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Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3)

Heather Fawcett

Start date: June 1, 2025

Finish date: June 30, 2025

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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* Buddy Reads 2025
By Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴… , Founding Retro Chick · 128 posts · 22 views

last updated Aug 03, 2025 05:15AM

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By Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴… , Founding Retro Chick · 250 posts · 27 views

last updated Oct 20, 2025 01:03PM

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What Members Thought

Jul 09, 2025 Sarah Brown rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2025-want-to-find-time-for

I really hope there is another book. I just love the dynamics / chemistry between Emily and Wendell. My favorite part of the book was all the references to other tales of fairies, the research done, the citing of it, etc.

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Jun 11, 2025 Flo rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 5-star, owned-physical

4.5 stars!

I can't believe this series is over!!!

Overall, this series was such a fun romp through worlds of fae, grumpy x sunshine vibes, and nerds. This book in particularly finally gave us a much more detailed look of the fae world, since it's almost completely set in the faerie realm. We got to meet a bunch of new characters while also bringing back some old and much loved ones, which I always appreciate. (I wish Poe had gotten more screentime though, I love him so much...and I also sort of 4.5 stars!

I can't believe this series is over!!!

Overall, this series was such a fun romp through worlds of fae, grumpy x sunshine vibes, and nerds. This book in particularly finally gave us a much more detailed look of the fae world, since it's almost completely set in the faerie realm. We got to meet a bunch of new characters while also bringing back some old and much loved ones, which I always appreciate. (I wish Poe had gotten more screentime though, I love him so much...and I also sort of wish we'd gotten more with Rose too because I really like the grandfatherly/mentor thing he has going on with Emily.) The found family in this book and the previous books is everything to me because it's just my favorite trope and makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside! The second to last scene of everyone gathered to celebrate was actually perfect and I wish every book I read had a scene like that.

I'm glad that Emily and Wendell had more interactions in this book than in the previous one. That was something that I really missed last time because they have the best banter (and because I also love Wendell's devotion to her...why can't men be like that in real life??) And also Emily once again comes to the rescue with all her knowledge of the faerie realm and stories...I love a nerdy awkward lady and the man who is devoted to her while waving a sword around and threatening violence on anyone who is a threat to his person. I also love that Wendell actually respects Emily's independence and wishes. When she tells him that she is going back to the human world for research and not to follow her, he actually does what she asks (even if he is clearly not happy about it). Again, why can't men???

I already sort of mentioned this, but I adore all the side characters, both the new ones and the ones who returned. I am so glad that Lilja and Margrit came back and had bigger roles than they did in the second book because I adore them. I really liked that the snow king fae made a reappearance. And of course, Shadow!!! The best, most loyal dog ever (other than my own dog obviously) and I won't spoil it, but I'm so pleased at what happens with him at the end. This book is clearly a conclusion and celebration of all the people Emily has met on her journeys beginning with the first book. I also enjoyed the look at some of the people who now live in Faerie in Wendell's kingdom. His uncle and uncle's mortal husband (boyfriend?) were a great comparison to Emily and Wendell's relationship, but I was ultimately most interested in Wendell's stepmother. I wish we could have gotten more interactions with her. The novel leaves it ambiguous whether she will return to her scheming, evil ways, but I like to think that she has reformed and is just vibing harmlessly now.

Also the last scene was the perfect conclusion to the series. Wendell and Emily are back at Cambridge where it all began and they go to the library together. It's so cozy and perfect for them and brings everything full circle. I just want to wrap myself in a blanket and sip tea while reread this series a million times. The writing itself was also really accessible and helped set the cozy tone. The footnotes are everything because you know me, I love worldbuilding. And now I want to reread Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, since I know the author had used it as inspiration for this series (and the vibes are similar).

I could ramble about the perfect characters, worldbuilding, and tone of this book forever, But I will conclude by just telling y'all to read it if you want a cozy fantasy adventure with a hint of teeth hiding in the darkness (less hidden in the last book, but it's overall still very cozy)! ...more

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