Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries

In the frost-touched village of Hrafnsvik, where ancient folklore bleeds into academic research and scholarly precision meets otherworldly enchantment, Heather Fawcett has crafted a fantasy that feels both cozy and dangerous, academic and adventurous. *Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries* transforms the familiar trope of fairy encounters into something fresh through its scholarly lens and meticulously developed protagonist. ## The Scholar's Quest Emily Wilde emerges as a protagonist who defies conventional fantasy heroine archetypes. She is brilliant but socially awkward, passionate about her research but uncomfortable with people, methodical in her approach but prone to unexpected adventures. Her quest to complete the definitive guide to fairy species becomes a journey of personal discovery that feels both comedic and touching. Fawcett's decision to structure the novel as Emily's field journal creates immediate intimacy while allowing for academic humor and detailed worldbuilding. Emily's scholarly voice—precise, occasionally pedantic, but genuinely caring about her subject—makes her immediately endearing despite her social shortcomings. ## The Academic Fantasy The novel's academic setting provides a unique angle on fantasy worldbuilding. Emily's university position, her rivalry with colleagues, and her meticulous research methods ground the fantastical elements in recognizable institutional politics. The tension between academic theory and lived experience with supernatural beings creates natural conflict and humor. The concept of studying faeries with anthropological rigor—cataloging species, documenting behaviors, analyzing cultural patterns—transforms traditional fairy folklore into something that feels both ancient and contemporary. Emily's encyclopaedia becomes a metaphor for the academic impulse to categorize and understand the fundamentally unknowable. ## The Folklore Foundation Fawcett demonstrates deep knowledge of Celtic and Nordic folklore, using traditional fairy lore as foundation while building original mythologies. The different categories of faeries—from helpful brownies to dangerous courtly fae—feel authentic to folkloric tradition while serving the story's specific needs. The novel's treatment of fairy courts and their complex politics draws from traditional sources while avoiding the overwrought complexity that sometimes plagues contemporary faerie fiction. The magic feels both wonderful and genuinely dangerous, maintaining the folkloric sense that supernatural encounters come with real costs. ## The Village Setting Hrafnsvik becomes a character in its own right, a remote location where old ways persist and the boundary between mundane and magical remains permeable. The villagers' relationship with local faeries—practical, cautious, but accepting—creates a believable community that serves as perfect backdrop for Emily's research. The harsh northern climate and isolated location add atmospheric weight while creating natural obstacles for Emily's work. The village's mixture of kindness and wariness toward outsiders feels authentic to small community dynamics. ## The Romantic Subplot The developing relationship between Emily and her colleague Wendell unfolds with careful attention to Emily's character development. Rather than transforming her personality for romantic purposes, Fawcett shows how Emily's growing comfort with herself allows for deeper connections with others. The romance serves the larger theme of Emily learning to balance professional passion with personal relationships. The revelation of Wendell's true nature provides both romantic tension and plot complications without undermining Emily's agency or intelligence. ## The Adventure Elements When Emily's research leads to genuine danger—from court politics to magical curses—the stakes feel real despite the novel's generally cozy tone. Fawcett escalates tension naturally while maintaining the scholarly perspective that defines Emily's character. The novel's climax requires Emily to use both her academic knowledge and personal growth to resolve threats that purely intellectual approaches cannot handle. This integration of character development and plot resolution feels organic rather than forced. ## The Cozy Fantasy Appeal *Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries* exemplifies the growing "cozy fantasy" subgenre—fantastical stories that prioritize character development and gentle adventure over epic battles and world-ending threats. The novel provides comfort reading while maintaining genuine stakes and character growth. The cozy elements—Emily's methodical routines, the village's hospitality, the academic environment—create a sense of safety that makes the magical dangers feel thrilling rather than overwhelming. ## The Series Foundation As the first book in a planned series, the novel establishes character relationships and world elements while telling a complete story. Emily's character growth feels substantial while leaving room for further development. The academic framework provides natural structure for future adventures. ## Final Research Notes *Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries* succeeds as both comfort reading and genuine fantasy adventure. Fawcett has created a protagonist whose academic passion and personal quirks make her immediately lovable, while building a world that feels both magical and grounded in folkloric tradition. The novel proves that fantasy doesn't need epic scope to be compelling—sometimes the most engaging adventures happen in small villages with careful scholars and ancient magic. **Rating: ★★★★☆** *A delightful academic fantasy that combines scholarly precision with folkloric wonder to create something genuinely charming.*