Unboxing Murder Mystery - Illumicrate January 2024
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- It's been a while since I've been disappointed in Illumicrate, they usually have such good boxes in January, but their Murder Mystery box was a big miss. Maybe I was just too hyped up for the theme? Maybe the book wasn't that bad and the other books I've had in January from Fairyloot and Evernight were just too good?
I don't know, let me know your thoughts on Illumicrate's January book box.
BUY THE BOOK: amzn.to/3HX3tLn
Items Giveaway: I give away the majority of the Illumicrate and Fairyloot items I unbox just because I get so many, if you live in the UK please just let me know in a comment if you want me to add you to my list. If you are not subscribed to Illumicrate and Fairyloot then you get two entries. This is on-going and I contact people as I fill boxes.
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ABOUT
Book lover by day, Booktuber by night. I'm always reading some kind of YA/Fantasy/Sci-Fi book. I live in the North East of England, have a useless archaeology degree (thanks Tomb Raider for the inspo), and when my nose is not in a book you can guarantee I'm off travelling. I have over 200 unread books, so come join the reading journey, it's likely to last a lifetime!
If you are a publisher and want to work with me, pop an email over to wandernessblog@gmail.com
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Totally agree with the items in the box with you. They were kind of "meh" considering how much boxes cost. But...I love that book. I love the color, the foiling and the end pages are the funnest I've seen in a while. I love the colors of them, the dragon ship...perfection for me!
I try not to judge a book by its cover (either way) but if I saw this book in a shop, I'd buy it just because it'd look good on my shelves!
I'm so pleased you like it!! Ive seen editions of this book with the fish on the edges and it's so much prettier 😭
OooOoOh I love the sticker book! In the silly planner-sticker-community I love, we call it ‘decanting’ stickers when you take them off the sticker sheet and put them in a reuseable sticker book… I dunno why I love that so much, very satisfying 😅💕
I love Illumicrate’s character bookmark sets! I want them to do more
I agree, I like that they do 5 or 6 each time instead of just one
Hi Ness! I agree the book is a bit disappointing 😬 I like the cover but not the edges. Hope you’re doing well 😊
I wish I had just got the Waterstones one! Thank you, you too 😘
My Waterstones still have some, so it’s possible you can still get one, but of course it’s about having the money to spend on another edition
The original cover of this book has such gorgeous colours and the Waterstones edges are actually super detailed. I’m glad I own it. I have the illumicrate version too which will be my reading/lending copy
I agree I love the Waterstones one
I got my Fairyloot YA Box and omg the book is gorgeous! I personally love it, while I’m 50/50 on the items, so I’m not sure what you’ll think, but the book customisation definitely made it a new favourite!
Opened it today and this is literally my exact thoughts
The bookmark set is enough to convince me it is a good box or make me debate getting it in the future. They are gorgeous but I do wish they made them a bit fancier like with foiling sometimes.
Yes would have loved some foiling, totally agree!
I actually really loved this box! illumicrate is extremely hit or miss for me in general, so I typically try to go in with low expectations. this one was a pleasant surprise for me!
I'm so pleased you like it!! I love the sticker book so much now!
For mystery plus fantasy, I love the Goblin Emperor and the Cemeteries of Amalo by Katherine Addison.
Taking notes 👀
“You know what, fair enough” 😂😂
A mood 💅
I like the endpapers. They remind me of Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Though I am surprised the original book design would not include a ship map...
True, they usually do don't they!
I saw the edges in advance, because the same artist did all of the special edition edges and someone found their IG post comparing them, so I skipped the Illumicrate one and stuck with the Goldsboro edition, even though I worried I might be making the wrong choice as regards the rest of the customisations. Luckily though, I'm very happy with the edition I kept. Can't wait to read this book! Hope you end up enjoying it, even though you were let down a bit by the look of it.
Oh that's so lucky!! I liked the Waterstones one too :(
I haven't received my box yet, but this box feels like the Illumicrate admins had their minds on another project, or were distracted by the holidays, and just threw a random bunch of things into this box. My pop socket from the previous box also broke. I probably won't use the stamp, the apron is horrible, I have way too many of this kind of bookmarks. If they want to give us bookmarks, give us some pretty ones; Victorian themed, flowers, cats, something with a different art style.
Usually their January boxes are really good too! 🙈
I just received this box and the FL adult box today. This one pales in comparison to FL. With the landscape cover on FL, it got me thinking that this book might have looked beautiful with a seascape cover - like a view from the ship looking towards the mountain described in the synopsis. Or that might have made a nice reverse dust jacket.
The only thing I really loved were the endpapers. Those types of numbered layouts should be required in any book involving ships or trains!
The publisher should never have been as involved as they were in the design
I haven't had my Fairyloot YA box either, and absolutely no emails or anything about it so I'm starting to worry as they're all supposed to be shipped by tomorrow. Hoping it just shows up, but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one!
Literally same!!!
I think a signed book doesn't add or subtract to the price as a real signature doesn't affect the cost of making the book itself. That is the reason why special editions that are signed are the same price as a special edition that had a digital signature. I haven't heard of IC saying that they would dial down customizations if it would be a real signature. But I do think the publisher had a lot to say about the customizations and IC didn't get to fully shizzle it up
I agree!It was definitely either fairyloot or illumicrate that said that, and I'm leaning more towards it was IC
I would say a real signature does cost a lot because you have to pay the author for all the hours she had to spend signing it and I bet it's not a small amount..
But otherwise I agree, this was a lazy work on the side of the publisher, the edges are awefully generic and the entire edition is boring.
I like the color change and the foiling on the hardcover but not the endpapers (plus I hate when they use the same in the front and back). Like, why would I need TWO sets of endpapers with the boat map AND there is a third map (the same) inside again as part of the original book, I think.
I am a new subscriber of IC but I am so disappointed with them so far, both book choices and design. If there weren't (almost) unlimited skips, I would cancel the subscription completely.
This book came in my Goldsboro sub box. including shipping it was about £28 (book only) and it has no foiling on the naked book and nothing on the end papers at all. I am looking forward to the book, but the customisations were disappointing for the price. I love your honesty in your unboxings!
That's so bad for the price!!!!
I was really sad about the edition too. It was ok but nothing compared to FL adult or YA which are gorgeous.
Yep, not even in the same league
Great to see you back in another video again my lovely x
Your reaction to the book matched mine 🫢
Would have preferred the waterstones one!
I got the Fairyloot YA book last week and it’s pretty. I’m a bit disappointed that I got the same book in my OwlCrate YA box for January as well. I like them both but I think the Fairyloot book is better. The digital sprayed edges are prettier than the plain sprayed edges of OwlCrate’s. I’m sure you will see people post both online. I won’t say the book in case people haven’t got theirs for either. I don’t want to spoil the surprise of opening them 😊
I'm so looking forward to getting it, if it ever turns up!
I skipped this box and I'm a little relieved. Mad about the book stamp though! I'm rereading Wayward Children right now.
Honestly you've done the right thing by skipping!
The book design was sadly very disappointing, this book deserved so much better. And I agree, the items were kinda meh. My favorite is the sticker book for sure.
I have been a cardmaker for over a decade now and I mainly make stamped cards and I might have an idea to solve the handwriting issue and get more use out of the stamp block: You can get an alphabet clear stamp set and just spell out your name that way. they come in literally all letter sizes and many different fonts.
There is also a stamp type called roller stamp. Sometimes they have about 10 preset words, but sometimes they also come with just letters and numbers, with one of those you wouldn't have to stamp the repeating letters in your name separately and the font size for those stamps are pretty small by nature and should fit. They also have this vintage library stamp feel, becaue they were used to stamp checkout dates back in the olden days before computers on actual paper cards stuck in the back of the books. typing this, I feel old, because I have actually seen those in action as a kid and young teen LOL
If I may recommend a shop I loved to shop from before Brexit made shopping in the UK a HUGE pain in the behind: Seven Hills Crafts. They have an extremely large selection of stamps and they also have a metric ton of ink pads, if you need any. For a cashual stamper I'd get the mini versions, brands make them in all the fun colors these days.
The roller stamp version is probably available at any general office supply store, some even come with an integrated ink pad.
This is such a useful comment thank you so much!!! I will definitely be checking out all of your recommendations ❤️❤️❤️
I love the foil on the hardback and the endpapers. But the rest was a bit disappointing.
It was FL who said it about the customizations (was on an IG post and they spoke about the mental health of the authors)😉
Ahhhh I could have sworn it was IC, but thanks for letting me know 🤗
I was also confused about the FL YA this month. people were getting their book only so i was a bit worried. But then suddenly the box appeared 2 days ago! hopefully you get yours soon!
I've had no emails about it at all!
@@WandernessI’m in the UK and haven’t received the email or the box yet, I hope it shows up, think the shipping updates said they’d all started shipping on the 17th and we all should receive tracking by the 31st
The only good thing about this box was the CC bookmarks. The book was quite disappointing too, I think the WS version is much nicer. Overall not a great start to the year for IC. Here’s hoping Februarys is better
I agree, wish I had skipped and got waterstones!
The Design in generell was okish I mean like you said... its mostly designed by the publisher. BUT I love those Endpapers. I love Maps, Worlddesignes or stuff like that sooo much more than character art. :3
I'm so pleased you like the end papers :) I love maps too 😀
I like the teal of the book and the endpapers but the edges are meh. :/ the items are somewhere in the middle and I do agree with your rating of the box being 6/10. x)
Not their finest hour!
I only really like 4 out of 12 of the monthly books last year, Illumicrate (aside from Afterlight and Evernight) had been really underwhelming when it’s the main thing I’m here for. Love the foil but I NEED good edges
I think I've liked more than I've disliked but I'm worried for this year
Love the library stamp idea but don't like this design - bones is a definite choice 😅 popsocket is meh - how many do you need? I haven't used mine but evidently they're not great quality. The apron is a nice functional idea but it absolutely stank. Character bookmarks can get in the bin - can't stand them - the exception being the ones I got on Vinted that came in a Fairyloot box that were Red Rising characters and the foiling was STUNNING. I didn't understand the 'passport' design for stickers - I like the idea but not the design. I think Illumicrate are telling us they're going to do more stickers this year 😂 I like the foiling on the hardback but everything else is just okay.
Overall, this box was a mess.
The book is underwhelming but at least good quality and I do like the teal colour. Definitely hoping that they invested more in next month as I am super excited for that book.
Yes completely agree about the quality, much better than some of the FL books from last year
This is my third book only from the illumicrate and honestly, I wish I'd skipped January and got the waterstones special edition instead. It's OK, but not the level of customisation I'm expecting when paying for book box. Oh well, guess you're never going like all of the designs! I was also worried I'd regret going book only but the items in the last few boxes haven't inspired me, so I think I made the right decision now!
I do agree, I like the waterstones one better!
I skipped this and got the Goldsboro one... I preferred their colour change and spray edge more... This one is still nicer than the original cover but not sad I skipped it :)
I wish I had skipped and for waterstones!
I’m glad I skipped this box 😭
Another great video :)
I wish I had skipped!
When I got this book, I was so disappointed and I was looking forward to seeing if you had the same view as me. When I looked on Illumicrates announcement for this book, it said that everything 'custom' on this is from the publisher. I don't really know what I paid for if Illumicrate hasn't done their own customization on this? It's definitely the most underwhelming custom book on my shelf at the moment. I like the foiling, and the covers foiling but the edges with the theme could have been the ships on the waves, or underwater but are just squiggles. Just feels very boring and lack lustre.
I wish I had just bought the waterstones edition, I don't understand why publishers are like, yes Illumicrate you can have this book in your box but we are controlling all of the design elements
Not a bad month…just not as good as others boxes for Jan - the game is strong!
I’m glad I skipped as the book didn’t appeal to me. But the CC bookmarks are cooooool.
Also my YA FL arrived early (but I have book only) and it’s pretty cute.
Everyone's been telling me it's so cute and I'm so jealous 😂
Hi Ness! 😊 You would have never replaced your old camera if the accident hadn’t happened.
I'm just going to try and find another lens, it's decent age I think I've had it 8 years, but I still think it does the job :)
I skipped this box, and im thinking that was the right decision. I like the apron so I might try and get that, but that's it. My fairyloot YA should arrive end if this week/early next week in Australia. I can't wait to see your reaction cause I saw spoilers and was like.. 😂
Have you read rhe terrier trilogy by tamora pierce? It's about a trainee cop in a fantasy world. And crescent city one is a murder mystery.
I agree, very good decision. I honestly have no idea if I'm getting the FL YA or not because I've had no emails about it! No I don't think I've read anything by her before, thanks for the recommendation :)
@Wanderness omg wwhhaaatttt tamora pierce was my child hood!! Highly recommend Terrier, it's such a great trilogy!!
Honestly I don't think your missing out if you ya doesn't arrive 😅 but if you have been charged id be emailing them! They happened to me wirh IC bable. They just never shipped it. I ended up just getting the next month instead as I decided I didn't want the ic edition.
@@jadiecakes3241 I don't mean to hijack your conversation but just wanted to agree with you about Tamora Pierce! She is such a good author and I love everything she's written. Though...I'd probably start with the Alanna series first before getting into other books in the Tortall universe. :)
If I could pick, I would like to buy the library stamp and the apron.
Are you in the UK?
@@Wanderness Nope.
@@badfaith4u shame I would have posted them to you :(
@@Wanderness I may have found a solution about you sending the items. I have sent a message on Instagram regarding this issue.
I am disappointed with the appearance of this book. In my opinion, there is nothing exclusive about it. It's simply a nicer edition than the standard one, but nicer editions can be purchased for a lower price anywhere. From Illumicrate I would expect their version of the book to be really beautiful, with original art inside instead of the classic map and an alternate cover on the back of the dust jacket like Fairyloot has. We didn't get anything like that. It's really frustrating.
I agree I don't know why the publisher worked with Illumicrate if they weren't going to let them arrange their own art
@@Wanderness I had no idea it was the publisher's fault. This is some kind of justification for Illumicrate, but you're right... they shouldn't agree to cooperate with someone who doesn't understand what the needs of such boxes are. :
I’m glad I skipped the illumicrate copy and got the Goldsboro one
Very good decision! I wish I got waterstones
More of a Cozy murder mystery.
I need this!!
The book was disappointing, but I do think the items were nice.
Oh no! This book edition is soo disappointing. It feels like a barnes&noble special edition which is fine for barnes&noble but not up to par with illumicrate standards. So sad :( I also feel like this was a missed opportunity for collectors.. I will often get the special edition and the original if the original cover is just as beautiful. I definitely would have done that with this book because I do genuinely like the cover, but it's the same as the original... whomp whomp. Still excited to read the book but it is a shame the "special edition" isn't special.
Yeah I think that's totally down to the publisher for this one, which is a shame! I would have preferred the Waterstones edition over this whole box
I liked the endpapers. The content though is an acquired taste
Oooo what was your rating??
@@Wanderness2.8*