The Review

After completing “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries,” I eagerly delved into the enchanting sequel, “Map of the Otherlands.” Anticipating the continuation of Emily and Wendell’s captivating journey, I found myself thoroughly satisfied. It’s crucial to note that this book cannot be enjoyed as a standalone; prior familiarity with the first novel is essential to avoid confusion. Warning: spoilers for the first installment lie ahead.

Following the triumphant events in Ljosland and the publication of her groundbreaking Encyclopedia of Faeries, Emily Wilde has ascended to a tenured position in Cambridge’s dryadology department. Despite not yet accepting Wendell Bambleby’s proposal, Emily is resolute in aiding him to return to his kingdom. Their expedition takes an unexpected turn when assassins, sent by Bambleby’s stepmother, disrupt one of his lectures, compelling them to hasten their journey.

What sets “Map of the Otherlands” apart is its seamless integration of new characters without overshadowing the original cast. Professor Rose and Emily’s niece, Adriane, bring delightful touches to the narrative, while the lupine faerie friend, Snowball, adds a charming element. Notably, the return of the endearing Poe evokes a sense of nostalgia, enriching the overall reading experience.¹

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to balance the whimsical charm of faerie folklore with the intricacies of Emily and Wendell’s evolving relationship. Fawcett’s prose is a delight to read. Another review said it best when they mentioned Fawcett evokes a Studio Ghibli-esque sense of joy and escapism. The academic journal format, a unique storytelling choice, further enriches the narrative, allowing readers to relish the characters’ idiosyncrasies and the unfolding events. The faerie doors introduce new realms, adding layers of magic and tension to the story. The exploration of faerie artifacts, court complexities, and the enigmatic Small Folk contributes to the addictive allure of the fantastical world Fawcett has crafted.

However, what makes this sequel potentially better than it’s predecessor is its more engaging start. The narrative delves deeper into Emily’s relationships, challenging her to navigate familial bonds, professional connections, and friendships. The romance between Emily and Wendell takes center stage, offering readers both angsty and fluffy moments that contribute to the emotional depth of the story.²

In conclusion, “Map of the Otherlands” is a triumph in the fantasy genre, successfully building upon the strengths of its predecessor. Heather Fawcett has masterfully crafted a narrative that combines scholarly pursuits, magical adventures, and the enduring charm of beloved characters. For fans of faerie folklore, romance, and whimsical storytelling, this sequel is a must-read, promising an immersive and joyous journey through the Otherlands.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“Map of the Otherlands” is an enchanting sequel to “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries,” seamlessly continuing the captivating journey of faerie scholar Emily and exiled faerie king Wendell. It is essential to read the first novel to understand the background. The introduction of new characters, such as Professor Rose and Emily’s niece, adds delightful touches without overshadowing the original cast. Fawcett’s whimsical prose and the unique academic journal format enrich the narrative. The plot, set in the Austrian Alps, weaves a tale of mystery, romance, and faerie realms, with a more engaging start and deeper exploration of relationships. Balancing scholarly pursuits with magical charm, the novel is a triumph in fantasy, promising an immersive journey through the Otherlands for fans of faerie folklore and whimsical storytelling.

1. Seriously I would love Fawcett to write a collection of Children’s stories staring our friend Poe. ↩︎
2. But thankfully still tame for those of us (like me) that prefer their smut to be PG-13 ↩︎