As soon as I first heard about Fairy Loot way back in March; I knew I had to have it. I waited patiently until the subscription spots reopened and then jumped on that bad boy like a duck on a June bug. (I found a website with lots of old sayings and now I can’t stop.)
Then came the waiting. I would like to say I was patient. But alas I was not. Finally the end of April came and my beautiful little black box arrived.
For those of you who don’t know, Fairy Loot is a UK based book subscription box. The boxes come once a month and feature lots of bookish fandom items and also a mystery new release in the YA fantasy genre.
The theme for this months box was ‘Whimsical Journeys’.
The first thing I see when I open my box is this gorgeous Fairy Loot exclusive Travel mug designed by Ink and Wonder, featuring a map of Narnia. It’s sturdy with a screw on lid, so there is no chance of an accident – even for those of you who are as clumsy as I am. The top of the lid is also embossed with the Fairy Loot symbol, giving it that extra bit of exclusivity. I adore the design of this, it may be my favourite item from the box. Doesn’t coffee just taste better from a bookish mug?
The next item is another Fairy Loot exclusive – a Tote bag featuring the quote “I’m going on an adventure” from J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit. This beautiful and vibrant design is by Stella’s Bookish Art The quality of the bag is excellent, and it’s printed in a way that I highly doubt the design will fade over time. This bag has already served me well over the bank holiday weekend. Most importantly, I estimate that you could fit at least 6 hardbacks safely inside. Maybe more if you’re adventurous.
As always, each Fairy Look box contains a bookish candle from Flick the Wick. It is soy based and vegan friendly. This months candle is inspired by the mystery book we received (see below). It is a lovely navy blue colour and smells of Spruce, Fir and Sandalwood. I don’t think the scent would be to everyones taste but I love it. It really does smell like I imagine an old ship might. (Minus sweaty sailors and fish). Plus the Author actually helped create this candle, so the smell is truly authentic to the story.
Yet another exclusive Fairy Loot item; aren’t we being spoilt. An absolutely perfect item in-keeping with the theme of the box. A ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them’ inspired luggage tag designed by Lovely Owls Books The tag itself is very thick and flexible so it’s unlikely to get damaged at the airport. The writing and suitcase design are slightly raised from the black background to give it a lovely 3D effect. I will most certainly be sticking this bad boy on my suitcase for my upcoming trip to Vienna this summer!
Along with those amazing items above we also recieved a promotional pin badge for Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody which is published 17th May for us Brits and is definitely on my TBR. A note pad featuring the quote ‘Let’s Carpe the hell out of this Diem.” from the Darkest Minds series by Alexandra Bracken. And finally a stunning (and again exclusive) enamel pin designed by Taratjah inspired by ‘Blackjack’ from the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. Although I haven’t read any Percy Jackson, it really doesn’t matter because this gold lined pin is exquisite.
Currently plastered to the side of my bookcase is also this sweet print designed by Fictiontea Designs which gives directions to several magical book destinations. Excuse me while I go to Hogwarts.
Finally, we have the mystery book of the month. Based on the clues I predicted that it would be Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young. But I was wrong. Instead we received…
Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake. This is a book I hadn’t heard of before this book, so I was certainly surprised. Here is a little synopsis, taken from Goodreads.
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 thankfully 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.
Oooooo. Sounds dark and twisty, just like me. I can’t wait to dive into it. The book also came with a letter from the author, a signed book plate (which is already wonkily stuck inside my copy), and a sticker. Not only that, the actual edition of the book is exclusive with gold foiled lettering on the front. So shiny.
That’s one of the very special things about book subscription boxes. It introduces people to new books that they may not have discovered or picked up by themselves. Fairy Loot has done their job on that one with me.
We also got our copy of ‘Fairy Scoop’ which is a little newsletter containing an interview with the author (Jessica Leake) and a little bit of information about next months box which is ‘Save the Kingdom’.
Finally, each month we get a unique code that links us with a few buddies who also received the box. I have no idea what my buddy code is this month because I am a doofus and lost my card. *doi* . So to my buddies out there, who ever you are, I am sorry for my incompetence. I am not ignoring you, I am merely an idiot who cannot keep track of things.
I’m really impressed with my first ever Fairy Loot. Not only were all the items of very high quality, they were packed care, beautifully designed and I felt very special receiving so many exclusive items. I have a rolling subscription with Fairy Loot so I will certainly be doing another unboxing next month.
If you like what you’ve seen here and would like to give Fairy Loot a go yourself, then click the icon below.
Oooh !! Im not really into thoses fantasy books; but that’s a neat looking boxe 😍 quite alot of items in it too, it seems!
Hahahah gotta say I love that odd saying.. and your imagery of an old sail beside sweaty sailor & fishs xD
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Some say I have an over active imagination. I just say I’m goofier than a wooden watch.
There are some great book subs out there for all sorts of genres
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My imagination is just broken for now – as of which I think is becoming better, as I finished a whole fantasy one !!
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Congratulations! If you ever need any fantasy recommendations *points to self*
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Fairy Loot legit looks like the best subscription box out there and I lament every month that I am not in the UK. 😥 I hope you post a review of the book when you get around to reading it, I’m interested in what you think of it!
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I surely will – thank you!
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I loved this box too! And yes, I also thought it was going to be Sky in the Deep so was surprised!
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OMG I love your unboxing – it makes mine look terrible lol This was also my first FairyLoot box – I still can’t get over how amazing it was! P.S I love the Tamatoa gif, he’s my fave!
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I’m sure yours isn’t terrible! I will go and check it out. You’d be amazed what a filter can hide 😂 I always laugh when I see Tamatoa because I have a regular customer at my book shop that looks EXACTLY like him
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Lol thanks 🙂 haha, yeah that’s true. Lol really? That’s amazing!! When I found out it was the same actor who played Boris the Animal in Men In Black I couldn’t believe it was him lol
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So you too you expected Adrienne Young’s book? But you know what? I am glad we got this onther one as we get to discover something new! And I adore the tote bag!
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Exactly, it’s always nice to be surprised.
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