This was SUCH a delightful addition to the Emily Wilde saga! Seeing Emily interact with fairies as a queen-to-be was both hilarious and moving, and the stakes of the world and relationships just get upped with every book. Cozy, atmospheric, and funny—cannot wait for more.

Stories are the architecture of Faerie, more powerful than magic, more powerful than kings, and Cambridge professor, Emily Wilde, PhD, MPhil, BSc, Dde, tenured, is now in the middle of one. She and her fiance, Wendell Bambleby, are about to retake his kingdom. They've both taken a sabbatical from Cambridge to accomplish this goal. Wendell has been in exile from the Silva Lupi since his stepmother killed his entire family and assumed the throne. Thanks to Emily he not only has a way back, but his stepmother might have already perished by poisoning and he has a rather intimidating entourage. One wouldn't want to show up in one of the most dangerous Faerie realms without a plan. So they swan in with the guardians lead by Razkarden, the trolls, the tree fauns, and the fuchszwerge, the fox-faeries, lead by Snowbell. And they are met with no opposition. Which might be the most unnerving thing about entering the Silva Lupi. Eventually Queen Arna's half-brother, Lord Taran, saunters up and tells them the lay of the land. Arna isn't dead but if Wendell wants the throne he has to best Lord Taran. It's nothing personal, violence comes as naturally as drawing breath to the monarchs of the Silva Lupi, and he promised Wendell's father that he would protect the kingdom from a weak ruler. Lord Taran is the greatest swordsman in the land, and, for a while, Wendell holds his own, but it's not in swordplay that he bests his father, it's by his needle and thread. The path cleared they ascend their thrones and it seems that their only problem will be Emily adjusting the the great many monsters in Wendell's court. But Queen Arna has a neatly constructed vengeance in store. As Emily poisoned her she has in turn poisoned the land. Emily and Wendell worked so hard to find a way back to his world, that all their efforts should have been brought to this; only Wendell's death will lift the curse. Nothing more, nothing less. The Folk do appreciate a story that comes full circle. So in the logical extension of the illogic of Faerie, Emily will save the day due to her living a life lead by scholarly tomes. Stories are the foundations of this world, they may be used as a compass, a guiding star. They just need the right story, they need their guiding star, and this problem will just go away. Once she finds "King Macan's Bees" she thinks she has the answer, the story echoes the present problems, but it's uncanny how accurate it echoes them. Which worries Emily. Queen Arna is cunning and while Emily will never tire of untangling a faerie mystery, could this one be Wendell's last?

Heather Fawcett's Lady Emily series has been a magical, if at times menacing, romp through Faerie and it's academic accouterments. And while I've loved all the volumes in this series I find myself singling this one out as the most magical. While I could say it's because I've grown accustomed to the horrors, much like Emily is attempting to with the monsters in Wendell's court, I think it's really because of a few scenes of such magic that my breath was taken away. The most magical of these is when Emily and Wendell officially marry. In Faerie you don't have to have a big ceremony, you just have to declare your intentions and the deed is done. Which, let's be honest, Emily enjoyed far more than being the center of attention. But when they make their intentions known on a boat as they go to confront his stepmother when they pull apart from sealing their bond with a kiss the world around them is celebrating their love. Faeries are gathering along the shore with lights, like a forest full of fireflies, they illuminate the dark in a way that is pure magic. This is what I've always pictured when I think of the realms of faeries. Little me laying in bed being told fairy tales thrills at this moment. And my love of fairy tales is brought to a whole new level in this volume. Because Heather Fawcett tackles the intersectionality of ghost stories and fairy tales. That's right, Heather Fawcett is bringing in spiritualism into a story I already love and upping the game to a whole new level. So, ghost stories and fairy tales. They could both be under the umbrella of folklore, but personally I like to put them under the umbrella of horror. Because true ghost stories and fairy tales are terrifying. And that fear, that aspect of horror is what draws me in every time. It's the dark shadow of bedtime tales, those that keep you up at night because they have the ring of truth. For me, these types of tales are interchangeable. They are both about something otherworldly. And that this was acknowledged in this series makes me giddy. What's more, it's one of the reasons dryadology even exists as a discipline, because of people studying ghosts. Though, to take this even further, Archibald Robbins of the University of Amsterdam was an iconoclast who theorized there were interactions between the Folk and the spirit world. Then Helen Worthington-West took this further and presented a paper about a brownie who had spoken with the recently deceased using a door. Doors, like the door Emily needed to find to return Wendell to his realm. But this door goes to a spiritual limbo. A place half in the world, half elsewhere, where the ghosts of the Folk linger. Oh my, it's the commingling of two things that in my mind have always been linked that I just can't get enough of. I want more. And I totally agree with Emily, she should have been studying ghost stories instead of the histories of great faerie monarchs.

4.25 Stars

Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this novel; all my opinions are my own.

I was hesitant going into this third novel because, while I loved book 1, I didn’t love book 2. So imagine my surprise when I LOVED this one. We have Emily and Wendall back together, which I think is what I didn’t like in book 2 – that they were separated. I love their relationship and dynamic, I love the juxtaposition between them, and I thought this was so well executed and drove the story forward so well. I felt at home with the characters and I loved the plot line. It was back and forth and up and down but also funny and serious at the same time. This was such a fun read.

Emily Wilde is back as the titular character in the third installment of her very own series by Heather Fawcett, and I am here for it. (Make sure you start at the beginning of the Emily Wilde series if you plan to read this book!)

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is a historical fantasy novel that takes place in the faerie realm and is written in the form of diary entries, as are the other two books in this series. I would almost describe it as cozy fantasy. The story picks up immediately following the events of the last novel. Wendell and Emily are seeking to reclaim Wendell’s throne, but it will not be an easy task. Fawcett includes a lot of world building, lore, and detail in her novels, which I enjoy. This installment is no different. While I could probably nit pick details about the pacing and plot, I overall just had so much fun reading this book that I don’t have many serious complaints. I really have fallen in love with the characters over the course of the series, and I find them, the world they inhabit, and the dialogue to have such charm. I’m sad to see the series come to an end, but I will be keeping an eye out for future works by this author.

I would recommend Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales (or the series as a whole) to readers of historical fantasy, cozy fantasy, and those interested in stories set in the faerie realm.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine - Del Rey for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!*

This was exactly what I had hoped for in the third book of the Emily Wilde series! There is a wonderful banter and dynamic between the two main characters as well as visits from people of the past books. While this book wraps up the series nicely, it leaves room for more!

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales was a solid conclusion to this trilogy that continues to capture both a whimsical and dark tone while exploring an entirely new setting. This book does an excellent job of further developing the main characters despite the already strong characterization in the first two installments. I especially enjoyed the focus on the impact of stories and their reflection of reality, which was a satisfying callback to the themes first introduced in book one. I also appreciated that the development of Emily and Wendell's relationship was balanced with her independent explorations in Faerie, which held true with her character. I look forward to seeing what Heather Fawcett writes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Random House for the ARC.

I think this is solely on me and my personal tastes as a reader, but I found this series in general to feel too mechanical in structure. However, I recommend these books a ton to our patrons, especially if they're wanting a cozy read.

Emily Wilde is back and as plucky as ever! I dont think I could ever get tired of this series. I absolutely love the characters, particularly Emily who is always portrayed as hilarious without really meaning to be so. I love her and Wendell's relationship. Its sweet and yet she retains her individuality and freedom. She never feels like someone's "other half".
The land of faery comes alive yet again, and I cant help but with there would be an illustrated edition of the series.
While it feels like this could be the end of the series, I am hoping it isn't, as I would love to dive into this world with these characters again.
Thanks so much to Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for this amazing ARC.

Very slow pacing, the plot was a bit flat and not amazing. I always stay for Wendell and Emily though, some of their scenes really make it worth it. I also love seeing this world be expanded upon. But the series has just petered out for me as it has progressed.

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is a wonderfully enchanting and atmospheric YA fantasy that hooked me with its clever blend of mystery, magic, and a touch of steampunk flair. What I loved most was the way Heather Fawcett crafts a richly detailed world filled with intriguing magical lore and strong, relatable characters. Emily’s determination and wit made her a compelling protagonist, and the plot’s slow-building tension kept me turning pages. The story’s blend of fantasy adventure with emotional depth made it both exciting and heartfelt.

I adore everything about Heather Fawcett's Emily Wilde books. Emily is just so damn perfect with her social awkwardness. Yet she is also so very brave when needs must. She is proof that being educated and prepared is always better than pure brawn. This is a lesson that becomes important in EMILY WILDE'S COMPENDIUM OF LOST TALES.

At the same time, Wendell is so cute with his enthusiastic love and devotion to Emily. While he is more than capable of over-the-top gestures of love, he proves how well he knows his fiancée with the thoughtful gifts he procures for her. His nonchalance over his stepmother's murderous ways makes for some highly amusing scenes as well. His natural sunniness is just so infectious, and, after three books, he is every bit as delightful as Emily.

I appreciate that Emily must find different levels of bravery and is always learning in each book. While we know that being and living in Faerie will be advantageous to her career, it is what she learns about herself that makes EMILY WILDE'S COMPENDIUM OF LOST TALES special. I wasn't prepared for this level of growth in a third book, which makes me appreciate Ms. Fawcett's storytelling even more.

Oh, and the "wedding scene?" Perfection.

I absolutely love every book in this series and am buying them in hardcover even though I've gotten e-galleys of all of them. I just hope there ends up being a fourth Emily Wilde book--I haven't finished this one because I keep being afraid it will be the last. Not everything has to be a trilogy! Keep them coming!

This installment continues to build on the series’ mix of mystery and lighthearted charm. The pacing is steady, with enough twists to keep things interesting without feeling rushed. Emily’s voice remains relatable, though some plot points felt a bit predictable this time around. It’s a solid entry for fans, even if it doesn’t quite reach the excitement of earlier books.

I'm an Emily Wilde STAN. She and Wendell are one of my favorite fictional couples, so I'm going to eat up every book about them and ask for seconds. This was probably my second favorite in the series, with the first one still taking the top spot. I just love all the characters and how the story is cozy while still having a plot that ties everything together. There isn't too much to say because the whole plot hinges on you having prior knowledge of all the characters, so I recommend picking up the first book and binging the whole series in a few days. It's worth it!

This was by far my least favorite of the series and felt like something to finish just to get through the end of the set. Em lost most of her usually wittiness, quirks, and sass, and the story was mostly a sort of slow-loping slog to being king and queen without the past queen continuing to screw everything up. The most I ever felt like I was getting the gold of the previous two books was when Emily leaves Wendell on her own to solve some things (without spoilers) and we finally get some creepy new faeries and disturbing and unsettling interactions. I wanted way more of this, but was left bereft. Why couldn't we get some deep dive into the Hagshead Deer? They're right in Wendell's castle gardens, after all! And why not more about the unsettling qualities of the Trees with Eyes. Instead, this felt like a fluff piece with pieces of the good stuff tossed in here and there. A disappointing ending to be sure.

I love this series so much! It is so cozy and I love this world. I will read anything Heather Fawcett writes! :D

This was such a lovely ending to the series, I thought! I don't know what it is about these, but as with the previous 2 titles, they started off a little slowly but then they dove right into the action fairly quickly. The ending to Emily & Wendell's story was perfect, in my opinion. If you're looking for a mostly cozy faerie romance, this series is for you!

I had fun with this series from start to finish! A really nice blend of plot and romance. I love that, from the very beginning, our heroine was unquestionably the smart and useful member of the pairing. As Wendell gained more narrative powers I was worried Emily might start taking a backseat. But no, he’s as useless and devoted as usual, and I, for one, applaud that.

Heather Fawcett has done it again—Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is a delightful, clever, and magical continuation of a series that has completely enchanted me. In this third installment, Emily Wilde finds herself not just cataloging the Folk, but ruling among them—an academic thrust into a faerie throne room, equal parts dazzling and dangerous.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh I love this series so much ahhhhh!!! Emily and Wendell have my whole heart. I love them so much and this world is so immersive and fascinating! I love the way these books are written as journal entries. Emily is an amazing main character and of course narrator of the story because it all comes from her perspective. The audiobook narrators of this series blow me away at how talented they are! Ell Potter does such an amazing job I can always tell what characters she is imitating at all times before they even say who it is!! I’m going to miss these characters dearly and I kind of wanted to cry when I finished 😭 This has been such a comfort series for me and I wish I could sit in this world forever. Everyone should go pick this series up!!!