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Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands
Books of the Month
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Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett - Theme BOM - FORESTS - April 2025 (starts 16 Apr)
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Date Chapters %age MPDQs
16 Apr start: The start! Melindam
end: 15th September 20%
17 Apr start: 17th September Lexi
end: 27th Septenber 41%
18 Apr start: 2nd October Catherine
end: 6th October - late 63%
19 Apr start: 7th Octber Judith
end: 11th October 79%
20 Apr start: 11th October - evening Cat
end: The end!
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Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
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Lexi
Melindam
Catherine
Judith
Cat
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Judith https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Lexi https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Melindam https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
RachelG https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Angie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Catherine https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Sammy https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
As far as I know, I'm not traveling in April so I can take a day for DQs for this one too
I'll definitely be reading, but not sure if I can commit to DQs yet. someone nudge me closer to the time and I should have a better idea 😁
Happy to take day 1 or swap if needed. :)
I can assist with DQ'sGetting from the library since Libby was way too long to wait.
Mod
Feel free to horse-trade days
I'm good with mine but 20th is Easter if we need a break day if people have family commitments
DQs - Day 11) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison” ... 🤭
Mod
Honestly, I have family commitments from tomorrow (nibling and I going to the Globe to see Macbeth!), so I have read ahead and will have my set of Qs ready this evening to post on Sunday.
Does mean I might be at risk of spoilers when answering earlier DQ sets....
Mod
1) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
It's been a while since I read book 1, but.... She seems more confident in her professional abilities
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
Well, there's a book 3. So I think probably, and book 3 is working towards a wedding. (whilst I've read on, I've not finished so this is a guess)
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
At this point I thought he'd be a hindrance walking all over his younger, female colleague, then getting into trouble that could have been avoided if he hadn't have been an ass
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
Ariadne was interesting! I think there was probably additional layers, him being a faerie and therefore not straightforward, but his claimed reasons are true too.
Mod
1) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
She seems more settled/secure in herself. I'm guessing partly due to her experiences in book 1 and now she has more job security with her tenure position. Emily is not also as socially isolated.
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
Not sure when it will be resolved but yes, I think they'll end up married. I think she wants to marry him but has some legit reservations about marrying Fae royalty.
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
I'm hoping an asset and I'm hoping some entertaining group dynamics. There is certainly an advantage to Rose for the trip to be a success so he'll at least try to be helpful. But he may be a bit of a pompous ass to Emily, but maybe he'll be on his best behaviour.
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
Well, I think he was honest about his reasons for not wanting Ariadne to come. But whether those were Wendell's only reasons for not wanting her along, I don't really know.
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison” ... 🤭
Scholar probably studying the economics of Fae cultures.
DQs - Day 11) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
She may be trying to pretend to herself that she hasn't changed, but I think she knows this is not true. She seems to be slightly more social and may be engaging more with her colleagues and students.
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
I haven't been aware until now that there is a book 3, but it's highly likely that at least she will decide to marry Wendell by the end of the book.
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
It can go either way, but I'm hoping he'll prove to be useful and supportive, even if he's not going to be especially nice about it.
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
There could be an ulterior motive behind it. I was wondering -though it may turn out to be me and my imagination only- that her name and the fact that they are looking for a portal/nexus may mean that she will have a part to play (?)
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
I'd be staying on campus, preferably being a librarian and chief tea-maker and biscuit provider.
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison”
I could be Assistant Book Whisperer and Chief Tea Strategist.
DQs - Day 1 1) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
She starts out stronger but some of her behavior later seems to have returned to before. I wish they gave her more growth with others. I am not sure I appreciate her niece being there.
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
I think they will and major steps will be settled by the end of this book maybe with the marriage being a major part of the second book. I don’t like series that spend books as they will or won’t they.
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
Farris Rose is also annoying but like the niece (see below), we needed more characters to not just be a repeat of the first one. I first thought he would betray them but wonder if the author will give him a redeeming arc now.
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
We know Wendell is hiding something, but I think he was honest as to why if not honest to all his reasons why.
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison” ... 🤭
Fae critter vet or vet pathologist as they might be safer to study dead
DQs - Day 11) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
I feel like she is more confident which likely came from the events in book 1.
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
I think it will stay unresolved for now, but who knows... maybe I will be surprised.
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
I think he will try and take over and mess things up big time. Likely he will put everyone in jeopardy. I just feel like Emily is going to have to ride in and save the day.
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
It seems like Wendell is concerned that Ariadne will be too taken by the things she sees and may be a liability. Maybe it's just wishful thinking that he would care about the safety of Ariadne in this new to her world.
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
I would enjoy being a librarian in Emily's world. I'm too lazy now to be an adventurer.
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison” .
Armchair Adventuring Cohort
DQs - Day 11) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
No she seems the same. Annoyed at Wendell for everything🤣. She is also still uptight and bossy.
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
I have a feeling Emily knows deep down it is not safe to marry a king of fairy. Also she seems one to not want to give up her freedom, even if she loves someone. But has she thought about her real feelings will be the biggest question.
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
Farris seems to be more of someone who is there for himself and could end up being a hindrance as he will unbearably get kidnapped or something crazy and will need saving.
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
I think Wendell knows what they are doing and where they are going could be quite dangerous for the young woman with no world experience compared to Emily.
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
I would definitely want to be the Faerie Trickster 🧚
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison” ... 🤭
🌈Aurora Alluminator
DQs - Day 2 5. We have the identity of the ribboned visitor. Did you guess this? What do you think of another anti-social scholar character, but gender switched?
6. Would you use the ribbon system if you were in this area, or do you have a modification?
7. Do you like Rose more after his talk with Emily. Do you think he was being honest or manipulative?
8. Fox fae appear to be vicious. Do you have any thoughts on what Wendell meant when healing Rose? How do you think this will affect Emily and her view on fae?
DQs - Day 25. We have the identity of the ribboned visitor. Did you guess this? What do you think of another anti-social scholar character, but gender switched?
I loved that Emily had a list of theories of who the ribbon visitor is. I had no idea who it could be.
6. Would you use the ribbon system if you were in this area, or do you have a modification?
I would think yes, I would use the ribbons to traverse around as I feel like that's what everyone knows and uses. Especially if it works and nothing bad has happened.
7. Do you like Rose more after his talk with Emily. Do you think he was being honest or manipulative?
I think Rose's talk with Emily was good. Emily needed that type of wakeup call especially with Wendell pressuring for marriage. At least this way Emily can be more aware even is she goes through with the marriage. She also was able to use as leverage with Wendell in saying she wants to see his kingdom first
8. Fox fae appear to be vicious. Do you have any thoughts on what Wendell meant when healing Rose? How do you think this will affect Emily and her view on fae?
I don’t think this will affect Emily way of thinking as she is bold and head strong. But I think she will remember the info and use later.
DQ's Day 32nd October- 6th October - late 63%
9. Shadow (a grimm) is getting older it seems and although he has been back in fairy for brief moments. Do you think if he goes back to Wendell's fairy that he will regain his vitality?
10. There seems to be so many fairy doors here and different folk in this area of the continent that it seems weird there has not been more research in this area. Do you think it's because of the missing scholars (DeGray and Icorn)? What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman?
11. What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman? And creating a castle?
12. Emily seems to be leading the pact with Wendell sick and Rose seeming to cautious. Do you think Emily will find the correct Fairie or end up finding a land they have never studied?
DQs - Day 25. We have the identity of the ribboned visitor. Did you guess this? What do you think of another anti-social scholar character, but gender switched?
I have not guessed it.. I thought he may be connected to Wendell's Kingdom somehow.
I'm getting a bit bored with the cliche.
6. Would you use the ribbon system if you were in this area, or do you have a modification?
I kind of lost the thread already after the up and down a bit and the adding the of the directions. I thought it was overcomplicated, but maybe it's just me.
7. Do you like Rose more after his talk with Emily. Do you think he was being honest or manipulative?
He comes off as honest, but .... I have my suspicions that maybe that friend of his does not exist and it all happened to him??
8. Fox fae appear to be vicious. Do you have any thoughts on what Wendell meant when healing Rose? How do you think this will affect Emily and her view on fae?
Emily seems rather unfazed by the fae in general, so I don' think it will make much of a difference on her views.
I on the other hand have serious doubts whether she would be happy in a faerie land, especially in one that Wendell is from.
DQ's Day 39. Shadow (a grimm) is getting older it seems and although he has been back in fairy for brief moments. Do you think if he goes back to Wendell's fairy that he will regain his vitality?
I like him, so I'm hoping that Emily won't lose him either to old age or to a mishap. On the other hand, the author is very hazy on these magical creatures, so I'm not sure how or why is Shadow aging? I suspect it's being in the land of mortals...
10. There seems to be so many fairy doors here and different folk in this area of the continent that it seems weird there has not been more research in this area. Do you think it's because of the missing scholars (DeGray and Eichorn)? What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman?
Once again, world-building and the magic of any kind of faes is hazy at best, so I'm not sure what to expect from Wendell as far as super powers go of how his magic is being affected by the poison. Or why he has trouble finding an entrance to his own lands.
11. What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman? And creating a castle?
Same as above.
12. Emily seems to be leading the pact with Wendell sick and Rose seeming to cautious. Do you think Emily will find the correct Fairie or end up finding a land they have never studied?
She's bound to find the right one, though I guess it will come at a price.
BTW, I don't remember Emily being so conveniently clumsy in Book 1. Impractical and non-athletic, yes, but not tripping over her own feet all the time.
Mod
5. We have the identity of the ribboned visitor. Did you guess this? What do you think of another anti-social scholar character, but gender switched?
I had guessed it was that scholar or he was on my short list of potentials after we learned a bit about the ribbon system.
6. Would you use the ribbon system if you were in this area, or do you have a modification?
I would probably modify it in some way. It seems overly complicated like Mel said and if my husband ever needed to mind me via ribbons it 100% wouldn't work. He's very colorblind even with special glasses for it and wouldn't be able to tell half the colors apart.
7. Do you like Rose more after his talk with Emily. Do you think he was being honest or manipulative?
I'm going with honest for now, but he's still getting the side-eye for awhile. Something still seems a bit off but I might be a bit overly suspicious.
8. Fox fae appear to be vicious. Do you have any thoughts on what Wendell meant when healing Rose? How do you think this will affect Emily and her view on fae?
I think she'll file it away into her pile of fae facts to ponder at appropriate moments but I don't think it will have a large impact on her views.
Mod
Yes, I agree. I think Emily needs different boots or something as she seems to be doing an awful lot of tripping and falling this go'round.
Mod
2nd October- 6th October - late 63%
9. Shadow (a grimm) is getting older it seems and although he has been back in fairy for brief moments. Do you think if he goes back to Wendell's fairy that he will regain his vitality?
I'm assuming it's from his time in the mortal realm. Even the collar seems to improve his vitality. So I guess going back to a fae realm will improve his health considerably.
10. There seems to be so many fairy doors here and different folk in this area of the continent that it seems weird there has not been more research in this area. Do you think it's because of the missing scholars (DeGray and Icorn)? What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman?
I'm guessing it's because scholars didn't know to look? I feel like Emily has pieced together a lot of knowledge that isn't as well known and seems to have a knack for finding what she's looking for, like there's a drop or two of fae blood in her. And fae magic and especially Wendell's skills seem fluid and vague to me. I certainly don't have a good handle on the parameters of his abilities.
11. What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman? And creating a castle?
The landscape jumping came as a surprise since he doesn't seem to be able to get to his own lands? That seems strange. Though maybe the issue is finding a backdoor/sneaking into his home realm, opposed to the front door which would alert his stepmother to his arrival? Creating the castle wasn't a surprise, it was very Minecraft of him (sorry my kid is 7 and we just saw the movie a couple days ago). LOL
12. Emily seems to be leading the pact with Wendell sick and Rose seeming to cautious. Do you think Emily will find the correct Fairie or end up finding a land they have never studied?
I think she'll find his door and hopefully settle the situation with Wendell's stepmother. Or at least I hope that doesn't drag through book 3 as well.
Also, Emily needs to pull her head out of her butt before she ends up in a similar situation to what happened with the winter king in book 1.
DQs - Day 25. We have the identity of the ribboned visitor. Did you guess this? What do you think of another anti-social scholar character, but gender switched?
I had no idea who the ribboned visitor could be before this. It was creepy how he would appear to Emily. It would be nice to not have more anti-social scholars to balance things out.
6. Would you use the ribbon system if you were in this area, or do you have a modification?
Probably not. You would think there would have to be a better way. Maybe colored paint or something.
7. Do you like Rose more after his talk with Emily. Do you think he was being honest or manipulative?
I still don't like Rose no matter what he does so far. I just can't seem to trust him. I feel like the shoe will drop at some point and he will get them all into trouble. I just see him as a villain.
8. Fox fae appear to be vicious. Do you have any thoughts on what Wendell meant when healing Rose? How do you think this will affect Emily and her view on fae?
I don't remember what Wendell was even doing while healing Rose, lol. I guess that's what I get for listening to the audio version. Emily is going to have to decide if she likes the fae world as she spends more time there but she seems to be taking it in stride so far.
DQ's Day 32nd October- 6th October - late 63%
9. Shadow (a grimm) is getting older it seems and although he has been back in fairy for brief moments. Do you think if he goes back to Wendell's fairy that he will regain his vitality?
I assume mortal realm as well and that he will be much better once back in any fae realm. It never said which one specifically he was from.
10. There seems to be so many fairy doors here and different folk in this area of the continent that it seems weird there has not been more research in this area. Do you think it's because of the missing scholars (DeGray and Icorn)? What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman?
I think maybe because it is so isolated. Convenient spots with nice accommodation always get more research. Also, the book did say that DeGray was discredited so maybe no one else wanted to be associated with her. The doors according to Poe clearly work differently than most people think. Wendell shows the high fae have very different powers, but Wendell’s do tend to be on the more plot convenient type.
11. What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman? And creating a castle?
The castle seemed a bit out of left field and a very different level of power especially as we get a cloak that turns into a tent later and that seems much more on brand with his power including textiles. Nothing had indicated stone before.
12. Emily seems to be leading the pact with Wendell sick and Rose seeming to cautious. Do you think Emily will find the correct Fairie or end up finding a land they have never studied?
Rose is still deeply obnoxious. I think this will be solved in this book or the plot won’t have moved forward enough for a third book to be different. I think the third book will need to be in the fae realm to be different. I still wish Emily had changed more in communication from the first book.
DQs - Day 11) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?
I think she has changed in some ways. She seems more sure of herself and her job and slightly more social. But she still is a bit bossy!
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
I think she will finally give in and say yes. She wants to, now, but is leary of the relationship/marriage to a Fae king! Maybe not in this book unless it is at the end, but I'd say it will happen and/or be the subject of book 3.
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
I think he could be an asset and will start out that way, but I'm not sure that he will remain so. I can see him trying to take over and quite possibly causing some major problems.
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
Yes, I think he was honest but I doubt he gave the full reason/reasons. Those fae can be a little tricky!
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
I would want a less active roll as far as adventuring goes! Maybe I could be the resident donut and coffee maker!
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison” ... 🤭
Sideline Observer and Resident Coffee Geek
DQ's Day 32nd October- 6th October - late 63%
9. Shadow (a grimm) is getting older it seems and although he has been back in fairy for brief moments. Do you think if he goes back to Wendell's fairy that he will regain his vitality?
It seems like he may not last long enough to make it back to Wendell's fairy realm by the end of this daily read. I think that by going to the fae realm he will be changed in ways we don't imagine.
10. There seems to be so many fairy doors here and different folk in this area of the continent that it seems weird there has not been more research in this area. Do you think it's because of the missing scholars (DeGray and Icorn)? What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman?
It seems like this would be a tough area to research and many scholars would not make it through the area safely. The missing scholars might have something to do with the fact that their comrades don't feel safe to try and research the area.
11. What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman? And creating a castle?
It's good that Wendell is around to help out. I think Wendell is using his magic to help his group out.
12. Emily seems to be leading the pact with Wendell sick and Rose seeming to cautious. Do you think Emily will find the correct Fairie or end up finding a land they have never studied?
Is there a correct Fairie? It seems like there are so many different offshoots of the realm that it's likely they will end up touring different ones briefly but I imagine they will be heading to see Wendell's stepmother before long.
Mod
13.) Well, they found de Gray and the answer to the weird damage to the front door of their cottage. And she's now anticlimactically out of Faerie and time. Did that meeting go as you expected at the outset of the book?
14.) She said yes! Surprised? Do you think it'll be that simple to be engaged and marry a prince of the Fae? Or become queen of a Realm?
15.) It is just me or has Emily learned next to nothing? Why does she still seem to always think doing it her way and alone is best? *bangs forehead on book*
16.) Do you think Emily's trip into Faerie will be successful in retrieving the cat? Will we finally meet the stepmother? And do you think she and her niece will make it out of the Realm in one piece?
Mod
13.) Well, they found de Gray and the answer to the weird damage to the front door of their cottage. And she's now anticlimactically out of Faerie and time. Did that meeting go as you expected at the outset of the book?
I was expecting this to be, I don't know more. Or harder. Not take like a page. I thought they'd have to venture into Faerie to find her. Though after pulling out Einhorne in a similar fashion I wasn't completely surprised. But this was a bit of a miss for me in terms of expectations.
14.) She said yes! Surprised? Do you think it'll be that simple to be engaged and marry a prince of the Fae? Or become queen of a Realm?
Not surprised at all that the answer was yes. I'm guessing most of these questions will actually be answered in the 3rd book as I don't think there is enough left of book 2 to deal with them. But I don't think it will be all that easy for Emily and Wendell to achieve.
15.) It is just me or has Emily learned next to nothing? Why does she still seem to always think doing it her way and alone is best? *bangs forehead on book*
I'm disappointed in her overall lack of character growth from book 1 and this book is feeling repetitive. I'm not sure why half this book is even necessary to move the story forward.
16.) Do you think Emily's trip into Faerie will be successful in retrieving the cat? Will we finally meet the stepmother? And do you think she and her niece will make it out of the Realm in one piece?
I'm assuming they will get the cat and save Wendell because, well there's a book 3 and he's in it. Not sure what the price Emily and Ariande will pay though, I'm assuming there will be one.
Did my own headbanging, Judith. 😁Also for all her supposed intelligence and hypotesising, it took her an awful lot of time (view spoiler)
Will answer the rest of the Qs tomorrow.
DQs Day 413.) Well, they found de Gray and the answer to the weird damage to the front door of their cottage. And she's now anticlimactically out of Faerie and time. Did that meeting go as you expected at the outset of the book?
It felt very sudden. I feel like they should have taken a much harder journey than it did.
14.) She said yes! Surprised? Do you think it'll be that simple to be engaged and marry a prince of the Fae? Or become queen of a Realm?
I was surprised! I figured it would be next book before we saw movement on her decision making. I'm not convinced it will be an easy journey and something will happen.
15.) It is just me or has Emily learned next to nothing? Why does she still seem to always think doing it her way and alone is best? *bangs forehead on book*
She does seem extra dense in thinking that she can do it all and doesn't need help. I don't think she learns very quickly and can be awfully trusting to new people. This will probably get her into trouble if she does indeed end up getting married.
16.) Do you think Emily's trip into Faerie will be successful in retrieving the cat? Will we finally meet the stepmother? And do you think she and her niece will make it out of the Realm in one piece?
I think she will end up meeting the stepmother and that she will be able to retrieve the cat. I also think they will make it out of the realm in one piece or the series might as well be over.
DQs - Day 25. We have the identity of the ribboned visitor. Did you guess this? What do you think of another anti-social scholar character, but gender switched?
I did not guess the identity, but after we learned about the ribbons I think it should have at least popped into my head. Lol. I think we have enough of the anti-social characters!
6. Would you use the ribbon system if you were in this area, or do you have a modification?
I don't think I would because the fae are tricky and who's to say that all of them are so leary of salt that they wouldn't touch them. Plus, it seems quite complicated with the colors having a meaning on the direction....couldn't a fae just enchant the ribbon to appear a different color and never have to touch it?
7. Do you like Rose more after his talk with Emily. Do you think he was being honest or manipulative?
The conversation seemed honest, but I really don't trust him. Something seems off with him and I don't trust him.
8. Fox fae appear to be vicious. Do you have any thoughts on what Wendell meant when healing Rose? How do you think this will affect Emily and her view on fae?
I'm not sure what Wendell meant, but it did make me pause. That is probably the first time that I questioned his motives. I don't think it will change Emily's view of the Fae, but I do think she will remember it or file it away in her mental files and she will ponder on it at a later time.
DQ's Day 32nd October- 6th October - late 63%
9. Shadow (a grimm) is getting older it seems and although he has been back in fairy for brief moments. Do you think if he goes back to Wendell's fairy that he will regain his vitality?
Since I suspect that his aging is because he is away from fairy realms/lands, I would think that he would regain his youth and health.
10. There seems to be so many fairy doors here and different folk in this area of the continent that it seems weird there has not been more research in this area. Do you think it's because of the missing scholars (DeGray and Icorn)? What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman?
I don't have any idea what Wendell is capable of - not sure if that is by design or if the world/character building is just lacking in this area. I'm going with by design for now. I do find it very odd that he isn't able to find the doors to his own lands. Judith may be onto something! It could be that he doesn't want to walk in by the front door!
11. What did you think about when Wendell moved them through the landscape several times running from the huntsman? And creating a castle?
He seems to be able to do whatever is needed at the time! Very convenient, but he has been out of fairy for a long while, maybe he just uses his magic as he needs it.
12. Emily seems to be leading the pact with Wendell sick and Rose seeming to cautious. Do you think Emily will find the correct Fairie or end up finding a land they have never studied?
She will find it I'm sure. But will what will it end up costing her? I hope that she finds it and settles the dispute without a lot of harm to anyone. (Again, I agree with Judith! Emily needs to watch herself, I think she is treading on thin ice and could end up in a similar or worse situation than the winter king or some of the others we've seen.
1) Emily is back! What are your first impressions of her this time around? Can you see any changes in her compared to Book1?She seems a little less wrapped up in her own head - more aware of what's going on around her.
2) Apparently Emily is still stalling on giving an answer to Wendell's marriage proposal. Do you think she'll say yes at the end of the book or will this stay unresolved?
I'm sure it'll be dragged out to book 3 at least.
3) We meet some other characters of the Faculty in Cambridge. What do you think of Farris Rose getting in the picture and establishing himself as part of the field research team? Do you think he'll be an asset or a hindrance?
He'll probably be a little of both?
4) And finally: Ariadne, Emily's niece joins the team as student. Do you think Wendell was honest with Emily about why he didn't want Ariadne to join them? Was it as simple as what he said or may there be an ulterior motive?
There's definitely something else going on there.
Bonus Q: If you had to survive in Emily’s world, what role would you play? Scholar? Adventurer? Faerie trickster?
Bonus Bonus Q: Give yourself a whimsical job title, like “Moss Mapping Cartographer, Third Class or Senior Fae Liaison” ... 🤭
I'd be the person staying as well away from faerie stuff as possible 😆
But if I had to participate in highly inadvisable faerie goings on, I'd like to be Chief Brownie Wrangler. I rather like the idea of getting them to do my cleaning for me 😂
Mod
17. what did you think of the quest into Faerie?
18. Orga seems like a fun addition to the characters, but do you have a favourite of the various Fae we've met?
19. Did you enjoy the ending? And the book generally? Any thoughts on character development during this book?
20. There's a book 3! Will you be reading about their retaking of Wendell's kingdom?
Mod
17. what did you think of the quest into Faerie?
I thought it was one of the more interesting parts of the book but Emily's attitude was still a bit annoying. One of the things I like about this series is the inclusion of common/lesser Fae as actual, important side characters instead of just focusing on the royal/high Fae. Honestly I find the common Fae a lot more interesting.
18. Orga seems like a fun addition to the characters, but do you have a favourite of the various Fae we've met?
I liked Snowbell and thought it was great when they reappeared in the Fae realm and helped Emily reach the palace.
19. Did you enjoy the ending? And the book generally? Any thoughts on character development during this book?
The ending was fine. The book was overall a bit meh, mainly due to how repetitive it seemed to book 1 (maybe it would of be less annoying if I hadn't read the books only a couple months apart) and the complete lack of character growth for Emily.
20. There's a book 3! Will you be reading about their retaking of Wendell's kingdom?
I will be reading it at some point. After reading and liking book 1, I bought books 2 & 3 at the same time. So I already own book 3 and may as well read it. I'm hoping for the best since the plot should be different from the first 2 books.
Mod
Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQs Day 5 17. what did you think of the quest into Faerie?
I found it a bit rushed and didn’t add much. The fuzziness seemed like an easy way out to not make it very memorable once she got to the castle. The poisoning seemed too easy and I hope the brother and mortal husband come back in the next book as they seemed interesting.
18. Orga seems like a fun addition to the characters, but do you have a favourite of the various Fae we've met?
I didn’t feel like Orga had much purpose or presence. I did like Snowbell tough. The author does not seem fond of cats. Shadow has a lot more presence for equally not talking.
19. Did you enjoy the ending? And the book generally? Any thoughts on character development during this book?
I agree with Judith on meh. I didn’t find this added anything and there wasn’t any character growth for anyone.
20. There's a book 3! Will you be reading about their retaking of Wendell's kingdom?
I will as well at some point but will give myself time. I am hoping it is less repetitive with the new location.
Lexi's Tracking Post DQ1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ2 ( I wrote)
DQ3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQs Day 413.) Well, they found de Gray and the answer to the weird damage to the front door of their cottage. And she's now anticlimactically out of Faerie and time. Did that meeting go as you expected at the outset of the book?
Compared to how the long the whole build-up was, its suddenness and seeming ease was quite anticlimactic.
14.) She said yes! Surprised? Do you think it'll be that simple to be engaged and marry a prince of the Fae? Or become queen of a Realm?
No & No. I also have my doubts about their happily ever after, as for me their attraction/feelings (?) are unconvincing. Also the world-building is just so hazy I have trouble picturing their lives in Faerie.
15.) It is just me or has Emily learned next to nothing? Why does she still seem to always think doing it her way and alone is best? *bangs forehead on book*
Not just you. At the beginning I thought there were some changes in Emily, but was proven wrong. It was very much same old, same old the whole way through the book.
16.) Do you think Emily's trip into Faerie will be successful in retrieving the cat? Will we finally meet the stepmother? And do you think she and her niece will make it out of the Realm in one piece?
I've already finished, but I had had no doubts about the success of the mission.
DQs Day 517. what did you think of the quest into Faerie?
It was OK in a same old, same old style.
18. Orga seems like a fun addition to the characters, but do you have a favourite of the various Fae we've met?
Poe, most definitely. I really liked him.
19. Did you enjoy the ending? And the book generally? Any thoughts on character development during this book?
I gave it 3 stars (more like 2,5, really), because it was not in any way bad, but very repetitive and a bit boring.
20. There's a book 3! Will you be reading about their retaking of Wendell's kingdom?
NO. :) I find I cannot care about either Emily or Wendell and don't feel curious enough to bother.
DQs Day 517. what did you think of the quest into Faerie?
I didn't feel it was made as important as it possibly should be. Going into Faerie should have been a much bigger focus for Emily and it was rather rushed.
18. Orga seems like a fun addition to the characters, but do you have a favourite of the various Fae we've met?
I think the guardians seem interesting with their owlish appearance. I do like Poe the best.
19. Did you enjoy the ending? And the book generally? Any thoughts on character development during this book?
The ending was fine. I enjoyed the story but I will likely forget most of it by the time I read the next book. There wasn't a ton of character development. Ariadne was very obnoxious, imo. I get why she came with but she was very whiny.
20. There's a book 3! Will you be reading about their retaking of Wendell's kingdom?
I am undecided
When mysterious faeries from other realms appear at her university, curmudgeonly professor Emily Wilde must uncover their secrets before it’s too late, in this heartwarming, enchanting second installment of the Emily Wilde series.
Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore who just wrote the world’s first comprehensive encyclopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Ones on her adventures . . . and also from her fellow scholar and former rival Wendell Bambleby.
Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother and in search of a door back to his realm. And despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and dangers.
She also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by his mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby’s realm and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans.
But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors and of her own heart.
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nominator: Melindam