Illumicrate is a UK based fantasy and science fiction book box that has monthly boxes or just a monthly book only subscription. Each box also includes a selection of bookish goodies some more practical, others more decorative set around a monthly theme. September’s theme is To the Bitter End.
The items included in this box are a Percy Jackson sword replica, a Throne of Glass pouch, a Strange the Dreamer inspired shoe charms, a set of magnets with characters from An Ember in the Ashes, and a These Violent Delights inspired pin set. Though I like most of these items I’m surprised with the fandoms and books represented in the items are all Young Adult titles when the book for this month is very adult and shouldn’t be placed in a Young Adult section.
Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month and has a letter from the author. This months book is Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff and this edition is my favorite off all the editions I’ve seen. It has amazing digitally printed edges, an exclusive cover, and foiling on the hardback. I’m not even going to try to summarize this book as I feel like any fan already knows and you’ve probably heard about the book even if your not a Jay Kristoff fan. I will give one warring if you know nothing about this book its very adult and you might want to take a look a Jay Kristoff’s gif review on Goodreads as that can give you an idea if this is in any way a book you might like.
Fairyloot is a Young Adult book subscription box focusing on fantasy based out of the UK. Each month you receive a new Young Adult hardback book and 5-6 bookish goodies. Like most book boxes the hardback are special editions and the items are a combination of both practical things and more decorative items. September’s theme is Uprising.
The bookish items included this month are the tray that was delayed from last month, a card holder, a pair of Six Crimson Cranes inspired socks, An Ember in the Ashes enamel pin, a Daughter of Smoke and Bone tapestry, and the monthly tarot card with character art from the Caraval series.
All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers, signed by the author and include a letter from the author. However, this month is special as a new paperback was also included. The paperback is Beast of Prey by Ayana Gray which is a pan-African inspired fantasy. This month hardback also has sprayed purple edges, artwork on the reverse of the dust jacket, and foiling on the hardback. The book is Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer which is a fantasy that focuses on the balance of power, magic, and a corrupt kingdom.
In September I read four books which was a bit of a struggle as I’ve not been in much of a reading mood and have had trouble getting into different stories. However, I’ve been playing more video games and watching different shows lately.
Books:
After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque through Revolution and War by Helen Rappaport is a historical nonfiction book about the lives of the Russian Exiles in Paris primarily aristocrats, artist, and intellectual who escaped Russia during and in the aftermath of the Revolution. This book includes interesting information that focuses mainly on specific individuals with some information related to the exiles as a whole. As Russian history is not my main focus of study, though I do find it interesting, I had some trouble with names and who different people were but those with a better understanding of Russian history and culture shouldn’t have this problem. For me I prefer accounts about the Romanovs themselves. I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley.
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix is a horror novel that follows a group of women who survived the monsters that came after them. However, someone knows about this group and is now threating to destroy the little peace they have gained. The story is told through Lynnette who has decided the best way to survive is to be very paranoid and have multiple escape plans in place which is understandable but I found her and most of the characters as unlikable. I love the concept of this story, the beginning, and the hidden references to real world slasher movies but I think I would have enjoyed this story much more as a movie or TV show. I received an early review copy through Netgalley.
Fazbear Frights #7: The Cliffs by Scott Cawthon is another collection of stories set in the Five Nights at Freddy’s world. This set of stories I found fairly boring overall though there is some very creepy body horror. Though no story in this series is very serious they are starting to get to the point that the ridiculous scenario are impacting my enjoyment. I feel that those who love horror and the series overall will still like this collection but others in the series have been better.
Lost Voices from the Titanic: The Definitive Oral History by Nick Barratt is a historical nonfiction book about the sinking of the Titanic. Combining archive material, eye witness account, and the inquiries into the sinking the author tries to get an accurate picture of the sinking. Unlike other books this one looks at the historical context of the world the sinking happened in and some information on the aftermath and consequences. Very well written but does cover information that I already knew and most works now cover.
Movies/TV Shows:
I have been watching more shows this month but due to several stressful situations I’ve mostly been watching documentaries as I feel like I don’t have to pay as much attention to these compared to shows is overarching plots. These documentaries include LuLaRich and The Vow: A NXIVM Story. However, I did watch the live action Dumbo movie which I found very cute and lighthearted.
I have also been working my way through the original Final Fantasy VII and I’m about half way done. I do plan to have a full review for this game once I have finished it.
Owl Crate is a young adult book subscription box where every month you receive one new hardcover book and an assortment of bookish goodies connected to the monthly theme. Some of these items are very practical and some are better suited as décor or for a pin/bulletin board. September’s theme is Haunted Hearts.
Each box includes different bookish goodies that fit the theme of the month and are connected to other books. This months items include a ceramic travel mug, a pair of magnetic picture frames, an amazing calligraphy kit, a coaster set, and a wooden page holder.
Every month Owl Crate has a new young adult hardback book that has an exclusive cover, is signed and comes with a letter from the author. The enamel pin that is in every box is also inspired by that months book. This months book is Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone. This edition also has exclusive end pages and a bonus chapter. When Violeta arrives at the Lakesedge estate she expects to find a monster in Rowen the owner of the estate who is rumored to have killed his entire family. However, there are monsters in the woods including a Death god who Leta might have a connection to. To save herself and Rowen she will have to confront her past and figure out this connection. This story sounds prefect for me as I love gothic stories with some romance.
Fairyloot is a Young Adult book subscription box focusing on fantasy based out of the UK. Each month you receive a new Young Adult hardback book and 5-6 bookish goodies. Like most book boxes the hardback are special editions and the items are a combination of both practical things and more decorative items. August’s theme is Love Struck.
The bookish items included this month are Caraval pin, a pin banner, a zipper pouch/pencil case, and the monthly tarot cards. There was also supposed to be a tray with a quote on it which has been delayed and is being sent later.
All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers, signed by the author and include a letter from the author. This month the book also has sprayed and stenciled edges and art on the back of the dust jacket. This month is special because two books were included. The hardback is These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan which follows Brie who’s sister is stolen by a the King of the Unseelie Court. Brie makes a deal with the Seelie Court to attempt to get her sister back but her loyalty will be tested.
The second book is a paperback copy of Afterlove by Tanya Byrne which also has pink sprayed edges. This book follows Ash who gets an offer in the afterlife to join a group of girl reapers who take the souls of the city’s dead. However, she can’t forget Poppy, her first love, and she will do anything to see her again.
Owl Crate is a young adult book subscription box where every month you receive one new hardcover book and an assortment of bookish goodies connected to the monthly theme. Some of these items are very practical and some are better suited as décor or for a pin/bulletin board. August’s theme is Dark Academia.
Each box includes different bookish goodies that fit the theme of the month and are connected to other books. This months items include a Raven Boys inspired book sleeve, a third book tin inspired by A Darker Shade of Magic, some loose leaf tea from Riddle’s Tea Shoppe, a note pad that came with a pen and sticky notes, a Form the Library of … stamp, and a metal bookmark.
Every month Owl Crate has a new young adult hardback book that has an exclusive cover, is signed and comes with a letter from the author. The enamel pin that is in every box is also inspired by that months book. This months book is A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee. This edition also has silver sprayed edges, artwork on the back of the dust jacket, and a foil stamp on the hardback. A thriller set at a boarding school that is said to be haunted by the spirts of several witches. When Felicity and Ellis start digging into the past history might repeat and Felicity will have to face the darkness that haunts the school and her.
In August I read four books and started playing the original Final Fantasy VII. So I had a fairly good month overall.
Books:
Something in the Blood: The Untold Story of Bram Stoker, the Man who Wrote Dracula by David J. Skal is a nonfiction book about Bram Stoker’s life and the different influences on the creation of Dracula. Contains plenty of general information the main focuses is on Bram Stoker’s relationship with the actor Henry Irving and his acquaintance with Oscar Wilde. This is a book that any fan of Dracula should read.
Desperate Measures by Katee Robert is the first book in a Dark Romance/Erotica series that focuses on different Disney characters mostly the princess having a sexual and romantic relationship with the villain. Desperate Measure is a Jasmin and Jafar romance. I call these a dark romance but it definitely is more an erotica as the sex is the main point. Very sexy and well written but does have a few kinks that are not my favorite personal. Also warning for consensual non-consent. Jasmin likes to act like she is being forced but she is consenting to everything that happens.
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is the second book in the Locked Tomb series. Set after the events Gideon the Ninth where Harrow has become a Lyctor and is now working for the Emperor. However, there is something wrong with Harrow and many secrets are being kept. Didn’t like this one as much as Gideon the Ninth due to the large sections written in second person and overall this is a very confusing book. I do have a full review for this book as well.
One Hundred and Sixty Minutes: The Race to Save the RMS Titanic by William Hazelgrove is a nonfiction book about the sinking of the Titanic. Tells the story through the network of wireless operators. It counts down to the sinking by looking at who got the information and where the ships were when they got the information about the sinking. Focuses on what the different wireless operators, ship captains, and others attempted in the race to save the people if not the ship herself. Also focuses on what mistakes were made and who is a fault for those mistakes which does make it feel a little biased against specific people.
Illumicrate is a UK based fantasy and science fiction book box that has monthly boxes or just a monthly book only subscription. Each box also includes a selection of bookish goodies some more practical, others more decorative set around a monthly theme. August’s theme is Dark Academia.
The items included in this box are a Book Pot (planter shaped like a book), an Athena Teacup and Saucer set, a set of page tabs and washi tape, and a reading journal/planner. The reading planner while made very well is my least favorite item. I already have a reading journal and planner system which I have no plans on changing and I absolutely hate undated planners. I know that this is the type of planner that I would never use so I do plan to pass it on to someone else.
Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month which come with a enamel pin inspired by the book. This months book is The Devil Makes Three by Tori Bovalino which also has a custom cover, foiling on the hardback, teal blue sprayed edges, and is signed. When Tess and Eliot find an ancient book that is hidden in a tunnel under the school library they end up releasing the devil who has trapped in the book. They must work together to trap him and force the devil back into the book before he finds away to kill everyone they care about. When fighting the devil school doesn’t sound too bad.
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is the second book in the Locked Tomb series. Following the ending of Gideon the Ninth, Harrow has become a Lyctor and now works for the emperor. However, her health is failing and her mind is threatening to betray her. The mysteries of the Emperor and why he needs Lyctors begins to unravel but secrets are being kept and those who where thought dead might not be.
Harrow the Ninth is a hard book to describe or talk about. I think most people will either like the book or absolutely hate it. Unlike Gideon the Ninth, a large section of the book is told in second person. You are reading parts as if the reader is Harrow so her confusion and wanting to find out everything is deeply understood but makes for a very confusing and at times frustrating read. If you hate reading from second person mostly likely you will not like this book.
Honestly, I only kept reading because I like the characters and the world enough that I wanted to find out what happened. When you get to the twist near the end of the book things start coming together and I feel like I would understand much more on a second read through. But with how confusing it is I’m not sure how to even review this book.
I think the best thing to do with Harrow the Ninth is if you loved Gideon the Ninth is to give it a try and make your own decision. I would recommend to read the first three chapters and then make a decision but Muir writing style and structure is what is going to affect your decision one way or the other.
Illumicrate is a UK based fantasy and science fiction book box that has monthly boxes or just a monthly book only subscription. Each box also includes a selection of bookish goodies some more practical, others more decorative set around a monthly theme. July’s theme is Never Enough.
The items included in this box are a mug with characters from the Poppy War series, an acrylic frame with a character print from Red Rising, a pocket mirror, a hand fan, and a bust of Lila Bard. I don’t understand the bust at all and I find it creepy.
Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month and often a letter from the author. Illumicrate also does monthly enamel pin inspired by the book. Other exclusive detail for the book include sprayed and stenciled edges, art on the reverse of the dust jacket, and foiling on the hardback. This months book She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. Set in 1345 China the Zhu family’s eight son is given a great fate but when he is killed his sister takes on his identity. She enters a monastery but when her sanctuary is destroyed she decides to see if she can fulfill her brothers fate.
Night Owl Reviews 