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

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

As a student and lover of anthropology, specifically cultural anthropology, this book felt like reading a textbook—in the best way possible. I was enamored with the way that Emily detailed the world around her and opened up to the community with the aid of Wendell by her side. It felt like love, too, was an academic conquest—one that she was succeeding at. While highly academic, the ethnographic nature lent itself to incredibly evocative language that was both beautiful and humorous. 

I loved how flawed each character was and how deeply they stuck to their personal morals—especially Wendell. As we begin to realize he too is one of the faeries that Emily is studying, it’s interesting to fall into the mistake of thinking him human and watching his actions prove us wrong. Even then, his charming nature has both the reader and Emily falling deeper in love with him. 

At times one could forget that this was in fact a journal, to be quickly reminded whenever the stylistic choice of cutting a word or phrase off in the middle of a sentence appeared. It was incredibly fun—especially Wendell’s perspective. And I deeply look forward to reading the next one! 
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