🧚♀️ Book Review: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
A cozy, whimsical fantasy that blends academic curiosity, fae folklore, and slow-burn romance into a charming winter tale.
Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is the first book in a delightful new fantasy series that has enchanted readers with its unique blend of scholarly adventure and magical mischief. With a Goodreads rating of 3.97/5 from over 180,000 readers, it’s a standout for fans of cozy fantasy, folklore, and character-driven storytelling.
📖 Plot Overview
Emily Wilde is a brilliant but socially awkward Cambridge professor and the world’s leading expert on faerie lore. She travels to the remote Scandinavian village of Hrafnsvik to research the elusive Hidden Ones, hoping to complete her encyclopaedia. Emily prefers books and her dog Shadow to people, and she’s not exactly welcomed by the gruff locals.
Her solitude is disrupted by the arrival of Wendell Bambleby, her charming and infuriating academic rival. As Wendell inserts himself into her research and life, Emily begins to uncover not only the secrets of the fae—but also the truth about Wendell himself. What follows is a magical, slow-burning tale of discovery, danger, and unexpected friendship.
🌲 Why It Works
- Cozy Fantasy Vibes: Think The Goblin Emperor meets The Ten Thousand Doors of January—gentle pacing, rich atmosphere, and emotional warmth.
- Academic Adventure: Emily’s meticulous field notes and dry humor give the story a unique scholarly tone.
- Fae Lore & Worldbuilding: Fawcett draws from European folklore to create a layered, mysterious fae world full of changelings, courtly fae, and magical bargains.
- Slow-Burn Romance: The dynamic between Emily and Wendell is witty, subtle, and emotionally satisfying.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “A cozy fantasy with a prickly heroine and a fae prince who’s too charming for his own good.”
- “Perfect for fans of introverted leads and folklore-rich storytelling.”
- “The journal-style narration adds intimacy and charm.”
Some readers found the pacing slow or the prose overly formal, but most praised the immersive setting and character depth.
🧠 Themes Explored
- The tension between logic and magic
- Emotional vulnerability and trust
- The ethics of academic research in magical realms
- Found family and belonging
🏁 Final Verdict
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a gentle, enchanting read that invites you to curl up with a blanket and get lost in a world of fae mischief and quiet heroism. If you love folklore, introverted heroines, and stories that unfold like a winter’s tale, this one’s a must-read.
