By Anastasia M., @anastasia_readsgr
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a comforting, clever, and just a little bit unsettling book. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and eerie, blending rich folklore with an icy northern setting that constantly reminds you that magic is beautiful, but it’s also dangerous.
Emily herself is a huge part of what makes the story work. She’s a brilliant scholar and an absolute expert on the Folk, but she’s awkward, blunt, and far more comfortable with books than people. Watching her navigate a remote village while obsessively documenting faerie lore is both amusing and endearing. Then there’s Wendell Bambleby- charming, mysterious, and everything Emily is not. Their dynamic is easily one of the highlights of the book. The banter, the contrast in personalities, and the slow-building connection between them add warmth and humor to an otherwise chilling setting.
The early 20th-century academic vibe is another standout. The story often reads like a mix between a research journal and a fairy tale, which makes the fae feel grounded and unsettling rather than whimsical. Emily’s meticulous notes and observations make the folklore feel authentic, as if these creatures truly exist just beyond the edge of the page. The snowy forests, isolated village, and sense of something watching from the shadows create an atmosphere that’s deeply immersive.
What really sets this book apart is how it treats faerie magic - not as something cute or harmless, but as ancient, clever, and occasionally cruel.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that’s perfect for readers who love cozy fantasy but want a darker, more folkloric twist. If you enjoy slow-burn character dynamics, wintery settings, and fae stories that feel old and dangerous, this book is absolutely worth your time.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries By Heather Fawcett
Published by Del Rey