Book Review: Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales
As avid readers, we all know the feeling of returning to a beloved series; it’s like slipping into a warm, familiar sweater. Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales, the third installment in the enchanting Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett, had been on my radar since finishing its predecessors. The first two books had swept me into a world flourishing with fae lore, witty banter, and heartwarming connections. Yet, I found myself approaching this latest addition with a mix of excitement and trepidation, wondering if it would meet the high bar set by Emily’s earlier adventures.
Set in 1910, the story picks up right where the last book left off, forcing readers to recall details that may have faded in the gap between releases. My memory of the sequence of events faltered, and I regretted waiting too long to dive in. Emily, now facing the precarious possibility of becoming the Queen of Faerie alongside her foe-turned-fiancé, Wendell, grapples with a curse that threatens the kingdom—a plot that sounds thrilling, yet unfolds at a leisurely pace.
What I truly cherish about this series and what shines through in Compendium of Lost Tales is Emily as a character. At thirty-one, she feels refreshingly realistic—depicting a woman who balances scholarly pursuits and heartfelt emotions. Emily’s growth from book to book is a joy to witness. Wendell, our incorrigible fae king, returns with all his captivating flaws and charisma. Their relationship has evolved beautifully, built on mutual respect rather than cliché tropes, which adds depth to their connection. I particularly enjoyed their dynamic as it shifted from attraction to a genuine partnership.
However, my enthusiasm had its roadblocks. The plot, though charming, felt a tad convenient. Many challenges were solved too simply, undermining the tension that could have made the stakes feel more immediate. I found myself wishing for a bit more complexity, especially given the serious themes explored. The journal-style narration, while offering an intimate glimpse into Emily’s thoughts, sometimes bogged down the pacing with footnotes that, at times, felt superfluous.
One of the delights of this series has been its rich cast, yet I found the addition of a new character somewhat disappointing. This individual had so much potential for a nuanced arc, yet became a mere shadow in the background. And while both the humor and the banter that characterized earlier novels were less prominent here, it left me craving the lightness I had cherished.
Still, the journal’s authenticity resonated well, reminding me why I adore Emily’s voice. Her meticulous attention to detail sometimes felt excessive, but it grounded the narrative in an interesting way. I appreciated that there were no unnecessary recaps of previous events; the story respects its readers’ intelligence and familiarity with past installments.
Despite my mixed feelings, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy this journey. The book leans more towards the lighter side of darkness, which might disappoint fans who expected a gripping conflict. I finished the book with a sense of anticipation for more, leaving me with a bittersweet hope for another installment to possibly rectify the flat ending.
In conclusion, I would recommend Compendium of Lost Tales to those who have embarked on Emily’s journey from the beginning. It’s certainly a unique and tender addition for fans who appreciate character-driven storytelling, despite its quirks. While not my favorite of the series, it will resonate with those keen on completing Emily’s saga.
Overall, I’m left eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Emily and Wendell’s tale, hopeful that it might grant us a more memorable, thrilling finale. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
My heartfelt thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing the DRC of Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales via NetGalley. This review is entirely my honest opinion.
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