It’s the 7th day of the month, which means the spoiler ban for the April 2019 Fairyloot box is officially lifted. I am so happy I can finally talk about this box, because it was amazing. The theme, Dark Magic, sounded really fun and it did not disappointed. So let’s dive right in!
Like every month, we start with the spoiler card. On the back there’s this month’s art work by Taratjah, who once again created a gorgeous and fitting illustration.
Tote bag and tea strainer
I have recently discovered my love for tote bags, so you can imagine how happy I was when I found one in my Fairyloot box! It’s inspired by Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha trilogy, famous for giving us the Darkling and Nikolai Lantsov. One side of the bag features the quote ‘The problem with wanting is that it makes you weak”, designed by KDP Letters. And the other side features no other than the Darkling himself. This art was created by Morgana0anagrom and it’s just absolutely stunning!
(Side note: I hope the stitchings are stronger than with the previous tote bags Fairyloot included, because those have come undone and I had to repair them.)
Next up… a tea strainer inspired by Nevernight! That series is one of my favourites and I love the sassy shadow companion in cat-form, Mister Kindly. I am also a crazy cat lady, so this tea strainer in the shape of a black cat is just perfect for me. I do wonder what Mister Kindly himself would have to say about being turned into a cute little tea accessory…
Soap bar and notebook
The following item is inspired by the book series that probably kickstarted a love for reading in an entire generation… Harry Potter! It’s a soap bar created by Pretty Suds, in the shape of the Philosopher’s Stone. Now you can not only keep your skin clean and fresh, but also prolong your life! The little black speck is hematite, according to the label. The label claims this mineral helps absorb negative energy and stress, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Next up we have a little notebook. It’s inspired by Children of Blood and Bone and designed by Stella Bookish Art. The quote on the cover reads “We are all children of blood and bone. All instruments of vengeance and virtue”. The cover is also extremely glitter-y. So much so that it’s hard to read the quote…
Book sleeve and pin
The next item is a book sleeve, designed by monolimeart. It’s inspired by the A Darker Shade of Magic series (which is high on my TBR list, but aaaaargh, not enough time to read everything…). I don’t know much about this series, so I can’t tell you the names of these two characters. But they look pretty cool! The background features a map of London divided in four parts (I guess this is the Red London stuff I keep hearing about?), and a drawing of a city view. The material of the book sleeve is different from previous sleeves we got in our Fairyloot boxes. It feels lighter/thinner, but more stiff. So don’t worry, my precious books, you’re safe!
We’re getting closer to the end now, but first I get to show you this gorgeous enamel pin! It’s designed by Literary Emporium and inspired by A Curse So Dark And Lonely. That book was featured in Fairyloot’s February box and I loved it! The pin shows Rhen’s castle in the kingdom of Emberfall, and I adore the little rose details!
Trading cards and promo stuff
Next up we have the collectable tarot-style trading cards. The current set is inspired by Six of Crows and after Jesper and Wylan last month, it’s now Matthias and Nina’s turn. I love these two characters so much… *sobs*… Anyway, the cards’ artwork was created by Artbyemilinne, and I can’t wait to see next month’s cards as well, to complete my set!
Before we move on to the featured book of this month, there are a few more items. There’s the bookmark with this month’s artwork, the Fairyscoop newsletter, and finally… A little promo card for We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia. This book was published earlier this year and tells the story of a world where girls are trained for one of two roles: running their husband’s household, or raising his children. Daniela, the school’s top student, carries a dangerous secret. But nothing prepares her for the choices she must make after graduation, when she is asked to spy for a resistance group. I’ve heard good things about this one, although I have to admit I’m in no hurry to pick it up…
The book of the month
And now… Drumroll please!… The featured book of the April 2019 Fairyloot box is… Nocturna, by Maya Motayne! Finnian is a faceshifter. When she is caught by a powerful mobster, she is forced into an impossible mission: to steal a legendary treasure from the royal palace, or be stripped of her magic forever. Prince Alfehr sees magic as an escape. After the disappearance of his older brother, Alfehr is first in line for the throne. But Alfie is desperate to find his brother, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.
This is a Latinx fantasy novel, and what’s even better: this edition is a Fairyloot exclusive! Where the regular edition is orange and red, this one is blue. I absolutely adore the mozaic style of the cover and can’t stop looking at it! Furthermore, this book has blue sprayed edges and is signed by the author! I can’t wait to dive into this one!
And take a look at the character art as well! Here are Finnian and Alfehr brought to life by Niru.Sky, on the back of the author letter!
There you go, that was my unboxing of the April 2019 Fairyloot box! My favourite items are the tote bag, the tea strainer and the book sleeve. What are yours? Let me know in the comments below!
