I was so excited to read the second book in this series and it definitely did not disappoint! Emily and Wendell have the most adorable relationship. I love how they’re constantly bickering, but it’s always laced with fondness. It’s so fun learning about new faerie creatures from myths or legends that I’d never heard of (especially the fox creatures).
I also just really admire Fawcett’s writing style. The language is so vivid. I can see the story like a painting or a movie. Such a cozy read too.
I was sooo happy to see Poe again! He’s so sweet, and I love how even with Poe there are still so many subtle fae things that Emily has to decipher. They are all complicated to fully understand, which keeps the reader tense and wondering if there are footnotes to a deal or a favor that we may not be seeing.
I can’t wait to read anything more from this author!

Loved this cozy fantasy sequel to Encyclopedia of Faeries! It's got historical cozy mystery vibes, too. The perfect book for curling up on a rainy day with a cup of warm tea at your side.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands delivers all of the great character work, engaging magic plot, and detailed (without being overwhelming) world-building of the first novel, while advancing the overarching narrative quite nicely, and giving readers a few new or deepened elements to enjoy.

(The romance, it's the romance).

This second book of a three-book series follows Emily, Wendell, best doggo Shadow, and a couple new characters - Emily's colleague Dr. Rose and her niece Ariadne - on a search for a dryadologist who mysteriously disappeared years ago. The hope is that not only can Emily get a few conference papers out of the experience, but also that the search might help lead them to the door to Wendell's faerie realm, so he can re-take the throne that his stepmother stole from him. While I don't think I was *quite* as invested in the dyradologist-hunt narrative as the novel wanted me to be, I am very here for the larger story of Wendell-as-deposed-faerie-king, and Emily's relentless competence in getting him closer to a return to his realm.

This novel continues the brilliant work of the first in upending a lot of the gender norms of mf fantasy romance/the world in general: Emily is still a prickly, driven, ruthlessly intelligent scholar; Wendell is still a faerie king who is periodically overwhelmed by his own strong emotions about the importance of tidy kitchens, good food, and well-tailored clothing. I was tickled by the fact that Wendell spends the better part of the denouement of this book [ convalescing from a poisoning attempt, and thus unable to bring his (kind of bothersome) Random Murderous Tendencies to Emily's rescue. She truly does take care of the big ending showdown on her own. And speaking of the big ending showdown and this novel's brilliance around Gender Stuff: I really, really loved the scene between Emily and Wendell's stepmother. Having already subverted the trop of the heroine needing the hero to rescue her, the novel also seems to be showing initial signs of subverting the Evil Stepmother trope. Not that Wendell's stepmother isn't evil - she totally is. But I loved how the scene between her and Emily focused not only on their shared relationship to the MMC, but rather the complex mix of repulsion (on Emily's part) and respect (on the Queen's) that the two women have for each other, independent of Wendell. It was a really compelling scene. (hide spoiler)]

I was delighted to find myself FAR more invested in the romance this time around, as well. I put that down to a couple things. First, as I noted in my review of Encyclopaedia, I really struggled with how Wendell was initially introduced, and the further we get from that introduction - the more we know about him as something other than that disastrous first impression - the more I like him. And second, I would basically die for Emily Wilde, and the fact that *she* likes Wendell a lot more in this installment make me much more on board with the romance. Plus, there's a sickbed scene. I'm such a basic b*tch for a sickbed scene.

If I had any critique to make of this book compared to its predecessor, I did find it a bit slower to get into, and I really, really missed the unique setting of Ljosland. Encyclopaedia had some of the best, most compelling sense of place that I can ever recall reading in a romance, and this book lacked that intensive, atmospheric quality. Still, it more than made up for it in plot and romance vibes, and I cannot WAIT for book three.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the eARC! All opinions are my own!<

4.5 rounded up! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

and we’re back! Emily and Wendell have a special place in my heart, even if it took me a few months to read this book.

I loved diving back into the world of the Fae, especially how Fawcett describes it. I loved how the Fae are so well integrated into the story and the footnotes. I love how she goes into detail with the footnotes, giving small tidbits of history between the scholars who study the Fae and the Fae creatures themselves.

Following Emily, Wendell, and a few new characters into Austria was exciting! I loved the introduction of Ariadne and Professor Rose, though I do wish we got to see more of them! Ariadne, especially. She seemed like such an interesting character, especially in the third act of the book when she opened up a little more. I do hope we get to see more of her in future books, but the new cast was lovely nonetheless. I loved reading about the new town they were in and what was going on with the other set of characters (I'll omit for spoilers!). I especially loved watching Emily and Wendell's relationship blossom throughout the story, even from afar. You can tell that they really care and love each other.

Another thing that I enjoyed was Emily and Ariadne's relationship! I loved seeing how it progressed and Emily working through the relationship with Ariadne. The scene in the third act touched my heart and it was nice to see.

I think maybe one critique that I had was the book felt a little slow? The beginning-middle part (maybe 30%-60%?) of the book was hard for me and it didn't grip me as much as the first book did, which could be a reason why it took me forever to read. It may just be me, but I felt that there wasn't much going on during that part.

Overall, a lovely book! It was so nice to see old and new faces and I can't wait for book 3 after that ending!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for an ebook copy of this book for honest review.

I read this second installment in this series in a single day. I did not have a single desire to put it down. I felt like the story moved at a nice pace to keep my interest. I love that we have a few new characters, and a new community. It was also a relief that the previous relationships where maintained.

I found the challenges met by the main characters interesting and the way Wendell has limits this time was a nice touch. It made sense and helped Emily remain it the foreground. I loved getting to know these characters better.

As with my review of book 1 in this series, I still enjoy the analytical mixed with the fantasy. It touches both sides of my personality. It is a clever way to approach fantasy writing in an academic setting.

This was the perfect sequel to the first, i absolutely devoured this and by the end of it i believe this is even better than the first book. I loved seeing Emily open up to people a bit more and having to be the one that does the saving. This series is so charming and cozy, i can’t wait to see what happened in book three!

4.25 ⭐️

Charming, magical and fantastical is the only way to describe the sequel to [book:Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries|60657589].
This sequel picked up not too long after the first installment of Emily Wilde's - Emily and Wendell are resuming research and teaching at university. However, when there is an assassination attempt sent by Wendell's step-mother, the duo are united to finding his faerie door to return to his realm and reclaim his kingdom.

On this journey, the two are joined by Emily's bubbly and enthusiastic niece, Ariadne, and her coworker and fellow scholar Professor Rose. The four have delightful interactions with one another and play upon their different personality quirks as they search for not only Wendell's faerie door, but the mystery surrounding a scholar who disappeared years past.

The interactions the main four researchers had during their adventures were memorable, however, the minor characters and townspeople really played little to no memorable role in this book. That was one of the charms of the first book in my eyes, seeing the personalities flourish when in their element (Wendell) and out of their element (Emily).

Additionally, the first 35-40% was just lacking to me, it felt very droll, focusing on very little of value other than set up in the story. (It honestly felt more like filler, than anything.) But once it started, I definitely appreciated that there was a good blend of action, humor, adventure and romance. Though I felt there were some parts lacking in Map of the Otherlands, I enjoyed the sense of wonder that returned when going through this book.

Faeries and other mystical creatures
Cozy, Light academia fantasy
Missing Person - mystery
Strongly Howl & Sophie coded
Whimsical side characters
Slow burn romance

I'm not normally one to enjoy cozy fantasy, but this series has a special place in my eyes. I'm so excited to see what hilarious adventures Emily and Wendell are going to get up to in the sequel. I don't know how many books are expected from this series, but I cannot get over the charm.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Del Ray and Heather Fawcett for the eARC of Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands.

While this is the second book in the series, I was able to dive in without having read the first (though that is something I shall rectify) . A fun fantasy read with a strong and smart female lead. Though a different genre, this book should appeal to fans of Veronica Speedwell.

Emily Wilde is for the readers looking for cozy fantasy that isn't going to have you stresssed or confused. Lots of fun, an easy read, I now know why there's so much fan art about this couple online!

Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett eBook Arc from NetGalley

If you find yourself craving cozy fantasy but find it lacking a bit of angst, plot and mood? You should try this amazing series by the Emily Wilde Series. This is Book Two, Book Three isn’t out yet so be warned…. It’s not complete as of today!

The atmosphere is a blend of academia, whimsy, romance, adventure and overcoming challenges. Emily and Wendell, are searching for a faerie door in the Alps. Although the adventure filled plot is engaging and beautifully written, the relationship between the two is absolute perfection! I found myself giggling out loud and wanting to kick my feel!!! I love how Wendell loves her… swoon worthy.

I think if you enjoy Olivia Atwater’s Regency, Alix Harrow’s Starling House, you’d LOVE this series! Really loved this sequel and will definitely continue this series!

Thanks for the arc. This second installment to this series was even better than the first! I really enjoyed reading about the evolution of Emily Wilde and Wendell Bambleby’s relationship from a budding romance into something more serious. I recommend this series all the time at my library and can’t wait for the third installment!

I absolutely adored the first book and this one was just as good! I’m so happy there’s going to be a third, because I can’t get enough of the series

I thoroughly enjoyed this continuation of the Emily Wilde series. I listened to the audiobook once it was released. Lovely relationships, interesting magic and academia. The journaling element continues to be interesting. I appreciate that the author wraps up the story arc while still maintaining the intrigue for the next installment, rather than a huge cliff hanger that leaves one feeling unsatisfied or irritated. I'm looking forward to the next book!

I don't know how it's possible, but I like Map of the Otherlands more than the first book! To be completely honest, I liked the first book, but I wasn't in love.

The relationship building in Otherlands sets it apart from its predecessor. We got to see more not just Emily's relationship with Wendell, but with side characters, which I think I wanted more in the first book.

Overall, I have to say that Otherlands is just as ridiculous (in a good way) and cozy as its predecessor. A solid sequel, for sure.

Thanks, Netgalley and Del Rey, for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love this book. Everything I loved about the first book, (the humor, the found family, my beloved Emily and Wendell), are all still amazing here. But Heather Fawcett manages to deepen the connection to the world of the Fae, and hint at stories that can still be told. It’s funny, romantic, exciting, and perfect. I would read a thousand books about Emily Wilde.

This was a great sequel. It sank me back deep in the world of Emily Wilde. I loved many of the same things as I did from the first book, the science of it all and the fact that Emily’s character was an introvert and sometimes got cranky, which is rare to see in books!

It wasn’t quite as good as the first though that might be nostalgia talking. The first one had a cosy charm to the cabin that Emily and Bambleby were staying in that just sang to my heart. This one, though it came close, was just missing a tiny bit from the first book.

I still loved it so much though. While not quite hitting the high standards the first book left, it did still have plenty of charm and whimsy that contrasted nicely with the action and led it to be a beautiful book.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Emily Wilde faerie folklore scholar who just returned from research trip with a new scholarly tome a comprehensive of encylopaedia of faeries and her old rival Wendell Bambleby has proposed multiple times. But Emily is not foolish enough to follow her heart and marry an exiled faerie king, no matter how charming. Her next project of mapping the faerie worlds is pushed up, when Wendell's stepmother sends assassins as a birthday gift. So the couple find themselves in the Alps, hunting faeries and faerie doors.

Why I started this book: [book:Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries|60657589] was charming and so I eagerly requested an ARC for the second in the series. But proving the perversity of human nature... I started it and then couldn't finish it on a deadline.

Why I finished it: I let it mellow, until it didn't feel like an assignment. Once the book that I wanted to read, once again felt like a book I wanted to read, I picked it up and loved it. Quirky in tone and subject, I can attest that you need to be in the right mood for this delightful romp.

this was fun! i did not love the historical stuff much but it was really tasteful and i enjoyed my time still hehe

I really enjoyed this book and series, it’s the perfect mix of academia and whimsy. It feels very much like the literary equivalent of a good mug of hot chocolate or tea. Warming on a cold day.

Heather can do no wrong in my eyes.

I fell in love with the first Emily Wilde book, and it was the same outcome for this book.

I’ll continue to read the books she publishes.

If you’ve read the first book, then you know this author is amazing.

If you haven’t read the first book, what are you waiting for?????