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A review by lackyducks
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
This book combines serious stakes with a lighter focus on relationships in a way that leaves me yearning for more books like it.
The book is told in first person, through journal entries of the titular character. Emily makes a fun narrator, and Fawcett uses character voice to shape the experience of the world and story well. The entries themselves demonstrate the growth of the character and her shifting priorities, as entries grow from having footnotes to more personal thoughts and feelings. I really liked this medium for telling a story, and Fawcett used it so well!
Emily herself is an enjoyable, well-rounded character. Her flaws and analytical mind stayed consistent throughout. Her cleverness comes at the consequence of some social skills, but this provides a lot of room for growth.
Wendell also perfectly embodies himself. There's no other way to put it. Ridiculous at times, but still cunning and smart when inclined to be. The relationship between the two felt like it developed naturally throughout the book, and was enjoyable to follow.
The side characters we meet are also well-developed. You're able to grow attached to them, worrying for them and celebrating their victories. I particularly loved Aud and her straightforward attitude towards getting things done.
I just had a really good time with this book. The worldbuilding was a lot of fun, presenting Folk as their own, complicated culture that we only get a glimpse into. I am also pleased the book had a proper conclusion to the story, despite its continuation. I hope I'll be able to get hold of the second book in time!
The book is told in first person, through journal entries of the titular character. Emily makes a fun narrator, and Fawcett uses character voice to shape the experience of the world and story well. The entries themselves demonstrate the growth of the character and her shifting priorities, as entries grow from having footnotes to more personal thoughts and feelings. I really liked this medium for telling a story, and Fawcett used it so well!
Emily herself is an enjoyable, well-rounded character. Her flaws and analytical mind stayed consistent throughout. Her cleverness comes at the consequence of some social skills, but this provides a lot of room for growth.
Wendell also perfectly embodies himself. There's no other way to put it. Ridiculous at times, but still cunning and smart when inclined to be. The relationship between the two felt like it developed naturally throughout the book, and was enjoyable to follow.
The side characters we meet are also well-developed. You're able to grow attached to them, worrying for them and celebrating their victories. I particularly loved Aud and her straightforward attitude towards getting things done.
I just had a really good time with this book. The worldbuilding was a lot of fun, presenting Folk as their own, complicated culture that we only get a glimpse into. I am also pleased the book had a proper conclusion to the story, despite its continuation. I hope I'll be able to get hold of the second book in time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
The story deals with the darker side of Fae, so be aware of topics around kidnapping, mistreatment, enchantments and violence.