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Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
by Fawcett, Heather
Emily Wilde is a professor who prefers the company of dangerous folklore to people, and her latest research trip to a remote, snowy village is meant to be a solitary endeavor. She is there to document the local Hidden Ones, but she finds herself constantly interrupted by her infuriatingly charming academic rival, Wendell Bambleby. The story unfolds through Emily's field journals, creating an intimate, scholarly tone that makes the magic feel like a rigorous science rather than a fairy tale. It is a slow-burn experience that balances the cold, biting atmosphere of the winter landscape with the warm, witty friction between the two leads. If you enjoy stories where the protagonist uses their intellect to survive rather than a sword, and if you appreciate fantasy that feels grounded in old, strange lore, this will feel like a long-awaited homecoming.
10 Books similar to 'Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries'
If the academic rigor and icy, atmospheric folklore of Emily Wilde resonated with you, these titles offer a similar blend of scholarly discovery and magical danger. We have selected these books because they mirror that specific charm of the outsider navigating a hidden world, whether through Regency-era manners, snowy, isolated settings, or the quiet joy of research. From the transactional nature of faerie bargains to the slow-burn tension of unlikely partnerships, these stories capture the same intellectual curiosity and whimsical, yet grounded, sense of wonder that makes Emily’s journey so memorable.
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Like Emily Wilde, this novel treats magic with a scholarly, academic rigor, presenting a meticulously researched history of faeries in 19th-century England. It captures the same blend of dry wit, atmospheric lore, and the dangerous, capricious nature of the Fae.
by Freya Marske
This book shares the Edwardian-era setting and the delightful friction between a pragmatic, non-magical protagonist and a world of hidden enchantments. Fans will appreciate the slow-burn romance and the intricate, rule-based magic system that mirrors Emily's own scholarly approach.
by Naomi Novik
Novik’s take on folklore is just as grounded and dangerous as Fawcett’s, focusing on the transactional and often chilling nature of deals made with fae creatures. It features a highly competent female protagonist navigating a cold, wintry landscape where knowledge is the ultimate survival tool.
by TJ Klune
While less focused on academic folklore, this book perfectly captures the 'cozy fantasy' vibe that readers of Emily Wilde love. It features a socially awkward protagonist who finds belonging in a magical environment, emphasizing found family and gentle, heartwarming growth.
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This Regency-era fantasy features a protagonist who, like Emily, is somewhat disconnected from social norms and finds herself entangled with a mysterious, magical lord. It balances lighthearted, witty banter with the darker, more unsettling realities of faerie bargains.
Readers who enjoy the sense of discovery and the archival, scholarly feel of Emily's work will appreciate this story about a woman who discovers doors to other worlds. It is deeply atmospheric, lyrical, and centers on the power of stories and documentation.
by Neil Gaiman
This classic tale captures the whimsy and danger of crossing into a faerie realm, much like the setting of Ljosland. It is a quintessential fairy tale adventure that balances wonder with a slightly cynical edge, perfect for fans of Fawcett's faerie lore.
by Naomi Novik
This novel explores the relationship between a human community and a sentient, magical forest, mirroring Emily's study of the 'Hidden Ones.' It features a brilliant, prickly female lead and a deep, immersive exploration of folklore-based magic.
Set in the snowy wilderness of medieval Russia, this book treats folklore as a living, breathing reality rather than just myth. It shares the wintry atmosphere of Emily's research and features a protagonist who can see the spirits others ignore.
This book centers on a protagonist who works with magical, sentient grimoires, appealing to the librarian/academic sensibilities of Emily Wilde fans. It is an action-packed adventure that takes place in a world where books are dangerous and magic is unpredictable.
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