Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries

Bookseller recommendation

“When prodigy fae scholar Emily Wilde hauls herself off to cold and snowy Hrafnsvik for field study, she does so with a plan to finish the world's first definitive encyclopaedia of fairies. She doesn't anticipate Wendell Brambleby—her all-too-appealing academic rival, (unfortunately) her only friend, and perhaps a member of the fae himself if her suspicions are correct—to follow her to the edge of the world like a lost puppy. She especially doesn't anticipate violating her rules of scholarly detachment to help the villages of Hrafnsvik to rescue their kidnapped loved ones from the fae...You'll find yourself not just falling in love with the oddball sunshine-grumpy romance, but the complex lore of this fantasy haven and the villagers of Hrafnsvik aswell. ”

— Wulfe • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“A prickly English folklorist travels to a small Scandinavian town to study the local faeries - being driven mad by her irritating but handsome Irish colleague (who may or may not be human himself) in the process. This adventurous book is populated by socially awkward academics, changelings, brownies who can bake, ice kings, and a lovable cast of villagers. If you struggle to make small talk and should infinitely prefer a book (preferably a dissertation on obscure fairy-stories), you'll get on well with Emily Wilde. ”

— Kaley • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book perfectly captures what scholars in a world of dark, mysterious creatures would look like. And despite taking place in winter, the subtle romance in it can’t help but make you feel warm and giddy. Perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones’ “Howl’s Moving Castle”, especially if you’re fond of the movie adaptation. ”

— Evelyn • Page 158 Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Emily Wilde is a serious Dryadologist and probably the best in her field. Her colleague Wendell Bambleby is...not. Or at least, he certainly doesn't live up to her high academic standards. He's too posh, too lazy, to fickle, and come to think of it, maybe a little too much like the fairy folk they study. Is Wendell harboring a secret? Or maybe two? When they are thrown together during Emily's latest field research, we are treated to a delightful account of their caper from each person's point of view - one who harbors a crush, and one who is unwittingly falling under love's spell. ”

— Charity • Schuler Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It was appropriately dark for a book about fairies...'real' fairies, you know. It is set in a world in which Folklore, as in the lore of the fae, is a legitimate field of scientific study and it was fun reading a fairytale told through that lens. There was a sweet hint of romance and it features a heroine who could arguably be ace. Way to represent!!”

— Maren • Nook & Cranny Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is beautifully written and narrated! It’s so whimsical and perfect for fantasy lovers!”

— Morgan • The Last Word

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is perfect for anyone who likes looking for hidden doors and mushroom circles and perhaps someone to make a dubious bargain with. It's all about curiosity and the joy of discovery, with the added warmth of community. Plus, of course, the captivating mercurial nature of fae. I absolutely fell in love with the little faerie Poe, while Emily's academic rival Bambleby surprised and delighted me. I'm aghast that I have to wait for the sequel and tempted to make my own faerie bargain to read it sooner. ”

— Sydney • Book Soup

Bookseller recommendation

“One of my favorite books and an excellent audiobook. Emily Wilde will sweep you right into Faerie and you will be left enchanted. ”

— Angela • Little Bean Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Let this entirely enchanting, slow burn, light academia fantasy whisk you away to an alt-Iceland full of warm-hearted villagers & cold-hearted Fae, changelings & buried kings - and one curmudgeonly professor conducting fieldwork on faerie lore & her charismatic dandy of an academic rival (who may or may not be a Fae in disguise & may or may not have feelings for her). Highly recommend this series-starter for fans of Naomi Novik and Katherine Arden! ”

— Megan • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A charming blend of fantastical faerie lore and seemingly mismatched academics set against a shadowy, snowy wonderland. Meticulous lore (it is an Encyclopaedia after all!) with brilliant world-building, loveable characters, magical mischief, romance, and page-turning action - this series has it all!”

— Chelsea • Bromley's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The quirkiness of Heather Fawcett's character Emily Wilde is simply engaging. From the moment the dowdy and self-deprecating professor steps off the ship to study the faeries of the northern climate near Hrafnsvik to the curious and informative 'footnotes' that pepper the narrative, the novel engages the reader in the possibilities of world-building. I can't wait for the second book's release!”

— Linda • Mind Chimes Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Written in the style of a scientific journal from the point of view of hapless and dour Emily Wilde, when I first started this book, I was a bit worried. But, as soon as the magic of this world blew onto the scene, all my worries were swept away like cobwebs! Bamleberry is the perfect foil to Emily, and their scenes are positively kinetic. So too is every moment Emily spends with the Folk she confesses to understand better than people. The world building is wonderful, both the icy northern island and the mysterious world of faerie that slips into the corner of our eyes. And slowly, as Emily begins to open up to those around her, I found myself becoming more and more fond of her, until I found myself understanding and adoring her perhaps even more than the magic and the mystery that allowed me to get to know her. Totally compelling and so much fun. My only complaint? I wish there was more! Here's hoping to a sequel in this book's future.”

— Amy • Bookbug