Ladies and Gentlemen, it has happened! I have received my very first Illumicrate book box! It’s the October 2021 edition called “Revenge is Sweeter”. I am over the top excited!
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 from Illumicrate:
- YA Science fiction book with a China-inspired setting
- First in a duology
- Chinese Author
- Bisexual main characters
- F/M/M polyamorous relationship between main characters
- Content warnings: scenes of violence and abuse, suicide ideation, discussion and references to sexual assault (no on-page depictions), alcohol addiction, torture
In a world where boys pilot giant mechanical robots to fend off alien attacks, assisted by girls who often die during the battles, one girl refuses to play her part. Paired with the pilot responsible for her sister’s death, she gets her revenge and kills him through their psychic link instead of dying herself. Paired with a stronger pilot, she is determined to survive, to understand how the piloting system works, and to play it to her advantage. Because her revenge doesn’t end with the death of her sister’s killer.
Seeing that I don’t know anything about science fiction, I didn’t even try to guess the book. I have to admit I was initially disappointed when I saw that this would be my first Illumicrate box because of the feature genre. I. Was. So. Very. Wrong.
The goodies
I first found what I thought was a book sleeve but which turned out to be a book organiser. It’s a pretty bag, designed by Fez Inkwright, in which you can store books. It’s cute, I admit, but I’m not sure what practical use I can find for it seeing that it only holds a very limited number of books (about three hardcovers).
Next, I discovered a collectable mug, inspired by Kingdom of the Wicked (my review) with artwork by Rosiethorns88. It’s very beautiful and it’s a practical format (I use this format for when I want a smaller coffee when in a hurry). Definitely a keeper!
I’ve always wanted measuring cups but they are not common in Belgium. I saw them in international cooking/baking videos and they looked so easy to use! I was more than a little surprised to find a set in this box. These are Inspired by Caraval and designed by No0nedesigns. I look forward to testing these!
There’s also a candle, created by Amelia’s Kitchen Candles and inspired by Black Sun. It smells like honey and cinnamon. I’m very picky with scents so candles are a bit of a hit or miss with me. Although I like both honey and cinnamon a lot, I’m not totally convinced by this candle yet. But maybe I’ll change my mind once I light it.
As you might know, my favourite part of a book box (apart from the book itself of course), is usually the art prints. I was happy to discover that they included a beautiful one in this box too, inspired by Witches Steeped in Gold and created by Toyin Ajetunmobi.
Last but not least, there’s the monthly collectors pin of the book, designed by Stacey McEvoy-Caunt.
The book
I simply adored this book. It’s dark, stunning, and entirely original. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao may very well be the literary revelation of 2021 for me. Want to know more? Check out my review of this amazing story (even if you don’t like science fiction. I promise you it’s worth it!).
The Illumicrate edition has exclusive stenciled edges, art on the reverse of the dust jacked by Jhoanne Castro, a digital signature, and a signed book plate.
This book box was definitely worth it’s price!