Illumicrate #32: May 2025
Before I could even get my Illumicrate box from the delivery locker, a friend had already told me that this box was really worth it. I was especially looking forward to the book of the month, because yes, I had already spoiled myself before I had the box shipped. An attempt to make my purchases a little more consciously… although I still find it difficult to effectively skip because of that annoying FOMO.
So, the box for May:
The theme of the month was Ancient Artefacts — and that alone is a huge draw for me. I love the mystery surrounding ancient relics; it always intrigues me. When I read what book was in the box, I was immediately sold: an epic fantasy debut for adults, set in a world where people can summon the spirits of their ancestors as avatars in battle. Sounds exciting, right?
I was also very curious about Illumicrate’s version of the cover. They’re increasingly focusing on completely exclusive editions these days, and I can only applaud that. Even though I’m a fan of the original cover in this case, something unique and exclusive always makes my bookish heart beat faster, lol.
Of course, I was also curious about the items — albeit a little less than usual, I have to admit.
Item 1: a weapon replica — and this is what my friend was so excited about.
I always like replicas, especially if you’re a fan of the book in question. But I find that I’m more often happier with useful items. That said: yes, this one is impressive. Not only is it the first replica that isn’t a sword, the design and details are simply beautifully executed.
This jade bow is from Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan. I have a beautiful FairyLoot edition of that book, but I haven’t read it yet (although I do plan to this year!). The design is by @stacey.mcevoy.caunt.
Item 2: a plant pot inspired by What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez. That book was really hot a while ago, but I haven’t read it and it’s not on my TBR.
The design is by @thistlemoon.
I’m actually quite a fan of Illumicrate’s plant pots: small enough and usually subtle in design. This one is a bit less my thing. It’s certainly beautifully illustrated and I understand the inspiration, but it feels a bit too kitschy to me — like it came from a souvenir shop.
Item 3: a satin pillowcase inspired by Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat. Not a book I know of, so it doesn’t ring a bell. The design is by @saiyre.art.
The pillowcase is big, and apparently satin is good for your hair. Fun fact! But I think it’s a shame there’s only one in the box. And the design itself? Well, I’m not really crazy about it…
Item 4: another decision coin! We also got one in November — back then to choose between reading more or going to sleep. This one supposedly helps you curb impulsive book purchases. Super fun idea… but does it actually help? Honestly? I doubt it, lol.
The design by @thebitterseason is really beautiful and super detailed. The inspiration comes from The Queen’s Thief by Megan Whalen Turner, apparently a fantasy classic by now. But one that I haven’t read (yet).
And then May’s book: A Song of Legends Lost by M. H. Ayinde.
In the Nine Lands, only those of noble blood can summon the spirits of their ancestors to fight in battle. But when Temi, a commoner from the slums, accidentally invokes a powerful spirit, she finds it could hold the key to ending a centuries-long war.
But not everything that can be invoked is an ancestor. And some of the spirits that can be drawn from the ancestral realm are more dangerous than anyone can imagine.
A relentlessly gripping tale of revenge and rebellion, A Song of Legends Lost is an unmissable debut from a major new voice in epic fantasy, perfect for fans of John Gwynne, Anthony Ryan and Evan Winter
Sounds mega good! And if the content hadn’t convinced me, the comparison with John Gwynne would have done it! I’m super excited!
And yes, the exclusive Illumicrate cover is definitely gorgeous! I still love the original cover, but this exclusive one is so detailed and beautifully illustrated. When I saw who the artist was, I immediately thought: “Oh yeah, of course!” It’s clearly the work of @jeffbrown_graphics, who also creats many of the gorgeous covers for The Broken Binding.
The hardcover is made of wibalin — which I had to look up. Apparently it’s a durable paper with a matte, textile-like look, often used for book covers.
The illustrations on the hardcover are made with onyx foil, something I’ve never seen before (or at least not on a black background). The result is subtle and stylish. For the photos, I really had to adjust the light to make the effect visible. Illustrations are by @lichen_and_limestone.
The spredges are exactly how I like them: copied directly from the cover illustration. Always a win!
Ooof, the endpapers scared me a little, lol! Illumicrate usually doesn’t go this gruesome with their illustrations, but wow! These are not only beautifully illustrated (by @istrandar), they also make me even more curious about the story. The addition of gold foil is a nice touch too.
And that was the Illumicrate May box! As for the items, for me a bit of a meh box… but that book? That is simply gorgeous! So all in all I am definitely very happy with this acquisition.
Cheers,
Charlotte
