I absolutely loved Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett! It’s such a unique and magical story, set in a remote Scandinavian village that feels so atmospheric you can almost feel the cold and hear the crunch of snow underfoot.
The story follows Emily Wilde, a slightly awkward but brilliant academic who is completely obsessed with faeries. She’s writing the first-ever encyclopaedia of faeries, and her research takes her to this little Scandinavian village, which is steeped in folklore. The local characters are so charming, and I especially loved the quirky faerie Poe, who Emily ends up befriending. He’s funny, mysterious, and so well written. Then there’s Emily’s loyal dog, Shadow, who’s such a comforting presence throughout the book.
Another standout character is Wendell, Emily’s fellow academic. At first, he seems a bit lazy and eccentric, but as the story goes on, you realise he’s so much more than he seems. He’s weird, wonderful, and adds so much charm to the story.
What makes this book extra special is the way it’s written—it feels like reading an old classic, but it’s so easy and fun to get into. It’s written as if it’s Emily’s journal, which makes it feel really personal, like you’re right there alongside her as she navigates her research, the village, and the strange, magical creatures she encounters.
The faeries in this story aren’t your typical cute, harmless creatures. They’re unpredictable, mischievous, and sometimes dangerous, which makes them feel so real. It kept me hooked the whole way through, and I loved how the story balanced magic, adventure, and even a bit of humour.
I enjoyed Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries so much that I bought the sequel before I’d even finished the first one—I couldn’t wait to see what happens next! If you love stories with folklore, a bit of adventure, and unforgettable characters, I’d highly recommend this book. And if you’re looking for more urban fantasy books, you could always check out own my YA novels!
FOLLOW SUZY TURNER...
