Time for another Illumicrate unboxing! Last month, they featured We All Fall Down (unboxing). Looking forward to discover their pick of July!

About Illumicrate

Illumicrate is one of the best known UK book boxes that ship internationally. They offer both a full box and a book-only subscription, and the books they feature are generally YA fantasy, but they also include other genres and adult books. Next to their monthly subscription, they also have special edition boxes and exclusive editions.

The teaser

This is the info we received upfront:

• YA fantasy standalone
• 2 bisexual main characters, M/F relationship between main characters
• Trigger warnings: violence, character death, grief & survivor’s guilt
• Additional information: nothing bad happens to the dog! He is happy and healthy

The goodies

I have the impression that Illumicrate is making good on its promise to improve the quality of the items. There were clearly less items in this box, but they were all high quality. The first thing I found was a microfiber towel, inspired by Folk of the Air (my review). Although I adore this series, I don’t think I’ll keep this as the fabric doesn’t feel comfortable. It’s pretty though, with artwork by Yoshi Yoshitani.

Next, I spotted a glass water bottle with a quotation on it. I quite liked it, but I’m not sure if the top is dishwasher friendly and it has such a bad smell, not sure if washing it by hand will make it better. I’m still on the fence about this one. It was designed by Fez Inkwright.

The box also included a set of metal straws inspired by Black Sun. These seem quite useful and I appreciate that they also added a cleaning brush. I especially like the big one for bubble tea!

Last but not least, there was also a travel toothbrush holder inspired by Shades of Magic, with artwork by No0ne Designs. I was actually looking for a toothbrush solution that would look amiss in our Medieval themed bedroom, so this was really bullseye!

The book

The featured book is The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones. When I read the synopsis, I was immediately sold! It is set in Wales and tells the story of a water diviner who is bound into the service of a prince. Sometime after her escape, her old handler returns with an interesting proposition.

The Illumicrate edition has an exclusive cover, stenciled edges, art on the reverse of the dust jacket, foil embossing on the hardback, and was signed!