I really liked Gallant, the pick of Illumicrate‘s March box (unboxing) last month. I have to say I did not see the feature book of this month’s box coming, I’m not sure what to think about it yet. Only reading will tell, I guess.

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:

• Debut adult contemporary standalone
• Thrilling, atmospheric heists
• Thoughtful exploration of colonialism, cultural diaspora and identity
• Chinese American characters, written by Chinese American Author
• F/F relationship between two main characters, M/F relationship between two main characters
• Content warnings: racism, xenophobia, terminal illness, mental illness

The goodies

The first item I found in the box was my very first Illumicrate book pot. I know these are huge collectables and this particular one is called the “Art History Book Pot” and is designed by @chattynora. To be honest, I’m not sure what all the fuss is about…am I supposed to put pens in there? Bookmarks? Mini plants? I won’t be keeping this most likely.

The second thing I discovered was a papercraft kit inspired by City of Brass. I haven’t tried it yet, nor seen a completed version, but I’m definitely intrigued. Cannot wait to piece it together! The artwork was made by @rosiethorns88.

The next item I found had the potential to be THE BIGGEST SUCCESS. It was a A5-sized print album, which is exactly what I need to store all my art prints, spoiler cards etc. Although I love the design by Fez Inkwright and the fact that it was inspired by The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (my review), I am not at all impressed by the quality. I would never have bought this myself, even though I’m continuously looking for albums. I might keep it for lesser quality prints…to be seen.

Last but not least, the box contained a bookmark set inspired by The Gilded Wolves and designed by Gabriella Bujdoso. The set features all the main characters from the series and is so stunning. By far my favourite item in this box!

The book

As I mentioned before, I was slightly puzzled about the chosen book to say the least. The featured book is Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li. It’s the story of a couple of “heist archetypes” who group together to steal Chinese art back from a colonial museum. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good heist just as much as the next girl, but I didn’t expect a contemporary heist, colonial critique book in what I typically consider a fantasy book box. Nevertheless, I love that they give chances to new authors, so I’m looking forward to be proven wrong about this book!

The Illumicrate edition has an exclusive cover, embossing on the naked hardback, art on the reverse of the dustjacket (by @littlechmura), and sprayed edges. It is also signed by the author.

Edit: Unfortunately, I have to say this book didn’t turn out to be for me after all. I quit (temporarily?) after about 50 pages. It was definitely well-written, but it just wasn’t for me. I had too much the impression that I was reading a mandatory book of some reading list at school.