Month: March 2025

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales Book Review

Where do I even begin? Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Tales has cemented its place as a beloved series by me. It’s a cozy adventure that it’s easy to jump into. As a young girl, I was utterly obsessed with fairies, their magic, and the mystical world they inhabited. Reading about Emily Wilde felt like stepping into a dream – she embodies the adventurous, scholarly spirit I always longed for. She has my “dream job” of researching faeries.

Heather Fawcett has masterfully crafted a world that feels both familiar and utterly unique, and this third installment continues to deliver that magic. The portrayal of faeries is spot-on, capturing their inherent trickery, their connection to stories, and the way they weave themselves into the very fabric of existence. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a fantasy world that feels so grounded in folklore and authentic to the myths we know.

The journey with Emily and Wendell, which has developed wonderfully over the course of the series, was a delightful rollercoaster. Their dynamic, from prickly academic rivals to something much deeper, was beautifully developed. I found myself completely invested in their relationship, cheering for them every step of the way. And let’s not forget Shadow and Orga! Those characters added so much depth and charm to the story. Shadow’s ending, in particular, brought tears to my eyes – a testament to how deeply Fawcett made me care for even the animal side kicks.

This series isn’t about spice; it’s about heart. It’s about the tender moments, the quiet discoveries, and the profound connections that form between people and the magical world around them. Fawcett’s writing is elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the Otherlands and its inhabitants. 

Heather Fawcett has created something truly special with the Compendium of Tales series. These characters will stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page. I’ll miss Emily, Wendell, Shadow, Orga, and the enchanting world they inhabit. If you’re looking for a beautifully written, heartfelt fantasy that will transport you to another realm, look no further. This series, and this third book, are an absolute gem.


Posted on by Author Adelaide Green 0

Onyx Storm review **Spoilers***

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Spoilers Ahead

An Unpopular Opinion: Onyx Storm Fell Flat for Me

Look, I know I’m probably in the minority here, but “Onyx Storm” just didn’t resonate with me the way the previous “Empyrean” series books did. I’m a dedicated fan, and I’ll absolutely continue with the series, but this installment felt like a significant dip in quality.

My main issue? It felt like a rehash of “Iron Flame,” lacking the forward momentum I craved. It felt like a filler book, stretching out existing plot points without significantly advancing the overarching narrative. I couldn’t shake the feeling that “Iron Flame” and “Onyx Storm” could have been condensed into a tighter, more impactful single volume.

Perhaps diving in without a fresh reread of the first two books contributed to my disconnect, but it shouldn’t have been necessary. The pacing felt off, and the plot felt meandering. Many readers have expressed similar sentiments, noting a lack of substantial plot progression. The book felt too long for what the story was, with too many side plots that didn’t contribute to the main story.

I appreciate the continued world-building and the expansion of the “Empyrean” universe, but I was left wanting more regarding significant reveals and character development. The introduction of various side character deaths that I struggled to recall highlighted a potential character depth and engagement issue. Some of the new points of view felt underdeveloped and difficult to connect with, further contributing to the feeling of a scattered narrative.

While the ending certainly left us with a cliffhanger, it lacked the same level of excitement and anticipation I experienced with previous books. It felt more like a forced pause than a genuine cliffhanger that left me desperately needing the next installment. In some ways it really didn’t feel earned to me.

“Onyx Storm” felt, dare I say, a bit lazy compared to the previous books. It lacked the spark and urgency that made “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame” so compelling. I sincerely hope the next installment recaptures the magic and delivers the impactful storytelling I’ve come to expect from this series. While I remain a fan, this book was a definite disappointment.



View all my reviews

Posted on by Author Adelaide Green 0