Member Reviews

4.2 Stars
One Liner: A fun read!

Emily Wilde is back in action and determined to find a door to the fae realm for Wendell Bambleby. She has been avoiding his marriage proposal, though she knows she feels a tingling sensation when with him.
However, the duo has a major task ahead, with Wendell’s evil stepmother sending assassins to murder him. The fae king’s life in the mortal world is in danger, and so is Emily’s life. They go to explore the Austrian Alps with interesting company, but the path home is filled with dangers. And, of course, can Emily decide what her heart wants?
The story comes in Emily’s first-person POV (in a journal).

My Thoughts:
After enjoying book one, I was excited to read this and meet the adorable Wendell again. I think I like both books equally.
There are quite many interactions with different fae creatures, most of them belonging to the dangerous kind. This time, we visit Austria in winter, so it is super chilly and foggy, adding to the risk levels.
The book has a few new side characters. While it takes time to warm up to Rose, Ariadne impresses almost immediately. She is Emily’s nineteen-year-old niece, a student at Cambridge, where Emily and Wendell are professors. I hope book three has this bubbly young girl.
Wendell is not his usual self (for certain reasons), but that doesn’t dim his charm. His obsession with cleanliness, love for food, and offhanded magic (which sometimes gives hilarious results) are lovely to read.
Emily is cool but can be so dense sometimes that it’s infuriating. She uses her brain cells only for research and studies, so even basic common sense can evade her at times. But that is her character arc and not something I complain about.
The pacing is an issue, though. While the first book was slow throughout, this one is uneven. The beginning went faster as if we were reading only a first-person POV and not Emily’s journal. That was more than fine for me. But the middle is slow and heavy. Many events seem to occur, though the story goes in circles, and the % doesn’t move. Finally, things get better in the last section.
The locals don’t have the same role or charm as the ones in the previous book. Shadow is his best, and we meet Poe again! There’s Snowbell, too, an addition to Emily’s fae friends. Then, we meet a few important characters who will play vital roles in the next book.
And oh, the banter between Emily and Wendell isn’t that great, but there is good progress in their ‘not a relationship’. Maybe a wee bit of romance, too, though this is Emily’s journal, and you will not get any details.
The last quarter of the book is really good. It ends right where it should, setting the stage for the (hopefully) last in the series. I have high expectations for the next one, given the high stakes.

To summarize, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands is an entertaining read with magic, faes, and danger. However, its main purpose is to connect the first and last books.
Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK (Orbit), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #EmilyWildesMapOfTheOtherlands

Was this review helpful?

This was just as wonderful as the first book! Emily and Wendell hold a special place in my heart now, both so delightfully witty, smart, and absolutely lovable.

The new characters were also fantastic, and the plot - although completely secondary for me, as I could read Emily's journal entries about the most mundane things all day, every day - was fun, clever and engaging.

I am beyond overjoyed that there will be another book! I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.

Was this review helpful?

— 4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 | 352 pages
👤 | author Heather Fawcett
🏢 | publisher Orbit UK
📅 | release date 18 January 2024

What you can expect:
— Adult Historical Cosy Fantasy
— Second Instalment In A Trilogy
— First-Person POV
— Singular POV
— Academic Rivals-to-Lovers
— Faeries, Mystery and Magic
— Found Family
— Slow-Burn Romance
— He Falls First
— Close Proximity
— Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine

Trigger & Content warnings include: physical injury including amputation, death of a sibling (recounted), murder & attempted murder, poisoning, animal death & animal injury.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is a Cosy Adult Historical Fantasy and is the second instalment in the Emily Wilde series by author Heather Fawcett. Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore—she just wrote the world’s first comprehensive of encyclopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Folk on her adventures... and also from her fellow scholar and former rival, Wendell Bambleby. Bambleby is an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother and in search of a Faerie door that will lead back to his realm. After the success of her encyclopaedia, Emily's next project is to create an extensive map of the realms of faerie. After an assassination attempt on Wendell's life drives them out of Cambridge with a newfound determination to locate the elusive faerie door, we follow Bambleby and Emily in the sequel to Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries on another adventure to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambley’s realm, and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.

Author Heather Fawcett delivers yet another whimsical and atmospheric tale in Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands which fans of the series will undoubtably love just as much as the first book. I absolutely adore how the author formats this series in the way of journal entries with the inclusion of footnotes which enhances the reading experience. You truly feel as if you are inside Emily's brain at all times as we follow her along on this dangerous and chaotic adventure. Emily is such a delight to follow as she is so different to any other main character I have come across. Her direct and relentless approach is both humoursome and aspirational as once Emily makes a commitment, she will do whatever is necessary to accomplish it. Wendell is one of my favourite characters of all-time, which is ironic considering he spends so much of his time complaining. His quirky nature and overall approach to life offers a much-needed lightness during dark and trying times. Wendell's utter adoration and respect for Emily are absolutely everything, and I truly appreciate how he accepts Emily entirely as she is. When it comes to their personalities, Emily and Wendell are the complete opposites of one-another. And yet, I could not think of a couple more complimentary than those two. Emily and Wendell act as a balance to each other and their slow-building relationship is one of my favourite aspects to this charming tale.

The pacing in this book felt on par to what I have previously experienced in Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, and I loved seeing the return of some fan favourite side characters in book two. Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands introduced new side-characters that join us on this new adventure into the Austrian Alps, and I had the best time with the conflicting group dynamics as they all tried to learn how to work together. Also, with a new setting comes with a new mystery needing solved. I am genuinely impressed with the amount of storyline and lore that the author seamlessly implements into her stories, and I find myself looking forward to what comes next from author Heather Fawcett.

Honestly, my only complaint about this book is how quickly the conflict is resolved by the end. Wendell's poisoning and the mystery surrounding is acts as a main conflict within the story, and I would have better preferred to see this resolved on a larger and longer scale than what was provided. But honestly, its a minor complaint in an overall cosy story which features slightly higher stakes than book one. Fans of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries will not want to miss out on its sequel which is set for release 18 January 2024.

Thank you to Orbit, UK and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review prior to release day.n honest review prior to release day.

Was this review helpful?

This book had me giggling, screaming and kicking my feet! If you enjoyed the first book then you'll for sure love this one too.

I continued to love the writing style, I just think the journal entries stye works so well with the story. The characters are great, I liked the new ones (Ariadne and Rose) and of course loved Emily and Wendell. We got to know them more in this one and there was definitely a lot more focus on the romance between them which was so cute and soft. Emily has a knack for making friends with different faerie creatures and I love seeing how that happens and how they end up helping her. I'm so glad Poe made an appearance again, he was one of my favourite parts of the first book!

I'm very eager for the next book especially after that ending and I can definitely see this series becoming a comfort read for me and wanting to reread them!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This book was like a warm hug. It is such a whimsical story full of magical creatures, folklore and friendship.

I really enjoy the format of the writing with the journal entries. It is an oddly formal writing style but this so fits with the main character and I could perfectly picture her narrating her thoughts each day.

With the first book in the series, I felt there was a balance in focus on both Emily & Wendell, in this book Emily really takes the spotlight and I loved seeing her character development.

The introduction of new side characters added a new dimension to the story and I’m excited to see more of them in the next book.

There is just something about this world and writing that sucks me in and I just love every second of my reading experience.

A completely enchanting book 💕

Was this review helpful?

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is the second book in the Emily Wilde installment. The first book was a cute and cozy read, and the second book is pretty much the same. I wasn't a huge fan of the first book, but I did prefer it to this one.

In Map of the Otherlands, the story continues around Emily and Wendell. Their relationship develops further but for some reason, I'm still not a fan of the character that is Emily Wilde. Her personality, reflected in the writing, is just a bit too 'dry' for me. I am enjoying Wendell as much as I did in the first book, but Emily is just not doing it for me.

I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. It all built to something and then at the end, the 'big part' felt rather small in comparison. In general, the entire book was kind of slow. I did expect this as this was also the case for the first book.

Usually, I feel immersed into a story but this just doesn't happen for me with the Emily Wilde series. Objectively, I can see this book as good, but for me, I'm not the biggest fan.

Was this review helpful?

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is the second book in the Emily Wilde series. In this book, we follow Emily and Wendell to Austria to find the nexus. I love this series so much. These books have such a cozy atmosphere that makes me never want them to end. I must admit I love Wendell as a character more than Emily. But Emily grew on me more and more throughout the story. As for the plot I love that we see and learn more of the fae. And Poe's return was such a cute surprise for me. Overall, I love everything about this book and can't wait to learn how their story will conclude. Also, I want more Orga shenanigans too. I think she is too brilliant to ignore. If you are a fan of cozy and whimsical fantasy, then this series is definitely worth reading. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an early copy.

Was this review helpful?

Receiving an ARC of this title was one of the best Christmas gift ever. So thank you Netgalley and the publisher for that.
The second installation of Emily Wilde's adventure was even better than her first.
Of course again the timeline and the fact thaf everyone she encounters was fluent in English is besides the point.
If you are able to suspend your critical mind and just take yourself along on the journey, it will turn out to be a great read for sure.
Some series turn out to be a stall rehash of the same template from book one onwards and with multiple refreshers on events from past books in the series.
But so far reading this book, i did not encounter that issue and it was refreshing indeed.
I would have to say it was pleasant meeting Poe in this book as well.
While the relationship between Wendell and Emily gets defined more in this book.
I would definitely be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.

Was this review helpful?

The only thing that could be better than the first book would have to be the second! Emily and Wendell are back and up to more mischief in this amazing sequel. On the hunt for Wendell’s missing faerie door they find themselves in the Alps where the fae are commonplace for the small village they’ve set up in. Alongside Emily’s niece and their boss from Cambridge the two end up in more risky situations and chaotic places, all while being hunted down by Wendell’s faerie Queen stepmother.

This series took me a bit to warm to at the start but now I couldn’t imagine not having read it. The books are fast paced, fun and lighthearted and you will absolutely fall in love with all the characters. Wendell’s character in particular stands out as one of my all time favourite MMC’s in a fantasy series. I would 100% recommend this book and series to anyone.

A big thanks to for reading this book with me and organising a schedule ❤️

Thanks so much to @netgalley for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

4-4.5 stars -not quite 5 stars but not far off! Thank you to LittleBrown and NetGalley for the ARC.
I was in two minds about reading this as I had read the first volume of the Emily Wilde series and whilst it was OK, I didn’t feel it was deserving of the hype that surrounded it. Emily and Wendell were both slightly two-dimensional and ultimately I found them and their ‘banter’ quite irritating. Volume two of the series however is a vast improvement on that first offering and I enjoyed it SO MUCH! Additional significant characters have been added to the ‘quest’ and this really helps the plot to move along and for Emily’s character to develop into a more believable, nuanced one. The relationship between her and Wendell develops more substance and as a result is more believable and the humour is much more in evidence in this story - I did actually laugh out loud in places! Thoroughly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

This review will be published to my Instagram and my Goodreads on the 4th of January.

Thank you to Orbit Books and Netgalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was so excited and so honoured to receive this book (one of my most anticipated 2024 releases) as an E-ARC and it did not disappoint!

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries was one of my favourite reads of this year, but this, it’s sequel, surpassed all my expectations. I did not think I could love this more than I loved the first, but I absolutely did! The pacing of this book, I felt, was much improved from the first, and I was gripped instantly, unlike the first book where it took a few chapters to get into the story.

Everything I loved about the first book was amplified in this. Emily and Wendell’s banter is even more funny and witty, and their romance is so sweet and swoon-worthy and I love them to pieces. I really loved how the two of them developed as character’s as well. I especially have great fondness for Emily’s character, who is a wonderful example of autistic representation, and as an autistic person it is so wonderful to be able to relate to her character, and also to not have the character’s and world that surrounds her question and shun her for her identity.

I also found the expansion of world building in this sequel to be really strong. I think this series has one of my favourite depictions of Faerie mythology that I’ve ever read. I love how Fawcett really leans into and makes use of how whimsical yet nonsensical Faerie lore is and applies this to her series in a way that doesn’t seem merely to be plot convenience, but instead seems so perfectly right.

Overall, I thought this was an incredibly sequel that was even better than the first, and I’m so glad I got to read an ARC of this. I cannot wait for book 3!

Was this review helpful?

I read Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries last month and enjoyed it so I was very pleased when I saw that I was approved of the sequel.

Although I enjoyed the first one, I didn't exactly love it but that's not the case for the second one. I LOVED this one. I devoured this one in only a few days and had found myself thinking about this book often and itching to continue when I was doing another activity.

My qualms with the first book was that I felt some of the characters were flat and I wasn't attached to the characters aside from Emily. I'm happy to say I didn't have these issues with the second one, in fact I'm charmed by every single one of the main characters: Wendell, Rose, Ariadne and of course Emily. I loved reading Emily's thoughts so much in this one and it was really fun watching the dynamics of her character with the rest. I loved the banter and the humor in this one, and I thought a lot of moments in this one were wholesome. I also thought the writing improved A LOT from the first one.

Another thing that surprised me was how much I loved seeing Wendell and Emily's romance grow in this one. I admit, I didn't really care for them in the first one but I found myself crying at how cute they were in this one. Their banter and teasing, but also the tender moments they shared with each other - I loved them all and I'm so excited to see more of that in the third book?? One of my favorite scenes in this book was the Wendell POV when he was writing on Emily's journal because you can really tell he loves and adores her so much.

I will definitely be reading the third book! This series had quietly taken up space in my heart and I'm so excited to read more in the installment.

Was this review helpful?

If you loved Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries, you will absolutely love Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands. This book is just as cosy, just as whimsical, just as entertaining and charming as the first one. Emily Wilde was one of my favourite reads of 2023, and its sequel is now on the list of my 2024 favourite reads.
Set not long after the first book, Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands follows Emily and Wendell as they look for a door to his realm while being chased by assassins set by his stepmother and falling deep into a decades-old mystery.

Heather Fawcett's writing enchants the readers just as much as the faerie world in Emily Wilde does. Her writing pulls you in and refuses to let you go.
Just like the first book, Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is told through journal entries. We see Emily fight against what she feels for Wendell and try to build relationships with people - something, as she tells again and again, she is very bad at. Emily's writing is funny without being too comical while being serious when it needs to.

New book means new characters and setting, and what a pleasure they were. Ariadne and Rose were good characters, and their dynamic with Wendell and Emily was definitely interesting. The setting, again, feels very charming and cosy - as long as we stay in our world and don't step into the Faerie world, which is darker, more dangerous, more sinister. Yet, we learn a lot about a specific country of the Faerie world, and just like Emily, we can't help but be absorbed and enchanted by it. I can't wait to learn more about it.

Obviously, one cannot talk about Emily Wilde without mentioning the romance between Wendell and Emily. Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries left me longing for more Emily and Wendell, so I am incredibely happy to say that Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands delivered. Their relationship evolves smoothly and organically, and in a very beautiful way. As always, Wendell is extremely devoted to Emily, but this time we see the other side of the coin: we see just how much Wendell means to Emily and how she is devoted to him. Once again, Emily and Wendell made me laugh, swoon, giggle, kick my feet in the air. They are extremely adorable with one another and with how much they take care of each other. You feel their love transpire through their actions, through their words, through their unexpressed feelings. I couldn't be more happy about the développement they had in Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands.

This review will be posted on Goodreads on January 5th.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars out of 5

Emily Wilde, Cambridge Academic in the early 1900s, continues her investigations into Dryadology (the study of faeries) alongside her partner in crime, Wendell Brambleby. This time, their journey takes them to a small cottage in the Alps, in a village where the citizens cannot venture outside after dark for fear of being kidnapped or viscously killed by the folk in the area.

This book is even better than the first in the series. This is mainly due to the action, which begins immediately and carries throughout. While retaining the warm, cosy vibes of the first volume, it is much more exciting. The love story is also more pronounced, but the folk and the adventure remain the primary plot.

Joining them this round were two new characters - grumpy academic Rose, and Emily's clever niece Ariadne. Both added unique conflict and assistance to the story. Emily and Wendell's interactions and relationships with both provided some of my favourite moments in the book, often very unexpected.

There was also much more of Faerie itself in this book, as a setting, which was intriguing. The world is expanded quite a lot, and the magic system fleshed out. These elements were thoroughly enjoyable to read about.

It's hard to find flaws with this book. I think the only reason it's not 5 stars is that it didn't give me the feeling of absolutely needing to devour it. I also don't think I'll find myself thinking about it for a particularly long time afterwards. There's nothing wrong with it, it just didn't have that extra something that makes a 5 star book.

That's not to say the third in the series won't hit that spot... I know I'll definitely read and continue Emily's journey.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette for providing me with a digital ARC. I will be purchasing a physical copy after the official rerelease date.

4.75/5 stars. Though I enjoyed the first book in the "Emily Wilde's" series, I was thrilled with the continuation of Emily and Wendell's story.

While I have struggled to properly 'get into to " Encyclopaedia of Faeries", with almost nothing happening in the first 60 pages of the book until Wendell's arrival, this issue has been completely solved in "The Map of the Otherlands" with rapid action, after the introduction to the setting of University of Cambridge, and new major characters of Emily's brilliant niece, Adrianna, and academic rival (later turned friend), Professor Rose.

In this sequel, both Emily and Wendell are on a quest to find a door to Wendell's faerie kingdom in the picturesque Austrian Alps. The dynamics between Emily and Wendell, while still witty, slowly blossom into a fully fledged romance, concluding with an accepted betrothal. A delightful aspect of the story is witnessing Emily's growth and newfound confidence, as she confronts challenges and learns to assert herself (especially around Professor Rose). While still prone to making mistakes along the way, Emily's journey is one of wisdom and self-discovery, continue making her a relatable and endearing protagonist.

What I particularly appreciate in Fawcett's writing style is its ability to transport me into the room with Emily. It feels as though she is talking to me about her wild stories, creating an immersive and engaging reading experience (I have managed to finish the book in two sittings!)

If you're a fan of historical fantasy and mystery, enjoy a mix of journal-style narration and first-person dialogue, prefer a plot-driven story with a slow-burn romance, then "Emily Wilde's The Map of the Otherlands" might be your cup of tea.

Was this review helpful?

This book is just so freaking amazing and I already know I will be purchasing it on release date.

The 2nd book in the Emily Wilde series - the first one was my favourite read of this year, so the sequel had a lot to live up to. And I’m pleased to say it is just as good as the first, with its own original self-contained story with enough breadcrumbs at the end for a third book. I truly do not want this series to end, it is somehow both cosy and thrilling at the same time.

I loved that some secondary characters returned in this, including Poe who was my favourite character, it it also introduced some new secondary characters that I quickly became attached to. I love the depiction of the fae as arbitrary and full of whims, it’s my favourite aspect of Irish sidhe lore. Also, there is something so satisfying about all the little footnotes giving wider information etc.

Overall, another 5 star read for me.

Was this review helpful?

I liked this book even more than I liked the first one! I feel like the characteristics I came to love about Emily and Wendell were amplified in this book and the story picked up much quicker this time around. I found Emily’s humour was a lot more prominent in this book compared to the first. I also fell in love with Emily and Wendell’s relationship this time around. I felt like in the first book it seemed stunted but this time around it blossomed beautifully. Highly recommend curling up with this one!

Was this review helpful?

⤷‧₊˚1⭑ || dnf @31%

after giving the first book 3 stars, it doesn't surprise me that i'm not a fan of this. i had a lot of trouble getting myself into the story and not drifting off. there are times when i just switch off and have to reread the pages because i can't concentrate.

this is clearly not for me, and i think that was proof enough not to read anything by this author again.

Was this review helpful?

ᴇᴍ, ɪ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴄᴏɴꜰᴇꜱꜱ - ɪ ᴀᴍ ɪɴ ᴀᴡᴇ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ. ɪ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀʟꜱᴏ ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ꜰʀɪɢʜᴛᴇɴᴇᴅ

Review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Thank you to Orbit UK for this review copy!

It was an absolute comfort to return to this world and its characters. I loved them so much, and it was an incredible privilege to have read this book before it was published.

I honestly don’t think there’s anything like this series. Emily’s logical and mature mind is so refreshing, especially with the confidence she has in her own abilities. I enjoy her honesty and her willingness to pursue her own goals alongside the wider plot. I particularly love how much she’s grown and yet still hasn’t lost her strong personality. This sequel has only strengthened my love for her, and I immediately need more protagonists like Emily.

Wendell’s and Emily’s relationship is still one of my favourites. It’s mature and full of trust and appreciation for the other. They both know each so well, down to the quirks and what they’re prefer for breakfast. It’s so comforting and sweet, and I love how they bicker like an old married couple.

The plot was immaculate! As an academic myself, I love reading about Emily’s scholarly exploits into the faerie realm, and all her excitement over every finding was so relatable. I could easily read her journals every day for the rest of my life!

It’s utterly ridiculous how much I enjoyed this book. Its everything I want and need in a fantasy book, with the most beautiful characters and brilliant storylines.

Publish Date: 18th Jan 2024

Was this review helpful?

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley & the publishers for allowing me to get my hands on this book and read it in little over one day. I adore this series so much and was not disappointed in the slightest. Emily is a beautiful well written character with he deadpan nature, wit and resolve continuing on from the first book, there's a wonderful steady growth that has you rooting for her instantly once again. The footnotes delicately woven into the story makes the world feel a little closer to home and are one of my favourite easter eggs of this series. But perhaps being from the south of Ireland I am perhaps a small bit bias and love our ruthless Fae King.
The story continues on seamlessly and with new characters added with their own unique traits, woes and quirks it stirs the pot of plot perfectly. The ending while disappointing only as it was ending left you eager for the next chapter in Emily's story and I am so excited to get my hands on a physical copy asap!

Was this review helpful?