Heather Fawcett

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.

“So endlessly enchanting, so rich and complete and wise that you’ll walk away half ensorcelled.”—Melissa Albert, author of The Hazel Wood

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, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people.

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, muddle 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. 

A Novel

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries

ooh i’ve been told i have a terrible habit of not asking for help when i need it (working on it!) so this resonated with me 

nikki

“Never in my adult life had I had someone looking out for me. Everything that I have wanted or needed doing, I have done myself.

And why not? I have never needed rescuing before. I suppose I always assumed that if I ever did, I would have two options: rescue myself or perish.”

I love when Emily includes her inner thoughts. 😂

“This was Bambleby, after all—my only friend. (God.)”

Nica

“The poets say this is the sort of beauty that matters most. Kindness. Generosity. Forgiveness.”

Holly 

After Finn departed, I unpacked the rest of my things, which, as I had expected, took but a moment-I brought only four dresses and some books. The familiar smell of Cambridge's Library of Dryadology wafted out with them, and I felt a shiver of yearning for that musty, ancient place, a haven of quiet and solitude in which I have whiled away many hours.

"Nevertheless, when it comes to the Folk, there is something true in every story, even the false Ones. " 

I could have gone on about faerie stories-Ive written several articles on the subject--but I didn't know how to talk to him about my scholarship, if what I said would be nonsense to his ears. The truth is that, for the Folk, stories are everything. Stories are part of them and their world in a fundamental way that mortals have difficulty grasping; a story may be a singular event from the past, but-crucially-it is also a pattern that shapes their behaviour and predicts future events. The Folk have no system of laws, and while I am not saying stories are as law to them, they are the closest thing their world has to some form of order.

Elena M.

If you do not admit kindness from others, you cannot be surprised when they fail to offer any.

The Folk were of another world, with its own rules and customs—and to a child who always felt ill-suited to her own world, the lure was irresistible.

Emily McMeans

“The Folk were of another world, with its own rules and customs—and to a child who always felt ill-suited to her own world, the lure was irresistible.”

Alexa Writes

Altogether the place had such an unwholesome air about it that it was hard to look away, dark smoke drifting sluggishly from the chimney like the ooze of an infected wound. 

Bambleby was outside by the woodshed, looking like he was trying to solve a mathematical equation. For some reason, he had pushed away the snow with his boot so that he could stand upon the frosty grass. I actually felt a little sorry for him, shivering despite the weight of his cloak, for he reminded me of some temperate tree or bush, transplanted and forced to grow in some northerner's garden against its will. I hefted the axe and placed a log upon the stump. 

other than Bambleby. He seemed to have found the greenest part of the forest, which had little greenery left-a small grove of conifers.

"Any more?" he called from his sprawl at the foot of the stairs. What?" I shouted. I believe I had gone slightly deaf. “Any more of your demented beasts lurking within? Should I simply lie here until they take their leave? They're not mine, I felt it necessary to say. "Well, one of them is."

I should, I suppose, mention here that I am perhaps ninety-five percent certain that Wendell Bambleby is not human.

open the door and spat a great breath of snowflakes into the cottage. Egilson shouldered it closed again. "It's snowing," I said, an uncharacteristic inanity. I'm sorry to say that the sight of snow drifting into the fireplace had me edging once again towards morbid despair. “It does that on occasion," replied Egilson with a touch of black humour that I found preferable to false friendliness, which is not the same as saying I appreciated it. "Not to worry, though. Winter isn't here yet, it's just clearing its throat. These clouds will open up momentarily." "And when will winter arrive?" I enquired grimly. “You'll know it when it does," he said, a sideways sort of answer

A knock upon the door launched me to my feet. But the visitor was already erntering without bothering about my permission, stamping his boots with the air of a man entering his own abode after a long day. "Professor Wilde," he said, holding outa hand. It was a large hand, for he was a large man, both in height and around the shoulders and midsection. His hair was a shaggy black, his face square, with a broken nose that came together in a way that was surprisingly becoming, though in an entirely uninviting way. "Brought your dog, I see. Fine beast." "Mr. Egilson?" I said politely, shaking the hand. "Well, who else would I be? my host replied. I wasn't sure if

I pushed it open, I found a sheep. It stared at me a moment, chewing at something, then sauntered off to rejoin its fellows as l politely held the door. 

few were about, being most likely in their felds or fish- ing boats, but those few stared at me as only rural villagers at the edge of the known world can stare at a stranger.

Emma Miller

I gave him a long thoughtful look. “What?” He said. “It’s your chin. It’s still a little crooked.” His hand went immediately to the feature. “It is not.” I shrugged. “Perhaps it’s my imagination.”

Shadow padded up to me and put his head on my knee, all forgiven, as it always is with dogs. If I had frightened my cat as I had Shadow, she’d ignore me for days, or possibly put a curse on me, but then cats have self respect.

I could not tell if he was terrible at drawing cats or if he simply had a terrible cat.

He had a habit of doodling, marginalia I was inclined to ignore given that a full half of these sketches were of me, including one that made me very still. In it, I was bent over my notebook, hair tumbling over my shoulders as it usually does in the evening, my chin on my hand and a small smile on my face. It was a very detailed work, each stroke carefully chosen. I could see the places where he’d smudged the ink with a thumb to create shadow - the curve of my neck. The hollow between my collarbones.

In any event, these are practical people, and they care more about what you did than the why of it all.

It sounds odd to admit that I find the company of such a boisterous person restful, but perhaps it is always restful to be around someone who does not expect anything from you beyond what is in your nature.

I gazed at him a moment longer. His mourning was a tangible thing that hung in the air. I have never loved a place like he has, and felt it’s absence as I would a friend’s. But for a moment, I wished I had, and felt this as it’s own loss.

Fiona dakin

A bit of a slow start made me wonder whether i would like this book but as soon as Wendell arrived the book got more interesting and i enjoyed it a lot more. I really enjoyed the characters, Emily was introverted and socially awkward but didn’t seem to mind. Wendell on the other hand was the complete opposite, outgoing, sarcastic and humorous. They balance each other out very well, once they are together the story starts to take off and Emily wonder what Wendells motives for joining her were. Their rivalry/friendship/banter and the hints of a future relationship were also something I really enjoyed. 

I liked the way the story was presented through Emily’s field notes and journal, especially when it switched to Wendell’s POV. Overall i did really enjoy the book and will read the next one.

the main lady doesn’t know how human social behavior works (love that) and wendell’s kind of a little shit (also great)

plot took a second to get going but was nice once it got revved up vroom vroom

the main lady doesn’t know how human social behavior works (love that) and wendell’s kind of a little shit (also great)

plot took a second to get going but was nice once it got revved up vroom vroom

Megan

I loved this book so much, but it’s not without its flaws. It’s very dense, and as it’s a journal written by an academic, there are lots of complex sentences and large words I didn’t know. The lore is a little bit confusing (likely on purpose) and Emily is kind of hard to understand. She makes a lot of strange choices in the name of science, but they don’t make a lot of sense. Her character growth is nearly non-existent. I would have loved to see her more confident in her abilities by the end. 

Particularly her decision which sets of the climax of the story had me very confused. I just don’t see why should make this choice. It seemed very stupid, yet no one gives her hell for it, either. It’s a huge f*ck up, but it’s breezed over completely. 

Wendell, however, is the star of the show. He’s a great, complex, character that grows before our eyes. His character arc is absolutely perfect. He went from someone I couldn’t stand to someone I loved so much. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I just don’t understand Emily’s motivation toward the end. It felt very out of place. However, Wendell, Poe, and the villagers made up for this completely. On top of that, Fawcett does a great job painting a world of intrigue, mischief, and snowstorms. I would definitely read a second book in this series, if there were one. 

Disclaimer: I was given an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I haven’t read a lot fantasy novels in my life (yes, I have never read any fantasy series other than that one time I read The Infernal Devices back when I was 16), especially those that involve the fae folk, particularly because it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I realized as of late that I’ve been missing out on a lot of great books that are in the fantasy genre (as well as other genres), so I decided to branch out. As someone who just has absolutely no idea of the faerie folk, I thought this novel is a great entrance to them or in general, fantasy reading.

The first part of the book was tough to get into, but I know it’s just because of all the worldbuilding that I’m quite not used to yet, and that’s probably why it took me almost a month to get back to it (oops). Even so, I appreciate that it did provide enough lore to fill in the gaps. I do love the way it’s written like an academic journal, with all those annotations that sometimes felt a little tedious, but I do get why it’s there. It’s clear that Emily does her best at remaining objective, but I’ve mentioned in a highlight that I love it when her inner thoughts make its way into the pages of the journal, especially when it came to Wendell and the townspeople.

I love Emily. I love when a character is incredibly likable with reasonable flaws. I resonated so much with her in a sense that she’d rather face anything other than her own emotions. I adore her relationship with Shadow, her ever loyal furry companion, and Poe (we love Poe), a common faerie. Wendell, on the other hand, is so annoying (affectionate). I liked him nonetheless. Another thing I would like to note is that it’s clear that Emily values her space above everything and Wendell could care less about anyone else but I love how that’s not the case when they’re together, because to Emily being alone is synonymous with being alone with Wendell, and to Wendell, he would rather spend his time with Emily.

Overall, I had fun reading it! I originally picked it up because silly me didn’t read the blurb and thought it’s actually a guide book about faeries by someone named Emily Wilde. 😭  I’m not complaining though!

Also, if anyone has recommendations of fantasy novels, I’m up for it!

I haven’t read a lot fantasy novels in my life (yes, I have never read any fantasy series other than that one time I read The Infernal Devices back when I was 16), especially those that involve the fae folk, particularly because it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I realized as of late that I’ve been missing out on a lot of great books that are in the fantasy genre (as well as other genres), so I decided to branch out. As someone who just has absolutely no idea of the faerie folk, I thought this novel is a great entrance to them or in general, fantasy reading.

The first part of the book was tough to get into, but I know it’s just because of all the worldbuilding that I’m quite not used to yet, and that’s probably why it took me almost a month to get back to it (oops). Even so, I appreciate that it did provide enough lore to fill in the gaps. I do love the way it’s written like an academic journal, with all those annotations that sometimes felt a little tedious, but I do get why it’s there. It’s clear that Emily does her best at remaining objective, but I’ve mentioned in a highlight that I love it when her inner thoughts make its way into the pages of the journal, especially when it came to Wendell and the townspeople.

I love Emily. I love when a character is incredibly likable with reasonable flaws. I resonated so much with her in a sense that she’d rather face anything other than her own emotions. I adore her relationship with Shadow, her ever loyal furry companion, and Poe (we love Poe), a common faerie. Wendell, on the other hand, is so annoying (affectionate). I liked him nonetheless. Another thing I would like to note is that it’s clear that Emily values her space above everything and Wendell could care less about anyone else but I love how that’s not the case when they’re together, because to Emily being alone is synonymous with being alone with Wendell, and to Wendell, he would rather spend his time with Emily.

Overall, I had fun reading it! I originally picked it up because silly me didn’t read the blurb and thought it’s actually a guide book about faeries by someone named Emily Wilde. 😭  I’m not complaining though!

Also, if anyone has recommendations of fantasy novels, I’m up for it!

Natalie Unsinn 

buny

** spoiler alert **
           3.25 ⭐️😵‍💫🫶 Where can I order a malewife Faerie Prince who's neverendingly dramatic, social so I don't have to be, has a sarcastic streak and would go FERAL protective over me when I got hurt. Do tell, Emily

Christine

if you spend enough time studying the Folk, you become aware of how their behaviour follows the ancient warp and weft of stories, and to feel the way that pattern is unfolding before you. The third question is always the most important one.

surprisingly decent! more violent than i expected and in a mildly concerning way! but it's faeries so i guess that makes sense.

liana

Thank you but no, thank you.

Boring. Couldn’t care less about the characters. I fell asleep a few times reading it.

Good thing is: I returned the book and have my money back yasssss👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Almost perfect wish fulfilment book for someone like me. I was pleasantly surprised by the way it reminded me of the Lady Trent series which I absolutely adored.

There was a lot happening in the book, though. It all ties together by the end but looking back on it, it does somehow feel like Fawcett wanted to cram in as many events and faery folklore elements within the novel. I also wish it did so in a more interesting manner or that more pieces had been moved simultaneously.

However, I cannot help but rate it highly since I enjoy it quite a bit.

Almost perfect wish fulfilment book for someone like me. I was pleasantly surprised by the way it reminded me of the Lady Trent series which I absolutely adored.

There was a lot happening in the book, though. It all ties together by the end but looking back on it, it does somehow feel like Fawcett wanted to cram in as many events and faery folklore elements within the novel. I also wish it did so in a more interesting manner or that more pieces had been moved simultaneously.

However, I cannot help but rate it highly since I enjoy it quite a bit.

Such a cute story, way different from the other fantasy novels I've read. 

Madison Altares

Hannah DCamp

3.5 stars rounded up to four.

This has all the charm (and darkness and unexpected gore) of a fairy tale, and that's exactly why I loved it. I always enjoy pretending I'm an academic of some kind who gets to do field research for a living, so it was nice to step into Emily's shoes for a while. Reading about her work, about her professional goals, her hopes of having her encyclopaedia published, was all just really lovely. There's something cozy about this kind of life that's wildly appealing, and it shone through in all it's glory. Sometimes that glory includes dealing with other academics, but what are you going to do?

The setting itself was vivid and well crafted. When the book came to an end and Emily and Bambleby made to leave Hranfsvik behind, I felt her nostalgia and sadness with her. But this was a great book to read with a warm drink and a roaring fire - the cold winter weather in this book is visceral, and as someone who enjoys winter, I loved being immersed in the biting chill of Ljosland.* The people and their culture were just as well crafted as their home. The cast of secondary and tertiary characters is decently large, but each of them were distinct and I never had trouble remembering who was who.

From the start I knew that Wendell Bambleby was going to become the love interest (it's tagged as a fantasy romance, I don't think this is a spoiler). If you're interested in slow-burn romances, this takes the cake - the two are mostly just friends through the whole thing, friends who (on Emily's side) frequently comment on the enticing quality of their friend's hair, and how generally beautiful they are. The romance was also remarkably clean, which I really appreciated (there're some references to sex, but the characters barely kiss, much less think about the romance actually happening).

The real hero of this story is Shadow, who was (view spoiler)[definitely not a normal dog, which I'd suspected, but (hide spoiler)] still Man's Best Friend in the face of all kinds of faerie nonsense. 🥇 What a good boy.

*Someday I will move to a little cabin on an island near the Arctic Circle, and then I will be truly happy.

Mel 

I adored everything about this. Whimsical, magical and warm.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopeadia of Faeries is another testament why getting your literature reccs from Booktok is a bad idea.

In short it tells the story of Professor Emily, the remote Scandanavian (?) made up village she visits in winter to find Faeries and Fae to record for her research, and the oh-so annoying Wendell. (For the rest of the synopsis you can use Google)

Heather’s writing is not for me, as cute and cozy the book ould have been, it was not for me due to the awful pacing and overly flowery padded language that almost seems as an attempt to come across as more intelligent than the book actually is.

Some of the characters are cute, and some of the inter-personal relations of Emily are interesting as she presents as someone unaware of how to socialize. But that is where my praise ends, Wendell is a waste of space person and towards the end I felt being gaslight into finding him actions redeemable. 

I normally love Fae-related fantasy and cozy fantasy, but this missed the mark on both for me personally.

Rabia Sitabi

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopeadia of Faeries is another testament why getting your literature reccs from Booktok is a bad idea.

In short it tells the story of Professor Emily, the remote Scandanavian (?) made up village she visits in winter to find Faeries and Fae to record for her research, and the oh-so annoying Wendell. (For the rest of the synopsis you can use Google)

Heather’s writing is not for me, as cute and cozy the book ould have been, it was not for me due to the awful pacing and overly flowery padded language that almost seems as an attempt to come across as more intelligent than the book actually is.

Some of the characters are cute, and some of the inter-personal relations of Emily are interesting as she presents as someone unaware of how to socialize. But that is where my praise ends, Wendell is a waste of space person and towards the end I felt being gaslight into finding him actions redeemable. 

I normally love Fae-related fantasy and cozy fantasy, but this missed the mark on both for me personally.



Full of magic and faeries this is a fun lighthearted book with a strong (autistic coded) female lead. Slow burn with the fae professor who drives her mad. Absolutely loved it! 

Karen

I went into this Book a little blind but after hearing a lot of positive reviews around I knew that I wanted to give this one a go and I feel proud of myself for doing it as it’s a little out of my comfort zone but I do feel as if I should have maybe DNFed this one as I found myself not wanting to pick this up after I put it down.  

The story is about Emily Wilde, a scholar who researches all the different faeries of the world. She travels to a very isolated, cold place to study "the hidden ones" and her academic rival and frenemy turns up and changes things. The story is written in a diary/journal format.

For me I just found this book to be boring, I pushed through the book but found it to be a very slow story and I just did not connect with the characters at all. The writing was fine, it just didn't grip me, and I struggle with these slow stories especially if I don't click with the characters.

I hate to write a bad review as it may be just a bad matching.

Ian Brakspear

I went into this Book a little blind but after hearing a lot of positive reviews around I knew that I wanted to give this one a go and I feel proud of myself for doing it as it’s a little out of my comfort zone but I do feel as if I should have maybe DNFed this one as I found myself not wanting to pick this up after I put it down.  

 

The story is about Emily Wilde, a scholar who researches all the different faeries of the world. She travels to a very isolated, cold place to study "the hidden ones" and her academic rival and frenemy turns up and changes things. The story is written in a diary/journal format.

 

For me I just found this book to be boring, I pushed through the book but found it to be a very slow story and I just did not connect with the characters at all. The writing was fine, it just didn't grip me, and I struggle with these slow stories especially if I don't click with the characters.

I hate to write a bad review as it may be just a bad matching.

nina 

4.25 stars 

maybe i don’t hate *all* stories about fairies

alyssa helena

The book's theme itself intrigued me and I couldn't put it down until I've devoured every last page of it. I wish there's more fantasy/mythological creature-themed book from the pov of a scholar. There's so much going on in one book but since this is book 1 of a series I think the world building is very nice and really makes me wonder what will happen in the next book. 

I previously read reviews that said Bambleby is like Howl in Howl's Moving Castle and yes I have to agree!! In a way he's like both book /and/ movie Howl, which I think is amazing how the author can create a character like that.

A charming book about a buttoned up scholarly academic of fairies and her charismatic gregarious frenemy who are working together in a remote snowy village odd couple style to try and study some very rare folk when everything goes pear shaped. Big plans need to be hatched and rescues planned and the whole thing has to go off on either side of the veil between human and fairy and it's all extremely entertaining and complicated. Everything you want from a fairy fantasy and our two protagonists and the big lovable dog they have with them. 

Apiecalypse Jen

*A delightful, heartwarming story with just enough bite*

 last year, I have been on the lookout for more stories with that combination of whimsical fairytale and that shadowy edge that classic fairy stories had. Plus heroines with gumption. I’m always on the lookout for those.

 which I am delighted to announce fulfilled everything I was looking for in this delightful story so self-discovery, adventure, and of course, fairies!

Set in an alternate historical world where magical creatures are acknowledged, Emily Wilde is a Cambridge professor trying to complete a comprehensive encyclopedia of faeries. (I’ll switch to her spelling for the rest of the review for cohesion purposes. But as we know, pretty much any combination of vowels following the letter F is accepted spelling for faeries.) Emily is brilliant and meticulous but notably lacking in people skills. But when her research takes her to the remote Nordic town of Hrafnsvik, she finds herself challenged in ways she never imagined by the people, the land, and the supernaturals.

The story is slow-burn and the romance subplot is even more slow-burn. So if you are looking for fast-paced magical battles, this isn’t the book for you. 

 is what I expected (and absolutely did not get) from 

. The atmosphere of the story was a wonderful blend of cozy and mysterious with an academic background. I grew up reading darker faery stories and despite loving happily-ever-afters, I also love the wicked and sinister edge to the old stories. Fawcett captured the mischievousness and capriciousness of the fae and the way the operated by such a separate code than humans.

I absolutely adored Emily and the other characters. I won’t give away the plot, but I loved this enchanting story. And I’m here for all the witty banter.

I am so impatient to read the sequel! My heart is also “filled with the dust of a thousand library stacks” and with the affection for this book.

Characters and Character Development: 5 Stars

Colleen

5 Stars

*A delightful, heartwarming story with just enough bite*


Ever since reading Half a Soul last year, I have been on the lookout for more stories with that combination of whimsical fairytale and that shadowy edge that classic fairy stories had. Plus heroines with gumption. I’m always on the lookout for those.

Enter Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries which I am delighted to announce fulfilled everything I was looking for in this delightful story so self-discovery, adventure, and of course, fairies!


And you shall shut yourself away forever in those old stones with your books and your mysteries like a dragon with her hoard, having as little association with the living as possible and emerging only to breathe fire at your students.


Set in an alternate historical world where magical creatures are acknowledged, Emily Wilde is a Cambridge professor trying to complete a comprehensive encyclopedia of faeries. (I’ll switch to her spelling for the rest of the review for cohesion purposes. But as we know, pretty much any combination of vowels following the letter F is accepted spelling for faeries.) Emily is brilliant and meticulous but notably lacking in people skills. But when her research takes her to the remote Nordic town of Hrafnsvik, she finds herself challenged in ways she never imagined by the people, the land, and the supernaturals.

The story is slow-burn and the romance subplot is even more slow-burn. So if you are looking for fast-paced magical battles, this isn’t the book for you. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is what I expected (and absolutely did not get) from A Natural History of Dragons. The atmosphere of the story was a wonderful blend of cozy and mysterious with an academic background. I grew up reading darker faery stories and despite loving happily-ever-afters, I also love the wicked and sinister edge to the old stories. Fawcett captured the mischievousness and capriciousness of the fae and the way the operated by such a separate code than humans.


The Folk were of another world, with its own rules and customs—and to a child who always felt ill-suited to her own world, the lure was irresistible.


I absolutely adored Emily and the other characters. I won’t give away the plot, but I loved this enchanting story. And I’m here for all the witty banter.


Were you expecting me to throw myself at you? Would you have then said a dozen pretty things about my eyes or hair?"
"No, it would have been, 'Get off me, you imposter, and tell me what you did with Emily.


I am so impatient to read the sequel! My heart is also “filled with the dust of a thousand library stacks” and with the affection for this book.


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
Writing Style: 5 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 5 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 5 Stars
Level of Captivation: 5 Stars
Originality: 5 Stars

Interesting world and Emily was a strong character. Couldn’t fully disappear into the story and the end conflict felt almost random but I think that’s on me, not the author. Fun read.

Liv N.

I expected a lot from this book, maybe too much. Honestly, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing wow factor good either. It was pretty enjoyable, and at the start rather mediocre, which made me question whether or not to read it. 

I don't have a bond with any of the characters, even though Wendell is rather charismatic. There just wasn't alot of characterisation or personality in the characters, so this lack meant we lacked that bond and therfore just didnt feel a lot of emotion in times of stress in the book. 

I think however the vibes are utterly immaculate, like the flowery wintery faerie vibe in this book was absolutely reached, and it's written to a point of immaculate detail. Like, you can physically see it play out in your head and it makes me happy to be able to do that. 

The plots pretty basic, which is why I just found it so boring. It was kind of difficult to get through, but I dragged myself along for Wendell and Emily, which, by the way, is so slow burn you cant even tell it's burning in the first place.

Still going to carry this series on, I think you should still give it a try.

surtified™

I expected a lot from this book, maybe too much. Honestly, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing wow factor good either. It was pretty enjoyable, and at the start rather mediocre, which made me question whether or not to read it. 

I don't have a bond with any of the characters, even though Wendell is rather charismatic. There just wasn't alot of characterisation or personality in the characters, so this lack meant we lacked that bond and therfore just didnt feel a lot of emotion in times of stress in the book. 

I think however the vibes are utterly immaculate, like the flowery wintery faerie vibe in this book was absolutely reached, and it's written to a point of immaculate detail. Like, you can physically see it play out in your head and it makes me happy to be able to do that. 

The plots pretty basic, which is why I just found it so boring. It was kind of difficult to get through, but I dragged myself along for Wendell and Emily, which, by the way, is so slow burn you cant even tell it's burning in the first place.

Still going to carry this series on, I think you should still give it a try.

Ini Davies

'A darkly gorgeous fantasy that sparkles with snow and magic, this book wholly enchanted me' Sangu Mandanna, author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches Enter the world of the hidden folk - and discover the most whimsical, enchanting and heart-warming tale you'll read this year, featuring the intrepid Emily Wilde. . . 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 encylopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people 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 But as Emily gets closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones - the most elusive of all faeries - 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. 'Forget dark academia: give me instead this kind of winter-sunshined, sharp-tongued and footnoted academia, full of field trips and grumpy romance' Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous Light 'Enchanting in every sense of the word. . . This book is real magic' H. G. Parry, author of The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep 'A book so vividly, endlessly enchanting, so crisply assured, so rich and complete and wise and far-reaching in its worldbuilding that you'll walk away half ensorcelled, sure Fawcett found Emily Wilde's journal in some sea-stained trunk' Melissa Albert 'The ideal book to curl up with on a chilly winter's evening. . . this book is an absolute delight.' Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy 'A charmingly whimsical delight. . . Five dazzling, gladdening stars' India Holton, author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels 'I enjoyed every word of this gorgeously written fairy tale featuring a grumpy heroine and an utterly charming love interest' Isabel Ibañez, author of Woven In Moonlight

This was really fun, once the story got going! To be fair, I think it's partly me - I don't always do well with stories that have slow starts, & the beginning of this felt like it dragged on for 84000 years. Still, the characters were utterly charming - & I especially enjoyed the contrast between Emily's no-nonsense academic attitude to Wendell's dramatics. The romance was really adorable, though a little fast for me. Also, I adooored this nerdy, academic world-building, once I got used to it a bit! Overall this first book shows a LOT of promise, so I'm excited for the next one!

Sharanya Sharma

Loved it! Fawcett’s background in academia shown through in the many depictions of the Folk in this book. Would recommend to anyone that has an interest in faeries and good writing.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries A Novel

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