July Book Selection
Spellbinding's inaugural read
Good morrow my maiden readers,
Of all the months to embark on a literary journey, July is a lovely time to begin. We’re in the seventh month, solidly halfway through the year, with the summer solstice on our heels and the festivities of the strawberry full moon, Pride, and Independence Day simmering down. July ushers in the season of picnics, beach days, park strolls, and longer days with maximum sunlight to illuminate our pages.
For Spellbinding’s very first book selection, we are reading Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett.
The first book in a series (the second of which I have already purchased and might possibly read later in the month), Encyclopaedia of Faeries was originally published January 10, 2023.
Here’s a short description, courtesy of www.heatherfawcettbooks.com:
A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love, in this heartwarming and enchanting fantasy.
Sounds delightful!
I’ve seen this title pop up on several recommended and awards lists, including New York Times Notable Books, Barnes & Noble’s monthly picks, the Goodreads Choice Awards (fantasy finalist), not to mention every fantasy Bookstagram and BookTok account I follow.
If that wasn’t persuading enough, here’s some more encouraging words I found from the internet and beyond:
“A thoroughly charming academic fairytale, complete with footnotes and a low-key grumpy romance.” —The Guardian
“A stirring exploration of mythography and storytelling, with a dark and twisted heart.” —Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book Review
“READ THIS RIGHT NOW IT’S SO GOOD YOU’LL LOVE IT!” —Alex Christie, fantasy author, who’s been recommending me this book since its release.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is the first in a series. The second installment, Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands, released January 16, 2024, already sits on my bookshelf. The third book, Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales, will be released February 11, 2025.
I hope you’re as excited to dive in as I am!
May your days and pages be sundrenched and warm,
Morgan Hannah
looks so good!! I’m excited!!