Book Review: Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands

Published by Sue Cook at July 10, 2023

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Book cover image from Anderson’s Bookshop

Since it was announced, I’ve been looking forward to reading Emily Wilde’s Map Of The Otherlands, the second book in The Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett.

My anticipation was palpable (yes, I get that way with books).

There were so many questions running through my head, I was kept up some nights. Will the second book be as thrilling as the first? Will the land of faeries be as lush and fantastical as it was in Emily Wilde’s Encyclopeadia of Faeries? Will I lose my love for the characters? Sequels can be so hit or miss.

I lost sleep for no reason. Brilliantly written, the story pushed me to the edge of my seat from the moment I opened the book.

Familiar characters are back, with new ones introduced who instantly become friend or foe. This includes Emily’s niece/assistant, Ariadne, and a few of her colleagues in the field of Dryadology. Colleagues that hold fantastical secrets that span the years.

The day that I began to read Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, I had a relapse of long Covid. I was feeling horrific, camped out on the couch and looking for a respite from the illness. I found it with Emily. The book helped rescue me from my misery and whisked me away on a delightful story. Nay. More than a story – a quest.

The characters became like family to me and I journeyed with Emily along the way. Her bravery became my fortitude against Covid. I could almost feel Shadow leaning against my couch, keeping me safe while I read.

My love for Wendell grew exponentially as did my love for his kingdom. Before this series, I was never a faerie fan. “Fairies” were either cutesy or evil. Heather Fawcett changed that perception. Although they can be evil, they are far from cuddly.

The magic that moved through the pages of the book and the powerful message of the quest kept me cheering all the reading through. I fist pumped the air weakly but with great intent.

This book helped me through a difficult time by transporting me to another world while my long Covid symptoms began to subside. I could feel the excitement of a quest without ever leaving my bed/couch.

Be sure to pre-order your copy today. It comes out on January 16, 2024.

If you are interested in Emily Wilde’s Map Of The Otherlands, check out these other book reviews in a similar vein.

Sue Cook

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Sue Cook lives in Freeport, Illinois with her husband Randy and two dogs. Her passions include assistance dogs, rescue dogs, music, acting, theater, poetry, and Doctor Who. She’s been in both film and theater and is a regular cast member of the podcast Doctor Who’s Line is it….Anyway? Sue is an advocate for the use of Service Dogs to assist their disabled handlers to maintain their independence. Quigley’s Quest, her first children’s book, addresses how a dog becomes a Service Dog.