There are so many book boxes out there, but sometimes shipping can be a bit high. It’s been quite awhile since I treated myself to something like this. Illumicrate is a subscription box I’ve had my eye on for awhile and decided to give it a go. So I started out with their August box: Armed & Dangerous.

I think most people have gotten their box by now, but I’ll still put a spoiler warning. If you don’t want to see what’s in the box, don’t continue reading. If you do, let’s see what this box was filled with!

One of my favorite things about book boxes is that you always get a spoiler card. I love knowing who made the goodies and if you’re not sure what fandom something is from, this is the perfect way of figuring it out!

The first item I opened up was this weapons bag designed by Chatty Nora (@chattynora). I love the wands on the front of it and the bag is such a cute size. This will be perfect for when I’m going out, but don’t need to take much with it. It’s quite a tough fabric is well, so should go a long way!

If I’m completely honest, I think this is a bit of a weird goodie to give in a book box, but it could come in handy. This is a legendary swords cutlery set designed by Hey Atlas Creative (@heyatlascreative). Inside is a metal straw, spoon, fork and knife. I don’t know how often I’ll use this, but it’s a sweet idea.

After the first two items, I saw this bottle with sparkly liquid. The bottle turned out to be Sister Apple’s surprise liquid soap. In all honesty, I’m not sure what fandom this is from, but it smells good. I love that it’s a bath and shower gel, because I don’t have a bath tub. It smells pretty good as well.

Next I discovered the humanity bottle opener made by Dust and Pages (@dustandpages). I was surprised by how heavy this item is and actually think a bottle opener is rather clever. Scythe was a really good book and I need to read the sequel, because the third and final book is releasing soon!

The bottle opener is a bit shiny, so if the picture makes it hard to see the quote, it says:

“Never lose your humanity.”

Illumicrate has collectible coins in their boxes and this month’s coin was made by Monolime and is of Lila Bard. If you’re not familiar with this character, she is in V.E. Schwab’s series, Shades of Magic series! This coin is magnetic, so I want to find something to display it in my bookcase.

I have to start off by saying that these pictures do not do this mug justice. The design makes it hard to take just one picture, so you can see the whole design. The Stone’s Throw mug was designed by Rosie (@rosiethorns88). This mug features Kell and Lila on their trip to Red London. Once again, an item from the Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab.

This mug is my favorite item of the box! The designer did an amazing job!

Right before the book, I discoverd this set of trading cards. They describe the houses of the series and I loved how they’re designed. I think it’s odd I don’t have a First House card though. Isabelle didn’t either, so maybe it’s supposed to be that way?

Last but definitely not least, is this month’s book: Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. My favorite thing about these boxes are the special editions of this book. This copy of Gideon the Ninth has beautiful sprayed edges and is signed by the author.

The special thing about this month is actually the book, because Gideon the Ninth isn’t officially released until September 10th. My TBR is pretty full, so I don’t think I’ll read this before then, but it’s exciting to have this one a bit early!

All in all, I’m really happy with this box! Gideon the Ninth is a book I’ve heard a lot about. Hopefully I can read it before the end of the year! What do you think of this box and book? I’ll now impatiently wait for my Illumicrate Darkdawn special!