Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett | Book Review

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett is a cozy fantasy novel that mixes academic research with magical adventure. It follows Emily Wilde, a brilliant but socially awkward scholar who is obsessed with faeries. She travels to a remote Scandinavian village to study the Hidden Ones, a rare and mysterious type of fae. Emily prefers books over people and is happy to focus on her research, until her annoying yet charming colleague, Wendell Bambleby, shows up uninvited. Wendell is lazy, full of secrets, and seems way too interested in Emily’s work. His arrival forces Emily to interact with the villagers and question whether studying faeries from books is enough. As she gets more involved with the fae, she realizes that understanding them isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about experience, instinct, and maybe even a little bit of magic.

(Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries oleh Heather Fawcett adalah buku cozy fantasy yang ceritanya perpaduan antara penelitian akademik sama petualangan ajaib. Nah, Emily Wilde ini adalah tokoh utamanya. Dia seorang scholar jenius tapi agak kagok kalau dalam hal bersosialisasi, karena dia terobsesi sama faerie. Jadi, Emily pergi ke desa terpencil di Skandinavia buat meneliti “Hidden Ones”, sejenis faerie yang langka dan misterius. Emily tuh tipe yang lebih betah sama buku daripada ngobrol sama orang, dan dia happy banget bisa fokus sama penelitiannya. Tapiii, tiba-tiba muncullah Wendell Bambleby, koleganya yang nyebelin tapi karismatik. Dia tuh dateng tanpa diundang, mana orangnya mageran, penuh rahasia, dan kayanya terlalu tertarik sama penelitian Emily. Kehadiran Wendell ini bikin Emily harus berinteraksi sama penduduk desa dan mulai merasa, apa cuma belajar faerie dari buku aja udah cukup? Pas Emily semakin deket sama dunia faerie, dia sadar kalo memahami mereka itu nggak cuma butuh pengetahuan, tapi juga pengalaman, insting, dan mungkin sedikit keajaiban.)

BOOK REVIEW

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett is a mix of cozy fantasy, academic research, and faerie folklore. This story follows Emily Wilde, a brilliant scholar who has spent years studying faeries through books. But when she goes to a remote village for field research, she quickly learns that reading about faeries is very different from actually dealing with them. This book does a great job of showing how knowledge isn’t just about studying, but also about experiencing things firsthand. Emily starts off thinking she already knows everything, but as she writes in her journal, she realizes how much she still has to learn. This feels very realistic because, in real life, knowledge is always evolving. No matter how much we think we know, new experiences can completely change our understanding.  

But this book is also about people. Emily prefers being alone with her books, but her time in the village forces her to connect with others. At first, she struggles with socializing, but over time, she starts forming friendships (even if she’s awkward about it). This book shows how relationships, whether friendships or something more, can help us grow in ways we don’t expect. Emily’s difficulty making friends feels relatable, especially in a world where many people feel isolated even when constantly online. The small village setting also shows how tight-knit communities can offer support, protection, and unexpected friendships.  

One of the things I love most about this book is how seriously it takes faerie research. This book reflects that through Emily's journal entries, footnotes referencing fae books, and detailed folklore. It makes the fae lore feel rich and well-researched, almost like you’re reading a real scholar’s notes. While the journal format and Emily’s scientific approach might not be for everyone, I think they add to this book’s uniqueness. Even though it has a cozy fantasy feel, it doesn’t ignore the challenges of research, the biases in academic work, or the fact that studying something in theory is very different from experiencing it in real life.

One of the things I find interesting about this book is how it explores folklore and why it still matters. Folktales are old stories that have been passed down for generations to teach lessons, share beliefs, and even warn people about dangers. In this book, Emily’s research and experiences show how myths continue to shape the way people see the world, even in today’s logical and scientific age. It’s a reminder that, no matter how much we learn, stories still have a huge impact on our identities and the way we understand the unknown.  

The fae in this book aren’t the usual cute or mischievous fairies, they actually represent deeper ideas like power, trickery, and the risks of making deals. Their actions reflect human nature, like how people try to gain control, make bargains, and sometimes overlook hidden dangers. The way the fae interact with humans always comes with a cost, which reinforces the idea that every choice has consequences. This makes them feel more complex and unpredictable, which turns them into something more than just fantasy creatures, but they feel like reflections of human behavior itself.  

I also love how this book shows different perspectives on faerie lore. Emily, as a scholar, relies on research and books, while the villagers have firsthand experiences with the fae. This contrast makes a great point about knowledge, that it’s shaped by perspective. Sometimes facts and personal experiences don’t line up, and understanding others requires an open mind. Just like Emily has to adjust her thinking based on what the villagers tell her, this book reminds us how important it is to listen to different viewpoints in real life. Truth isn’t always as simple as it seems, and being open to new perspectives can change the way we see the world.

(Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries oleh Heather Fawcett adalah perpaduan antara cozy fantasy, penelitian akademik, dan cerita-cerita rakyat soal faerie. Emily Wilde ini adalah scholar jenius yang sudah bertahun-tahun belajar soal faerie cuma dari buku. Tapi saat dia pergi ke desa terpencil buat penelitian, eh, ternyata beda banget antara baca soal faerie sama menghadapi mereka secara langsung. Buku ini keren banget dengan menunjukkan kalau pengetahuan itu bukan cuma soal belajar teori, tapi juga pengalaman langsung. Emily awalnya mengira dia sudah tahu segalanya, tapi pas dia nulis di jurnalnya, dia sadar kalau masih banyak banget yang harus dipelajari. Ini tuh relate banget sama kehidupan nyata, di mana pengetahuan tuh selalu berkembang. Sebanyak apapun yang kita kira sudah kita tahu, pengalaman baru bisa bikin pemahaman kita berubah total.

Tapi nggak cuma soal faeries, buku ini juga banyak ngomongin soal manusia. Emily tuh tipe yang lebih suka sendirian sama buku-bukunya, tapi waktu di desa, dia dipaksa buat berinteraksi sama warga. Awalnya dia kagok banget, tapi lama-lama dia mulai bisa berteman (meskipun tetep awkward, sih). Buku ini menunjukkan kalau hubungan, baik itu pertemanan atau lebih dari itu, bisa bikin kita berkembang dengan cara yang nggak kita duga. Kesulitan Emily berteman tuh relate banget, apalagi di dunia sekarang di mana banyak orang yang merasa terisolasi meskipun selalu online. Setting desa kecilnya juga menunjukkan kalau komunitas yang erat bisa memberikan dukungan, perlindungan, dan pertemanan yang nggak terduga.

Salah satu hal yang aku suka banget dari buku ini tuh gimana seriusnya buku ini membahas penelitian soal faerie. Ini keliatan dari entri jurnal Emily, catatan kaki yang menyebutkan buku-buku soal faerie, dan cerita rakyat yang detail. Semua ini bikin lore faerie-nya terasa kaya dan well-researched, kayak lagi baca catatan scholar beneran. Meskipun format jurnal dan pendekatan ilmiah Emily mungkin nggak cocok buat semua orang, menurutku ini menambah keunikan buku ini. Meskipun cerita ini termasuk cozy fantasy, tapi dia nggak mengabaikan hal-hal kayak hambatan dalam penelitian, bias di dunia akademis, atau fakta kalo belajar sesuatu secara teori beda banget sama mengalaminya langsung.

Salah satu hal yang bikin buku ini seru tuh gimana ceritanya membahas soal folklore dan kenapa itu masih relevan sampai sekarang. Folklore kan cerita-cerita jadul yang sudah diturunkan dari generasi ke generasi buat mengajarkan pelajaran, membagikan kepercayaan, atau bahkan mengingatkan orang soal bahaya. Nah, di buku ini, penelitian dan pengalaman Emily menunjukkan gimana mitos-mitos itu masih membentuk cara orang melihat dunia, bahkan di jaman sekarang yang serba logis dan ilmiah. Ini mengingatkan kita kalau, sebanyak apapun yang kita pelajari, cerita-cerita tuh tetap punya pengaruh besar buat identitas kita dan cara kita memahami hal-hal yang nggak kita kenal.

Faerie di buku ini juga nggak kayak faerie biasa yang imut-imut atau iseng doang. Mereka digambarkan lebih dalam, yang merepresentasikan hal-hal kayak kekuasaan, tipu daya, dan risiko dalam membuat kesepakatan. Tingkah laku mereka tuh kayak cerminan sifat manusia, gimana orang berusaha mengontrol, menawarkan deal, dan kadang nggak sadar sama bahaya yang tersembunyi. Setiap interaksi faerie sama manusia tuh selalu ada konsekuensinya, yang mengingatkannkita kalau setiap pilihan pasti ada akibatnya. Ini bikin karakter faerie-nya terasa lebih kompleks dan nggak bisa ditebak, jadi mereka nggak cuma makhluk fantasi doang, tapi kayak refleksi dari tingkah laku manusia sendiri.

Aku juga suka banget gimana buku ini menunjukkan perspektif yang berbeda-beda soal faerie lore. Emily, sebagai scholar, lebih mengandalkan penelitian dan buku-buku, sementara penduduk desa punya pengalaman langsung sama faerie. Kontras ini menunjukkan poin penting soal pengetahuan, bahwa pengetahuan itu dibentuk oleh perspektif. Kadang fakta dan pengalaman pribadi nggak selalu sejalan, dan buat memahami orang lain, kita harus punya pikiran yang terbuka. Kayak Emily yang harus menyesuaikan pemikirannya berdasarkan cerita penduduk desa, buku ini mengingatkan kita betapa pentingnya mendengarkan sudut pandang yang berbeda-beda di kehidupan nyata. Kebenaran nggak selalu sesimpel yang kita kira, dan terbuka sama perspektif baru bisa bikin cara kita melihat dunia berubah total.)

THINGS I LOVE 

■One of my favorite things about this book is Emily and Wendell’s dynamic, the grumpy/sunshine duo with slow-burn romance. Emily is socially awkward and super logical, while Wendell is charming, lazy (or at least he seems that way), and secretly powerful. He’s also completely devoted to Emily, which makes their interactions really fun to read. I love how their personalities balance each other out, because it’s proof that even people who seem like total opposites can have great relationships, whether it’s in romance or friendship.  

■Even though faerie lore can be dark, the overall vibe of the book is really cozy. The snowy village setting, the academic research, and the found-family moments all make it feel warm and comforting. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea. If you love fantasy books that are immersive but not too intense, this is a great comfort read.  

■Since this story is written as Emily’s journal, it feels like you’re learning about faeries right along with her. The writing is a bit detached and scientific at times, which might not be for everyone, but I think it fits Emily’s personality. I also love how this book includes fictional references and even an appendix which makes the world feel super detailed and well-researched. 

■A lot of fantasy books make fae seem playful or human-like, but this one sticks to traditional folklore. The fae here are mysterious, dangerous, and completely unpredictable, just like in old legends. This makes them feel way more intriguing because you never really know what they’ll do next. 

■Emily isn’t a warrior or a hero, but she’s a researcher, and that’s what makes her journey so unique. Instead of fighting battles or going on epic quests, she explores the fae world through observation, logic, and curiosity. I love that she’s brave in a different way, she’s not reckless, but she’s willing to take risks for the sake of discovery. If you like books about scholars, research, and exploration, this book has a really cool take on what it means to be an adventurer.

(■Dinamika Emily sama Wendell tuh bener-bener bikin gemes! Mereka tuh duo grumpy/sunshine dengan slow-burn romance yang bikin greget. Emily tuh awkward banget secara sosial dan super logis, sementara Wendell tuh karismatik, mageran (atau setidaknya kelihatannya gitu), dan ternyata punya kekuatan tersembunyi. Dia juga totally devoted sama Emily, yang bikin interaksi mereka seru banget buat dibaca. Aku suka banget gimana kepribadian mereka saling melengkapi, karena ini membuktikan kalau orang-orang yang kelihatannya bertolak belakang pun bisa punya hubungan yang keren, baik itu romantis atau sekadar pertemanan.

■Meskipun cerita soal faerie lore bisa saja gelap, vibe keseluruhan buku ini tuh cozy banget. Setting desa bersalju, penelitian akademik, dan momen-momen found-family bikin ceritanya terasa hangat dan nyaman. Ini tuh tipe buku yang bikin kamu pengen selimutan sambil minum teh. Kalo kamu suka buku fantasi yang immersive tapi nggak terlalu intense, ini bacaan yang cocok banget.

■Karena ceritanya ditulis dalam bentuk jurnal Emily, rasanya kayak kita lagi belajar soal faerie bareng dia. Tulisannya kadang agak detached dan ilmiah, yang mungkin nggak cocok buat semua orang, tapi menurutku sih ini cocok banget sama kepribadian Emily. Aku juga suka banget gimana buku ini mencantumkan referensi buku-buku fae bahkan sampai ada appendix-nya, yang bikin dunianya terasa detail dan well-researched banget.

■Banyak buku fantasi yang menggambarkan fae sebagai makhluk yang playful atau mirip manusia, tapi buku ini tetep konsisten mengikuti folklore tradisional. Fae di sini tuh misterius, berbahaya, dan sama sekali nggak bisa ditebak, persis kayak di legenda-legenda jaman dulu. Ini bikin mereka terasa jauh lebih menarik karena kita nggak pernah bisa nebak apa yang bakal mereka lakuin selanjutnya.

■Emily tuh bukan tipe warrior atau hero, dia peneliti, dan itu yang bikin perjalanannya unik banget. Daripada berperang atau pergi buat quest epik, dia menjelajahi dunia fae lewat observasi, logika, dan rasa penasaran. Aku suka banget gimana dia berani dengan caranya sendiri, dia nggak gegabah, tapi dia mau ambil risiko demi pengetahuan. Kalo kamu suka buku tentang scholar, penelitian, dan eksplorasi, buku ini punya cara keren buat nunjukin arti jadi seorang petualang.)

THINGS I DON'T LIKE 

■I love the detailed fae folklore in this book which makes the world feel rich and well-researched. But sometimes, these stories interrupt the flow of the main plot. Some folktales are really long or show up right in the middle of important moments, which can make the pacing feel a bit off. I often found myself wanting to skip ahead to see what was happening with Emily instead of diving into another lengthy faerie legend. While I get that these stories are important to Emily’s research, they don’t always blend smoothly into the main storyline.  

■Since this book takes place in the 1800s, the writing has a more formal and old-fashioned feel. This totally fits Emily’s character and makes this story feel more authentic, but I won’t lie that it was a little hard to follow at times. There were moments when too many unfamiliar words popped up in one paragraph, and it slowed down my reading. It’s not a dealbreaker, and I actually admire how well the author captured the historical feel, but I did have to reread certain parts to fully understand them.

(■Aku suka banget sama detail folklore faerie di buku ini, yang bikin dunianya terasa kaya dan well-researched. Tapi kadang-kadang, cerita-cerita ini agak ganggu alur cerita utama. Beberapa cerita rakyat tuh panjang banget atau muncul pas lagi di tengah-tengah momen penting, yang bikin pacing-nya terasa agak aneh. Aku sering banget pengen skip aja buat lihat apa yang terjadi sama Emily daripada harus masuk ke legenda faerie yang panjang itu. Yah aku paham kalo cerita-cerita ini penting buat penelitian Emily, tapi nggak selalu bisa nyambung smoothly sama alur cerita utamanya.

■Karena buku ini settingnya di tahun 1800-an, tulisannya tuh lebih formal dan terasa jadul. Ini sih cocok banget sama karakter Emily dan bikin ceritanya terasa lebih autentik, tapi jujur aja, kadang agak susah buat ngikutin. Ada bagian-bagian di mana terlalu banyak kata-kata jadul dalam bahasa Inggris yang muncul dalam satu paragraf, dan itu bikin bacanya agak lambat. Ini sih nggak sampai bikin aku berhenti baca, aku malah salut sama gimana penulisnya berhasil menangkap vibe historisnya. Tapi ya gitu, aku kadang harus baca ulang beberapa bagian biar bener-bener ngerti.)

CONCLUSION 

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a unique mix of fantasy, folklore, and academic research, all wrapped up in a cozy yet intriguing story. The snowy village setting, rich world-building, and journal-style narration make it feel like you’re stepping into Emily’s world alongside her. I enjoy how this book explores the balance between studying something and actually experiencing it, as well as how Emily slowly opens up to the people around her. While the folklore sections can sometimes feel a bit too long or interrupt the main story, the lovable characters, slow-burn romance, and fascinating fae lore make up for it. If you enjoy folklore, books about scholars on adventures, or the classic grumpy/sunshine pairing, this book is definitely worth checking out!

(Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries tuh unik banget karena menggabungkan fantasi, folklore, sama penelitian akademis, semua dibungkus dalam cerita yang cozy tapi tetep seru. Setting desa bersalju, world-building yang detail, sama gaya narasi yang kayak jurnal bikin kita kayak ikut masuk ke dunia Emily bareng dia. Aku suka gimana buku ini membahas soal keseimbangan antara belajar sesuatu sama mengalaminya langsung, ditambah gimana Emily pelan-pelan mulai terbuka sama orang-orang di sekitarnya. Memang sih, bagian folklore-nya kadang terasa agak kepanjangan atau ganggu alur cerita utama, tapi karakter-karakternya yang lovable, slow-burn romance-nya, sama lore faerie yang menarik bikin semuanya worth it. Kalau kamu suka folklore, buku tentang scholar yang berpetualang demi penelitian, atau pairing grumpy/sunshine yang klasik, buku ini wajib kamu coba!)