Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

A gruff female professor travels to a remote village in possible Iceland to study a special kind of fae and finish the book that has been her life's work. She and her massive dog lack social skills and she gets off on the wrong foot almost immediately. It takes about a third of the book for townsfolk (and the reader) to warm up to her but that changes when her easy going and charming colleague shows up unexpectantly from London. Wendell is looking to buddy up on Emily's project so they can present the findings together but she thinks there is another reason for him following her up to this frozen field study. From forest brownies to hissing frightening changelings and deadly fae royalty we see a very different side to the faerie realm than Tolkien or what you hope to find in your garden. Emily searches for practical data on a subject based on local lore and wants to be taken seriously which is difficult enough for a female professor in 1909 and the lighter side of Wendell balances the story nicely. This will appeal to young adults and adults alike.  3 1/2 stars