Review of ‘Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries‘ (Emily Wilde #1) by Heather Fawcett. Discover the magical world of faerie folklore, slow-burn romance, and whimsical storytelling in this cozy fantasy novel. Perfect for fans of richly detailed worldbuilding and enchanting tales, Heather Fawcett’s debut in the Emily Wilde series combines academic intrigue with heartfelt connections. Dive into this beautifully crafted journey where magic and humanity intertwine seamlessly.
‘Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries’ by Heather Fawcett is a whimsical and cozy fantasy novel that blends academic exploration, folklore, and the magic of human connection into a beautifully crafted narrative
Synopsis
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.
Review
When I say Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is whimsical and cozy, I mean it in the most heartfelt way. Heather Fawcett takes us on a unique journey into a world of faeries and folklore with an intricately crafted narrative that feels like curling up by a crackling fire on a chilly day. However, like many fantasy novels, it asks for a bit of patience before it fully wraps you in its magic.
This is definitely one of those books where the opening feels like a classic meme about fantasy stories—you know, the one where you need a glossary and a map to make sense of anything! The worldbuilding is intricate and, at first, a little hard to crack. It took me some time to figure out the mechanics of the faerie world and its terminology. But once it clicked, everything became mesmerizing. The setting felt vivid, immersive, and alive with whimsy. It transformed from daunting to delightful, and I found myself savoring the details that brought this world to life.
The characters, much like the world, weren’t instantly relatable for me. Emily, the brilliant but socially awkward academic, and her enigmatic colleague Wendell Bambleby took some warming up to. Their romance was intriguing but could’ve been smoother in its progression. The shift from academic rivals to acquaintances, then friends, and finally lovers felt a bit abrupt. More detailed development of their relationship would have added a richness that the story deserved. That said, their banter and dynamic were undeniably charming once it picked up.
Fawcett’s prose is beautifully written—cinematic in its descriptive power and immersive in its whimsy. The storytelling feels cozy and magical, perfect for readers who appreciate a slower-paced narrative. However, the book’s journal-entry format adds to its leisurely nature. While I loved the originality of reading daily entries from Emily’s perspective, it sometimes created a disconnect from the kind of flow that sweeps you off your feet in a single sitting. This isn’t the kind of book you devour in two days; it’s one to indulge in, savoring the craft and care poured into each chapter.
Overall, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a whimsical delight that rewards patient readers with its charm and intricate beauty. It’s perfect for fans of slow-burn fantasy with lush worldbuilding and a sprinkle of romance. While it has its quirks and moments that could have been more polished, the cozy magic of this book will leave you eager for the sequel. Heather Fawcett has crafted something unique and enchanting, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
Final thoughts
This book is a whimsical delight that rewards patient readers with its charm and intricate beauty. While it has its quirks—such as the slower pace and a relationship that could have been more fleshed out—it’s undeniably cozy and enchanting. If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with lush worldbuilding and a sprinkle of romance, this book is worth your time. I’m excited to see where Heather Fawcett takes the story in the sequel.
Rating
7/10
Details
- Trigger warnings: Mention of loss of a loved one, grief, brief mentions of suicide, talk of and scenes of kidnapping, child neglect and abandonment (in the past), violence, gore, graphic injuries including self-amputation of a finger, depictions of blood, animal abuse and death, murder, decapitation, mention of death during childbirth, emesis (vomiting), mentions of spiders.
- Themes: Prominent themes include academic exploration, the intricacies of human relationships, self-discovery, and the enchanting world of faerie folklore.
- Representation: The narrative features a strong, socially awkward female protagonist, offering representation of neurodivergent traits.
- Genre: antasy, with subgenres of romantic fantasy and historical fantasy (adult).
- Pages: 317
- Publication date: January 10, 2023.
- Publisher: Del Rey.
- About the author: Heather Fawcett is a Canadian author known for her works in both adult and children’s fantasy literature. Her storytelling often blends enchanting magic with heartwarming narratives.
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