Illumicrate Book Subscription Review Summer 2016

This box was packed with so much gorgeous stuff. I’m pretty sure I squeeeed upon opening. Then finding TWO books inside, one of them straight from my TBR, was even better! The books in your Illumicrate will be the UK versions of the books since it’s the origin point. They’ll be recently released books to try and prevent sending something you may already have. A variety of genres could be included but it does seem to rely on Young Adult. I am totally okay with that.

The contents of the box are on an info card with a little extra tidbits about what you’ve received. I love the crisp, clean design.

The Cost: ‎£29.99/quarterly (~$39 US). Shipping is free within the UK and £3.99-£13.99 worldwide.

What You Get: Each crate will contain a newly released book in a variety of genres. Besides a fantastic book, you’ll also receive bookish items like bookmarks, stationery, jewellery, accessories or other small bookswag items.

Nevernight by Jay Kristof– This has been on my TBR for awhile. I’m always fond of female assassins because, you know, girls are pretty awesome, too.

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, a sixteen year old Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic ― the Red Church. Treachery and trials await her with the Church’s halls, and to fail is to die. But if she survives to initiation, Mia will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the only thing she desires.

The Graces by Laure Eve– According to the copy of her handwritten note, this book won’t be released until September so Illumicrate subscribers are getting first dibs!

When a glamorous family of teenage witches brings a mysterious new girl into their fold, they unwittingly nurture a powerful black magic that could destroy them all. This paranormal YA fantasy features intrigue, spells, and a devastating twist. In The Graces, the first rule of witchcraft states that if you want something badly enough, you can get it . . . no matter who has to pay.

Everyone loves the Graces. Fenrin, Thalia, and Summer Grace are captivating, wealthy, and glamorous. They’ve managed to cast a spell over not just their high school but also their entire town—and they’re rumored to have powerful connections all over the world. If you’re not in love with one of them, you want to be them. Especially River: the loner, new girl at school. She’s different from her peers, who both revere and fear the Grace family. She wants to be a Grace more than anything. But what the Graces don’t know is that River’s presence in town is no accident.

Looks like it could be a little dark. I’ll definitely be reading it to find out more.
Value: $9.99 (Amazon)

Harry Potter “Then and Now” Coasters– These are foam coasters with Ron, Harry and Hermione on them. They apparently refer to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway play not the actual books.

Post Tea Drink Me Strawberry Tea– I never say no to tea! This is made with sencha green tea, strawberry, raspberry and papaya pieces, vanilla pod sugar sprinkles and natural flavors. I’m guessing I’m going to wish this packet was bigger. It smells absolutely amazing! I didn’t get them in the photo but the tea also came with teabags to make sure you can make the most of it.

In Omnia Paratus Tote Bag– Though I love to read, Latin is not my strong point. This means “ready for all things” in Latin. The description on the information card says that this tote is in the style of Gilmore Girls but I have to be honest. I don’t even know what Gilmore Girls is. Beyond the fact that it’s a TV show, I mean. So instead I will say it’s in the style of Seattle because it rains a lot here. Although we do tend to turn up our noses on umbrellas unless it’s a sheeting downpour.
This bag is one of my favorite styles and it’s way cuter than mine that say Safeway on them.

Coloring Quotes– This seems to be the new big thing. I’ve been seeing adult coloring books all over the place lately. And I don’t mean x-rated ones! You would probably be horrified to know that I still have a collection of my coloring books from when I was a kid. My pride and joy? Lady Lovelylocks. And if you know who that is, you’re probably the same age as I am. These cards are inspired by Leigh Bardugo and her books Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone. I liked Six of Crows but not Shadow and Bone. I’m just not a fan of having a main making stupid mistakes (especially when they’re against character) and using those to further the plot.

Extras! Along with all that there’s also extras from Red Rising, A Torch Against the Night, Unboxed, bookplates by both Jay Kristoff and Laure Eve. Plus a Nevernight art card and bookmark, The Graces tattoos and coupons.

VERDICT: Fun and perfect! I wasn’t expecting two books at all. I don’t know if that’s the norm, or what. In any case, I’m thrilled to have Nevernight in my hot little hands. I just started reading Passenger by Alexandra Bracken so this will have to wait but it’s going to be hard. With two books, tea and coasters plus bookswag and coloring cards, this was a well curated and overflowing box.

If you would like to sign up for Illumicrate, you can do that here. I think you’ll be in for the November box if you do it now. If you’re in the US (and on the West Coast), it took 22 days to get here from London. Totally worth the wait, I have to say.

If you want to know more about the curator of this subscription, check out her YA book review blog, Winged Reviews!