Reviews

A wonderfully cozy read and delightful story. Emily's introverted nature was relatable to me, and she is a well developed character who's clever and knowledgeable but struggles with reading social cues and is independent to a fault. The way Emily writes might come off as dry to some but for me it was quite entertaining (and very funny at times). She has a great character arc and I adored her relationship with Wendell; they are complete opposites and their interactions kept me laughing throughout the book. The world building and descriptions were excellent. I'm impatient for the next book!!

mybooksarenovel's review against another edition

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5.0

"You are not so terrible, Em. You merely need friends who are dragons like you."

"One doesn't need magic if one knows enough stories."

This story is told as journal entries with footnotes. Emily Wilde has been researching and observing the folk throughout the world in their natural environment and documenting her findings. She is compiling her work into an Encyclopedia. Unfortunately she has come to a small icelandic village, and her prickly self-reliant personality has offended the villagers who are supposed to be hosting her. Once her academic colleague arrives and sees the mess she's in, his charisma charms the locals and he tries to work damage control while Emily goes about doing her research.

Please read this if you like Faerie settings, snarky banter, offbeat romance, getting swept away into another world, walking in a winter wonderland, cottage core vibes.

To tell you l loved this book would be an understatement. The list of appropriate adjectives would be, but are not limited to: charming, enchanting, magical, spellbinding, beautiful, sweet heartwarming, humorous, etc. This was a masterpiece. The only way I could have loved it more is if the author put the screws to the characters more, but the fact that she didn't doesn't make the story any less likeable.

I chuckled constantly at the witty and snarky banter between Emily Wilde and her colleague, Wendell Bambleby. Both are superb characters. Emily is so prickly, and Wendell vapid with a predilection for setting things in order.

I adored the townsfolk who are distinctly hospitable and desire so earnestly to welcome the determinedly lonely island that is Emily into their arms. This aspect might be my favorite of the story, which is that community is so important, and community is strength.

I know I'm gushing, but this truly may be my favorite book that I've read this year. This book is perfection

Thank you to Del Rey and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

alluvia's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was adorable! Whimsical and adventurous, a tiny bit of a romance but more focused on the friendship and found family. I loved the fairies and their lore, especially Poe.

phoebeneedsalife's review against another edition

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4.0

charming, cozy, and exactly what you need for a fun, slightly irreverent time.

alwaysbekind's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

emha14's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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