I remember hearing about this book in 2023 . It may not have gone “viral” but Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries managed to capture my attention and I added it to my “not so inmediatly TBR ( to be read list )
I asked myself, should I give this book that looks like an encyclopedia a chance?
I believe I didn’t even bother with reading the synopsis. Months later, I found myself in a reading slump where, for the love of God, I couldn’t find anything that captured my attention
So, to hell with it, I decided to try the book.
I can assure you I didn’t expect ANYTHING form it. The Title just didnt ” speak to me” and I sincerely thought it was going to be another DNF ( t” did not finish” when you don’t finish reading a book )
To my surprise, I ended up eating my words..
So here it is, “The Ultimate Guide on How to be dead wrong and nearly miss out on the Best Cozy Fantasy Romance of the year.” 😛
Emily Wilde Series
Author:Heather Fawcett
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: 2024
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 342
Spice level: Clean
Synopsis
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.
Author:Heather Fawcett
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published: 2024
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 340
Spice level: Clean
Synopsis
Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore, and has catalogued many secrets of the Hidden Folk in her encyclopaedia with her infuriatingly charming fellow scholar, Wendell Bambleby, by her side.
But Bambleby is more than just a brilliant and unbearably handsome scholar. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, in search of a door back to his realm.
By lucky happenstance, Emily’s new project, a map of the realms of faerie, will take them on an adventure to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby’s realm, and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans.
But with new friendships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.
Emily Wilde Trilogy Cozy Fantasy Guide
Emily Wilde Summary and important info before you read
Guidebook alert!!
For those curious about this masterpiece or undecided about reading it, check out this free guidebook I made for you.
It includes a complete spoiler-free summary for both books, quotes and information about the characters personalities.
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Emily Wilde, our fierce protagonist, records all her adventures in her journal.
Through her diary, we gain insight into her thoughts, field experiences, and emotions. The entire book is presented in the form of a journal.
Our heroine is a Professor at Cambridge and is well-known for her meticulous study of the Folk.
The story begins with Emily embarking on a journey to document more about an enigmatic species of faerie called “The Hidden Ones.” She aims to publish an Encyclopedia covering all known species of Folk, and it is vital for her to find more information about this particular kind.
For this task, she ventures alone into Hrafnsvik. The journey takes her five days from London, and the place is a cold wasteland with constant mist and ice surrounding it.
Despite suffering from the cold and harsh conditions, she is content with her investigation and progress.
Days pass, and she finds herself with a little surprise: Wendell Bambleby, her colleague, and one of the best male characters written in fantasy romance , is right at her door with two minions (ahem…students who help him…). He transforms the cottage, making it more comfortable.
Together, they embark on a journey to find the elusive Hidden Ones, solve a mystery involving the villagers, and discover more secrets than Emily could have ever imagined
Wendell and Emily are back in Cambridge.
She has a lead on where Wendell’s door could be. She has been following the last steps of De Grey, a renowned professor who went missing while studying tree fauns.
De Grey believed that Folks of different regions are in closer communication than scholars assume, and Emily wants to check this theory. If they can find these “routes,” there is a chance Wendell can go back to his Kingdom and claim the throne.
Together with Dr. Rose and Ariadne – Emily’s nephew – they go to the Alps to look for signs of De Grey’s investigation and new information about a possible Nexus to cross to the Reign of Silva Lupi
Emily Wilde Trilogy reading order
I don’t know why, but I sincerely thought this series was a duology. I even posted on the author’s Instagram saying how much I loved this DUOLOGY.
Arghh xdd
Well, it’s not hehe
Emily Wilde is a three-book series. We don’t have any info regarding the last book yet, but I will be updating this post whenever we get the title or release date.
The two books avaible now are:
Emily Wilde Encyclopaedia of Faeries is the epitome of cozy romance and mystery.
What is a cozy fantasy romance?
I’m sure you’ve heard the term before: ‘Cozy mystery,’ ‘Cozy fantasy,’ and now… ‘Cozy fantasy romance.’ This romance (or fantasy) subgenre has been getting A LOT of attention lately.
I like to define cozy fantasy with opposite examples. Because it’s a relatively new subgenre, nobody seems to have a ‘standard definition,’ but for me, cozy fantasy is a low-stakes, feel-good genre with a heavy focus on character development in a fantasy setting.
In contrast to traditional fantasy romance, where there high stakes involve peril and the need to save the world, low stakes in cozy fantasy often revolve around slice of life, problems that primarly affect only the main characters.
If you’re looking to add excellent cozy fantasy romances to your To-be-Read list, don’t miss out on the specially curated List I made for you ( with tracker! ) :
FREE Curated Book List Tracker
Cozy Fantasy Romances Must- Reads
Check out this Book Tracker List with the Best cozy fantasy romances and mark the ones you already read!!!
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World-building never takes a central stage in cozy fantasy romance, in contrast to books like Crescent City, for example.
While it plays a crucial role in establishing the overall ‘cozy’ vibe, it’s important to note that the world-building always serves the characters, and not the other way around.
Lately, we’ve seen cozy fantasy romance books incorporating some dark elements — just a touch, but enough to make me notice that the sub-genre is evolving.
It definitely has become one of my favorites.
Fairy tales with a strong focus on the characters’ feelings, mixed with dark elements (often involving faes or malicious beings), are emerging as favorites among fantasy romance readers seeking something different from the usual ” morally grey character and stabbing heroine trope “
Another good example of this sub-genre could definitely be found in books like Once Upon a Broken Heart and Divine Rivals.
Emily Wilde Series Spice level
Emily’s Wilde series, both first and second book, are clean reads with no sex scenes whatsoever.
However, you won’t miss the spice at all.
The overall tone is always playful, full of banter, and, OMG… Wendell Bambleby—please build a monument for this man. He deserves all that and more!
He is a mix between Cardan and Jacks and has become my new obsession.
Tropes and main themes
Curious about the tropes in the Emily Wilde trilogy?
Here are some notable ones for the first and second book.
Please be aware that the tropes for the second book may contain SPOILERS
Emily and Wendell Bambleby Fan art
I’m very respectful when it comes to artists and their art.
I never post anything on this blog without the author’s permission, and I was lucky enough to reach Kelley McMorris, the author of these pieces, to ask for her permission to post them here.
I had to share these two drawings with you.
I think they perfectly portray the essence of the books and the overall playful tone of Wendell and Emily’s relationship.
A reverse grumpy sunshine at its finest
Kelley McMorris is the same artist behind the GORGEOUS Divine Rivals UK covers and Fairy Loot special editions. And guess what? All of these drawings are available as prints on her website!!
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Special Editions
Fairyloot created two gorgeous special editions for the first and second books. They feature exclusive art, sprayed edges, and a unique cover design—simply stunning.
Of course, they are sold out, but you can still find them for resale on sites like eBay, although at significantly higher prices.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Quotes ( first book)
Best Wendell Bambleby quotes
I can’t tell who I adore more… Bambleby or Emily. Both are adorable characters with their own charms, but at least in this first book, I think Bambleby completely stole the show. Here are some of his best quotes (spoiler-free)
I may be of use to you yet, my dear dragon."
Wendell sometimes uses this nickname with Emily. He thinks she is a fierce person and admires her for her tenacity and intelligence
My Dear Emily. I've never seen you look so dejected" He was regarding me with affection - and something else, but it was gone before I could name it"
My Dear Emily’… Can we talk about this, PLEASE??
This nickname? It doesn’t count as a nickname for sure, but it had the same effect on me as the first time I read ‘Feyre, Darling.’
I adore it when Wendell addresses Emily like that.
Best Quotes from Emily Wilde
I could have thrown my arms around him. Indeed, I almost did, but for some perverse reason, I found myself needing to argue with him instead.
Emily is aware of Bambleby’s exceedingly good looks, but despite acknowledging this, she spends almost the entire book in denial…hehe
“Bambleby hates to be without company to talk at.”
Emily Wilde's Map to the Otherlands Best Quotes
Can a second book in a series be BETTER than an exceptional first one? Well, it seems it can. I just can’t choose from the tons of quotes I highlighted from Emily…
I adored Emily in this book. Her humor, sarcasm, and ferocity make her the perfect heroine.
And Wendell… oh, my dear boy… he is simply otherworldly, and his quotes reveal a deep love for Emily—appreciating her not just for her looks, but for her personality.
He knows her even better than she knows herself. GOALS
Emily Wilde's Best quotes
It seems I will not have the guided tour this time,” I murmured. “If your precious hills and forests unleash their monsters upon me, I shall become the most gruesome of ghosts and haunt you for eternity.
You know,” he said, beginning to smile, “the cottage would be rather more comfortable.” “The cottage is too crowded for my liking,” I replied. “And I don’t wish to give Rose another reason to scowl forebodingly at me. Would you prefer to wait?”
Emily Wilde
Blunt Emily!! She didn’t waste any time, and she surely knows what she wants and is not afraid of showing it. Loved this part!!
I’m certain Wendell will be disappointed in me. He would not like his proposal to be accepted whilst he lay sprawled unromantically on the floor with his hair tangled, and me in my torn and rumpled dress. And, of course, there was the anticlimactic nature of the response, due to his being unconscious.
I absolutely adore this type of sarcastic humor. I need MORE of this, please!!
Wendell Bambleby best quotes
“I like the way you talk. And everything else about you, in fact. Is that not clear by now?”
Bambleby being Bambleby… How can anyone NOT love this man?
Do you know? Rose asked me why I was not more surprised by your feat. He does not understand you as I do, Em, but as you seem to consider him a friend now, I told him the truth: in order to be surprised, I could not have known already that you are capable of anything.
This quote HURTS!! Why is he so perfect!!! Maybe I should have titled this part of the post ‘Alessa fangirling about Wendell’; it would’ve definitely been more accurate, haha xD
Final thoughts: Rating: 5 cozy stars
Ok, final thoughts!!
Two words: READ THIS.
The extended version: A staple in the cozy fantasy romance genre. A one-of-a-kind series with mystery, sarcastic humor, memorable characters, and faeries.
What’s not to love??
Besides, the second book is EVEN BETTER than the first one… HOOOOW!!
I can only name a few series that have accomplished this in the genre: Once Upon a Broken Heart and A Court of Thorn and Roses, just to name two popular examples.
But believe me, it’s no easy task to match the same quality of a first book, and Emily Wilde’s Map to the Otherlands accomplished this.
I can’t wait to read the last book in this trilogy, but secretly, I hope the author just keeps writing about Emily and Wendell forever T_T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emily Wilde series is a trilogy.
Emily Wilde is a three-book series.
The two books available now are:
Yes, romance takes a central part of the plot along with mystery.
Both the first and second books in Emily’s Wilde series are clean reads with no sex scenes whatsoever
Emily and Wendell return to Cambridge, where Emily publishes her encyclopedia. Wendell proposes to her, promising to take Emily to his kingdom once they find the magical door to his lands.
Wendell and Emily find the door to Wendell’s territory, and Emily poisons Wendell’s evil stepmother. Finally saying yes to the marriage proposal, they go to Greece for vacations before venturing into Bambleby Faerie Kingdom to be King and Queen of Silva Lupi .
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