the mortal realm, peppered with appearances from old friendly faces and hilarious letters from Wendell were brilliant.

I am sure you are happily ensconced in your natural habitat, that dreary monument to mortal rumination that is the library.

Relationships are where the series shines for me, and they really reached their pique in this book. Emily and Wendell’s love story especially is like nothing I’ve ever read before. Anyone would think she hates him and it’s hilarious how utterly obsessed he is with her, but when you’ve spent so much time reading them together, you see that Emily, while appearing to be the moodiest bitch in all the realms, is actually full of warmth and love. The pair have an unmatched respect for one another below the surface, and seeing Emily maintain her independence as a scholar, a friend, and an Aunt, outside of the being Wendell’s fiancé or the queen of Silva Lupi was the perfect conclusion.

“I know your heart by now Em; it is not all stone and pencil shavings, as you are wont to pretend.”

I’m devastated that I’ve stepped through one of Fawcett’s doors for the final time; I don’t know if I’d ever have been fully prepared to say goodbye to the faerie realms.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Netgalley for the chance to read this early. I’ve purchased my copy already!

In "Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales," Heather Fawcett delivers a masterful conclusion to her beloved trilogy that began with "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" and continued through "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands." This third volume maintains the series' signature blend of academic precision and magical wonder while pushing its protagonist into her most challenging role yet: becoming a queen of Faerie alongside her former academic rival and now-fiancé, Wendell Bambleby.

Series Evolution: From Scholar to Sovereign

The Emily Wilde series has shown remarkable growth from its origins. The first book introduced us to Emily's meticulous documentation of faerie species in the remote village of Hrafnsvik, where she first encountered Wendell's true nature. The second book expanded her horizons through dangerous cartographic adventures. Now, in this third installment, Emily must navigate the treacherous waters of faerie politics while maintaining her scholarly pursuits - a challenge that proves both daunting and illuminating.

Writing Style and Narrative Structure

Fawcett's prose continues to shine through Emily's journal entries, maintaining the academic tone while allowing for moments of personal vulnerability and wry humor. The author masterfully balances scholarly observations with emotional depth, creating a narrative that feels both intellectually stimulating and deeply personal. The journal format, which has been a cornerstone of the series, takes on new significance as Emily documents her transition from observer to participant in faerie politics.

Plot Analysis: Strength and Challenges

Core Storyline

The narrative follows Emily and Wendell as they claim his rightful throne in the Silva Lupi, only to face the devastating consequences of his stepmother's curse upon the land. The plot weaves together political intrigue, scholarly research, and personal growth in a way that mostly succeeds, though occasionally stumbles under its own complexity.

Strong Elements

- The integration of academic research with political maneuvering
- Emily's growing confidence in her unconventional approach to queenship
- The exploration of faerie folklore through a scholarly lens
- The development of supporting characters, particularly the common fae

Areas for Improvement

- Some plot resolutions feel too convenient
- The pacing occasionally slows during political discussions
- Certain character motivations, particularly those of minor antagonists, could be better developed

Character Development

Emily's evolution from reluctant scholar to confident queen while maintaining her essential nature is particularly well-handled. Her relationship with Wendell deepens convincingly, though their dynamic occasionally feels overshadowed by political matters. Secondary characters, especially the oíche sidhe and Lord Taran, are complex and compelling additions to the cast.

World-Building Excellence

The Silva Lupi comes alive through Emily's detailed observations and Fawcett's rich imagination. The author excels at creating a faerie realm that feels both magical and academically documented, with clear rules and fascinating exceptions. The political structure and social dynamics between different types of fae are particularly well-realized.

Thematic Depth

The novel explores several compelling themes:

- The tension between observation and participation
- The power of stories in shaping reality
- The importance of challenging traditional power structures
- The value of academic knowledge in practical situations

Style and Technical Elements

Fawcett's attention to detail shines in her treatment of academic conventions and faerie lore. The footnotes and scholarly references add authenticity while often providing moments of humor. The pacing generally maintains a good balance between academic exposition and action, though it occasionally gets bogged down in political minutiae.

Critical Assessment

Strengths

- Rich world-building that seamlessly blends academic study with magical reality
- Strong character development, particularly for Emily
- Clever integration of scholarly elements with narrative flow
- Satisfying evolution of relationships and political dynamics

Weaknesses

- Some plot resolutions feel rushed or overly convenient
- Political elements occasionally overshadow personal storylines
- Certain supporting character arcs could be more fully developed
- Some passages get bogged down in political detail

Impact and Significance

The book successfully concludes the series while expanding our understanding of faerie realms through an academic lens. It makes a unique contribution to the fantasy genre by maintaining its scholarly framework while delivering an emotionally satisfying story.

Final Verdict

While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its political plotting, "Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales" succeeds in delivering a satisfying conclusion to the series while maintaining the unique charm and academic rigor that made the first two books so engaging.

This was an intriguing and dramatic continuation of the Emily Wilde series. I adored the development of Emily and Wendell's relationship, although how she managed him and his capriciousness was still as entertaining as ever.

In this book, Emily has to navigate curses, an entire faerie kingdom, and a fiance whose life may be at the whims of the realm.

The journal format of these novels took a while to immerse myself in, but once there, I found the academic nature, the fantastical descriptions and the cast of characters sublime. It was a unique read and one I enjoyed immensely!