Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I got a copy of this book as a gift for Christmas last year.

Thoughts: This is more of an art-book than an actual story or book. It does remind a lot of Brian Froud's "Fairies" book which I was a huge fan of growing up. It is also similar to "Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book". This is done like a mocked up journal that someone who has visited the Faultlines was filling out.

In general this was a quick read and some of the artwork was really awesome. I also thought that some of the descriptions of the fairies were very fun and creative.

I did have some issues with this book. If you are looking for a story about faerie, this isn't that at all. It's chapters that go through different types of faeries, but even that isn't very well organized. I struggled at points to see how certain drawing of faeries really belonged in the chapter they were put in. In the end, I just had to kind of go with it and stop paying attention to what chapter I was in.

The other issue I had is with the font used for the "written" portions of the journal. The font used was a super slanted and cramped cursive font that I struggled to read, especially on some of the faerie names. It would have been nice to have these parts in a more legible font. The last complaint I have is that a lot of the drawings in here were very unfinished feeling, they were just rough sketches. I enjoy more finished drawings, but that is a personal preference.

Aside from the above this is a nice "coffee table" book for anyone who loves faerie mythology or cryptozoology in general.

My Summary (4/5): Overall this is a nice coffee table book. There is some spectacular artwork in here along with some fun/cute explanations about the faeries. This is a creative book and it is fun to look through. I did think the font used in the "written" portions was hard to read and I was a bit disappointed that so many of the art pieces were sketches rather than full color finished pieces. If you are looking for a cute art-book for your coffee table I would recommend it. If you are looking for a cohesive faerie reference or a story to read, I would look elsewhere. There isn't a story here and the book is fairly disorganized if you are really into learning about faerie lore. ( )

Welcome to the Faultlines, but beware. Not all who dwell within the pages of this book are as friendly as the green faerie whose face graces its cover! Led by our intrepid guide, artist Iris Compiet, we are taken on a tour of this fascinating fey realm, a hidden part of the world just out of the human eye but kept alive by those who continue to believe. Following in the vein of the faerie illustrators who came before her, we can spot notes of Alan Lee, Brian Froud, Arthur Rackham and more in Compiet’s compilation of fey drawings, but we’re entranced enough by the fey to always want more. Like Faeries, Compiet composes her drawings into a compendium that is part sketchbook, part painter’s exposé, and part explorative guidebook to the fey captured in pencil, ink, and paint. Even for this recognizable narrative style, her book stands well on its own, as Compiet’s use of her mediums is masterful and both her softly spoken words and vibrant illustrations bring the fey to life. From dragons and fairies, to bog witches and trolls she has delved deep into the denizens of the Faultlines, and played a careful line that reveals and revels in the complicated world of the fey creatures we know while also introducing new creatures to our imaginations. Compiet is well known in some artistic circles, but she is clearly just getting started in making a name for herself with this first stand-alone publication – and I, for one, can’t wait to see where her undoubtedly wonderful artistic career will go next. ( )

Through Faeries of the Faultlines, Iris Compiet truly brought some magic and wonder back to the world. While I love works such as this, this one was exceptionally well-illustrated. I was already familiar with many of the creatures discussed in this book, but I was captivated by the new renderings of old friends. The beautiful artwork jumped off the page. To say that Iris Compiet is talented would be an understatement. Her prose was as impressive as her artwork, and both ranged from marvelously haunting to fiercely beautiful.

I appreciated how Iris Compiet explored the glory of the Faultlines without sugarcoating the dangers, respecting both. It was wonderful that the author encouraged a close, respectful bond with nature. The seemingly hand-written entries were a nice touch. I only wish those entries had been more legible. I did read this on a computer, though, so I may not have had a problem reading certain parts of this work had I read the print version. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fantastical book that will capture your imagination, Faeries of the Faultlines by Iris Compiet is the read for you.

(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss . All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.) ( )