There’s something utterly enchanting about stories that blur the lines between our world and the realm of magic. They whisper to that part of us that still believes, deep down, that if we just turn the right corner or peek behind the right tree, we might stumble into a world of wonder. Heather Fawcett’s “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands” does exactly that, weaving a tale that’s equal parts scholarly adventure and faerie tale romance. It’s a book that’ll make you want to pack a bag, grab a notebook, and go hunting for hidden doors to magical realms.
A Curmudgeon’s Guide to Faerie Politics (and Romance)
Our heroine, Emily Wilde, is back and just as delightfully prickly as ever. Fresh off the success of her groundbreaking Encyclopaedia of Faeries, she’s diving into a new project: mapping the various realms of Faerie. But Emily’s life is never simple, especially not with Wendell Bambleby around.
Wendell, the infuriatingly charming exiled faerie king who wormed his way into Emily’s heart in the first book, is now dealing with assassins sent by his murderous stepmother. Because of course he is. This latest chaos propels our unlikely couple from the hallowed halls of Cambridge to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they might find a door back to Wendell’s realm.
When Academia Meets Magic
One of the joys of this series is how Fawcett blends the mundane world of academia with the wild, unpredictable nature of Faerie. Emily approaches the magical world with the methodical mind of a scholar, cataloging and analyzing even as she’s swept up in dangerous adventures. It’s a delightful contrast that adds depth to both the worldbuilding and Emily’s character.
The academic setting isn’t just window dressing, either. Fawcett weaves in delightful details about the politics and petty squabbles of university life. There’s a particularly amusing subplot involving Emily’s encyclopaedia and the jealousy it’s sparked in some of her colleagues. It’s these touches that make the world feel lived-in and real, even as we’re dealing with faerie assassins and magical doors.
A Romance for the Socially Awkward
Let’s talk about the romance, shall we? Because it’s absolutely adorable. Emily and Wendell’s relationship has progressed since the first book, but it’s still delightfully awkward. Emily, bless her, is still figuring out how to navigate being in love, especially with someone as… well, Wendell as Wendell is.
There’s a scene where Emily, in her own gruff way, essentially proposes to Wendell, and it’s just… perfect. It’s awkward and sweet and so very them. Fawcett has a gift for writing romance that feels authentic to her characters, never sacrificing their personalities for the sake of swoony moments (though there are plenty of those too).
Adventures in Faerie Diplomacy
The plot of “Map of the Otherlands” is a bit more complex than its predecessor, dealing with the political machinations of Wendell’s home realm. We get tantalizing glimpses of the Silva Lupi, Wendell’s kingdom, and the power struggles that led to his exile. It’s fascinating stuff, and Fawcett does a great job of making the faerie politics feel both alien and familiar.
The stakes are higher this time around, with Wendell’s life on the line and the fate of an entire realm hanging in the balance. But even as things get darker, Fawcett maintains the whimsical tone that made the first book such a delight. There’s still plenty of humor, often arising from Emily’s blunt nature and Wendell’s dramatic flair.
A Rogues’ Gallery of Magical Misfits
One of the standout elements of this book is the expanded cast of characters. We meet a whole host of new faeries, each more intriguing than the last. There’s Snowbell, a mischievous fox faerie who becomes an unlikely ally. We get to know more about Poe, the endearing brownie from the first book. And then there are the owl-spider hybrids that serve as the queen’s guardians, which are… let’s just say they’re memorable.
Fawcett has a knack for creating magical creatures that feel both familiar and utterly unique. Her faeries aren’t the sanitized versions we often see in modern fantasy; they’re capricious, sometimes cruel, and always dangerous. But they’re also fascinating, and you can’t help but want to learn more about them.
The Heart of the Story: Emily’s Growth
At its core, though, this is Emily’s story. Her journey isn’t just about mapping faerie realms or saving Wendell; it’s about her own personal growth. We see her struggling to open up, to let people in (both literally and figuratively—there’s a running gag about her dislike of sharing her private space that’s both funny and poignant).
Emily’s relationship with her niece, Ariadne, is particularly well-developed. Watching Emily awkwardly try to mentor and connect with Ariadne is both hilarious and heartwarming. It’s a perfect example of how Fawcett uses humor to explore deeper emotional themes.
The Power of Stories
There’s a beautiful thread running through the book about the power of stories and the importance of recording them. Emily’s work as a scholar isn’t just academic; it’s about preserving knowledge and understanding. In a world where magic is real, that understanding can be the difference between life and death.
This theme ties in beautifully with the overall plot. The “map” Emily is creating isn’t just a geographical one; it’s a map of stories, of connections between realms. It’s a lovely metaphor for the way stories connect us all, across cultures and even across the divide between the magical and mundane worlds.
A Few Bumps in the Road
Now, no book is perfect, and “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands” does have a few minor issues. The pacing in the middle section can drag a bit, with perhaps one too many descriptions of trekking through Alpine forests. And while the expanded cast is generally a strength, there are a few characters who feel underdeveloped.
There’s also a plot twist towards the end that, while exciting, feels a bit rushed. It’s not enough to derail the story, but it might leave some readers wishing for a bit more setup.
The Verdict: A Magical Journey Worth Taking
These quibbles aside, “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands” is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It builds on the strengths of the first book while expanding the world and deepening the characters in satisfying ways. Fawcett’s writing is as charming as ever, full of wry humor and evocative descriptions that bring both the mundane and magical worlds to vivid life.
If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll find plenty to love here. And if you’re new to Emily’s world, while you could probably follow along, do yourself a favor and start with “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries.” Trust me, you’ll want to experience Emily and Wendell’s full journey.
Looking Ahead: The Promise of More Adventures
The book ends with the promise of more adventures to come, and I, for one, can’t wait. Fawcett has created a rich, fascinating world with plenty of stories left to tell. The teaser for the next book, “Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales,” has me eagerly anticipating another dive into this magical world.
Final Thoughts: A Scholarly Adventure for the Young at Heart
“Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands” is a book that reminds us of the magic that can be found in knowledge, in stories, and in opening ourselves up to new experiences (and people). It’s a love letter to academia, to folklore, and to the power of curiosity.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of stumbling across a hidden faerie ring, or if you just enjoy a good story about a grumpy scholar reluctantly falling in love (with both a person and a magical world), give this book a try. Just be prepared: you might find yourself looking at the world a little differently afterward, always on the lookout for doors to other realms. And really, is that such a bad thing?
After all, as Emily Wilde would surely tell us (probably while scowling and adjusting her spectacles), there’s magic in the seeking, even if we never quite find what we’re looking for. And sometimes, the most magical discoveries are the ones we make about ourselves along the way.
