FairyLoot YA Fantasy Subscription Box – April 2018

This is the last box of my initial six months subscription to FairyLoot and I was SO excited for it’s arrival. Unfortunately one of the items was late arriving to FairyLoot HQ so there was a delay in shipping but it was worth the wait! There are a lot of patient people out there who wait for their box to arrive to find out what wonderful goodies are inside. I am not always one of them. On this occasion, despite being one of the first to receive their box, I couldn’t wait to find out. The inner struggle was real but in the end I looked at spoilers, which made me want my box even more!

The Book of the Month

Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake.

The cover picture is very cool and would be enough to intrigue me if I was wandering past it in a book shop. The synopsis sounds good but it probably wouldn’t be my first choice of story to pick up:

“The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores.

The people of Mide have always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn but the entire world.

Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle, the two might have a chance to save their world.

With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.”

I am looking forward to giving it a go because I generally really enjoy, if not love, the books chosen for the FairyLoot boxes. Having an author letter gives a unique insight into the FairyLoot books but I will be saving mine for when I’ve finished Beyond a Darkened Shore as I don’t like to know too many details in advance of reading. Every month on twitter there is #FairyChat with the author of the book of the month, which is always really fun! All the extra insights into the author and their book are very interesting and aspects that I love about receiving FairyLoot boxes.

The Exclusive Goodies

• A reusable Narnia coffee mug designed by Ink and Wonder
• The Hobbit themed tote bag designed by Stella’s Bookish Art
•  ‘Leif’s Ship’ candle by Flick The Wick
• A Magical Beasts luggage tag designed by Lovely Owls Books
• Carpe Diem notepad designed by Little Inkling Designs
• A ‘Fictional Places’ art print by Fictiontea Designs
• A Percy Jackson themed Blackjack pin designed by @taratjah

Plus additional art prints, including the FairyLoot print designed by @taratjah, two bookmarks and an Ace of Shades badge.

I absolutely love the coffee mug. Ink and Wonder designs create some fabulous things, including a particularly lovely map of Prythian for A Court of Thorns and Roses fans. It is easy to tell that this is one of their designs and I am thrilled to have it on such a practical item. Reducing plastic waste is really important so having a reusable cup is great for the environment. Multiple FairyLoot fans have suggested a reusable mug be included in a box and FairyLoot were clearly listening. It is a fabulous addition to the box.

The tote bag is the other main item and the design is so lovely. It is the perfect cute bag for summer. The material is really light so it will also make the perfect shopping bag as you can roll it up and put it in your handbag super easily.

Continuing with the theme of practical items, the luggage tag is a cute addition to the box and I will definitely be using it the next time I go on holiday! Notepads are also always useful and the quote will give me some motivation to get the hell done with any lists on there. The Blackjack pin is going to be a welcome addition to my cork bunting that came with March’s box! I used to love looking at pins but never really had a use for them so would be a little disappointed when I received one. Since I now have the cork bunting I am really pleased to receive cute pins that I can enjoy looking at. Plus the Blackjack pin will serve as a reminder that I need to read the Percy Jackson series!

FairyLoot has always included a candle in the boxes I have received. This is a miniature candle that smells of spruce, fir and sandalwood. It conjures up images of both the sea and the forest. I like the smell and look forward to finding out how well it fits in with the book! It’s a really nice touch having the candle themed around the book of the month rather than random fandoms.

As always the extras from publishers are a welcome addition. I’m incapable of reading one book at a time right now so extra bookmarks will never be wasted. Plus my partner dog-ears his pages… No more! He shall have plenty of bookmarks!

My Thoughts

Looking back over my FairyLoot subscription this is by far one of my favourite boxes. The items were definitely some of the best I’ve received from any book box. It is lovely to have pretty things but no-one has infinite space to display them all. Having practical and gorgeous items is a massive tick from me! FairyLoot has been engaging with their customers on social media asking what people would like to see in upcoming boxes and this box is definitely a reflection of how much they have listened. The candle being themed around the book of the month, the idea of a reusable mug being included and the Instagram competition prompts being added to the monthly Fairyscoop letter all came from those conversations. Ink and Wonder & Stella’s Bookish Art are two of my favourite bookish designers, so I am thrilled to see their designs in this box. Honestly, I peruse their stores constantly! I think the most important aspect of any book box is whether or not you feel it is value for money. FairyLoot always feels like good value for money to me. The boxes aren’t just bits of pretty paper, they are substantial and well curated. The reusable cup and tote bag are items that I would choose to buy myself. FairyLoot has given me something to look forward to every month and I’ve enjoyed that immensely. As proven by me starting a new 6 month subscription!

Thinking of Subscribing?

If anyone is considering subscribing to FairyLoot then I would definitely recommend them. They care about what their customers want and I have always had positive experiences with their customer services. There is a lovely FairyLoot ‘community’ on Facebook to talk about all things bookish. Plus there are SO many exclusive editions of  books coming up this year:

• May  – sprayed edges & a signed bookplate
• June – an exclusive early release of a hardcover edition (UK only has paperback normally), which has special detailing under the jacket.
• July – sprayed pages and signed by the author
•  August – sprayed pages and signed by the author
• September – an exclusive cover, sprayed pages and signed by the author
• October – an exclusive cover, sprayed pages and signed by the author

Signed and special editions usually cost more money if you buy them in a shop so the boxes should be very good value. I have high hopes!

Already subscribed to FairyLoot? Which is your favourite box so far?!