Illumicrate #42: March 2026
The theme for the March issue of Illumicrate sounded really cool. Additionally, Illumicrate revealed that their next bookpot would be in this box. Although I have collected quite a few of those pots by now, I really have a soft spot for them. So I was happy that such a pot was going to be in a box where the theme also piqued my interest!
The theme for March was Where my Demons Hide. The book of the month was to be a fantasy standalone for adults, inspired by a rarely retold mythology. The word mythology always sounds interesting to me.
Coupled with the expected bookpot and other items inspired by Katabasis and Ninth House, I certainly had high expectations for this box.
The first item I unboxed was the anticipated bookpot. And yes, the fact that this pot has a demonology theme is very fitting. As always, beautifully made and designed by @chattynora, with many details and a unique colour. For the first time, we received a black pot.
Oh yes, bookends! I could always use more of those.
This one is based on the hellish city from @stacey.mcevoy.caunt and I have to say that this is probably my favorite item out of the box. Practical and beautiful is always a combination that makes me happy.
Wow, quite three high-priced items in this box!
The last item is a desk mat designed by @c.e.illo, inspired by Ninth House.
Once again, an item that is not only beautiful but will also be effectively used. Always a plus.
The book of the month was Aicha by debut author Soraya Bouazzaoui.
Aicha is the story of Morocco’s warrior goddess, her strange magic, fierce rebellion, and devastating romance. Debut author Soraya Bouazzaoui weaves an epic tale of female rage and hidden myths, perfect for fans of The City of Brass and The Stardust Thief.
The Portuguese flag has been planted across Morocco, its empire ruling with an iron fist. But eventually, all empires must fall.
Aicha, the daughter of a Moroccan freedom-fighter, was born for battle. She has witnessed the death of her people, their starvation and torture at the hands of the occupiers, and it has awakened an anger within her. An anger that burns hot and bright, and speaks to Aicha’s soul.
Only Aicha’s secret lover Rachid, a rebellion leader, knows how to soothe her. But as the fight for Morocco’s freedom reaches its violent climax, the creature that simmers beneath Aicha’s skin begs to be unleashed. It hungers for the screams of those who have caused her pain, and it will not be ignored.
I can’t help it: when I hear the name Aicha, the same-titled song by Khaled automatically starts playing in my head. 😅
But the Aicha referred to in the blurb seems like someone completely different from a girl to desire. I had no idea that this was the name of a Moroccan goddess.
I actually know absolutely nothing about Moroccan mythology, so for that reason alone I am curious about this book. Fantasy inspired by mythologies I know little to nothing about always gets my immediate attention.
The illustration on the standard cover already looked very beautiful, but this Illumicrate version is truly a stunner too.
Look, I always say that I’m not a fan of characters depicted head-on on covers. And then suddenly a book comes along that becomes the exception to that rule. Here, it just works.
Is it because the book’s title is simply the character’s name? Or is it in the style of the illustration? Probably a combination of the two.
Whatever the reason, I think this cover is truly beautiful.
Oh wow.
When I took the cover off the book to see what the hardcover looked like, I truly let out a loud exclamation of admiration, amazement, and shock.
Wow, what an illustration!
The idea of mirroring the beautiful woman on the cover with her more monstrous appearance on the hardcover is truly brilliantly executed. Fantastic work by @fdasuarez.
It was truly a great choice to have the same illustrator design both the cover and the hardcover.
Look how amasing they look side by side!
That is exactly the kind of visual cohesion I have a soft spot for.
Unfortunately, it isn’t really visible in the photos, but what makes these illustrations pop even is the use of different materials. The figures themselves have a glossy finish, while the background is matte. As a result, the characters stand out even more when you move the book in the light.
In comparison, the sprayed edges seem to fit just a little less well. The colour choice, in particular, feels a bit strange to me.
While the rest of the design works with soft yellow and orange tones, complemented by gold foil, the illustration on the book block by @fdasuarez once again opts for a deep red colour palette.
Hmm, I’m not sure.
I find the illustration beautiful in itself, but within the overall scheme, the contrast feels just a bit too strong to me.
The illustrations on the endpapers are by a different illustrator, namely @salmakiis.
Very talented and beautifully made, absolutely no debate about that.
But personally, I find the difference in style with @fdasuarez a bit too great to make the whole thing feel completely coherent.
To me, the endpapers have something of a comic book style, while the cover and hardcover look much more realistic. As a result, those two interpretations clash a little bit for me.
Of course, that does not detract from the quality of the illustrations themselves, because they are truly beautiful.
The March box is undoubtedly a valuable box.
The fact that Illumicrate has scaled back the number of items from four to three absolutely does not feel like a decrease in value here. All three items are of high quality, beautifully designed, and, moreover, usable.
The book is also definitely one I am interested in, and the execution is very well done. The absolute stars of this edition are without a doubt the illustrations on the cover and hardcover. They are truly phenomenally beautiful.
The stylistic break with the endpapers and the colour choice for the sprayed edges detract a little from that perfect cohesion for me, but I am also well aware that this is entirely a matter of personal taste.
Because apart from that, all the illustrations in this edition are impressive, every single one of them.
So yes, generally speaking, I am certainly happy with this box and with this book.
Cheers,
Charlotte
