A review by tokiberry
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

adventurous funny informative lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

The rating is debatable, but it’s a definite 5 star for me.

౨ৎ⋆ ˚。⋆ Emily is a Cambridge professor who travels to the village of Hrafnsvik with hopes of completing the final chapter of her book, which was to be the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But after a series of events, her first week at the village ended up with her getting burnt breakfast every morning and two sheeps in her cottage. Not to mention her enigmatic and charming colleague, Wendell Bambleby, shows up out of the blue. With that being said, her journey to uncover the secrets of the Hidden Ones begin.

I was surprised by the story's format, which was based on Emily's journal entries from her field-expedition. It was mostly narrative and heavily focused on Emily's research, but whenever there is banter or a Wendell entry, it's all quite entertaining.

𓏲⋆🌿.* Emily is such a lovely character. She is so dedicated to her work and research that she has trouble interacting with... well, everyone. I love how consistent her personality is until the end of the book, but it also shows subtle changes after her time in the village.

⋆.˚ ☕️ “I’ve observed that most people are taken in by his smile or his eyes, but for me, it’s that damned hair—one can’t help imagining what it feels like, is the problem.”


: ⊹ ☕️₊ ⋆ Wendell is a party. He's charismatic, extravagant, and quite a handful. I don't know why, but his character was so distinct that I could practically hear him in my head. He is such a delight and a great company to be with that he literally charmed everyone in the village people.

⋆.˚ 🪞“You do have a heart after all, somewhere buried deep. Very deep.”

Another thing I loved about the characters was how Emily and Wendell value each other's company not only as colleagues but also as friends. They are the definition of rain and sunshine.

°❀⋆ “You don’t have to stay with me,” I said. “You can go down to the tavern and regale the villagers with the tale of our success.”

“Why would I do that? I prefer your company, Em.” He said it as if it were obvious. I snorted again, assuming he was teasing me.

“Over the company of a tavern filled with a rapt and grateful audience? I’m sure you do.”

“Over anyone else’s company.” .ೃ࿔*:・


Although not frequently mentioned due to Emily’s personality, the side characters were distinct, and it's pretty amazing. They filled my heart with so much joy that it saddened me to realize that Emily’s stay was only temporary. During her trip, she found answers to her questions and gained a family she never knew she would grow to cherish.

🧚🏻‍♂️ I am so excited to start the next book soon If you are looking for a fantasy cottage-core with a dash of mystery, adventure, and light romance, then this book is definitely for you ✨

⊹₊。ꕤ˚₊⊹