Illumicrate #40: January 2026
The first Illumicrate of 2026 is a fact, and wow…what a start! Both Fairyloot and Illumicrate are off to a flying start for the new year!
This month’s theme was Power of Death. Not a small, cozy theme, but a pretty powerful message. It promises an epic fantasy book with a unique magic system…and yes, I’m already sold.
But as always, goodies first, then the book.
The first item is a ceramic bowl set. And yes, I’ve already received a lot of bowls from book boxes. And no, I’m still not tired of them.
These are a really nice, solid size – perfect for breakfast or pudding. The illustrations are by @_studio_ao. I don’t know if they’re based on a specific book, because it wasn’t mentioned anywhere, but I really like that duality between light and dark, life and death.
It’s a concept Illumicrate has used before, but it still works. And that way, all those bowls and plates continue to coordinate beautifully in my cupboard.
Item two is a new magnet in their series about bookish locations. I think this is already the fourth, and the second featuring a location I don’t know: Arcana Academy from the book of the same name by Elise Kova.
The design is by @No0nedesigns and is beautifully crafted. Lovely design, fine details, and a sturdy magnet. Always handy to hang somewhere.
Okay, I’ve never had anything like this in a book box before: a set of cotton bowl covers!
They’re very much in theme with the bowls, and they’re not only practical but also eco-friendly.
The set comes with three different sizes, and the design is by @alixfarren, inspired by the book of the month.
Yay, socks! It’s been a while.
As always, they’re really good quality. The illustration is inspired by The Foxglove King and was created by @toothandtoad.
And then the book of the month: The Poet Empress by Shen Tao.
Brother betrays brother, blood forgets blood.
Young rice farmer Yin Wei was forced to become concubine to Prince Guan Terren—a monstrous wielder of poetry magic, and heir to the Azalea throne—to save her family from the famine blighting the land of Tensha.
Now confined to the imperial court, Terren’s cruelty is not the only danger Wei faces. He and his honourable older brother are locked in a deadly succession war, while Terren’s thirty concubines are fighting a war of their own, for the position of future empress.
To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself—even if it means learning the one forbidden poem that can kill Terren and save both herself and her nation.
But there’s a problem—for the spell to work against a man she hates, it must be written with love.
Oh, yes! A magic system based on poetry? That sounds so original and intriguing!
Oh, wow! That cover!
This illustration is by @afterblossom_art and I think it’s absolutely breathtaking. Completely different from the standard cover (which is also epic), but this version feels much more subdued and artistic.
The more muted colours, the composition, the atmosphere… It reminds me so much of old Chinese or Japanese paintings. And that dragon? Chef’s kiss.
This is one of those covers I can stare at over and over again, discovering new details every time.
The same illustrator also created the artwork for the hardcover, which creates a wonderfully cohesive overall edition.
I suspect the peach trees will likely have a significance in the story. And I’m also a fan of how the title was placed on the spine: subtle, elegant, and beautifully coordinated with the cover.
The entire book block features a digital illustration taken directly from the cover.
I remain a fan of that. Extending the cover illustration to the book block always adds an extra touch of luxury.
The endpapers initially surprised me a bit with their colourfulness. They contrast quite strongly with the rest of the edition, which is rather subdued.
But the artwork is absolutely top-notch.
The illustrations are by @gracezhuart and they are incredibly detailed and beautifully crafted.
The book also includes bonus content and a letter from the author with a digital signature.
And yes, Illumicrate, just like FairyLoot, is off to a fantastic start in 2026.
All the items are not only beautiful but also genuinely useful. And that book is a truly beautiful edition, with a story I have very high expectations for.
Cheers,
Charlotte
