Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales Summary, Characters and Themes

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett is a lyrical, immersive blend of fantasy, academia, and folklore that continues the adventures of Professor Emily Wilde—a brilliant, socially awkward scholar of faerie lore—and her equally charming, frustrating companion Wendell Bambleby, who just so happens to be a faerie king. 

Set within the enchanted, dangerous realm of Silva Lupi, the novel unfolds as a series of Emily’s journal entries, brimming with scholarly detail, magical encounters, and a deepening emotional core. At once a romance, a political intrigue, and a fairy-tale adventure, this installment brings together myth and magic with warmth, wit, and sharply observed character work.

Summary

Following her perilous expedition into the icy realm of Ljosland, Professor Emily Wilde journeys again into Faerie—this time to the verdant, treacherous land of Silva Lupi. Emily has accepted a proposal of marriage from Wendell Bambleby, the faerie king she once studied and now loves. 

But Faerie is never simple: their journey begins not with celebration, but with conflict, as they seek to claim Wendell’s rightful throne and confront the aftermath of poisoning his stepmother, Queen Arna.

Wendell and Emily enter Silva Lupi through a portal in Greece, only to discover that Arna has vanished and is presumed dead. Yet Wendell, familiar with Arna’s cunning, suspects this is another scheme. 

The land is suffering—a dark curse seeps through the groves, corrupting faerie nature and turning the trees themselves into haunted sentinels. This magical sickness, they learn, may be Arna’s doing, a last bid for control through ruin.

To claim the throne, Wendell must face Arna’s half-brother, the imposing Lord Taran, in ritual combat. 

Though nearly defeated, Wendell emerges victorious with the help of Emily’s enchanted artifacts. Taran, impressed, yields leadership of the court. 

Still, suspicion festers among the Faerie nobility—particularly toward Emily, a mortal. Some, like the blood-drenched Lady in the Crimson Cloak, radiate danger and disdain. Yet Emily finds quiet allies among the castle’s common folk and a mortal scribe named Niamh.

When a grove infected by the curse turns faeries into wraiths, Wendell’s blood—spilled during battle—begins to heal the land. Emily is horrified to realize that Wendell’s death might be the only cure. 

Refusing to accept this fate, she travels to Corbann, Ireland, seeking answers. There, in Trinity College’s library, Emily uncovers a tale about a cursed old king, hidden clues, and a redemptive sacrifice. The parallels are clear: Arna is the dying monarch poisoning her land, and Wendell is being led toward the same fate.

Emily’s research leads her back to Silva Lupi, where she and Wendell sail across Lake Silverlily to a secret island. 

There, they find Arna, who has stabbed herself in a final act of control. But her death doesn’t lift the curse. Desperate, Wendell sacrifices himself—plunging Arna’s dagger into his heart to heal the land. His body and Arna’s are brought back to the palace. Emily is shattered.

But there may still be hope. Recalling stories her grandfather wrote before his mysterious death, Emily recognizes the Lady in the Crimson Cloak as a faerie who knows how to find “Death’s Door.” 

In exchange for safe passage out of Silva Lupi, the Lady reveals that this door leads not to death, but limbo—a place between lives. Since mortals cannot enter, Emily’s dog Shadow and the head housekeeper leap into the liminal realm to rescue Wendell.

They succeed—but with consequences. 

Arna follows Wendell back to life. To contain her, Wendell summons the Veil, a terrifying, interdimensional prison. Arna is locked away, but Emily sees a dark pattern: in all faerie tales, punishing the old king taints the new. Determined to break the cycle, she defies Wendell and enlists the help of the Hidden King, a former suitor, to enter the Veil and rescue Arna herself.

Emily survives the Wasteland and brings Arna back. Wendell, surprised but moved, agrees to let Arna live quietly in a cottage under watch. Peace returns, but it’s a delicate one. 

Emily and Wendell, now married, set off to explore Silva Lupi—not just as rulers, but as seekers of stories, determined to preserve the balance between wonder and responsibility in the ever-shifting realm of Faerie.

Characters

Emily Wilde

Emily Wilde is a brilliant and inquisitive mortal scholar who is drawn into the magical world of faeries. Throughout the series, she serves as the logical anchor to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of faerie life.

In Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales, she approaches the faerie realm with a scholarly mindset, documenting and analyzing everything she encounters, from magical creatures to the political structure of faerie courts. Emily’s intellectual curiosity is a defining trait, driving her to unravel the mysteries around her, even when faced with dangers that far exceed her experience.

As a human in the faerie realm, she often feels like an outsider, especially as she struggles with the complex relationships and unpredictable nature of the fae. However, her resilience, adaptability, and deep care for Wendell show that her heart is as much a guide as her intellect.

By the end of the story, her decision to walk out of the faerie door instead of accepting an easy return to the mortal realm symbolizes her commitment to bridging the two worlds.

Wendell Bambleby

Wendell Bambleby is a faerie monarch who has a complex and sometimes contradictory personality. At first, he is portrayed as charming, giddy, and somewhat carefree, using his magical powers with ease and showing little interest in the responsibilities that come with ruling.

However, as the narrative progresses, Wendell’s depth as a character is revealed, especially as he grapples with the weight of his ancestry, the expectations placed on him as a ruler, and the terrifying potential of his faerie heritage. He is fiercely protective of Emily, and his decision to sacrifice himself for the realm, allowing his blood to heal it, is both an act of selflessness and a reflection of his deep inner conflict.

Wendell’s relationship with his stepmother, Queen Arna, is pivotal to the storyline, with his role as the rightful heir being challenged not only by his stepmother’s machinations but also by his own doubts. His willingness to embrace the throne despite the threats and political instability around him shows his growth as a leader, though he still struggles with the personal costs of leadership.

Queen Arna

Queen Arna is a powerful and manipulative figure whose ambition and cruelty define her role in the story. As Wendell’s stepmother, she usurps his throne, poisoning the faerie realm and causing widespread devastation.

Her actions show a complete disregard for the wellbeing of her subjects, and she uses magic not just for control but as a weapon to inflict pain and suffering. Arna’s death, or rather the ruse of her death, is a central mystery that drives the plot forward.

When her true nature is revealed—particularly when she takes her own life and later attempts to return from the afterlife—it becomes clear that her power is more than physical; it is tied to the land itself, making her a formidable antagonist. Despite her cruelty, Arna is not entirely devoid of complexity.

Her self-sacrifice, in choosing to poison herself rather than allow Wendell to slay her, is a dark reflection of the toxic relationships that bind faeries to their realm. In her final interactions with Wendell and Emily, Arna’s true nature as a victim of circumstance, and not just a villain, becomes more apparent, complicating the moral framework of the story.

Lord Taran

Lord Taran, Wendell’s uncle, is a stoic and enigmatic character who plays a pivotal role in the early political struggles within the faerie realm. As an ally to Wendell after a fierce duel, Taran represents the old guard of faerie nobility.

His actions are guided by tradition, honor, and a sense of duty, even if that means using brutal methods to test Wendell’s worth. Taran’s understanding of faerie politics and his cold demeanor reflect the dangerous nature of the faerie court, where power and influence are often decided by strength and cunning.

Despite his initial opposition to Wendell, Taran eventually becomes a crucial ally in Wendell’s ascension to the throne, contributing to the uneasy acceptance of Wendell’s claim. However, his loyalty is always tempered with a sense of caution, as he remains wary of Wendell’s ability to fully control the realm.

Taran’s character acts as a mirror to Wendell, highlighting the latter’s growth from a carefree prince into a more capable ruler.

Deilah

Deilah, Wendell’s half-sister, is another significant character whose role in the story underscores the themes of power, legacy, and inheritance. As a young faerie with extraordinary magical abilities, she represents the unpredictable nature of faerie royalty.

Deilah is portrayed as a figure of both potential and danger, as her youth and immense power create tension within the faerie court. The mystery surrounding her rise to power, possibly linked to an artifact or pact, adds a layer of intrigue to her character.

While she starts as an adversary to Wendell, her relationship with him is complicated by shared blood and complex family dynamics. Deilah’s character arc is one of the most uncertain in the series—her power is immense, but her emotional state and motivations are unclear, making her a potential ally or threat depending on the course of events.

Shadow

Shadow, Emily’s loyal dog, is not just a companion but a symbol of Emily’s grounding in the mortal world. His presence in the faerie realm offers Emily a sense of continuity and stability as she navigates the dangerous, unpredictable world of faeries.

Though Shadow’s role is more passive compared to the faerie characters, his moments of action, especially when he helps to retrieve Wendell from the Veil, demonstrate his loyalty and importance to Emily’s emotional journey. His relationship with Emily serves as a reminder of her roots in the human world.

His bond with her is a touching aspect of the series, providing both comfort and emotional depth.

Orga

Orga, Wendell’s magical cat, is a mischievous and enigmatic character who offers a touch of humor and mystery to the story. Though initially appearing as a simple faerie familiar, Orga’s true role is much more complex, acting as a guide and even a protector at various points throughout the narrative.

Orga’s ability to vanish and appear at will adds to the cat’s aura of secrecy, and its interactions with Emily are often tinged with both affection and wit. Orga’s presence reinforces the faerie world’s whimsical yet dangerous nature, and as Wendell’s companion, the cat also highlights the prince’s own connection to faerie magic and its inherent chaos.

Themes

The Duality of Power and Sacrifice in Faerie Politics

In the story, one of the core themes revolves around the complex nature of power, particularly within the Faerie realm, where the line between ruler and subject is blurred by ancient magics and political intrigue. Wendell’s return to power after the death (or presumed death) of his stepmother Arna sets the stage for exploring the costs of ascension.

His journey is not only one of claiming the throne but also of understanding the weight of leadership, especially in a world where politics is shaped by capricious beings and relentless power struggles. Emily’s presence complicates this power dynamic, as a mortal who is deeply involved in faerie affairs, despite the Faerie Court’s disdain for her.

This dynamic introduces the tension between personal ambition and the greater good—whether one’s desire for power can truly bring peace to a fractured realm or if it perpetuates cycles of sacrifice, manipulation, and hidden agendas. 

Wendell’s self-sacrifice, particularly when he contemplates giving his life for the land to heal, serves as a painful reminder of the price of power and the concept that rulers are often expected to make the ultimate sacrifice for their people.

The dual nature of power is further highlighted by the reemergence of Arna, whose own manipulations reinforce the idea that power in Faerie is a game of survival, where alliances are fragile, and betrayals come swiftly.

Mortality, Immortality, and the Ethical Dilemmas of Immortal Rulers

The theme of mortality versus immortality plays a significant role in the plot, particularly in the way characters, both mortal and fae, navigate the repercussions of their actions in a realm governed by magic. 

Emily’s mortal perspective provides a sharp contrast to Wendell’s faerie heritage, which increasingly shapes his decisions as he adopts more of the magical realm’s characteristics.

This interplay between mortality and immortality becomes a focal point, especially as Wendell grapples with his possible death to save the land. 

The narrative constantly questions what it means to be truly immortal—if immortality comes at the expense of personal humanity or if it is a necessary evil for rulers who must oversee lands that can easily fall prey to magical manipulation.

The sacrifice of Wendell—who is willing to die to save his people—and the subsequent resurrection bring up deep ethical questions about the consequences of living forever. 

Emily, on the other hand, is faced with her role in the faerie world, as her mortal limitations make her vulnerable, yet she also represents the potential for change, being able to move between both realms without fully being consumed by either.

The Cost of Loyalty and the Burden of Trust in a Chaotic Realm

Throughout both Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales and the second summary, the burden of loyalty is explored deeply, particularly in the volatile world of Faerie politics, where relationships and alliances are ever-changing and often based on convenience or manipulation rather than true kinship. 

Wendell’s bond with his stepmother Arna is one of deep betrayal, as her poison permeates the land, showing the dark side of loyalty when it is exploited for power.

Wendell’s relationship with Emily, on the other hand, grows stronger as they share a deep trust and understanding, with Emily becoming both a confidante and a catalyst for his decisions. 

However, even this trust is tested, particularly when Wendell chooses to sacrifice himself for the good of the realm, forcing Emily to navigate the delicate balance between loyalty to her husband and the greater good of the fae and mortal worlds.

Emily’s loyalty is challenged not only by Wendell’s decisions but by her own understanding of justice and what is right in a world that constantly shifts its moral boundaries. The most poignant aspect of this theme is the idea that loyalty in Faerie can be as dangerous as it is vital—characters constantly weigh the risks and rewards of trusting others, knowing full well that betrayal is often just around the corner.

The Interplay Between Fate and Free Will in a Realm Governed by Magic

The theme of fate versus free will runs as an undercurrent throughout both summaries, as characters frequently face decisions that seem predetermined by magic and ancient rules. Wendell’s destiny, as a faerie prince, is shaped by the magical laws and curses of his realm, particularly when his sister Deilah takes over the throne, backed by forces that seem beyond their control.

However, it is Emily’s insistence on finding alternative paths to resolve conflicts that challenges this deterministic view of life in Faerie. The use of magical objects like the Veil and the Mirror of Mists symbolizes the tension between fate and choice—Emily and Wendell are repeatedly placed in situations where they must make choices that could either fulfill or disrupt their destinies.

The characters are constantly questioning whether they can truly control their fate or whether they are being led by forces they do not fully understand. This theme culminates in Emily’s realization that while the land’s curse is tied to a death that seems unavoidable, it is through their actions, particularly Wendell’s willingness to sacrifice himself, that they carve out a new future, not dictated by fate but shaped by the choices they make.

The Nature of Revenge, Punishment, and Redemption in the Faerie Realm

A significant theme in the narrative is the idea of punishment and revenge, particularly as it is explored through the fates of characters like Arna and Wendell. Arna’s actions are driven by her need to maintain power at any cost, including poisoning the land and her stepchildren to secure her rule.

In contrast, Wendell’s approach to justice is more complex—his desire to punish Arna by locking her in the Veil is met with Emily’s moral opposition. She sees the perpetuation of this cycle of revenge and punishment as something that will only continue to harm the realm.

The resolution comes not in a final act of retribution but in Wendell’s reluctant agreement to allow Arna to live under a new guise. This shift in perspective highlights the Faerie realm’s approach to justice—where vengeance is a prevalent force, yet redemption is never entirely out of reach.

Emily’s struggle with this cycle of punishment underscores the moral complexities faced by those in power, who must navigate not only the expectations of their subjects but also their own evolving understanding of justice and mercy.