Light academia, Icelandic folklore, Faeries, enchanting yet witty prose, and a heartwarming grumpy-sunshine romance = a perfect 5 star read!
Tropes: slow-burn romance, grumpy/sunshine dynamic, magical academia, found family, whimsical/enchanted setting, witty banter, mystery elements.
Content Warnings (TWs): mild peril, subtle tension, some scary magical creatures, minor character conflict.
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As the weather turns colder, the days shorter, and we approach the end of 2025, I found myself craving a cozy, immersive fantasy book to wind down with and fully lean into the winter season. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett seemed like exactly the kind of book I was looking for. It has been on my TBR for a while but I put it off after stumbling on a few reviews that suggested this book is better suited for the colder season. Now that I've read it, I'm so glad I made this choice.
𝑀𝓎 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌
What a delight from beginning to end! I find Heather Fawcett’s writing so enchanting and effortless. Her whimsical imagery drew me in immediately, bringing the story to life from the very first chapter.
The plot, characters, setting, faerie elements, and subtle mystery are all thoughtfully well written. Everything and everyone matters to the story which pulled me in so completely that I felt like I was living within it instead of reading it. I was also pleasantly surprised by how funny the book is; the witty dialogue and banter earned a lot of laughs from me which was definitely a treat.
As I reflect on the characters, Emily Wilde resonated with me deeply. Her curmudgeonly nature, love of solitude, and devotion to her work felt incredibly relatable, yet the story gently challengers her to be more thoughtful and aware of the people and world around her. I saw parts of myself in Emily, along with glimpses of my own growth. I'll add here that I loved the journal-style narration. It’s educational, adventurous, and reflective, which added depth to Emily's character and made me feel invested in her work.
Nature in the story is treated almost like a character itself, both beautiful and a little unsettling which is in my opinion such a perfect way to complement the wintry setting. That balance gives the world extra depth, full of wonder and quiet tension.
Of course, Wendell Bambleby deserves his flowers too. He’s charming, witty, and utterly delightful; the perfect contrast to Emily’s grumpiness (she's trying her best!). As the story unfolds, it becomes clear there’s much more to him than meets the eye. His devotion to Emily, combined with his charm and cleverness, makes him a very Bri-approved MMC and a fascinating character in his own right.
And the romance! Because of course I must talk about it. The subtle, slow-burn relationship between Emily and Wendell was heartwarming and so uterly satisfying. It never felt rushed, and I loved how it developed alongside the characters’ growth and the story’s unfolding mystery. Watching them navigate their feelings and differences made their connection feel genuine. I just think these two goobers are so cute together and have delightful chemisty!
Overall, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries was a charming, immersive read that stayed with me long after I finished it. I loved seeing Emily grow through her challenges and taking the time to notice the wonder in the world around her. It reminded me, in a quiet way, to do the same in my own life. I’m thrilled that this is just the first in the series, and I can’t wait to continue the adventure and see where Emily and Wendell’s journey takes us next!
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