The theme for the October illumicrate is ‘From Beyond Death’ which is perfect for October, the spooky month! Just like Fairyloot, this month I have no idea what the book will be but I love the artwork - flowers always gets me!
Opening it, the first thing I came across was the gorgeous new addition to the Greek mythology teacup collection, the underworld teacup and saucer (designed by @niallcgrant) inspired by Hades and Persephone. I think my favourite part is definitely the saucer, which has such pretty detailing. The cup, I don’t love the faces for some reason, but it is still very pretty. Though, as much as I love the teacup collection I just don’t seem to use them, though I don’t ever want to get rid of them as a mythology lover!
Then I came across the blood and death cable ties (designed by @stacey.mcevoy.caunt) inspired by In the Ravenous Dark. Now, when I first pulled them out I was not impressed because I don’t think they’re an interesting item. However, on reflection I think they may actually be useful to use, though still not that interesting. Though they are pretty and on theme for the book!
Then, we came to the moths among dreamers blanket (designed by @yoshiyoshitani) inspired by Strange the Dreamer. Now, I don’t love the blue. I’ve said it before but the book box blankets are often too colourful, and this one is no different. The design is gorgeous, and makes me want to read the book but I just can’t actually see myself having the blanket out on display anywhere or using it. Although, it is incredibly soft which I love!
I know that the Ninth House inspired papercraft kit is missing as it was delayed, but I can’t lie, I’m not devastated about it. It might be gorgeous, but the papercraft kits just don’t interest me at all which is sad. So I know that when it does come I won’t use it.
And finally, the book - The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew. Now I adore this cover, redesigned to be pink rather than purple. I just love how simple but gorgeous it is - a plant which I assume is foxglove on the cover with skulls on the petals. The edges are stencilled and floral, again right up my street! And there’s really pretty pink foil flowers on the hardback as well.
The Whispering Dark is about our protagonist, Delaney. A deaf girl about to go to university who is going to be invited to a program that lets people slip between parallel worlds. As Delaney struggles with un-accommodating professors and an older arrogant student, Colton, the two must band together to solve a murder on campus and find out deep university secrets.
Overall, this box wasn’t my favourite. The teacup and saucer are the definite highlight for me, with the other items less appealing to me. The book sounds very intriguing though and is rapidly climbing further up my TBR, so I’m really excited to get to it thankfully. Ultimately, the box was okay, not the best but not the worst. I found October to be quite disappointing for both illumicrate and Fairyloot which is a real shame, hopefully I'll like November's more!
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