If Cambridge professor Emily Wilde had her way, she would avoid small talk entirely, and spend all of her time researching the fae. Working on the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore, she finds herself in the gruff and freezing town of Hranfnsvik, far away from her handsome and insufferable academic rival, Wendell Bambleby.  She’s perfectly content to stay as far apart from the townspeople as possible, but as she finds herself getting closer and closer to discovering the secrets of The Hidden Ones in the local forest, Wendell arrives and brings his unique blend of charm and as an interruption to Emily’s research. The problem is, Emily is starting to think Wendell isn’t there by accident, and that his behaviors might make him something so much more than a Cambridge rival.

I have fallen madly in love with this exciting world created by Heather Fawcett. Not only do her fae feel well researched, but they are also fun to read about. Emily Wilde is a believable curmudgeon, and the townspeople are both hard scrabble and charming. Wendell Bambleby is the type of character that drives you crazy at first, but then worms your way into your heart.  Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is the first book in the Emily Wilde series, and I can’t wait to read more.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is available from Random House January 10, 2023.