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A review by kristineisreading
Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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? No
5.0
Oh Emily Wilde and Wendell Brambleby, what a pleasure to have your company again. I've eagerly awaited this book since the moment I finished the first one, and it did not disappoint. It's every bit as charming, as creative, as adventurous, as high stakes as the first.
As far as characters go, Emily continues to be brilliant, and Wendell continues to be enchanting (in some cases literally, like disguising swords as pencils). The cast is enhanced by the addition of Emily and Wendell's boss Dr. Farris Rose, and Emily's niece Ariadne. There is conflict between the four of them, but also partnership and some heartwarming moments. Shadow is as loyal and capable as ever. Wonderful little Poe returns, and Emily gets assistance from another, more unexpected, source. And of course there are the madly terrifying and dangerous faeries they encounter. My only complaint, and it is minor, is that the villagers play a much smaller role in this one compared to the first one, and are not as fully drawn as they maybe could be.
One of my favorite things about this series is how magic is woven in seamlessly throughout the story. Faerie magic is unpredictable and clever. Wendell is of course incredibly powerful, and puts on some stunning displays of magic throughout (turning his train compartment into a forest is a delightful example). The use of magic is never superfluous however. The magic moves the plot along, creating opportunity, unveiling clues, and protecting the various characters from harm. I also love how you get a taste of what common faeries can do too.
I'd be remiss here if I didn't spend a minute talking about Emily and Wendell's romance. I am so here for it. They way they accept each other fully is beautiful. Am I little scared for Emily, given that Wendell is a literal faerie king of a brutal realm? Yup, for sure. The cynical part of me wonders if he's actually capable of truly loving her. But the romantic side of me wins out and I'm rooting for them all the way.
All in all, another five-star read for me, and I can't wait for the story to continue in #3.
As far as characters go, Emily continues to be brilliant, and Wendell continues to be enchanting (in some cases literally, like disguising swords as pencils). The cast is enhanced by the addition of Emily and Wendell's boss Dr. Farris Rose, and Emily's niece Ariadne. There is conflict between the four of them, but also partnership and some heartwarming moments. Shadow is as loyal and capable as ever. Wonderful little Poe returns, and Emily gets assistance from another, more unexpected, source. And of course there are the madly terrifying and dangerous faeries they encounter. My only complaint, and it is minor, is that the villagers play a much smaller role in this one compared to the first one, and are not as fully drawn as they maybe could be.
One of my favorite things about this series is how magic is woven in seamlessly throughout the story. Faerie magic is unpredictable and clever. Wendell is of course incredibly powerful, and puts on some stunning displays of magic throughout (turning his train compartment into a forest is a delightful example). The use of magic is never superfluous however. The magic moves the plot along, creating opportunity, unveiling clues, and protecting the various characters from harm. I also love how you get a taste of what common faeries can do too.
I'd be remiss here if I didn't spend a minute talking about Emily and Wendell's romance. I am so here for it. They way they accept each other fully is beautiful. Am I little scared for Emily, given that Wendell is a literal faerie king of a brutal realm? Yup, for sure. The cynical part of me wonders if he's actually capable of truly loving her. But the romantic side of me wins out and I'm rooting for them all the way.
All in all, another five-star read for me, and I can't wait for the story to continue in #3.