Illumicrate - June 2019

Theme: For Book Lovers

Items: 

• TBR Jar by KDP Letters
• Goddess of Reading Tapestry by Carol G
• Page Flags by Hey Atlas
• Tea and Books Booksleeve by Sparrow and Wolf
• Reality Bookend by Fable & Black
• This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura
• Birthday by Meredith Russo
• Collectible Coin

Review: 
This was my first box from Illumicrate and I only got it because the theme was for book lovers and it said that all items were usable. I always look at what books are going to be included in the box before I commit to a box and see whether I'm going to like them or not. In this case, I knew I wasn't going to like the books but I was hopeful for the items as the thing that interested me was a bookend and a booksleeve. 

This box was really packed with several items and one thing that I liked about this box was that there was no shredded paper in the way it was quite nice to actually just get to the items and book straight away. Plus it's helping the environment because there's less paper being wasted.

The first item that I came across was a tapestry, I really was not expecting it to be so big when I opened it up. It was a really nice material and the design on it was actually quite cool, it was a girl reading a book sort of misting away. This would make a really cool back drop for videos or for photos. I personally wouldn't use this because I don't really have anywhere to put it my house it's still a bomb site in the study/library as we haven't sorted it out yet.

The next item was a book jar, you are supposed to put all your TBRs in the jar and pull one out when you want to read a new book. I've been thinking of this idea for a while new and I was just thinking of using a coffee jar, then Lauren also suggested this idea may get me out of my reading slump. And then boom the book box gave me a suitable jar, which I love the colour of its turquoise. I still haven't used it, I've not had time to write all my books down on paper.

Book tabs were the third item that I got in this box, they were different to my last ones that I received. I honestly preferred these ones to my last ones as they made more sense. I also personally wouldn't use these because I never lend my books out to people but they are such a good idea.

The collectible item within this box was my next discovery. It was a magnetic coin and the design on this month was Hermione. It was a pretty design but I just didn't think it really looked like her.

I next discovered a sampler for the Paper & Hearts Society by Lucy Powrie. It looks pretty, I've not read it yet and I really don't if I will as it doesn't really seem to be the thing I'd pick up.

The next items I cam across were the books, I will talk about the minor book of the box first which was Birthday. This was a very pretty book, it was a paperback but nothing special really because you could get the exact same copy with the sprayed rainbow edges in Waterstones. Many people did not know this but because I knew which book was going to be in this box when I was in Waterstones and discovered Birthday and noticed it was going to be the same as Illumicrates, I was slightly disappointed. It's okay though if you've ordered this box and not from the UK and can't get books from Waterstones. The only difference about this book was that it came with a signed book plate and a bookmark which Waterstone copies wouldn't have come with. So this was a plus side. Like I said this wasn't a book I would like to read so if you want to see the synopsis check goodreads out.

The next book was This Time Will Be Different. It looked pretty and I liked how the cover was sort of like a coral pink, and the sprayed edges were just amazing, they were yellow which is my favourite colour. Please check out the synopsis on goodreads. This came with a signed bookplate too and was a hardback which I really liked. This book came in a booksleeve which was the next item. It was a waterproof pouch with a zip which is everything I've wanted in a booksleeve. The design on it as well was also really pretty and I loved the pastel colours.

The last item was the bookend. It was supposed to be everything that a bookworm needs to enjoy life. So there are candles, a cat, a pot of tea and a lamp so you can actually read in the dark. This was such a cool idea and I really only bought this box for this item but the design just wasn't as pretty as I was expecting it so I won't actually be getting July's box to get the other end.

Overall this box was definitely worth it as it was packed with loads of items that I liked. And it would have been excellent if those books were for me but I knew I wouldn't like them before I got the box so I was expecting this for the review. This box is 100% worth the money.

Illumicrate - June 2019

Theme: For Book Lovers

Items: 

• TBR Jar by KDP Letters
• Goddess of Reading Tapestry by Carol G
• Page Flags by Hey Atlas
• Tea and Books Booksleeve by Sparrow and Wolf
• Reality Bookend by Fable & Black
• This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura
• Birthday by Meredith Russo
• Collectible Coin

Review: 
This was my first box from Illumicrate and I only got it because the theme was for book lovers and it said that all items were usable. I always look at what books are going to be included in the box before I commit to a box and see whether I'm going to like them or not. In this case, I knew I wasn't going to like the books but I was hopeful for the items as the thing that interested me was a bookend and a booksleeve. 

This box was really packed with several items and one thing that I liked about this box was that there was no shredded paper in the way it was quite nice to actually just get to the items and book straight away. Plus it's helping the environment because there's less paper being wasted.

The first item that I came across was a tapestry, I really was not expecting it to be so big when I opened it up. It was a really nice material and the design on it was actually quite cool, it was a girl reading a book sort of misting away. This would make a really cool back drop for videos or for photos. I personally wouldn't use this because I don't really have anywhere to put it my house it's still a bomb site in the study/library as we haven't sorted it out yet.

The next item was a book jar, you are supposed to put all your TBRs in the jar and pull one out when you want to read a new book. I've been thinking of this idea for a while new and I was just thinking of using a coffee jar, then Lauren also suggested this idea may get me out of my reading slump. And then boom the book box gave me a suitable jar, which I love the colour of its turquoise. I still haven't used it, I've not had time to write all my books down on paper.

Book tabs were the third item that I got in this box, they were different to my last ones that I received. I honestly preferred these ones to my last ones as they made more sense. I also personally wouldn't use these because I never lend my books out to people but they are such a good idea.

The collectible item within this box was my next discovery. It was a magnetic coin and the design on this month was Hermione. It was a pretty design but I just didn't think it really looked like her.

I next discovered a sampler for the Paper & Hearts Society by Lucy Powrie. It looks pretty, I've not read it yet and I really don't if I will as it doesn't really seem to be the thing I'd pick up.

The next items I cam across were the books, I will talk about the minor book of the box first which was Birthday. This was a very pretty book, it was a paperback but nothing special really because you could get the exact same copy with the sprayed rainbow edges in Waterstones. Many people did not know this but because I knew which book was going to be in this box when I was in Waterstones and discovered Birthday and noticed it was going to be the same as Illumicrates, I was slightly disappointed. It's okay though if you've ordered this box and not from the UK and can't get books from Waterstones. The only difference about this book was that it came with a signed book plate and a bookmark which Waterstone copies wouldn't have come with. So this was a plus side. Like I said this wasn't a book I would like to read so if you want to see the synopsis check goodreads out.

The next book was This Time Will Be Different. It looked pretty and I liked how the cover was sort of like a coral pink, and the sprayed edges were just amazing, they were yellow which is my favourite colour. Please check out the synopsis on goodreads. This came with a signed bookplate too and was a hardback which I really liked. This book came in a booksleeve which was the next item. It was a waterproof pouch with a zip which is everything I've wanted in a booksleeve. The design on it as well was also really pretty and I loved the pastel colours.

The last item was the bookend. It was supposed to be everything that a bookworm needs to enjoy life. So there are candles, a cat, a pot of tea and a lamp so you can actually read in the dark. This was such a cool idea and I really only bought this box for this item but the design just wasn't as pretty as I was expecting it so I won't actually be getting July's box to get the other end.

Overall this box was definitely worth it as it was packed with loads of items that I liked. And it would have been excellent if those books were for me but I knew I wouldn't like them before I got the box so I was expecting this for the review. This box is 100% worth the money.

FairyLoot - June 2019

Theme: Broody Banter

Items: 

• Raven Boys Patch by @bookmarkd.tattoos
• Reading Journal by @fictionteadesigns and @monolimeart
• Simmer Down Kitten Socks by FairyLoot
• Bloodwitch Enamel Pin by @ironandinkdesigns
• Woodmark by @stellabookishart
• Mermaid Tea by @thetealeafco
• Secret Book of Banter by @noverantale
• Print and Comic by @tarajah
• Enamel Paper Clips by @taratjah
• Exclusive Tarot Cards by @loweana.art
• Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Review: 
I purely got June FairyLoot book box because there was a spoiler which said that the tarot cards in this box would be based on Harry Potter. How could I not resist this box? Plus it had the next half of the reading journal which Lauren wanted.

The theme Broody Banter, also enticed me because it sounded really good, and the book that was included had quite a lot of hype, so I was interested to see what it was actually like. 

The first item that I came across within this box was the mermaid tea, this was strawberry and kiwi flavour. I did actually try this tea in the afternoon of opening my box. I used the recommended dosage and found that it was quite weak so next time, I have a cup I will use double and hope that it's stronger. I will also be experimenting with the iced tea too at some point this month as I have quite a lot of time off. The design on the packet was quite pretty too, I'm not into mermaids though but I do like my flavoured teas and hot drinks.

The next item that I came across was a paid of ankle socks. These were inspired by the Lux series. I was made aware that the label for the socks was spelt wrong but it's only the label. The design of them is quite nice, I really like the colours of them and can't wait to wear them.

There was also a wooden bookmark which was inspired by air awakens series. I've never read this series but I do think the design is pretty and the quote is quite cute. I also much prefer the woodmarks over the paper bookmarks because they are harder to damage. I still haven't used one though because I'm worried that the ink from them will transfer to the pages of the book, so if anyone has used one before can you let me know, if it damages the books.

I then discovered the enamel paper clips which I thought at first were bookmarks and still thought they were until writing this review. Oops... my bad. I suppose you can use them however you want. They are heavier that I'd expect for a paper clip but the designs on them are cool. They are based on Jace, Jack, Rowan and just a general quote. They are honestly so pretty and I like how they are gold and silver, it makes them stand out a lot more and makes them just that bit more pretty. All you need now to make them perfect is some sparkles.

The next item was the Raven Boys iron on patch. As you know, I'm not a huge fan of iron on patches, I just don't know where I'd put them or what to do with them so they seem pretty pointless to me. The design is cool and to actually have a swear word quote included was quite brave but I suppose it must be a popular quote for it to be on the patch.

The reading journal was the next item, it has the same design as the first half of the year which I like because it matches and they can just sit together now. The art designs inside are also really pretty.

The next item I discovered was the new collectible item but I didn't open this until last because I thought it would be really pretty and I was correct. I absolutely love it. I love the storage box idea. I can actually keep little things in it now that I want to keep safe. I also like how you can store it on the bookcase and no one will think it's secretly not a book, so you can technically keep all your secrets in there. The drawings and quotes inside are so pretty, I really like them. I absolutely love the drawing of Will Herondale and I really wanted to reread all of Cassandra Clare books now considering I'm reading the Ghosts of the Shadow Market and I love it a lot. The review for this book should be up shortly as I'm just on the last book.

Next was a advertisement card as such for Shadow and Flame, which is the second book of Onyx. It's quite pretty and it sounds good. The series is on my TBR but I really don't know when I will get round to reading it as I'm still in a reading slump. I'm slowly getting out of it though.

The next thing I discovered was the Harry Potter Tarot cards. At first, I thought these cards were Dumbledore and Tom Riddle but after discussing it with Lauren, I think it could be Draco. But then after a discussion on a book page I am now totally confused and considering the death card to be Grindlewald but I'm not sure. I still need to clarify this.

This was the first time in a FairyLoot box that they've included a comic strip, it is from Avatar which I have seen but I personally didn't like so wasn't a huge fan of this print. Some fans seem to be going crazy for it though so it must be nice if you are a fan of Avatar.

The last item before the book was an enamel pin which was based on the Bloodwitch. I've not read this book either and will possibly add it to my TBR but my list is getting far too big now. It is a cool design, I've never seen this sort of shape on an enamel pin before so it is definitely unique.

Now onto the actual book Socery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. The design is so pretty. The pages are just another level. I love the colour of them and the sparkles that are added to them it's just amazing, I love it so much. I have heard though when you read the book and you have warm hands the colours passes onto your hands. Which isn't good but a few people have used some spray that keeps the colour on the pages rather than transferring. I may consider this or I may just buy the normal version of the book to read without getting any colour transferring. I will read this book by the end of the year hopefully so look forward to seeing my review of this book shortly.

Written by Sammie.

FairyLoot - June 2019

Theme: Broody Banter

Items: 

• Raven Boys Patch by @bookmarkd.tattoos
• Reading Journal by @fictionteadesigns and @monolimeart
• Simmer Down Kitten Socks by FairyLoot
• Bloodwitch Enamel Pin by @ironandinkdesigns
• Woodmark by @stellabookishart
• Mermaid Tea by @thetealeafco
• Secret Book of Banter by @noverantale
• Print and Comic by @tarajah
• Enamel Paper Clips by @taratjah
• Exclusive Tarot Cards by @loweana.art
• Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Review: 
I purely got June FairyLoot book box because there was a spoiler which said that the tarot cards in this box would be based on Harry Potter. How could I not resist this box? Plus it had the next half of the reading journal which Lauren wanted.

The theme Broody Banter, also enticed me because it sounded really good, and the book that was included had quite a lot of hype, so I was interested to see what it was actually like. 

The first item that I came across within this box was the mermaid tea, this was strawberry and kiwi flavour. I did actually try this tea in the afternoon of opening my box. I used the recommended dosage and found that it was quite weak so next time, I have a cup I will use double and hope that it's stronger. I will also be experimenting with the iced tea too at some point this month as I have quite a lot of time off. The design on the packet was quite pretty too, I'm not into mermaids though but I do like my flavoured teas and hot drinks.

The next item that I came across was a paid of ankle socks. These were inspired by the Lux series. I was made aware that the label for the socks was spelt wrong but it's only the label. The design of them is quite nice, I really like the colours of them and can't wait to wear them.

There was also a wooden bookmark which was inspired by air awakens series. I've never read this series but I do think the design is pretty and the quote is quite cute. I also much prefer the woodmarks over the paper bookmarks because they are harder to damage. I still haven't used one though because I'm worried that the ink from them will transfer to the pages of the book, so if anyone has used one before can you let me know, if it damages the books.

I then discovered the enamel paper clips which I thought at first were bookmarks and still thought they were until writing this review. Oops... my bad. I suppose you can use them however you want. They are heavier that I'd expect for a paper clip but the designs on them are cool. They are based on Jace, Jack, Rowan and just a general quote. They are honestly so pretty and I like how they are gold and silver, it makes them stand out a lot more and makes them just that bit more pretty. All you need now to make them perfect is some sparkles.

The next item was the Raven Boys iron on patch. As you know, I'm not a huge fan of iron on patches, I just don't know where I'd put them or what to do with them so they seem pretty pointless to me. The design is cool and to actually have a swear word quote included was quite brave but I suppose it must be a popular quote for it to be on the patch.

The reading journal was the next item, it has the same design as the first half of the year which I like because it matches and they can just sit together now. The art designs inside are also really pretty.

The next item I discovered was the new collectible item but I didn't open this until last because I thought it would be really pretty and I was correct. I absolutely love it. I love the storage box idea. I can actually keep little things in it now that I want to keep safe. I also like how you can store it on the bookcase and no one will think it's secretly not a book, so you can technically keep all your secrets in there. The drawings and quotes inside are so pretty, I really like them. I absolutely love the drawing of Will Herondale and I really wanted to reread all of Cassandra Clare books now considering I'm reading the Ghosts of the Shadow Market and I love it a lot. The review for this book should be up shortly as I'm just on the last book.

Next was a advertisement card as such for Shadow and Flame, which is the second book of Onyx. It's quite pretty and it sounds good. The series is on my TBR but I really don't know when I will get round to reading it as I'm still in a reading slump. I'm slowly getting out of it though.

The next thing I discovered was the Harry Potter Tarot cards. At first, I thought these cards were Dumbledore and Tom Riddle but after discussing it with Lauren, I think it could be Draco. But then after a discussion on a book page I am now totally confused and considering the death card to be Grindlewald but I'm not sure. I still need to clarify this.

This was the first time in a FairyLoot box that they've included a comic strip, it is from Avatar which I have seen but I personally didn't like so wasn't a huge fan of this print. Some fans seem to be going crazy for it though so it must be nice if you are a fan of Avatar.

The last item before the book was an enamel pin which was based on the Bloodwitch. I've not read this book either and will possibly add it to my TBR but my list is getting far too big now. It is a cool design, I've never seen this sort of shape on an enamel pin before so it is definitely unique.

Now onto the actual book Socery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. The design is so pretty. The pages are just another level. I love the colour of them and the sparkles that are added to them it's just amazing, I love it so much. I have heard though when you read the book and you have warm hands the colours passes onto your hands. Which isn't good but a few people have used some spray that keeps the colour on the pages rather than transferring. I may consider this or I may just buy the normal version of the book to read without getting any colour transferring. I will read this book by the end of the year hopefully so look forward to seeing my review of this book shortly.

Written by Sammie.