If I thought Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries was magical and unique, the sequel, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, completely outdid itself! Heather Fawcett has crafted yet another brilliant adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The way this book picks up after the first instalment feels so seamless. Every twist and turn follows on naturally, as if the story were always meant to unfold this way. The introduction of Professor Rose, a seasoned scholar with an air of mystery and wisdom, was an absolute masterstroke. His dynamic with Emily and Wendell was so enjoyable to follow, adding a great mix of tension and teamwork to their group. And then, of course, there’s Emily’s niece Ariadne—a sharp and energetic addition who brings a fresh perspective to the story. Together, the four of them make for such an entertaining and well-rounded group!
And Shadow—the ‘dog’ who’s definitely more than meets the eye—remains a loyal and intriguing companion. His presence adds so much to the story as they journey to St Liesl and beyond, venturing into some of the most bizarre and terrifying places I’ve ever read about. The depiction of these otherworldly landscapes and the dark, horrifying fae creatures inhabiting them is so vivid and chilling. These aren’t the whimsical fairies of childhood dreams—they’re cunning, cruel, and downright terrifying at times. It gave the story a sense of danger and urgency that had me on the edge of my seat.
Yet, even with all its darkness, the book still has moments that feel warm and magical. The settings are incredible—whether it’s the eerie beauty of St Liesl or the strange and sinister charm of the Otherlands themselves, every location feels alive and utterly unique. Fawcett’s ability to balance the creepy and the enchanting is just brilliant.
The writing remains top-notch, continuing in the charming, journal-like style that makes Emily’s voice so relatable and easy to connect with. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the sheer beauty of the cover? It’s a work of art that perfectly reflects the vibrant and enchanting tone of the story, drawing you into its magical world before you even open the book.
In short, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands is fantastic. It’s darker, bolder, and more daring than the first, yet it retains all the magic that made me fall in love with this series. If you’re looking for a book that feels fresh, exciting, and unlike anything else you’ve read, this is it. I’m already counting the days until the third book, which promises to be even more thrilling!
Heather Fawcett, you’ve created something truly extraordinary, and I can’t wait to see where Emily, Wendell, Ariadne, Shadow, and Professor Rose’s adventures take us next (although I have a pretty good idea lol).
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