Illumicrate Unboxing! (Box 2)

When the payment for my second box came out about a month ago, I was very excited! I couldn't believe how quickly the three months between boxes had actually gone! Not only is this the second box that I'll be unboxing, but it's the second box that Daphne, the brains behind this operation, will be sending out!

Some of my readers might not actually know what Illumicrate is so for those that don't, I'll give a brief description. In short, it's a YA subscription box based in the UK! That's great for me, because I certainly can't afford all of the shipping costs that come with other international subscription boxes. It's sent every three months and contains a new release alongside some wonderful goodies that are normally provided by small, indie businesses (the kind that I personally love to support). If you haven't seen it already, go ahead and read about my very first unboxing.

Here is the box! I'm so glad that Daphne didn't tweak with the design because I loved it to begin with. It's simple but so clear and really makes me feel excited the moment I see it. It's well padded on the inside too with yellow shreds that protect everything and match the colour scheme. The box (so far) has been divided into two layers, the bottom one revealing the book itself while the top contains most of the goodies that it comes with. It really builds suspense as to what the book could be, as long as you are careful not to read the back of the yellow card on top which is the packing list so tells you everything that's included.

So now it's time to let you all know what was inside this quarter! I have to say I was a little nervous this time. I was so lucky not to already have the book that came last time and I thought for sure I'd be caught out. But once again, chance was on my side! Not only was the book one I didn't own, but it's one I really want to read too! I actually squealed out loud when I saw it.

THE BOOK: 'Truthwitch' by Susan Dennard (Hardcover). Everyone, I am punching my fists in the air even as I write this. If you guys only knew how much I have wanted to get hold of this book and haven't got round to it because I'm very limited to the books I can buy at the moment (I have like...no space) then you would realise the pure unadulterated joy I felt when I saw this book. Also...it's Hardcover! WOW! It was released at the beginning of January, so like 'Wolf By Wolf' (November's book) it is a pretty new release! The book also included a signed Book Plate and an exclusive written message from Susan Dennard.

Threadsisters Bookmark: Inspired by 'Truthwitch', this bookmark is lovely! I am really craving books about friendship as of late, and from what I've read of 'Truthwitch', there's a lot of focus on that! I love the inspiring quote that this bookmark includes and I have to say, I think that Daydreaming Designs did a great job! Their site is UNDER MAINTENANCE at the moment so if you have queries or want to know more about them then contact them via the contact form.

Bookcase Pouch: This was one of the first things I saw when I opened the box! It's absolutely beautiful! I love the cute little bookshelf design, and though this picture doesn't do it much justice, it is a gorgeous drawing. I've been hoping to get hold of more things to carry stuff/store things with so it was like a dream come true to receive this! The pouch was designed by Elena Illustration who has a variety of whimsical, pretty designs on her Etsy site. It also included a lovely little sticker of a different design!

'The It Girl' Tote Bag: Amazingly this isn't on the official list, but is included as a 'fun extra' sent in the box. How did they know I'm collecting Tote Bags at the moment?! (the 5p bag charge recently introduced is making Tote bags a must have for us Englanders). I love the design on this one, it has such a funny message! 'The It-Girl' is a YA novel by Katy Birchall (released May last year) and I'll definitely be checking it out!

Loveboat Set: Aren't these magnetic bookmarks the most adorable things you've ever seen? I think they are! Seriously this book came with so many bookmarks (always a necessity for a reader) but I adored these. I've never actually owned magnetic bookmarks before so it will be interesting to see what they're like! They'll also make cute little fridge magnets too! I've posted pictures of the front here but the back to each one is drawn also and I shall certainly be promoting more of BeeDooTO's designs because whether you're a fan of Harry Potter, Studio Ghibli, Pokemon or Game Of Thrones they have a design for you!

A Darker Scent Of Magic Candle: It took me a little while to figure this one out, mostly because I'm a bit dumb, but also because I haven't read the books (yet, please don't shoot)! This candle is of course inspired by V.E. Schwab's newest release: 'A Darker Shade Of Magic' and it smells gorgeous. I love that it specifically picks out a parallel London as it's main inspiration because I live there! I've heard great things and really want to read Schwab's books so if you're already a fan (which let's face it, you probably are) then check out Simple Candle Co in honour of this hugely talked about novel.

Bookish Quote Pencils: Such a simple extra but for a writer, amazingly useful! First off, let's just congratulate Pobble & Ping for having what is probably the most adorable business name out there. They specialise in personalised pencils and I loved these ones because they included some heart-warming quotes about reading and writing which might just become my mantras now. I'll certainly be making great use of these and if you're looking for a special gift (for yourself or an aspiring writer) this might be the company for you!

Those were the main inclusions for this quarter's box! Aren't they great?! I loved how different they were from November's box and that Daphne stuck to her guns by including an assortment of high quality gifts that support local, small businesses. Etsy is one of my favourite online markets to peruse so I'm pleased to see such gorgeous designs that can't be found on the high street.

Here's the box in full! There were some extra additions which I'll briefly mention:

Badges for 'The Dark Days Club' were included, which all of you know is one of my favourite reads this year so far. I already had some from the Maximum Pop box that I won a while back, but I am so glad I had more to pin to my tote bags!

Next up were a couple of bookmarks, one for 'The Dark Days Club' and another for 'The It-Girl'. Readers can never have too many bookmarks and I'm glad to be adding these to the collection!

Lastly, who has read 'My Life Next Door' by Huntley Fitzpatrick? Well this box included Grace Reed's lemonade recipe! I haven't actually got round to this read yet so I'm not sure how important this is in the book but it sounds delicious! Seriously, I want to try it! I've never made lemonade before so this Summer might be the ideal time to start!

What a lovely assortment of bits to see me through until the next box in May: my birthday month! I can't wait!