Ever since I read Ember and the Ice Dragons, I've been a fan of Heather Fawcett's ability to blend storytelling with endearing characters, and this book is no exception. The banter between dryadologist Emily and Wendell is as entertaining as ever. This time, their relationship finally gets the resolution many readers have been waiting for, and it's handled in a satisfying, although somewhat predictable, way.
While Compendium delivers on the charm, the structure feels a bit more scattered than previous entries. The writing remains the star of the show though, making this a worthwhile read. If you enjoy cozy, character-driven fantasy with a dash of romance, this series, and its conclusion, are well worth your time.

Thank you to Heather Fawcett, Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book and devoured it in one go. The second book was a little weaker but still good. This one was extremely disappointing. I understand it is supposed to be a cozy fantasy but the pacing was ridiculously slow. I wanted to dnf multiple times and it was only my love for the first book that pushed me on. Emily and Wendell are completely lifeless and one dimensional and nothing actually seems to happen until 50-60% of the way into the book. How can the book set in Faerie be the most boring of the trilogy?

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is the finale to the Emily Wilde trilogy - a cozy light academia fantasy that follows curmudgeonly Cambridge dryadologist Emily Wilde as she aims to unlock the secrets of the faerie folk.
With the trilogy now complete, I can say this is a solid light-hearted read and a series worth reading in full, even if this final entry did feel slightly weaker than the previous novels for me. While the charm of Emily’s character persists, it lost a lot of the coziness present in the previous entries, and the scholarly elements felt a little forced, with the plot much grander in scope. This didn’t necessarily make the book weaker on its own, but just took away some of the unique charm present in the first two.
That said, the cameos in this book were brilliant, and it effectively ties up the loose threads in the series and is well worth reading for fans of the previous books.

3.5
I fell in love with the first book, and adored the second. This final(?) instalment in the trilogy(?) however, I'm a bit more ambivalent about. Fawcett's writing continued to be poetic and painted some truly awe inspiring and intimidatingly scary pictures of worlds I could only imagine. That part was still as wonderful as before. I loved the humour that is Emily's approach to... everything.

The book started well, picking up where the last installment left off, and ended in a way fit for the story and Emily's life. A sweet and semi-realistic happily for now.
However, there were times in the story where the pacing felt off. One thing after another clunkily moving on, and making me question why so many pages are dedicated to these smaller events, when a more concise approach seemed like a better option. Suggesting perhaps the book was a tad short and the instances were spread out and filled to add some length.

And then there's Wendell.
The romance is very much a side plot throughout the whole series, and that is A-ok. But it felt actually ignored here. It's always been a slow burn, and the tension but clear admiration between them, was vital to me. It seems like now that they were officially together, all that was lost, and then he's tossed aside for a large part of the story, essentially being frozen, until Emily can come back, and then there's a rush of things. And at no point is there any tension, or reflection on the enjoyment of being together, more than a brief mention. It just feels a bit flat. (This is not saying I wanted smut. While I do enjoy my smut, I did not want nor expect it here. Just that there was more thought Wendell's changes than mentions of actually enjoying being a part of a couple. Which was odd to me, if deciding to use a romance plot to drive the rest).

All in all, I love the world, the characters, and the writing. It's not my favourite end to a series, but it doesn't diminish my enjoyment of the rest of them either. And I hope to hear more about Emily work and travels. Perhaps through novellas or later work, or stories about their adopted children, or Ariadne's work??

Thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

Okay, where to start with this one. I love the Emily Wilde series- there’s something about Emily’s curmudgeonly nature that brings me so much joy. Her absolute disdain for emotions is iconic and I love her dearly. Her overall drive for academia even as she navigates the fae realm and her relationship with Wendell is so authentically her and I love it so much. Even on the third book, her characters has developed in a way that feels both realistic and authentic. I also love her footnotes where she goes off about the certain details of the Fae she is referencing. It’s reminiscent of my degree but in a fun way- lol. I need cozy fantasy badly and this is one of my favourite fairy series of all time. Because honestly “gallows goblins” it’s no question why I love it so much. If you are looking for a cute fantasy read, with lots of adventure and a grumpy FMC and sunshine MC- not to mention not one but TWO animal companions. This is the book for you, read this series, you won’t regret it.

Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for this eARC.


I’m in love with the entire Emily Wilde series so far, and Compendium of Lost Tales was no exception. The perfect blend of light academia, romantasy with YEARNINGGGG, and truly stunning prose. Fawcett never misses!

I can only say Heather did it again!
I have loved this series with its quirky characters and fun as well as serious bits.
The relationship between Emily and Wendell is thrilling, loving and warm.
I loved the faery doors and folklore the story really sucks you in. Just sorry it had to end.
Also I loved the part the animal companions play. What can I say dogs, cats I'm hooked.
I also loved the conversations and banter throughout the whole series.
Can't wait to see what Heather does next.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

If you love light academia with a mix of humor, coziness, and adventure, the Emily Wilde series is an absolute must-read. Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is the third and final book in the series, and it wraps things up beautifully.

The world-building was incredible—so detailed and immersive. I’ll admit, it was a bit tricky to keep track of all the places Emily visited, but the descriptions were so vivid that I still felt completely transported. One of my favorite parts was seeing Wendell and Emily take back the kingdom while also figuring out their own wants and fears. Their communication wasn’t always the best, but they’re still one of my favorite book couples ever. I also loved the inclusion of Lilja and Margret, and of course, Poe making another appearance—he’s definitely a standout character.

Overall, this was such a magical read. Heather Fawcett has a real talent for crafting intricate, detailed worlds that feel so alive. It wasn’t quite a perfect read for me, but it came really close—solid 4 stars!

Feburary 19th

as I write this I am with my fellow traveling companions on a rather bumpy ride but oh am I grateful for it is one, very warm here and two, I have just finished this series a mere hour ago. And what a delight it was!

Ever since stumbling about the first book I was enchanted with this world and especially with it‘s main characters and the form in which this series is written. As I have enjoyed the scientific lense of these books with it‘s constant footnotes referencing papers and talks in the field of dryadology, I was happy to find that this last book still revolved around this aspect of the world as well. I mean, venturing into Faerie is after all one big field study.

In this book we:
- get to know Wendells realm and deal with dangers and delights within
- meet old aquaintances! Some of the strands from the previous ends tie into this last one and we meet some of the characters and places again, which I was quite fond of
- still have a lot of the endearing banter of Emily and Wendell
- witness several changes of heart
- visit Trinity in Dublin
- spend time with one of the best literary dogs
- and with a vicious cat
- have a story about the truth in stories

Overall this was a good book and a neat end. I enjoyed most of it. I must say, a little less then book one and two, for I feel the neeer characters we were introduced to remained a bit shallow. But Emily‘s voice again was a favorite to read from!

So I close, stating that I would very much like to read more books approaching the Folk from an academic angle, and might go looking for them on this isle i have found myself on now!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication. The third instalment in the series draws things to a close, leaving Wendell and Emily in an unusual predicament. It felt slow at times, and the dramatic moments of the story fell a little flat as things were conveniently sorted out.
Having found their way back to Wendell’s kingdom it is now incumbent upon them to remove the threat to the throne and to try and restore the kingdom. Emily uses her scholarly research to help with key details, and we get the opportunity to see Wendell in what could best be described as his natural environment.
There’s the expected drama, but they always seem to manage to find a way to resolve issues before things become too awkward.

FOR SOME REASON, REVIEW HAS BEEN DELETED!

Now that Emily has discovered the door into Wendell's kingdom, the two if them and their 'army' manage to put Wendell back on his faerie throne. However his stepmother is not done with them yet as she has left a curse behind. In order to life the curse, Emily and Wendell have to pool their talents - his faerie, Emily's research.
This is the third volume in a totally delightful series. It's not what I would normally read, I'm no fan of fantasy, magic, dark academia etc, but I picked up the first in the series due to its beautiful cover and I really loved it. The characters are still varying and interesting with Emily's mistakes and Wendell's apparent sunniness. The book bounces along and just ends up as a feel-good escape.

I was lucky enough to receive the ARC for the first book in this series back in 2022, and I loved it so much that I didn't hesitate to request the third instalment when I saw it was available (I read the second book in my own time). Safe to say, I still adore this series!

In this book we see Emily and Wendell get established in his Faerie kingdom, watch Emily come to terms with being a scholar and now a faerie queen, and the couple deal with the looming threat of Wendall's step-mother, who is slowly poisoning the kingdom. The underlying danger throughout the book was gripping and 'that scene' nearly made me riot! The relationship between Emily and Wendell is still the sweetest (and at times funniest) thing, and we really get to see Wendall's final form as a loveable golden retriever-esque husband to Emily.

The only thing I found fault in was the final resolution at the end, which was a bit lacking and I expected a bit more of a fight from our BBEG.

Overall, 5 stars!

I ADORE this series so much, it has had my in a chokehold since book one and will continue to do so, I was a bit sad there seemed to be less of Wendell and Emily together in this one as I adore them together so much however the plot was well done, it had my heart strings firmly in it's grip, I was terrified of the ending but I'm happy with how everything wrapped up in the end!

Emily Wilde

3.5⭐️

The final instalment in the trilogy and yet again it delivered all the cosy vibes. If you want whimsy Emily Wilde is for you, I think this is the most whimsy series I've ever read.

I love both Emily & Wendell and I love how much Wendell loves Emily and wants to do everything for her. He is the ultimate golden retriever boyfriend.

This book is definitely Emily's book and while I would have liked more Wendell, I totally get it for the story. A very fitting end of the series.

Having eagerly followed Emily and Wendell's journey through the first two books, I was thrilled to dive into Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales. This third installment not only met but exceeded my expectations, delivering a satisfying and enchanting conclusion to the series.

In this adventure, Emily, now embracing her role as both a scholar and the fiancée of King Wendell, ventures into the heart of Faerie. Their mission to reclaim Wendell's throne is fraught with danger, especially with the looming threat of his malevolent stepmother's curse. Emily's unwavering dedication to her research and her evolving relationship with Wendell are beautifully portrayed, adding depth to her character and their bond.

Heather Fawcett's writing continues to captivate, blending academic intrigue with magical storytelling. The inclusion of scholarly footnotes and journal-style narration immerses readers in Emily's meticulous yet adventurous mind. The world-building is rich and vivid, making the realm of Faerie both enchanting and perilous.

What stood out to me was the balance between the overarching plot and the development of side characters. Reuniting with familiar faces and meeting new ones added layers to the narrative, creating a tapestry of interconnected stories that culminate in a heartfelt conclusion.

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is a testament to the power of storytelling, love, and resilience. It's a journey I was reluctant to see end, but the conclusion is both fitting and satisfying. For those who cherish tales of magic intertwined with scholarly pursuits and heartfelt relationships, this series is an absolute gem.

as always a delightful time bringing much warmth to my heart in dark times. found the pace in this one very odd and at times not great, but pace was never the strongest quality of these books so it's fine. heather fawcett flexed her faerie muscles in this one with the kingdom's worldbuilding and i did enjoy the "flip" side of emily's usual human-looking-for-faerie narration as she is in faerie this time, even if i liked the construction of the narrative better in book 1 and 2. LOVED the side characters in this as always, i kind of need the homosexual spinoff... heather fawcett if you're reading this...... but yeah a fun time. not my favorite of the trilogy but a lovely conclusion and as always a beautiful love story. emily wilde you're an icon

Told in the same journalistic/diary style as the first two books, the third (and possibly last) Emily Wilde novel more lives up to its predecessors. With more footnotes, more research and devious Faerie lore, more tea, and more romance, it’s easy to see how this was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025.
As always, i was completely blown away by how Heather Fawcett simultaneously crafts a cozy story, and the unsettling darkness of the Faerie world. Her interpretation of the meaning of Faeries is one of my favourite, for as much as i love the more recent Fae, the weird, dangerous, and terrifying folklore-based Faeries win every time for me.
Anyway, i was so happy to be back with Emily and Wendell. They’re one of my comfort couples, truly because they themselves are comforting, and also because they have that sweetness and connection to their relationship i find in many of my favourites. However different they may be from one another, i adore just how much they put each other first, and the little sweet things they (particularly Wendell) do for each other. Every time Wendell called Emily his dragon, or even just Em, i couldn’t hold myself back from smiling at the pages.
He truly reached a new level of adoration for her this book, and the letters he wrote were beyond adorable!
Emily was just as fierce as ever (if not more so). I love how she found a balance between life in Wendell’s court and her research and scholarly pursuits, without needing to give either of them up. She also may not have been as loud as Wendell with her shows of affection, but through her words you truly see just how much she cares for him. I adore them.

This book was so much fun! I already loved the first two in the series so much, so I was so excited to get to read this one. I love how we follow Emily and Wendell into farie once more. The relationship between the two was so well deweloped and I loved to see more of them.

An adorable but satisfying conclusion to the series.

Emily and Wendell are in full on love this time around and Wendell is a man who uses Acts of Service as a love language. He takes on all those little jobs and tasks that just make Emily's life easier. Would it have been even better with a bit more adventure? Yes. But it was well paced and the romance pace was in keeping with the story.

The portal system, collecting all the legends & stories was a great way to weave in some suspense and tie all of their adventures together. There are some old friends popping up here and there and the humour is gentle, not over the top and raucous.

My favourite line is when Wendell just states "Mine". (swooooon)

3.5 stars. Charming as ever, Emily Wild returns in the third (and final?) installment of the Heaher Fawcett's series about the researcher of Faeries. This time we spend more time in Faerie than ever before, but also have the least romance and stakes compared to the previous books in the series. I appreciated the cameos of characters we got to know throughout the series. No surprises on the plot or the writing, but in this reality Emily Wilde is the exact book we need to excape reality (or the hell of academia).