About The Book
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party—or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people.
So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, muddle Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.
But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones—the most elusive of all faeries—lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all—her own heart.
Review At A Glance
⭐ Rating: 5/5
🔥 Spice: 0/5 (No Spice)
📚 Genre: Adult/Cozy Fantasy
🎧 Format: Audiobook
📄 Length: 12 hours and 5 minutes
📙 Read It: Buy The Book
“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”
My Thoughts
This story pulled me in right from the start with its cozy, magical vibe. Even though it’s set in the fall and winter, I stayed completely immersed while reading it in the middle of spring, which shows it can be read in any season. I really liked Emily, the main character. She knows a lot about mystical creatures but struggles with people, which makes her especially compelling to follow. Also, watching her grow throughout the book felt satisfying and made her character more realistic.
I also loved the slow-burn romance between Emily and Wendell. They start as work rivals but gradually become friends, and maybe something more. In addition, Wendell balances Emily’s quirks well, and I enjoyed discovering that he has more depth than he first lets on. Still, the romance stays somewhat in the background and never overshadows the plot. Instead, it complements the story, making this a great pick for anyone who wants a fantasy with just a touch of romance.
And let me say, the author’s writing was so captivating! The world in this book feels vivid and immersive, like stepping into a dream where fairies truly exist. It offers the perfect escape for someone like me who loves all things magical. In addition, the way the story weaves in fairy folklore adds depth and richness. I also loved the journal-like format. On top of that, it adds a unique charm and helps me feel more connected to the characters’ journey.
Overall, this book exceeded my expectations. It surprised me since I don’t usually gravitate toward cozy fantasy. However, I loved the characters and the way the author brought the world to life. I also really enjoyed the found family aspect, which was much needed to help Emily’s character grow, as well as the touch of romance. Honestly, I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and continue these adventures with these characters.
📚 Where to Read or Buy
Amazon
Audible
Everand
Kobo
Libro.fm
If this book isn’t already on your TBR list, I highly recommend adding it. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and sign up for my blog’s mailing list for more book recommendations and reviews.
Until The Next Chapter.
Bunny
All book synopses are sourced from Amazon or Goodreads.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting my cozy little corner of the internet!