A review by thebalancedbookshelf
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

adventurous funny informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This book was so much fun! I found myself laughing aloud many times at both characters and their interactions. This book is beautifully written. It is whimsical, enchanting, and so entertaining. The banter between the two main characters is so well done. I could not get enough of either of them. Both are perfectly sarcastic and have a flare for the dramatic. On top of that there were so many mythological and folklore references that I loved. The footnotes weren’t overly done but fun and added to the encyclopedia feel. 

Socially awkward characters always have a special place in my heart and Emily is no exception. She puts practicality over all else but you can slowly see that changing in her while she stays in the town. I love how accepting Emily was of Wendell. She really didn’t care about his background or the way he looked or acted, only that she felt so comfortable around him. His presence made her feel secure and that she didn’t need to hide. Their relationship is so sweet and how much he really cares for her despite his nature.

I loved all of the fun creatures and Fae they met on their journey. Poe was the cutest addition to the story and I loved their relationship. Emily was savvy and clever, always finding a way to use her knowledge of the Fae and get her out of situations. She was a true scholar but as the story goes on you see her starting to care more than she has before. I really liked how Shadow was also not what he seemed. She really surrounds and immersed herself in the Fae world and what she loves. 

I enjoyed this book so much. From start to finish I could not put it down. The characters were endearing and the story was full of magic and folklore. I cannot wait to read the next book and see where the world takes these characters!