leahsbooks's review
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
CONTENT WARNING: blood, violence, murder, gore
I was originally drawn to this book since it was promoted as comparable to Naomi Novik’s writing. And while there were definitely some similarities to Spinning Silver, this book definitely stood on it’s own legs, and it was both fascinating and enchanting in equal measure.
It’s written entirely in journal entry format, beginning with Emily Wilde’s journey to the distant Northern village of Hrafnsvik to study the Hidden Ones and other Fair Folk of the region, in order to complete her encyclopedia. But things don’t exactly go her way from the start. She immediately manages to offend basically everyone in her path, and even worse, her frenemy and academic peer Wendell Bambleby arrives suddenly, throwing off all of her plans.
I found Emily to be a really likable character, even as she struggled to be a people person. It wasn’t that she didn’t have anything to say, because according to her journal entries, she had plenty to say. She’s observant, articulate, and brilliant, yet she’s socially awkward, and possibly even neurodivergent. I was fascinated with her interactions with Wendell, who appeared to understand her better than anyone else. Often, when he would ask her a question, she would snap at him quickly, or if he asked her a question that involved a serious answer, she required additional time to organize her thoughts and provide an answer. I loved how Wendell just patiently waited and allowed her the time to consider what she wanted to say, without pushing her to answer him. This is especially evident towards the end of the book. The two of them seem to be especially well-suited for each other—him basking in the attention that she dreads, and her lacking in social graces that he has loads of. And they just seem to get each other at such a deep level.
The story takes place in the early 1900s, and it has a great balance of academia, fantasy, and folklore, which then easily transitions into mystery and suspense with bits of action and romance, which made for an incredibly compelling read. It’s written in both an academic style, yet beautifully descriptive and never dry. I was able to picture all of the fantastical things that were written about, and loved all of it—the exposure to the faerie world, the gorgeous setting of both the human and fae world, and the interactions that all of the characters have.
For me, the strength of this story was watching Emily grow. Initially, she’s exceptionally closed off, focusing on her academic goals and Shadow, her dog. Her entire life is consumed by her work, and while she isn’t lonely, her life is solitary. But over time, and with the addition of Wendell’s presence, she learns how to open herself to others. It happens slowly over the course of the book; so slowly in fact, that she doesn’t even realize that it’s happening, until she’s surrounded by not only people, but actual friends who care about her and her well-being. I loved watching her learn her value not only in academia but also as a human being with emotions and more to offer than her knowledge of the Fair Folk. I’m delighted to see that this is the start of a series, and I can’t wait to find out more of Emily (and Wendell’s) future!
CONTENT WARNING: blood, violence, murder, gore
I was originally drawn to this book since it was promoted as comparable to Naomi Novik’s writing. And while there were definitely some similarities to Spinning Silver, this book definitely stood on it’s own legs, and it was both fascinating and enchanting in equal measure.
It’s written entirely in journal entry format, beginning with Emily Wilde’s journey to the distant Northern village of Hrafnsvik to study the Hidden Ones and other Fair Folk of the region, in order to complete her encyclopedia. But things don’t exactly go her way from the start. She immediately manages to offend basically everyone in her path, and even worse, her frenemy and academic peer Wendell Bambleby arrives suddenly, throwing off all of her plans.
I found Emily to be a really likable character, even as she struggled to be a people person. It wasn’t that she didn’t have anything to say, because according to her journal entries, she had plenty to say. She’s observant, articulate, and brilliant, yet she’s socially awkward, and possibly even neurodivergent. I was fascinated with her interactions with Wendell, who appeared to understand her better than anyone else. Often, when he would ask her a question, she would snap at him quickly, or if he asked her a question that involved a serious answer, she required additional time to organize her thoughts and provide an answer. I loved how Wendell just patiently waited and allowed her the time to consider what she wanted to say, without pushing her to answer him. This is especially evident towards the end of the book. The two of them seem to be especially well-suited for each other—him basking in the attention that she dreads, and her lacking in social graces that he has loads of. And they just seem to get each other at such a deep level.
The story takes place in the early 1900s, and it has a great balance of academia, fantasy, and folklore, which then easily transitions into mystery and suspense with bits of action and romance, which made for an incredibly compelling read. It’s written in both an academic style, yet beautifully descriptive and never dry. I was able to picture all of the fantastical things that were written about, and loved all of it—the exposure to the faerie world, the gorgeous setting of both the human and fae world, and the interactions that all of the characters have.
For me, the strength of this story was watching Emily grow. Initially, she’s exceptionally closed off, focusing on her academic goals and Shadow, her dog. Her entire life is consumed by her work, and while she isn’t lonely, her life is solitary. But over time, and with the addition of Wendell’s presence, she learns how to open herself to others. It happens slowly over the course of the book; so slowly in fact, that she doesn’t even realize that it’s happening, until she’s surrounded by not only people, but actual friends who care about her and her well-being. I loved watching her learn her value not only in academia but also as a human being with emotions and more to offer than her knowledge of the Fair Folk. I’m delighted to see that this is the start of a series, and I can’t wait to find out more of Emily (and Wendell’s) future!
haletales's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
no words can describe how much I love this book
emgsl12's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aprilthelibrarian's review
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Libro.FM for allowing me to review an ARC copy of this book.
First off, let me say this is now a new favorite. I loved everything about this book from the two seemly very different main characters Emily and her best friend Wendall Bambleby, to the village community, to the fey they interact with. There is a light romance in the story, which is slow burning, and I feel like we might get more of as the series goes one.
If feel like this book is a hit for people who love the Lady Trent series, Veronica Speedwell, and/or the fairytale books by Naomi Novik. I feel like fans of Holly Black's works who are looking for more books about the fey with more grown up characters (all these characters have their Ph.Ds. from Cambridge) would enjoy this series.
I read both the book and audiobook, and the audio readers really set the mood with the accents and character voices. It's mainly from Emily's POV, but we get a few chapters from Bambleby, too. The male Irish narrator really adds to the story.
First off, let me say this is now a new favorite. I loved everything about this book from the two seemly very different main characters Emily and her best friend Wendall Bambleby, to the village community, to the fey they interact with. There is a light romance in the story, which is slow burning, and I feel like we might get more of as the series goes one.
If feel like this book is a hit for people who love the Lady Trent series, Veronica Speedwell, and/or the fairytale books by Naomi Novik. I feel like fans of Holly Black's works who are looking for more books about the fey with more grown up characters (all these characters have their Ph.Ds. from Cambridge) would enjoy this series.
I read both the book and audiobook, and the audio readers really set the mood with the accents and character voices. It's mainly from Emily's POV, but we get a few chapters from Bambleby, too. The male Irish narrator really adds to the story.
bclewes94's review
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wondereads13's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
What a fun book! It's rare that the word "fun" be used to describe a book about proper folklore faeries, but I feel this fits the bill. It was a great balance between the malicious and benevolent sides of faeries, and everything that happened in the main plot just felt like what would happen in a story with them. Emily and Wendell are in the running for one of my favorite couples; they might not have the intense chemistry associated with romance today, but their dry, begrudging care for each other is just what I love. I definitely recommend this book; it's perfect for anyone who likes faerie lore, pseudo-academic fantasy, or Howl's Moving Castle. (Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Confinement
Moderate: Vomit
rumplled's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book follows Emily as she travels North to Ljosland to study the heretofore undocumented
faerie population. While Emily is highly competent scholastically, she is a little floundering when it comes to human interactions. With the surprise appearance of her colleague, Wendell, Emily's research plans get turned on their head. But, working together might not be as bad as she imagined.
First off, I love that this book is written as Emily's research journal, but then we get little snippets of Wendell too. It (personally) gives such good character and insight.
And the relationship between Emily and Wendell is *chef's kiss*. The combination of long-standing friendly rivalry to lovers and their witty banter is excellent. Plus, they are equally talented yet awed by each other; it is truly so wholesome and cute.
I already want to read the next book.
First off, I love that this book is written as Emily's research journal, but then we get little snippets of Wendell too. It (personally) gives such good character and insight.
And the relationship between Emily and Wendell is *chef's kiss*. The combination of long-standing friendly rivalry to lovers and their witty banter is excellent. Plus, they are equally talented yet awed by each other; it is truly so wholesome and cute.
I already want to read the next book.
traceyreadsandrambles's review
5.0
When I started Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The book is written in a journal format, mostly from the perspective of the title character and tells of her explorations near the frozen village of Hrafnsvik in 1909. Emily is an introverted British professor who has traveled to the small village to study the fairies that inhabit the nearby mountains and her professional revival, the handsome and extroverted Wendell Bambleby
The plot, writing, and characters are all fascinating and whimsical. Emily and Wendell are a perfect example of opposites attract, and their bickering is adorable. While there isn’t a lot of spice in the novel, their chemistry is undeniable. The moment Wendell arrived in Hrafnsvik, I was enthralled and the book picked up its pace and kept my attention all the way to the end.
Emily, despite her introverted and sometimes prickly personality, has an endearing quality about her that makes the reader feel invested in her story. As the story progresses, her character develops in such a way that the reader gets to see the heart behind the bookish scholar. Her story in Hrafnsvik is fully wrapped up by the book’s final pages, but there are enough plot points left unresolved that should make additional volumes fun and exciting to read.
This book earned 5 stars from me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a slightly quirky and whimsical fantasy romance.
The plot, writing, and characters are all fascinating and whimsical. Emily and Wendell are a perfect example of opposites attract, and their bickering is adorable. While there isn’t a lot of spice in the novel, their chemistry is undeniable. The moment Wendell arrived in Hrafnsvik, I was enthralled and the book picked up its pace and kept my attention all the way to the end.
Emily, despite her introverted and sometimes prickly personality, has an endearing quality about her that makes the reader feel invested in her story. As the story progresses, her character develops in such a way that the reader gets to see the heart behind the bookish scholar. Her story in Hrafnsvik is fully wrapped up by the book’s final pages, but there are enough plot points left unresolved that should make additional volumes fun and exciting to read.
This book earned 5 stars from me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a slightly quirky and whimsical fantasy romance.
katiemack's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If, like me, you grew up reading fairy tales from different cultures, you'll enjoy this historical fantasy set in nineteenth-century Scandinavia. There are parts that plod along due to flowery writing and/or overly inclusive details, but the story picks up once Wendell Bambleby--Emily Wilde's fellow scholar in Dryadology (the study of faeries and fae) whose charm and lack of work ethic greatly annoy Emily--arrives in Hrafnsvik. His optimism and friendliness complement Emily's social awkwardness and grumpiness, and his heritage plays a pivotal role later in the story. (This isn't a romance, but it has some romantic elements.) It's a book that feels highly original in the saturated realm of fantasy and fae stories.
If, like me, you grew up reading fairy tales from different cultures, you'll enjoy this historical fantasy set in nineteenth-century Scandinavia. There are parts that plod along due to flowery writing and/or overly inclusive details, but the story picks up once Wendell Bambleby--Emily Wilde's fellow scholar in Dryadology (the study of faeries and fae) whose charm and lack of work ethic greatly annoy Emily--arrives in Hrafnsvik. His optimism and friendliness complement Emily's social awkwardness and grumpiness, and his heritage plays a pivotal role later in the story. (This isn't a romance, but it has some romantic elements.) It's a book that feels highly original in the saturated realm of fantasy and fae stories.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence