What a delightful third book! It has all the charm of books 1 and 2, with an all new adventure into the faerie realm. I’m just really enchanted by this series, such a cute, enjoyable read!

4/5 Stars – A Delightful Return to Faerie Mysteries

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is a charming and immersive sequel that once again showcases Heather Fawcett’s talent for blending academia, adventure, and fairy folklore. Returning to Emily’s world feels like slipping into a cozy, well-worn armchair—full of rich descriptions, whimsical charm, and just the right amount of peril.

This time, Emily finds herself unraveling more fae mysteries, with Wendell by her side in all his roguish, enchanting glory. Their dynamic continues to be a highlight, balancing sharp wit with genuine emotional depth. The novel expands the worldbuilding in intriguing ways, introducing new fae lore and creatures that feel both wondrous and eerie.

However, the pacing stumbles slightly in places, with some sections feeling a little meandering compared to the tightly woven intrigue of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries. Additionally, while the romantic and character-driven moments are lovely, some readers might wish for a bit more high-stakes tension.

Overall, this is a beautifully written, atmospheric, and deeply enjoyable follow-up. While it doesn’t quite surpass the magic of the first book, it remains a worthy and enchanting sequel for fans of cozy fantasy and fae folklore.

What a fantastic ending to the trilogy this book was. Emily Wilde has been from the beginning a series that had me enthralled and absolutely captivated and each book managed to pull the same feeling out of me over and over again.

I doubt I will ever be able to get over how amazing this series was. I loved it. I love it. And I will keep loving it. This book takes us back into the world the same way book two did. However, this time we are in Faerie and, to be honest, I loved being able to discover this new version of the world. To finally dive into it and discover what we have been able to discover and learn through Emily's research all this time. Wendell is as always a fantastic character, with so much subtle and not so subtle humor about him. Yet, he also has a darker side I always long being able to witness and read about.

Between the story, Emily and Wendell, the side characters, Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales once again pulls off what Book 1 and Book 2 managed to do and delivers a fantastic story I am sure to run back to whenever I have the chance.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book!

What a great end to this trilogy. I adore the entire vibe of this books and the whole trilogy, it just always gives such a cosy feeling and never fails in making me laugh at points but also going to darker themes.

Wendell is just honestly amazing and I love his adoration of Emily and everything that she is. Reading his letters to her when she wasn’t with him were so cute and just made me melt. I loved seeing him come into his own when returning as a King of Faerie and although I was really worried he was actually dead, I’m so happy that Emily, as always, managed to find a way.

Emily is one of my favourite characters, she’s so confident and you can see how she has grown throughout the 3 books. She trusts her instincts and once again was proved right to do so.

It was great seeing some older characters from the previous books, and Emily going back to the Hidden King had a nice circle feel to the whole trilogy, going back to where we started. Reading this has made me just want to reread the whole series again and see how much these characters have changed.

A trilogy I have truly enjoyed reading is over, and this is a series I will definitely be recommending!

Heather has that cozy fantastical feeling down to a T. Being in Emily’s mind through her POV as she embarks on her journey was a welcome pleasure, as usual. The world was clear and fun, but you still had those reminders sprinkled throughout out that faeries aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. I don’t think I’ll find another book that encapsulates the feelings those series gave me!

No spoilers for this books but as its the conclusion of a trilogy, there are some for previous books.

Emily and Wendell are thrust into the court now expected to be in charge

Will the court accept the Prince and his human bride to be...

As well as navigating this, they are dealing with a curse on the lands from Wendells stepmother and what will it take to stop this... maybe more than Emily is willing to sacrifice

I think this was actually my favourite of the series, great conclusion and completed now so you can get caught up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Browm/Orbit for the review copy, all opinions my own

What an adventure! Wendell and Emily continue to be some of my favorite characters. Their story is the sweetest! If you're looking for a cozy time with a sprinkle of mystery, dark faeries, and suspense, this is the read for you. A perfect follow-up to the first two books in the series. I'm a huge fan!!

How I love cozy fantasy.

Not much can be told in this third part as it may be spoilers.

Emily and Wandell are a beautiful couple who have evolved greatly.

The setting has been the touch for me, I loved how the author creates all this magical background and all that academic mood (I wanted to immerse myself in this world) I just wanted to know more about the fairies as well as Emily.

The whole cast of secondary characters and in general everything Emily goes through has fascinated me, I just want more and more of her.

It has been phenomenal.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this amazing ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ahh! I just love the relationship between Wendell and Emily. I love the relationship they have with shadow and I love the adventures they have as a couple and as scholars. Emily continues to be pragmatic and shows her love in unconventional ways and I just feel so warm reading this series. 5 stars, chefs kiss 😘 thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

With the Emily Wilde series, Fawcett managed to craft multiple worlds and a seemingly never-ending cast of unique, creepy and adorable Folk who bought the stories within these novels to life.

In ‘Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales’, we get thrown right into Wendell’s faerie realm, Silva Lupi, AKA. ‘The Place Where The Trees Have Eyes’. Brambleby is here to take the throne, following the death of his Stepmother at Emily’s hands, and he’s brought Em to sit beside him as his queen. He’s excited to show her all the things he loves about his home, and give her time to do what she does best; study the fae. There’s just one small hiccup. His Stepmother is poisoning the kingdom, and it appears Wendell and Emily are the only ones who can put a stop to it. There must be some stories out there to help them on their quest though, right?

"What a mess! And I am to deal with all this today? It is not possible. For one thing, I was planning to take Emily to the Broken Meadows for a picnic."

“With a kingdom to rule, and a vengeful rival on the loose, our queen is occupying herself with trivial matters of scholarship?”

The finale to this trilogy had just as much richness and atmosphere as the first two books. Fawcett’s imagination, and the way she’s able to convey the nature of these reals on page is an absolute marvel. I am, by my own admission, pretty rubbish at picturing things I read about, but when I read these books I can see everything, from the creepy trees watching me, to the blushing brownies with buttercups hats and the courtly fae perpetually dripping in blood.

"I understand that stories are an important part of Faerie, but-",
"Not part," Niamh said, pausing at her typing. "They are the very foundations of this world, and all others. As such, they may be used as compasses. Guiding stars. Choose whatever analogy you like."

Despite being thrown right into the faerie world with this instalment, it still felt like the plot took a bit of time to get rolling. There were relatively new characters that we needed to meet, and we spent a bit of time establishing what the dynamics were between everyone. When the action did kick in, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged, and I appreciated that we didn’t lament on one path for too long before a new hurdle arose. The respites of Emily’s research in the mortal realm, peppered with appearances from old friendly faces and hilarious letters from Wendell were brilliant.

I am sure you are happily ensconced in your natural habitat, that dreary monument to mortal rumination that is the library.

Relationships are where the series shines for me, and they really reached their pique in this book. Emily and Wendell’s love story especially is like nothing I’ve ever read before. Anyone would think she hates him and it’s hilarious how utterly obsessed he is with her, but when you’ve spent so much time reading them together, you see that Emily, while appearing to be the moodiest bitch in all the realms, is actually full of warmth and love. The pair have an unmatched respect for one another below the surface, and seeing Emily maintain her independence as a scholar, a friend, and an Aunt, outside of the being Wendell’s fiancé or the queen of Silva Lupi was the perfect conclusion.

“I know your heart by now Em; it is not all stone and pencil shavings, as you are wont to pretend.”

I’m devastated that I’ve stepped through one of Fawcett’s doors for the final time; I don’t know if I’d ever have been fully prepared to say goodbye to the faerie realms.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Netgalley for the chance to read this early. I’ve purchased my copy already!

In "Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales," Heather Fawcett delivers a masterful conclusion to her beloved trilogy that began with "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" and continued through "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands." This third volume maintains the series' signature blend of academic precision and magical wonder while pushing its protagonist into her most challenging role yet: becoming a queen of Faerie alongside her former academic rival and now-fiancé, Wendell Bambleby.

Series Evolution: From Scholar to Sovereign

The Emily Wilde series has shown remarkable growth from its origins. The first book introduced us to Emily's meticulous documentation of faerie species in the remote village of Hrafnsvik, where she first encountered Wendell's true nature. The second book expanded her horizons through dangerous cartographic adventures. Now, in this third installment, Emily must navigate the treacherous waters of faerie politics while maintaining her scholarly pursuits - a challenge that proves both daunting and illuminating.

Writing Style and Narrative Structure

Fawcett's prose continues to shine through Emily's journal entries, maintaining the academic tone while allowing for moments of personal vulnerability and wry humor. The author masterfully balances scholarly observations with emotional depth, creating a narrative that feels both intellectually stimulating and deeply personal. The journal format, which has been a cornerstone of the series, takes on new significance as Emily documents her transition from observer to participant in faerie politics.

Plot Analysis: Strength and Challenges

Core Storyline

The narrative follows Emily and Wendell as they claim his rightful throne in the Silva Lupi, only to face the devastating consequences of his stepmother's curse upon the land. The plot weaves together political intrigue, scholarly research, and personal growth in a way that mostly succeeds, though occasionally stumbles under its own complexity.

Strong Elements

- The integration of academic research with political maneuvering
- Emily's growing confidence in her unconventional approach to queenship
- The exploration of faerie folklore through a scholarly lens
- The development of supporting characters, particularly the common fae

Areas for Improvement

- Some plot resolutions feel too convenient
- The pacing occasionally slows during political discussions
- Certain character motivations, particularly those of minor antagonists, could be better developed

Character Development

Emily's evolution from reluctant scholar to confident queen while maintaining her essential nature is particularly well-handled. Her relationship with Wendell deepens convincingly, though their dynamic occasionally feels overshadowed by political matters. Secondary characters, especially the oíche sidhe and Lord Taran, are complex and compelling additions to the cast.

World-Building Excellence

The Silva Lupi comes alive through Emily's detailed observations and Fawcett's rich imagination. The author excels at creating a faerie realm that feels both magical and academically documented, with clear rules and fascinating exceptions. The political structure and social dynamics between different types of fae are particularly well-realized.

Thematic Depth

The novel explores several compelling themes:

- The tension between observation and participation
- The power of stories in shaping reality
- The importance of challenging traditional power structures
- The value of academic knowledge in practical situations

Style and Technical Elements

Fawcett's attention to detail shines in her treatment of academic conventions and faerie lore. The footnotes and scholarly references add authenticity while often providing moments of humor. The pacing generally maintains a good balance between academic exposition and action, though it occasionally gets bogged down in political minutiae.

Critical Assessment

Strengths

- Rich world-building that seamlessly blends academic study with magical reality
- Strong character development, particularly for Emily
- Clever integration of scholarly elements with narrative flow
- Satisfying evolution of relationships and political dynamics

Weaknesses

- Some plot resolutions feel rushed or overly convenient
- Political elements occasionally overshadow personal storylines
- Certain supporting character arcs could be more fully developed
- Some passages get bogged down in political detail

Impact and Significance

The book successfully concludes the series while expanding our understanding of faerie realms through an academic lens. It makes a unique contribution to the fantasy genre by maintaining its scholarly framework while delivering an emotionally satisfying story.

Final Verdict

While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its political plotting, "Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales" succeeds in delivering a satisfying conclusion to the series while maintaining the unique charm and academic rigor that made the first two books so engaging.

This was an intriguing and dramatic continuation of the Emily Wilde series. I adored the development of Emily and Wendell's relationship, although how she managed him and his capriciousness was still as entertaining as ever.

In this book, Emily has to navigate curses, an entire faerie kingdom, and a fiance whose life may be at the whims of the realm.

The journal format of these novels took a while to immerse myself in, but once there, I found the academic nature, the fantastical descriptions and the cast of characters sublime. It was a unique read and one I enjoyed immensely!

I love this series. Just love. This book was no exception! Characters feel like themselves, even though I feel I haven't seen as much of Wandell as I thought I would in this book. Regardless, it provided magic, adventure, friendship, kindness, stunning new settings and dreadful new creatures, court intrigue and politics, more fairy lore, and a brilliant appreciation for academic research. What more can you ask for?!

If you've read the first two books and enjoy them, I'm certain you'll enjoy this one as well. Emily stays her delightful self all while trying to balance this new world and the role that has been sprung on her. I loved the dynamic of the two of them here. Without any spoilers, but brilliant example for loving someone for who they are and even part of them, being aware what makes them unique, good or bad and taking them as such. I really enjoyed it.

If anything felt a bit off for me here it was that somehow it felt a little less cosy than previous books, and I think it's because we have some battles, some scenes with huge amounts of people... but that would be the only thing I can fault!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

4.5 stars

After reading the first two books in this series last year I was incredibly eager to read the final installment. I adore Fawcett’s use of footnotes and how they are used to expand on in-world faerie lore and found myself wanting more of them! The academic nature of this series is one that I don’t ever see myself tiring of.

While the plot starts almost immediately, I found that it was fairly slow at the start, but I was engaged and interested throughout. The story as a whole was engaging and left me wanting more. In my opinion the book's biggest strength lies with the atmosphere that Fawcett creates around each realm or area the characters find themselves in. I felt unease when the characters felt unease, and I felt comfort when they did. I could read a whole book simply describing each realm in detail and not get bored.

I adore the characters in this series and found that this book helped solidify that. While the cast of supporting characters (with a few old favourites returning) are fantastic, Emily and Wendell (and of course Shadow and Orga) hold a special place in my heart. Watching their relationship develop over the series has been joyous, and their interactions in this book really show how they’ve grown as individuals and as a couple.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t quite believe that's the end of the series! I would recommend the series to someone who wants a cosy fantasy that has some level of threat, an interesting plot, and a fantastic romance.

The third in the Emily Wilde series has charm, wit and adventure. It’s a gentle read that feels very familiar and comforting to readers who loved Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. It even has footnotes and describes other fae legends that pertain to the situation.

I’ve really enjoyed every book in the Emily Wilde series and Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is no exception. I can’t quite decide if this or Emily Wilde’s Map of the Other Lands is my favourite (maybe a tie?). I absolutely adore Emily. I just love her dry wit, deadpan delivery and hyperfocus on her research/goals. The scholarly writing style has been one of my favourite aspects of the whole series, along with all the little digs at academic culture and politics. I also love to see a strong, competent woman being amazing at her job, and Emily is absolutely that. Wendell is her biggest fan, obviously, but I love that Emily’s established as not only having the knowledge but also the guts and intuition to take insane risks and embrace Faerie on its terms. She’s an absolute madwoman, but she understands Faerie and that knowledge and experience has been earned throughout the series, so she can get away with it, both in-story and as a character. So we get to enjoy Emily being the Best There Ever Was, constantly shocking and impressing Wendell (naturally) but also the other Fae and mortals. Which feels mythic and is its own plot-armour, when you think about it, per fairytale rules. Considering she started the series feeling like a socially awkward misfit (and she still is by the end), that was so satisfying to read. I loved that Emily is still blunt, single-minded and a little abrasive, but she’s also grown enough to foster a strong community around her and, of course, an adorable romance with Wendell. I think that’s why I enjoyed the second two books in the series more than the first; I just loved to see Emily thriving and being loved for being her cranky but well-meaning and single-minded self.

Wendell is also a superb male lead! I can’t get enough of a devoted male love interest and Wendell is peak Devotion. He loves and admires and respects Emily so much, to the point that even throughout shocking, cataclysmic plot twists, she’s his number one priority at all times. Even after searching for a way home for years (and the last two books) and finally getting his triumphant homecoming, their relationship is his main source of joy. We need more fictional men like Wendell! I also love how well-matched they are; even their insecurities mirror each other. Emily worries that being in Faerie will change Wendell, or that power will corrupt him (as it usually does in Faerie stories), and Wendell agonises over Emily being unhappy in Faerie and leaving him for her old mundane life. They both struggle to adjust to their new living situation in his realm. And that’s all beside the main plot of breaking the old queen’s curse on the kingdom. Obvious fantasy elements aside, I really like that the drama of Lost Tales feels grounded in relatable conflicts. Emily and Wendell must defeat the evil queen, but they also need to navigate their relationship through a major lifestyle change and professional/personal upheavals, while also worrying about the health of their beloved and ageing dog. Too real, Heather Fawcett!

I’ve already mentioned Emily’s strong found family, and I’ve got to say, I appreciated Lost Tale’s supporting characters so much! Needless to say, Shadow and Orga continue to be the MVPs and I love them both. They are truly the Platonic ideal of Dog and Cat, respectively, and I respect them so much for that. Even though they don’t appear as much in this one, I loved to see Ariadne, Farris, Margret, Lilja and Poe popping up to give Emily moral support and research assistance. And some of the Courtly Fae were delightfully creepy, especially Wendell’s sinister uncle, Lord Taran. I also enjoyed seeing names and references Fawcett seeded in the last two books appearing, like Niamh, a long-missing dryadologist, who’s mentioned as another casualty of Faerie in Other Lands and gets to be a major supporting character here.

Plotwise, the story whisks along apace and the stakes feel much higher – I was genuinely shocked by a plot twist about two thirds of the way in. I will say, there was a bit of build up in the first few chapters about Emily and Wendell’s “army” of allied Fae from other realms, which fizzles out quite quickly as Wendell is accepted as king almost immediately, and then their new allies fade into the background. It might have been interesting to hear about them integrating into Silva Lupi. That’s a minor complaint, though, as generally, the story was gripping. Be aware, there are some dashes of horror throughout, beyond the usual casual references to horrific fairytale violence and scholarly mishaps. Queen Arna’s curse is suitably disturbing, though we only see it in action briefly, and we even get to see a Faerie Hell Dimension! As ever, the lore in these books is brilliant. I wish dryadology was a real academic discipline and I could read all the citations in the footnotes. I will settle for more Emily Wilde books! I’ve heard this is the last in the series and, though I hope Fawcett will continue it one day, Lost Tales is certainly a strong note to end it on!

The story:
Having narrowly escaped her last adventure with her life, Professor of Dryadology Emily Wilde could have retreated to a life of safe academia at Cambridge University. But as the fiancée of the new King (former Cambridge colleague Wendell), and of course a dedicated scholar, she is determined to embrace her new role as a Queen of the Faerie.

But the previous Queen may not be as dead as Emily and Wendell hoped… A curse is sweeping across their kingdom, destroying everything it touches. Emily believes the answer may lie in one of the many folk stories that lie hidden in the dusty shelves of academia. But will she be able to locate the right tale in time to save not only the kingdom, but the one she loves?

My thoughts:
I’m so pleased to be back in the company of Emily and Wendell! The first two books in this series (“Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” and “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands”) were a delight, and and I enjoyed this third instalment just as much!

Emily and Wendell are once again thrown into danger, this time trying to overcome a curse placed on Wendell’s newly reclaimed kingdom by his stepmother – the previous Queen who Emily outwitted in the last book.

This book is described on the cover as an ‘academic fairy tale’, and I love all the scholarly elements; working in the scholarly publishing industry myself, I particularly appreciate the references to all the dryadology journals!

This is a heartwarming, funny and exciting story, and the perfect addition to this series. If you haven’t read the first books, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning – you’ve got a treat in store!

And so we come to the end of Emily and Wendell's journey. We've travelled to the wintry landscapes of Scandinavia, mountainous alps, and the world of the fae 🍃🧚‍♀️

Thank you so much to @orbitbooks_uk for the finished copy [PR/Gifted]!

This is one of my favourite series, in large part because the characters are so charming and loveable. Fawcett has such dry, witty sense of humour that I really enjoy.

Emily starts off the series as an antisocial scholar who prefers the company of books to people. And while that's still true by the end, she grows so much and learns to let people in and be vulnerable.

The romance between Emily and Wendell is so refreshing. Wendell would do anything for her and you can feel the love and respect between them. In a way, this book almost felt melancholy as it sees their relationship tested by the complexities of their conflicting backgrounds. It was also darker, and I loved that the fae in this world are similar to that of folklore - shifting, cunning and capricious creatures.

I love this series too much to be overly critical but I do think the book maybe tried to do one too many things. And although the stakes were technically higher, I never really felt truly worried.

But overall, I loved being back in this world and seeing old and new friends. For me, it's the perfect blend between whimsy and adventure and Emily and Wendell have my whole heart. I would read endless stories about their adventures.

These books will never not be pure magic to me, Exploring more of the Faerie Lands with a sprinkle of drama & character development is all I could’ve asked for from this final installment. Do I wish it wasn’t the end? Absolutely - such a comforting series, I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒋𝒊𝒔: 🍄🧌🧚🏻‍♀️👑📖🏔️
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒕: The final book in whimsical, historical fantasy trilogy.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🍄Light Academia
🍄(Faerie) Court Politics
🍄Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🍄Swoonworthy MMC and Hilarious Banter
🍄Historical Setting but Faeries are REAL
🍄 Wonder & Whimsy

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Reading this book was, in many ways, a bittersweet experience because, while this book was wonderful, it also marks the end of Emily & Wendell's story and honestly I don't think I'm ready for it to be over! As far as conclusions go though, this was rather perfect and I will continue to recommend this series to everyone and anyone- it is seriously one of the most solid and well written fantasy series' I have read and deserves so much love. I absolutely adore the world that the author has created, drawing from folklore and faerie tales to creaty a whimsical, cozy, quirky and unique setting. The little touches such as academic footnotes and the fact the books are written as though they are Emily's research journal really adds to this. Emily & Wendell are some of my favourite fictional characters and I loved seeing how they adapted to life in a Faerie Court. As individuals they are fantastic but as a couple- they are perfection. (I still cannot stop myself seeing them as a Dramione AU pairing... anyone else?🤣😅)
Despite the fact that I didn't love this as much as the previous two books that's like me saying I don't like Wispas as much as Twirls... I still love and enjoy Wispas I just like Twirls slightly more 🤣and I still thoroughly enjoyed every page & it's still a 5 ⭐ read for me which is a testament to the quality of this series! I can't wait to read more of Heather Fawcett's books in the future and highly recommend you give this series a go!

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Orbit UK for sending me a review copy. This is my honest & unbiased review.