A Delightful Dance of Academia and Magic
In the realm of fantasy literature, where dragons soar and wizards cast spells, it’s refreshing to stumble upon a tale that feels both familiar and utterly unique. Heather Fawcett’s “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is just such a gem, blending the cozy charm of academic pursuits with the wild, unpredictable nature of faerie folklore. It’s as if Jane Austen decided to write about the Fair Folk, with a dash of Indiana Jones thrown in for good measure.
Meet Emily Wilde: Scholar, Curmudgeon, Reluctant Heroine
Our protagonist, Emily Wilde, is a breath of fresh air in a genre often populated by chosen ones and destined heroes. She’s prickly, socially awkward, and utterly devoted to her research on faeries. In other words, she’s the perfect academic. As a Cambridge professor penning the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore, Emily sets off to the remote village of Hrafnsvik in Ljosland (a fictional Scandinavian country) to study the elusive Hidden Ones.
Emily’s voice, captured through her journal entries, is delightfully acerbic and often unintentionally funny. Her observations on the locals and their customs are a hoot:
“I have never lived somewhere warranting such an adjective, and I am not sure how to feel about it. And anyway, what is the point of decorating a place one is only temporarily inhabiting?”
It’s impossible not to root for this prickly, brilliant woman as she navigates both the treacherous world of faerie and the equally challenging realm of human interaction.
Wendell Bambleby: Charming Rival or Something More?
Enter Wendell Bambleby, Emily’s academic rival and thorn in her side. Dashing, charismatic, and frustratingly competent, Wendell is everything Emily is not when it comes to social graces. Their banter is a highlight of the book, crackling with tension and unspoken attraction:
“I have never once suggested he call me Em, and am in fact accustomed to greeting the sobriquet with a stony glare.”
As the story unfolds, Wendell’s true nature becomes a central mystery. Is he merely a brilliant scholar, or is there something more… otherworldly about him? Fawcett keeps us guessing, dropping tantalizing hints that will have readers eagerly turning pages.
A World of Wonder and Danger
Faerie Lore: A Fresh Take on Ancient Tales
Fawcett’s depiction of the faerie world is a masterclass in blending traditional folklore with fresh imagination. The Hidden Ones of Ljosland are not your garden-variety pixies and sprites. They’re ancient, powerful, and utterly alien in their motivations. From the common fae like Poe, the endearing brownie, to the terrifying courtly fae who steal humans for their own inscrutable purposes, each encounter with the Fair Folk is fraught with wonder and danger.
The author’s attention to detail in crafting her faerie lore is impressive. Emily’s academic musings on various faerie species and their habits feel authentic and well-researched, adding depth to the world-building without ever becoming dry or pedantic.
Hrafnsvik: A Village on the Edge of Magic
The setting of Hrafnsvik is a character in its own right. Fawcett brings the harsh, beautiful landscape to life with vivid descriptions:
“The aurora danced above us, green and blue and white undulating together, a cold ocean up there in the sky, and even that he barely glanced at.”
The village and its inhabitants are equally well-drawn, from the gruff but ultimately kind-hearted Krystjan to the formidable Aud. As Emily slowly (and often reluctantly) forms connections with the villagers, we see her world expand beyond the narrow confines of her research.
A Tale of Two Genres
Academic Cozy Meets High Fantasy
One of the most delightful aspects of “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is how seamlessly it blends genres. For much of the book, we’re in the realm of academic cozy mystery, with Emily puzzling over local customs and faerie sightings. The pacing in these sections is deliberate, allowing us to settle into the rhythm of village life and Emily’s research.
But when the story shifts into high fantasy territory, particularly in the latter half of the book, Fawcett proves equally adept at crafting pulse-pounding action and otherworldly encounters. The contrast between these two modes keeps the story fresh and unpredictable.
A Slow-Burn Romance for the Ages
While romance isn’t the primary focus of the story, the developing relationship between Emily and Wendell is a joy to watch unfold. Their journey from rivals to reluctant allies to something more is handled with a deft touch. Fawcett resists the urge to rush their connection, instead letting it develop naturally over the course of their adventures.
Themes and Musings
The Power of Stories
At its heart, “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is a book about the power of stories. Emily’s academic pursuit is ultimately an attempt to categorize and understand the tales that have shaped human interaction with the faerie world for centuries. But as she delves deeper into the world of the Hidden Ones, she finds herself becoming part of those very stories.
Fawcett explores how narratives shape reality, especially in the realm of the Fair Folk. It’s a fascinating meditation on the nature of folklore and its enduring power in our lives.
The Value of Human Connection
For all her initial resistance, Emily’s gradual integration into the Hrafnsvik community becomes one of the most satisfying arcs of the story. Through her interactions with the villagers and her deepening bond with Wendell, Emily learns that there’s more to life than solitary academic pursuit. It’s a heartwarming journey of personal growth that never feels forced or saccharine.
A Few Quibbles
While “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is a thoroughly enjoyable read, it’s not without its minor flaws. The pacing in the first half of the book may be too slow for some readers, especially those expecting non-stop faerie encounters. Additionally, some of the secondary characters, particularly among the villagers, could have been more fully developed.
These are small complaints, however, in what is overall a charming and immersive reading experience.
Final Thoughts: A Magical Beginning
Heather Fawcett has crafted a world that feels at once familiar and utterly fresh. “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is a strong start to what promises to be an enchanting series. With its blend of academic coziness and high fantasy adventure, it offers something for a wide range of readers.
Emily Wilde herself is a fantastic protagonist, and her journey from prickly loner to reluctant hero is a delight to follow. The mysteries surrounding Wendell Bambleby and the nature of the Hidden Ones leave plenty of room for exploration in future installments.
For fans of fantasy with a scholarly bent, or anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale of magic and discovery, “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is a must-read. It’s the literary equivalent of a warm cup of tea on a cold winter’s night – comforting, invigorating, and utterly satisfying.
What’s Next for Emily Wilde?
Readers won’t have to wait long for more adventures with Emily and Wendell. The second book in the series, “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands,” is released in January 2024. If it’s anything like its predecessor, we’re in for another treat.
Similar Reads and Recommendations
If you enjoyed “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries,” you might also like:
- “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern – For its lyrical prose and intricate magical world.
- “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke – Another tale of rival magicians set in a richly detailed historical fantasy world.
- “The Binding” by Bridget Collins – For its blend of historical setting and magical elements.
- “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik – A fresh take on fairy tale tropes with a strong, academic-minded heroine.
In Conclusion: A Magical Journey Worth Taking
“Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is a rare find—a book that manages to be both comfortingly familiar and thrillingly original. Heather Fawcett has created a world that readers will be eager to return to, populated by characters who feel refreshingly real despite their fantastical setting.
Whether you’re a longtime fantasy fan or a newcomer to the genre, this book offers a magical journey well worth taking. So grab a cup of tea, curl up by the fire, and prepare to be enchanted by Emily Wilde’s adventures in the land of the Fair Folk. Just remember to keep your wits about you—in the world of the faeries, things are rarely as they seem.
