Book Review: Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

“I must write it down. For it is in writing that I will discover a way out. A door within the story. There is one. It cannot end here. Yet some stories do.”

Heather Fawcett, Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales

Review:

I must say, I’m impressed with myself for starting and finishing this series without a major gap in between the books. I read Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries this past November and I finished Compendium in March. 

Emily Wilde’s studies of the Folk have taken her to the depths of their realms and politics. In particular, she and Wendell try to reclaim his throne. However, they return to find the Queen missing, and the kingdom is left behind with a curse in her wake. Emily takes the task of lifting the curse to heart and immerses herself into the lore, drawing from her years of studies to unlock the solution. 

Of the three Emily Wilde books, I admit I enjoyed this one the least. What drew me to the first book was that it was more in the realm of magical realism. I struggle with most fantasy that goes beyond that. I feel like I retained very little of the plot aside from Emily and Wendell’s relationship. Of course, if you’re inclined to high(er) fantasy, this shouldn’t hinder any enjoyment. 

I’m so glad I gave this series a chance because I enjoyed my reading experience immensely. I’m pretty sure this is the first modern fantasy series I’ve ever felt an attachment to.

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Orga!!!
• Emily and Wendell’s relationship.
• Witty humor.

What I didn’t like:

• Too much fantasy for me (compared to the other books in the series).
• I didn’t feel as immersed in the plot.

Afterthoughts:

Thanks to my mother for giving this book to me as a birthday present just in time to buddy read it with my friend Skylar!

Where to buy the book: