I FINALLY RECEIVED MY VERY FIRST SINGLE-PURCHASE FAIRY LOOT BOX AND I COULDN’T BE MORE THRILLED.
Fairy Loot, allegedly the “#1 Fantasy Book Subscription Box,” is a UK-based company that offers monthly themed boxes containing recent YA fantasy releases and bookish goodies.
I’ve been wanting to buy a Fairy Loot box forever but never felt justified in buying one.
Also, as I mentioned while reviewing Books That Matter’s Februrary Box, Fairy Loot boxes comes with a LOT of stuff…and I’m trying to stay on top of clutter!
All that aside, I ORDERED A BOX and IT IS HERE…granted, two months late.
LISTEN, CORONAVIRUS MESSED THINGS UP FOR ALL OF US.
Fairy Loot – March 2020
Theme: Break the Curse
My box appeared AT MY DOORSTEP in a hefty cardboard shell. While the box looked banged up, all of the items were fine. EXCELLENT PACKING, FRIENDS! WELL DONE!
Something I love about Fairy Loot: they pick items inspired by assorted YA fantasy books that fit the monthly theme. This month’s box pulled inspiration from A Curse So Dark and Lonely, The Raven Boys, Heartless, The Queen of Nothing, Caraval, and Throne of Glass.
YES, I SAID THE RAVEN BOYS.
I’ll get to that in a second.
Cursebreaker Book Sleeve
Inspired by: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Designer: Evie Seo
I haven’t read A Curse So Dark and Lonely, though I have heard it was inspired by Beauty and the Beast.
That would certainly fit this month’s theme.
This book sleeve is large and cushy – I could probably fit my Scofield Study Bible in it and/or Ninth House in it.
The sleeve is also decorated with the following quote:
Failure isn’t absolute. Just because you couldn’t save everyone doesn’t mean you didn’t save anyone.
I…appreciate that sentiment. A lot.
Once I start going out in public again (or, God forbid, start going back to the office), I can use this sleeve to protect my books from wear and tear.
Raven Headband
Inspired by: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Designer: Tara Spruit
Tara Spruit’s shop has some gorgeous art prints…including one of Wylan and Jesper!? And one of Wolf and Scarlet!?
I…need to make some calls.
But the headband! It’s very cute and much more chic than what I normally wear!
The print reminds me a bit of Disney’s Snow White, only with ravens!
I wore it last night and felt adorable.
Looking forward to wearing it more often as I grow out my hair!
Wonderland Passport Cover
Inspired by: Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Designer: @noverantale
The last time I bought a fandom passport cover, it was too small for my passport.
This one is bright red with spooky Wonderland-themed art…and fits my passport perfectly!!
Hooray!!!
Queen of Nothing Tumbler Cup
Inspired by: The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
Designer: @noverantale
I am about to say something very Seattle and I want to make it known that I am AWARE OF THIS.
*deep breath*
I was relying on my office’s supply of La Croix for hydration.
Make your hipster jokes. I’ve heard it before.
(I have a hipster-related rant locked inside me that is tied to some pet peeves and relationship issues and ANYWAY THAT’S NOT WHY WE’RE HERE.)
I HAVE NOT BEEN HYDRATING PROPERLY, SO I AM GRATEFUL FOR THIS CUP.
It bears the quote:
To family & Fairieland & pizza & stories & new beginnings & scheming great schemes. I can toast to that.
Hear, hear.
Velaris, The City of Starlight, Postcard
Inspired by: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This postcard is an apology from Fairy Loot for sending out the March boxes so late.
It’s pretty.
I’ll add it to my art wall.
Caraval Lanyard
Inspired by: Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Designer: Catarina Book Designs
I’ve been wanting a new lanyard and this one is black and fairly subtle.
I’m into it!
Now I can more easily distinguish between my apartment keys and my work/family keys.
Genie Notepad
Inspired by: Aladdin?
Designer: Catarina Book Designs
The art looks very Arabian Nights.
I can use this pad to WRITE DOWN MY SHOPPING LISTS instead of DEPENDING ON MY BRAIN.
Featured Monthly Tarot Cards
Inspired by: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Designer: Gabriella Bujdoso
I DID NOT REALIZE Fairy Loot provided FEATURED MONTHLY TAROT CARDS.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
This month’s cards are Seven and Eight of Cups featuring characters I DO NOT RECOGNIZE.
I initially thought the art was from this month’s featured book and I am going to CONTINUE PRETENDING THAT IT IS.
It’s VERY beautiful art.
I’m looking at Bujdoso’s website right now and the art is INCREDIBLE.
Some of it is NSFW, so browse with caution.
Signed Artwork + Author Letter
Inspired by: [redacted]
Designer: Diana Dworak
(Check out Diana’s rendering of Wonder Woman. It is everything.)
Before I reveal this month’s book, let’s talk about the art.
The signed print depicts the lead couple in front of a full moon and I LOVE IT.
On the back is a letter from the book’s author, where she credits her time in France as the inspiration for her novel.
INTERESTING.
ALL RIGHT, THE MOMENT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED.
BONE CRIER’S MOON BY KATHRYN PURDIE
Author: Kathryn Purdie
Fanart designer: Diana Dworak
HEEEEEEEEY.
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY.
I was VERY EXCITED for this book, then for some reason deprioritized it.
(Possibly because I hated Serpent & Dove so, so much.)
NOW IT’S HERE with SPRAYED EDGES, GOLD FOIL, and ARTWORK BY DIANA DWORAK ON THE REVERSE OF THE DUST JACKET.
AND it’s signed by the author.
I feel so fancy!
The pressure’s on for this book to be good!
Some other things about Fairy Loot:
LUCKY FOR ALL OF US, the company ships internationally.
Subscriptions are NOT required, single-purchase boxes are available for a short time every month, and past boxes are occasionally available for purchase on their website.
That said, single-purchase boxes cost the same as a three-month subscription to either Books That Matter or Call Number (not including shipping.) I paid $42 for March box – this is not a purchase I could make every month.
Also, depending on where you live, you might be waiting for a while to receive your box from the UK.
WITH ALL THAT IN MIND, I WILL be ordering from Fairy Loot again.
The theme for their June box is A Different Kind of Magic. The website promises TWO books, including a 2021 ARC and a book about sisterhood and shamanic traditions.
Single-purchase boxes become available at 5:00 AM PST on May 8th.
Until then, I am off to read about some witches.
Narrative Paradise 