Group Reads Discussions 2023: "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" First Impressions *No Spoilers*

[SFFBC, Ancillary Mod]

Come talk about your initial, general impressions!

Please save all discussion of particulars, details from the story, character choices, plot questions, etc. for the full spoiler thread.

Content warnings for those who want them: (view spoiler)[ loss of child, self mutilation, coercion of will, gore, sexism (hide spoiler)] (More about CWs here.)

[Oleksandr]

I've started the book yesterday and it is an interesting story, but I'm unsure about some minor details - the world is definitely isn't our world but at the same time close enough, therefore some stuff sounds anachronistic w/o a reason

[Sarah]

I see what you mean. Having finished it, I think the story evolves to create an atmosphere that leans to gothic rather than anachronistic.

[Oleksandr]

I am @42% on audio and I like where the story is going.

[DivaDiane]

I loved this book when I read it a few months ago.

[Oleksandr]

I like how 'classic' fairy tale tropes are inserted into the story.

[Kirsi]

I, too, read this book a while ago and loved it.

[Nicole]

i like the classic epistolary style of the writing. It definitely makes me feel like I'm reading an older work of fantasy but there are enough pops to remind me its a newer release.

[HeyT]

I'm still on the holds list for this at work but one of our copies is missing already lol Who knows when I'll get it.

[Hank, Hankenstein's Modster]

Yep, I am 19th in line for my library copy

[Rachel]

I listened to this and I felt like audio was a good choice for this book / the narrator really added to the story

[Ellen]

50% through. Enjoying the audio.

[Edwin]

Rachel wrote: "I listened to this and I felt like audio was a good choice for this book / the narrator really added to the story"

I am about 2/3 done and agree with this completely.

[Aga]

The book suits my mood perfectly. I like the main character and the setting. It’s dark academia meets cottage core, speaking in terms of internet aesthetics.

[Bonnie]

Once I adjust I enjoy the formal style of the writing. The footnotes remind me of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which I loved. Will hope for the best.

"spent an entirely unproductive twenty minutes scrabbling about with the wood and the matches"

Maybe she has a servant at home but I'm concerned about Emily's field skills!
😅

[Sebastian]

I'm 60 pages in and I like it a lot. Emily's awkwardness in social situations is very relatable. ^^

[Aga]

Sebastian wrote: "I'm 60 pages in and I like it a lot. Emily's awkwardness in social situations is very relatable. ^^"

Totally agree! I have to admit Emily is one of my favorite characters from books I’ve read this year.

[Richard]

Just started this and can’t help but be reminded of A Natural History of Dragons, which I’m afraid didn’t do much for me.