UNBOXING | FairyLoot: The Queen of Nothing Collector's Edition

The Folk of the Air series has quickly become on of my favourite trilogies and I was so excited when I managed to get one of the Queen of Nothing collector's edition boxes when they sold them for a second time, especially since I'd unfortunately missed it on sale the first time round. I was so happy with everything in this box and the special edition of the book and thought it was definitely worth the wait.

Booksleeve, with artwork by Stella Bookish Art.

Elfhame enamel pin, designed by Dust and Pages.

Cardan and Jude mug, featuring artwork by Monolime.

Wooden bookmark, with artwork of Cardan by Monolime and lettering by Stella Bookish Art.

Art print, by Merwild and Co.

 

Blanket, designed by arz28.

Signed bookplate.

Special edition of The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black, with redesigned cover, stenciled sprayed edges and ribbon bookmark.

This was such a wonderful box, and it was just amazing to get such high quality and beautiful items related to a book series I love so much. I do not think I can even chose a favourite because I love all the items so much.
If you got this box let me know what you thought, and if you have read the Folk of the Air series, let me know what you thought of that too in the comments below!
If you want to find out more about FairyLoot, you can visit their website here.

BOOKS | Review: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Name: The Shadows Between Us
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Date published: February 2020
Genre: Fiction, young adult, romance, fantasy
Pages: 326
Rating: 4/5

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.
But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?

- From Goodreads.

The Shadows Between Us was exciting, thrilling, and generally just incredibly fun to read. I was intrigued by the mystery and found the final reveal at the end to be satisfying and unexpected. The romance was passionate and I always wanted to read more of the intense interactions between Alessandra and the Shadow King. If you are looking for a quick, entertaining read then I would definitely recommend this book.
There were some moments when I felt a little more depth could have been a good addition, where perhaps the author could have taken a little more time to describe a moment and look a little more deeply into Alessandra's character. I also would have been interested to learn a little more about the world the book was set in, and found a few places where a few more details about the setting could have been added. Overall though I found I mostly did not need more depth or worldbuilding and really enjoyed reading the story as it was. I never once found the story confusing or found myself lost, so it was very easy to read.
One part of the world I really liked was that there were different kinds of relationships, men were with men and women were with women, and it was never questioned and Alessandra saw it as completely normal. It was really nice to read a story where there was not even a hint of anyone ever being attacked because of their sexuality and I hope I will read more stories like that in the future.
Alessandra was a really interesting main character. I do not think I have ever before read from the perspective of a character who is so morally grey, who was so certain of herself, who knew what she wanted, how to get it, and knew that she deserved it, who did bad things but did not regret them or wonder if she should not have done them. Although I was not sure I liked her views on the lower classes of her world and how they were treated, and I think I would have perhaps liked to see more development and growth in that facet of her character and in that part of the story, I still found myself liking her and wanting things to end well for her. I really liked the female friendships that developed over the course of the book between Alessandra and a couple of the other characters, and I loved Alessandra's point of view on how women should be able to choose what they do with their bodies, who they love and when they have sex.
The Shadow King was an excellent love interest. I loved how we got to know more about him and his backstory as the novel went on, and his personality just made him a perfect match for Alessandra, so I loved the way their relationship built up.
Overall, while I had a few thoughts on ways the story could be improved, reading it was such an enjoyable experience and I can definitely see myself reading it again. If you're looking for a dark romance with a bit of humour that is fun to read then I would absolutely recommend this book.

UNBOXING | Illumicrate: Sparks Fly - February 2020

I wanted to get the Illumicrate February Sparks Fly box because I love romance and I thought a box themed around that would be really interesting, and I do love the Taylor Swift song Sparks Fly, so I just felt I had to buy the box in tribute to that song. I was pleased by the items I got in the box and I am really intrigued by the book, so read on to see what was in the box!

The Winner's Curse God of Lies rollerball perfume, created by Madame Alchemie.

Sorcery of Thorns popsocket, with artwork by Angela de Vito.

Serpent & Dove bookmark clip, created by Chloe Lee Hughes.

A Darker Shade of Magic coaster duo, designed by Lilith.

Stalking Jack the Ripper book-shaped tin, designed by Chatty Nora.

Signed edition of The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski, with an exclusive cover and exclusive sprayed edges.

I was quite happy with this box, although when I looked at all the items in it together it did seem a bit empty, I think this might because boxes like FairyLoot have more paper items in addition to the other items which makes the box feel more full. But I was very happy with each item, and I think my favourite item was the Serpent & Dove bookmark, as it is so beautiful and I love anything to do with Serpent & Dove. I am also excited to read the book that came in this box, as the description sounds quite exciting!
Let me know the comments below if you received the box, what you thought and what your favourite items were, and also let me know if you have read the book and what you thought!
If you would like to find out more about Illumicrate, you can visit their website here.

BOOKS | Review: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Name: Serpent & Dove
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date published: September 2019
Genre: Fiction, young adult, fantasy, romance
Pages: 519
Rating: 5/5

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.

- From Goodreads. 

One thing that made Serpent & Dove really enjoyable to read for me was the dual perspectives. Lou and Reid both had distinct voices and interesting points of view and I found myself looking forward to each character's perspective, what happened in their point of view, and what each character thought about what had happend in the other's point of view.
Something else that worked well in the story was how information about the world and about backstories of characters was fed to the reader gradually over time. There were no sudden large amounts of exposition all at once, while there was still enough information for me to not be lost or confused, and the dual perspective helped to slowly layer up information over time as each character knew slightly different levels of information to the other.
I also loved the magic system and how the rules of it worked. I found it easy to follow what was happening when magic was used and was also intrigued to learn more about it and the distinctions between the different kinds of witchcraft.
I really liked Lou and Reid, and even though they both had flaws and a lot to learn, I found them both really loveable and I enjoyed following along on their journey and seeing their character development over the course of the book. They both learnt a lot and it was great to see how they began to love and care for each other despite the difficulties between them. The chemistry and tension between them was written really well and the build up of the romance was really exciting and fun to read.
The climax of the action at the end of the book was very thrilling to read and I think the gradual reveal of plot twists were planned out very well and made for a great storyline that was very enjoyable to read. I am really excited to find out what will happen in the next book in the series, how Lou and Reid's story will continue and how their characters will continue to develop.

UNBOXING | FairyLoot: Rulebreakers - February 2020

When I read the description of the book that would be in FairyLoot's February Rulebreakers box, and saw that there would be a Serpent & Dove inspired item, I knew I had to get it, and I am really pleased I did. I thought this was a great collection of items and I have listed each below with a link to the creator.

Serpent & Dove mug, designed by Merwild and Taratjah.

Wicked Saints Malachiasz lip balm, created by Little Heart Gifts.

Nevernight bookmarks and sticker, designed by Noverantale.

Strange the Dreamer tarot cards, designed by Gabriella Bujdoso.

 We Hunt the Flame art print, created by Noverantale.

Sorcery of Thorns scarf, designed by Taratjah.

The Lord of the Rings luggage tag, designed by Bookmark'd Tattoos and Love You More Studios.

The Shadows Between Us art prints by Julia Gardiner and Diana Dworak.

Theme art print and bookmark by Taratjah, newsletter and art print by myvalenstyles with author's letter on the back.

Signed exclusive edition of The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller, with art on the dust jacket by Vague Enthusiast and an embossed design on the hard cover.

I think my favourite items from this box were the Serpent & Dove mug, which is just so pretty, and the Sorcery of Thorns scarf, which has such a beautiful design. I have already read The Shadows Between Us and had so much fun reading it, so that made me even happier that I got this box! Did you get this box and if so which items did you like the best? Have you read the book and did you like it? Let me know in the comments below, and keep an eye out for my review of The Shadows Between Us which should be posted soon!
If you'd like to find out more about FairyLoot you can visit their website here.