Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett Narrator: Ell Potter, Michael Dodds
Series: Emily Wilde #3
Published by Del Ray, Penguin Audio on February 11, 2025
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Length: 11 hours, 44 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Emily Wilde has spent her life studying faeries. A renowned dryadologist, she has documented hundreds of species of Folk in her Encyclopaedia of Faeries. Now she is about to embark on her most dangerous academic project studying the inner workings of a faerie realm—as its queen.
Along with her former academic rival—now fiancé—the dashing and mercurial Wendell Bambleby, Emily is immediately thrust into the deadly intrigues of Faerie as the two of them seize the throne of Wendell’s long-lost kingdom, which Emily finds a beautiful nightmare filled with scholarly treasures.
Emily has been obsessed with faerie stories her entire life, but at first she feels as ill-suited to Faerie as she did to the mortal How can an unassuming scholar such as herself pass for a queen? Yet there is little time to settle in, for Wendell’s murderous stepmother has placed a deadly curse upon the land before vanishing without a trace. It will take all of Wendell’s magic—and Emily’s knowledge of stories—to unravel the mystery before they lose everything they hold dear.
I’ve really enjoyed the Emily Wilde series.  Emily is the heart of the story and yet she is bookish and devoted to her study of the different Fae and their stories. She has strong opinions and has made some great friends particularly among the common fae.
Now she comes with Wendell to his kingdom as his queen. His step-mother however has cursed the kingdom horribly and has not yet died. First, they think she must be sought out and killed, both to stop the curse and for Wendell to keep the throne. Emily studies the stories and looks for parallels in them where Wendell does not end up dead also.
The scholarly searches take a large portion of the book. This plot makes for a steady pace with few bursts of action. Emily consults many books and fae who knew the old queen. They also must find her. The studies lead Emily to plenty of fellow researchers in Compendium of Lost Tales with many interesting stories and variations she collects for future use.
While Emily is steadfast in pursuing research to logical choices to their issues with the old queen, Wendell seems mercurial in his actions. He alternates between anger and harsh reprisal for his step-mother and cheerful plans for Emily and her needs. He is focused on making sure Emily is happy and won’t leave him, especially since she does leave him to go off and study to find solutions to their ruling issues. She doesn’t want Wendell to die.
I will not spoil all the great studies and harrowing adventures Emily undertakes to save Wendell and his kingdom. She loves him, but he is generally too lazy to be a good partner in these pursuits. However, they balance each other well. Emily spurs him to more scholarly and reasonable actions; Wendell helps her have more fun.
Narration:
I have loved the narrators employed throughout the series. The distinct voices for characters seemed appropriate. Most of the story is told from Emily’s point of view and feels like a stream of her thoughts mostly. The narration added to my enjoyment. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Heather Fawcett
Heather Fawcett is the Sunday Times and internationally bestselling Canadian author of books for adults, kids, and teens, including Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Even the Darkest Stars, Ember and the Ice Dragons, The Grace of Wild Things, and more. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and somehow all include dragons in one form or another. She has a Master’s degree in English Literature and a Bachelor’s in Archaeology. She lives on Vancouver Island.Â
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
Wonderful review, I posted mine today as well. Wendell was a little different in this book, you can see his cruel side. But you’re right, they balance each other out well.
I look forward to reading your review.
You read the most interesting fantasy series, Anne. Excellent review💜
Thanks Jonetta. I hope so. Why read if it’s not interesting? Emily Wilde is sort of like a neurodivergent in her habits and pursuit of study. She’s delightful in her ways.
I AM curious….mmmm….maybe. 🙂
I would start with the first one. They are all charming.
Lovely review. I do want to get to this series. One day!
Emily is such a great character. I love her. I am sure you would enjoy the series.
I need to jump on this series because each time a new book comes out, I get further behind… and it sounds so good!
I think you’d love it. It’s a cozy sort of fantasy with stories.
I so can’t wait to read this one! I really loved the first two books. 😀
I hope you love it. I am thinking of this sort of book as a cozy fantasy romance.
Just read Tammy’s review over at Books, Bones & Buffy. Glad to hear you enjoyed this as well. I do love the cover!
To me these seem cozy for fantasy. All the covers are stunning.