Dreamin' Reviews: A Cozy Invitation Into Fairy Realms and Forgotten Lore
This blog comes as a gentle reminder that there are always books, genres, and adventures waiting for you, sometimes exactly when you need them most.
As a longtime lover of Fantasy Fiction, I recently wandered into the enchanting world of Emily Wilde’s three-book series centered on the realm of faeries. Written by Heather Fawcett, the series includes:
Encyclopedia of Faeries
Map of the Otherlands
Compendium of Lost Tale
From the very first pages, this series felt like stepping into a warm cottage on a cold night—full of wonder, curiosity, and quiet magic.
Faeries, Myth, and the Natural World
Mythically, faeries often represent nature itself, guardians of earth, water, and air, and protectors of sacred, hidden places. In this series, the faerie world is deeply rooted in landscapes inspired by the Western world, including Ireland, the Austrian Alps, and regions reminiscent of the Arctic Circle.
Faeries here are not simply whimsical beings. They can be:
Tricksters
Guides
Warning-bearers
Keepers of insight and ancient truths
Their presence constantly reminds us that magic often comes with rules, and consequences.
When Mortal and Faerie Worlds Intertwine
One of the most beautiful aspects of this series is how the relationship between mortal and faerie unfolds. Their paths intertwine in a way that honors both worlds, showing how coexistence is possible, if handled with care, respect, and intelligence.
Themes of safety, trust, and boundaries loom large throughout the story. And honestly, that feels especially resonant right now. In a world filled with uncertainty about both the present and the future, fiction offers us a safe place to explore fear, hope, and resilience.
Stories help us understand ourselves more deeply, and sometimes remind us of what truly matters.
A Listening Experience Worth Savoring
I chose to experience this series through the audiobook format, and I couldn’t be happier with that decision. Narrated beautifully by Ell Potter and Michael Dodds, the storytelling feels like being gently lulled to sleep by a fireside tale.
With Irish and English accents, the narration creates an intimate sense of connection, almost like sitting among neighbors, despite oceans between us. At a time when global ideologies can feel deeply divided, this series quietly reminds us that, at our core, we are all connected.
Meet Emily Wilde: Brilliant, Awkward, and Endearing
At the heart of the story is Emily Wilde, a Cambridge professor who is good at many things:
She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries
A genius scholar and meticulous researcher
The author of the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore
But Emily Wilde is not good at people.
She struggles with small talk, rarely gets invited to parties, and much prefers the company of:
Her books
Her dog, Shadow
And, of course, the Fair Folk
(And let’s be honest, not relating to other humans or enjoying small talk is more common than we admit.)
Her intelligence, awkwardness, and quiet determination make her a deeply relatable and refreshing main character.
A Cozy Recommendation
If you’re looking for an adventure where you can:
Stay cozy and warm
Discover fairy magic and hidden realms
Enjoy intelligent storytelling
Escape without losing emotional depth
…then Emily Wilde’s series might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Join me on this journey, and let me know how you like the books—or even just one of them. And most importantly…
✨ Remember to have fun. ✨
Warmly and Magically,
Jamie
