Discovering the Enchanting World of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett 🧚

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.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

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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.

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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.

I received Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett from the publisher, Orbit. This is an unbiased and honest review

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