Book Boxes, Products I love!!

Unboxing and Review: March Fairyloot

  • Theme: Break the Curse
  • Overall: ****
  • Cost: $42 USD including shipping
  • Quality of Items: ****
  • Value for the Money:****
  • Shipping: **** This box was late due to COVID but I don’t hold that against them. They do ship with Fedex and they are very unreliable and slow even within the US.

Unboxing and Review Fairyloot March

Whats in the box:

  1. Cursebreaker Book Sleeve designed by @eviebookish
  2. Raven Boys Headband illustrated by @taratjah
  3. Wonderland Passport Cover designed by @noverantale
  4. Queen of Nothing Tumbler cup by @noverantale
  5. Caraval Lanyard by @catarinabookdesigns
  6. Genie Notepad by @catarinabookdesigns
  7. Tarot cards of the month inspired by Throne of Glass by @Gabriella.bujdoso
  8. Bone Criers Moon with sprayed shimmer green edges and artwork on the reverse of the dust jacket by @dianadworak

Unboxing and Review Fairyloot March

Book Boxes, Products I love!!

Unboxing & Review: Illumicrate Glamour and Gold Special Edition

Unboxing & Review: Illumicrate Glamour and Gold Special Edition

Illumicrate Glamour and Gold Special Edition

  • Theme: Special edition for the release of Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
  • Overall: ****
  • Cost: $ USD including shipping
  • Quality of Items: ****
  • Value for the Money:****
  • Shipping: *** This box was expected to ship in March around the release of the book was late due to COVID-19 which I dont hold against the company and they communicated well about. One of the items will need to be reprinted and sent out. Due to factory closures there is no estimated time for that replacement. Because they are based out of the UK the cost of shipping to the US

Whats in the box:

  1. Cortana Inspired Letter Opener by @fableandblack
  2. Infernal Devices triglyph with art by @rosiethorns88
  3. Tea for One set with art by @chattynora
  4. Shadowhunter Playing cards designed by @merwildandco (these are actually having to be reprinted due to a misrepresentation of a few characters)
  5. Mortal Instruments Blanket by @yoshitani
  6. Black and white art prints by @arz28
  7. Exclusive Edition of Chain of Gold with Cassandra Clare stamped signature. I didn’t realize this was only going to be stamped and not signed until I received it so was pretty bummed there, but the book is gorgeous and the sprayed edges are done perfectly.

Illumicrate Glamour and Gold Special Edition

Overall I was not super satisfied with this box and the only thing I plan on keeping is the Cortana letter opener. Time after time i am finding myself dissatisfied with llumicrate and their customer service and shipping experience, but FOMO of their special edition books has me hanging on. The only thing that is a saving grace is their items usually resell for enough to recover the money I feel I wasted.

Illumicrate Glamour and Gold Special Edition

Illumicrate Glamour and Gold Special Edition

Book Boxes, Products I love!!

Unboxing & Review: March Illumicrate

  • Theme: Worlds Collide
  • Overall: **
  • Cost: $52.68 USD including shipping
  • Quality of Items: *** I really felt like some of the items this month were rather cheap and not well done. For example the printing on the mug made the art difficult to make out. The necklace and keychain were also very low quality items.
  • Value for the Money:**
  • Shipping: *** This months box was late due to COVID-19 and while I don’t hold that against the company the box was also not well packed. Items were unwrapped and rolling loosely around the box and my mug was broken.
    • Ilumicrate did respond quickly to the request for a replacement but it will be several weeks before it arrives. Illumicrate Worlds Collide Unboxing & Review

I have yet to be impressed with the box items for Illumicrate but I buy for the special edition books. With UK shipping and conversion it is only a few dollars more to get the whole box and hopefully can sell a few items to even out a bit.

Whats in the box:

Illumicrate Worlds Collide Unboxing & ReviewIMG_0795IMG_0796

 

If you are in the UK this box is probably the way to go, but for us US peeps Owlcrate and Fairyloot have way more bang for your buck.

Do you even purchase book boxes? Which one do you feel is the best value?

Book Boxes, Products I love!!

Alchemy + Ink March Candle Cult Unboxing and Review

Alchemy + Ink March Candle Cult Unboxing and Review

  • Theme: Star-crossed- Luxe Level
  • Overall: ****
  • Price: $58 USD including shipping
  • Quality: ****
  • Value for Money: ***
  • Shipping: **** Boxes ship around the end of the month and you receive a confirmation email. They go through USPS but box arrived quickly and in good condition.

When I saw that Alchemy + Ink was launching a subscription box I knew I had to get in on it right away! This is the very first month for this box and I the first purchase was well in advance so I was super excited to get it.

I was pretty surprised by how small the box was for the cost, and really thought there would be a little more to it. But its really the extra $12 in shipping that kills it, $45 for the amount of product in the box does make sense. Not something I will be purchasing every month though.

My cost concerns aside, what you receive is well packed, gorgeous and smells heavenly. There is attention to detail in each of these high quality items, anyhow goofy is it that I think the matches might totally be my favorite thing lolol.

Alchemy & Ink Starcrossed Candle Cult Unboxing and Review

Whats in the box:

Alchemy & Ink Starcrossed Candle Cult Unboxing and Review

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing and Review

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing and Review

Theme: Feminine Wiles

Overall: *****

Quality of Products: ****

Shipping: ***** Shipped on time around the 20th of the month, I tend to be in the last batch.

Value for the money: *****

Month over month I fall more in love with my MLC CO box, honestly the best subscription box I have received. February actually included TWO books and did not disappoint.

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing Review

Whats in the box:

  • Large Woodwick candle inspired by The Bear and the Nightingale
  • Large cotton wick sorting candle. Lysandra was the name of the candle and you were sorted into an animal form of hers from Throne of Glass- I ended up getting Hawk
  • The Darkness is my Destiny- Whipped Sugar Scrub
  • Tragical Romance Lip Balm
  • Valentines Day card and Ring Pop (love the cute extras)
  • The Queens Assassin by Melissa De La Cruz with book plate and GORGEOUS sprayed pages
  • Anne of Green Gables- stunning Puffin Classics Edition
  • Extra fun activity that goes with each months theme/book

MLC Candle Co February Unboxing and Review

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

MLC Candle Crate- January Unboxing and Review

MLC January Crate Unboxing

Theme: Ancient Myths

Overall: *****

Price: about $45 shipped in the U.S.

Value for the money: *****

Quality of Items: **** I only do not give 5 stars because I do not use the self care items from boxes (sensitive skin and whatnot) so I cannot vouch for how they work… but they are well packaged and gorgeous to look at.

Shipping: Ships around the 20th of each month has so far been right about on time.

I received my first box from MLC in August of 2019 and I was totally smitten with it so I signed up for a monthly subscription, I do find that I tend to skip the theme every other month and that really makes them all the sweeter to receive. I have to say time after time they impress me make me feel like my money was well spent. Even if I only received the large candles I would probably still be totally happy with them!

Whats in the box:

  • Bright Burning Kisses body wash
  • Ichor and Nectar Charcoal Face Mask inspired by Circe
  • Persephone Wood Wick Candle- I love that you have a little mystery in the candle you receive, and I always seem to get the one that I really wanted!
  • Monthly Sorting Candle- Camp Half Blood- Demigod ( I will be burning mine later today to find out who my God parent is)
  • Motel American Key Change inspired by American Gods
  • Last but not least the drop dead gorgeous book of the month with gold sprayed pages- Beyond the Shadowed Earth by Joanna Ruth Meyer
  • PS There is always a fun little extra in each of the boxes, I wont spoil the surprise but I love it every month and it shows just how much caring and thought is put into each other these boxes.

MLC CO January Unboxing Demi God Sorting Candle

The one negative I will say about the boxes is that most of the time the books are not special editions or are signed or have book plates. I really really love the sprayed edges but also really love to have signed books.

MLC CO January Unboxing

 

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

Alchemy & Ink Darkness Rises Box Review

Theme: Darkness Rises- Kylo Ren appreciation

Overall: ****

Quality of Items: *****

Shipping Timeliness: *****

Cost: about $92 shipped in the U.S.

Value for the money: ****

What was in the box:

  • Thirst Order metal cup
  • Kylo Prayer Candle
  • Kylo Trash backpack
  • “Space Darcy” roll on perfume
  • Kylo themed Beanie with Pom
  • Reylo Pin Set
  • HUGE Kylo print
  • Double sided art/quote print
  • There was also supposed to be a spoiler card with a playlist but I did not receive in my package.

While I still feel this box was a great value for the money I felt it was more for a younger crowd and therefore only kept an item or two out of the entire box. There were a ton of items in this box and they were all very high quality. I really wish the backpack had been a purse or messenger bag and left off the “trash” portion. I debated on just getting a patch to cover the wording but in the end a backpack just was not for me. Overall Alchemy & Ink did a great job on value and quality and would not hesitate to go through the mad rush again to purchase another one of her boxes.

Have you seen the final star wars movie? If so, what did you think? Tell me below in the comments?

 

 

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

Fairy Loot October Unboxing and Review

Theme: Love At First Bite

Overall: *****

Quality of items: *****

Shipping timeliness: ****

Cost: $43.92 Thank goodness for the new U.S. Shipping rates, much more affordable.

Value for the Money: *****

Fairyloot October Love at first bite unboxing

Fairy Loot was the first bookish box that I ever purchased and probably the only one I have never been disappointed in. I do not subscribe to them, instead I pick and choose the months. I only ordered every so often previously due to international shipping, but I have been ordering more often. I will say I actually preferred the International shipping vendor to U.S., it actually takes longer for my boxes to make it to me now but still worth the cost savings. I loved this particular box so so much, all of the items were great quality and very neat! Other than the tarot cards which are a monthly collectible item, I wont get rid of a single thing from this months box. Check out what was included below.

Fairyloot October Love Bites unboxing

Candles and booksleeves are my favorite bookish merch to receive so this box was a total win win!

Whats in the box?

  • Super padded booksleeve design by @noverantale featuring a quote from Dracula
  • Vampire inspired beanie designed by @kdpletters. Guys I have received several beanies in boxes and none of them have been this high quality, and so so glad it did not have a pom so I will actually wear it!
  • Set of Gothic vampire coasters designed by @blanca.design
  • Interview With A Vampire inspired candle by The Melting Library
  • Adorable bat enamel pin designed by @taratjah
  • Twilight sticker by @catarinabookdesigns
  • Vampire art print designed by @monolimeart
  • Tarot cards of the month (have not figured out who they are this month as the spoiler card did not day 🙂 )
  • Stunning copy of the Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh! This exclusive edition comes with artwork on the inside of the dust jacket as well as sprayed pages. It also came with a map of New Orleans and author letter with artwork from @kat_adara.

What was your favorite item from this months box?

Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

May 2019 Top Book Releases

So May 7th has turned into the release day of the year apparently! There are so many amazing books with extras that I cannot wait to come out.

May 7th

Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman

After listening to Illuminae (which I reviewed earlier this month, check it out here) anything done by Amie and Jay will be an automatic buy for me! Not to mention the early reviews for this book have been phenomenal.

Synopsis:

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their Aurora Rising Bookfirst missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm

A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates

A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder

An alien warrior with anger management issues

A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They’re not the heroes we deserve. They’re just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

AND OH MY GOODNESS THE PRE ORDER OFFER FOR THIS BOOK:

Memento (The Illuminae Files 0.1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay KristoffMemento Illuminae Novella

December, 2574. Forty-three days before the BeiTech attack on Kerenza IV.

This is the story of my first friendship.

This is the tale of my first murder?

Some monsters are born.

But I?

< ERROR >

I was made. 

Finale (Caraval #3) by Stephanie Garber

Finale Caraval BookThis is one of very few series that I have read as they release and I cannot wait for this book!!!!! I am not a huge person for having multiple editions but I have ordered both the Fairyloot Special Edition box and the OwlCrate Special Edition box… and most likely going to have to get the Barnes & Noble Exclusive for the extra chapter from Legend’s perspective. If you haven’t already I highly recommend reading this series, they are a super fast paced and fun read!

Synopsis:

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…all games must come to an end.

It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win…and those who will lose everything. . .

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs

Storm Cursed- Mercy Thompson BookI read the first several books in this series and enjoyed them. I just started to get a bit behind and have not had a chance to catch up. I will probably do a full reread and knock the whole series out once complete since I have lost track of a lot of the details.

Synopsis:

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Romanov BookSynopsis:

The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.

Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .

That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.

 

Nocturna (A Forgery of Magic #1) by Maya Motayne

Synopsis:

Set in a Latinx-inspired world, a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed.

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks.

As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.

But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.

Broken Throne (Red Queen #4.5) by Victoria Aveyard

Broken Throne: A Red Queen Collection BookWhile I was not a big fan of how this series ended I was a fan of the first few books so am really interested so see some extra content from this world. I have pre-ordered a singed Barnes & Noble exclusive version .

Synopsis:

Return once more to the deadly and dazzling world of Red Queen in Broken Throne, a beautifully designed, must-have companion to the chart-topping series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard.

The perfect addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, this gorgeously designed package features three brand-new novellas, two previously published novellas, Steel Scars and Queen Song, and never-before-seen maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries, and much more exclusive content.

Fans will be delighted to catch up with beloved characters after the drama of War Storm and be excited to hear from brand-new voices as well. This stunning collection is not to be missed!

 

Dark Shores (Dark Shores #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

Dark Shores Book ReviewI got a chance to read an advanced eGalley of this book and I really enjoyed it, you can read my full review here.

Synopsis:

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

 

May 14th

We Hunt the Flame BookWe Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya #1) by Hafsah Faizal

I am super excited for this book, and I have an educated guess that it will be in the May OwlCrate which means special edition!!!

Synopsis:

People lived because she killed.

People died because he lived.

Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine.

Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands.

May 21st

Kingsbane- Empirium Trilogy BookKingsbane (Empirium #2) by Claire Legrand

I have not yet read Furyborn but it is on my TBR for May before the release of Kingsbane, all of the early hype for this book has been amazing!

Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien—but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.

Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity’s long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption—fear of becoming another Rielle—keeps Eliana’s power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted—by embracing her mother’s power, or rejecting it forever.

Bookish Merch, DIY Beauty, Products I love!!

January Owl Crate Unboxing and Review

Overall rating: *****

By now I am sure you have seen I have developed a serious love for Owlcrate. In my opinion it is hands down the best U.S. based crate and value for the money. I actually committed to a subscription… which I have never done for any box ever!! I was quite positive about the book that was going to be in the box so I could not wait to get it, and took a gamble on not pre-ordering the book on my own to have release day.

Owlcrate January unboxing

The theme for January was Magical Artifacts. What came in the box:

  • The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi – Exclusive Owlcrate edition. Guys I really did not think this book could get any more gorgeous but they did it somehow! This also came with author letter and a cute Gilded Wolves themes luggage tag
  • Gilded Wolves themed pin of the month by Alchemy and Ink
  • A Darker Shade of Magic inspired bag by Stella Bookish Art
  • Sting Sword letter opener by Juniper & Ivy Designs
  • The Gold Compass inspired tapestry by Holly Dunn Design
  • Harry Potter inspired Master of Death Socks
  • Antler bracelet inspired by the amplifiers from the Shadow and Bone series

Owlcrate full unboxing January

I was just in love with this box, the book, the Darker Shade of magic bag!! Ah I already cannot wait for the February box whose theme will be Whimsical Beasts!!!

P.S. If you Google search Owlcrate and then click on the ad, I have found that it gives you a coupon!