Tag: Subscription Boxes

Illumicrate Unboxing – June 2018

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Illumicrate 2018 unboxing

It’s time for another illumicrate unboxing! I absolutely love getting these boxes by monthly, it’s like a little present for myself and it’s not my ONLY subscription box going! So this is the June 2018 box. As always this is an unboxing so there are going to be spoilers! If you don’t want to be spoilt then pop back when you’ve seen the box yourself!

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Light Years – Kass Morgan 

Our first book this month is set in space with some forbidden love and a space boarding school. Now, this isn’t something I would pick up for myself, but I’m going to give it a flick through and give it a try, you never know! The full blurb of this is here.

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A Thousand Perfect Notes –  C.G. Drews

Now, this is much more my kind of book. Again we have another book focused on love. This time following a guy who is forced to play the piano by his violent mother, who is within touching distance of love. I’m really interested in this because of the author C.G Drews – also known as PaperFury online. I’m really looking forward to reading this one.

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Box designed by Alice Oseman (Exclusive) 

So Alice Oseman isn’t just a fantastic writer, she’s also an artist? Is there anything the amazing lady can’t do! This little lunchbox (that’s what I’m going to use it for) is adorable and I am in love with the design.

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Black Panther Inspired Book Sleeve (Exclusive)

Ok, time for a confession…I haven’t watched Black Panther. I know, I know I’m so late to the party. That said I like this, I’ve really wanted a book sleeve because I like my books being pristine. So I’m just going to have to watch it so that I can use this!

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Camp Half-Blood Pin (Exclusive), I Was Born For This Pin and Elements Page Markers (Exclusive) 

So, it seems to be a month for ‘things Chloe has never experienced’ Percy Jackson isn’t something I’ve read, it was around when I was younger but I never picked it up. That said it is a wonderfully made Pin and I love the detail. Next up a badge to promote Alice Oseman’s latest book I Was Born For This which is currently on my TBR pile and I’m really looking forward to. And then on to the Elements page markers

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How Do You Like Me Now Sample and Grey Sister Bookmark

Next up some paper goodies, a sample of Holly Bourne’s new adult novel which I actually received an early release of so I can think of someone who might like this snippet. We also had a dagger-shaped bookmark to celebrate the release of Grey Sister, a follow up to Red Sister which was a novel we received last year.

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Bookish Postcards

We also had our bookish postcards, as seen. I really likes the From Twinkle, With Love postcard, it is such a sweet quote and is making me more interested in picking up the novel when it’s released.

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Infernal Devices Cards (Exclusive) – designed by @anotherstudio_

Well, you’ve guessed it, I haven’t read the Infernal Devices series! I have no idea what’s going on this month I feel like I’m so behind with my YA reading! That said I really like these cards, they are beautifully designed and I like the artwork style.

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Overall

Well, this was a packed box indeed! Another box full of great quality items. Every two months when this box arrives I’m so pleased because it is always worth the money, which is important because I’ve ordered so many boxes that turned out to be tat. I will say I would have loved to have seen something Pride month related in this box with all the amazing YA out there but that’s just me!

Is there anything that has caught your eye? Or maybe you got our own Illumicrate box! Let me know in the comments below.

A Magical Unboxing!

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With Halloween mere weeks away it was time for a magical unboxing! As many of my regular readers know I love a good unboxing and I’ve used Lootcrate in the past. So I finally caved and ordered their Wizarding World crate as a little treat for myself! This crate comes twice a month, making it a little more affordable for us Brits. This crates theme is ‘Magical Must Haves’ Let’s dive in!

 

House Scarf 

One of the great things about the Wizarding World crate is that they ask for your Hogwarts House, I’ve always felt and known in my heart I’m a Gryffindor. This is such a well-made scarf, it’s really thick and has me wishing for chilly mornings so that I can show my house pride. Go, go, Gryffindor!

 

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Honeydukes Sweet Shaped Rubbers

Now, I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed that these weren’t sweet treats initially, because who doesn’t love a Honeydukes treat?! That said these are incredible, they are so well made and well crafted. The Chocolate Frog, Jelly Slug, Sugar Candy Skull and Cauldron Cake. They’re so lovely I almost don’t want to use them and keep them on my bookcase.

 

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Harry Potter’s Wand Pen 

I’m so in love with this pen! I think after the Scarf this is my favourite thing in the crate. It’s well weighted and so well crafted. I’m absolutely in love with it.

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MACUSA Desk Supply Set 

The good thing about the Wizarding World crate is that it includes both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merch. This is a desk set including a list pad, sticky notes, clips and a folder. It was absolutely huge too! Good shout Lootcrate team!

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Horcrux  Locket Pin 

These are now a collection and I’m so sad I’ve missed previous crates! This is really beautiful and of good quality.

 

That’s it! If you’re interested in ordering your own crate the link is here. This post is not sponsored (I wish!) I just really wanted to share with you this new subscription I’ve become a part of!

 

 

Illumicrate August 2017 Unboxing!

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I absolutely love getting my Illumicrate every 2 months. I’ve been counting down until my next one came, something told me it would be a good one! I wasn’t wrong. As always, this is going to be an unboxing so if you don’t want to know what’s in this months box pop back later!

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Wonder Woman Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo and exclusive pin 

Our first book is an exclusive edition of a new YA novel surrounding Wonder Woman back when she was simply Diana, wanting to ‘prove herself to her warrior sister’. The copy has exclusive red edges and a pin. I’m really intrested to read this one!

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Nyxia by Scott Reintgen 

I picked this up and I cannot stop. This is an exclusive proof copy of a new YA Sci-fi novel. I’m calling it now that this is going to be HUGE. Think of a kind of Sci-fi Hunger Games vibe. That’s all I say, I love it.

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Promotional Bookmarks 

Three promotional bookmarks in this one. Some beautiful designs and interesting reads, I’m looking forward to getting hold of After the Fire.

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Personal Library Savings Jar & Sticky Notes from Blossom Books 

This is ADORABLE it’s a little money jar for savings for your own personal library, although this was hard to show in a picture. They also provided adorable sticky bookmarks and an adorable quote. I’ll definitely be checking out more.

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Exclusive Alethiometer Coaster, artwork by Hannah Hitchman Art 

I’ve never read His Dark Materials so I don’t really get the significance of this but I love the design and it’s really good quality.

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The Red Church Tea by T-Ology (exclusive) 

An Assasin inspired tea that looks like the blood of your enemies. What more could you want?

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Shakespeare Zip Pouch by Miss Phi (Exclusive) 

I’m not a huge fan of Shakespeare’s plays as a whole but I love this pouch! It’s so positive and a really great and versatile size.

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Wisdom Journal designed by Hey Atlas Creative 

Again, this quote isn’t from a book I’ve personally read but it’s a nice design and you can never have too many notebooks…

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Moxie Pin Badges 

I didn’t know this book was going to exist but now I need to read it. These are really cool, feminist badges and have got me super excited to read the novel when it comes out. Info about Moxie, here.

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This is definitely the Illumicrate I’ve enjoyed the most. There’s so much variety and top quality products that I can use in my everyday life. I’m so excited to see what comes in two months time!

[This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are my own]

Illumicrate Unboxing- May 2017!

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It feels like forever since my last illumicrate unboxing so I was eagerly awaiting my next one since it is now the only subscription box I get! As always if you don’t want any spoilers then pop back later but if not carry on to see the treats inside!

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Enchanted Doro Hanger & Print 

Designed by TJ Lubrano. These adorable prints inspired by Beauty in the Beast look SO cute and are exclusive to Illumicrate. I also completely agree that home is where the books are.

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Feyre Mug 

This is an exclusive design from Merwild. Now I’ve never encountered Feyre but I like the mug all the same and you can’t go wrong with an exclusive!

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Collection of postcards

These have so great designs but I have no idea what they relate to? Slightly confused about this one

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Mermaid Lagoon Candle

This smells so good. It’s a really summery scent and I’ve abolutely fallen in love with it! Again this is also an exclusive so on one hand I’m so happy I have it, on the other I’m sad that I won’t be able to get this again!

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Windfall poster 

I really like this quote because it’s so relevant, I’m looking forward to learning more about the novel.

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The Waking Land 

Interestingly this is an advance reader copy! I don’t read a lot of fantasy but I’m hoping to give this a try!

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Truth or Dare

I’ve actually met Non Pratt and she’s a wonderful human. I’ve tried to read her first novel but couldn’t get into it but hopefully reading Truth or Dare will change my mind! This was also signed. IMG_4668

Corner Bookmark

So this has some kind of map print and it’s absolutely adorable! I’ve wanted to try one of these out for the longest time so I’m looking forward to making my pages look pretty!

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The Gender Games Pin and Swish and Flick Keyring

I’m a big fan of Juno Dawson and am really excited to read The Gender Games so this was perfect. As for the keyring, made by Nutmeg and Arlo, this was probably my favourite part of the box! Love a little bit of Harry Potter in my daily life!

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Another great box with some wonderful exclusives! If you want to get the next box you can order from here. Just to note that this is NOT a sponsored post, I just really look forward to my crate every two months 🙂

Illumicrate review and unboxing

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It’s my first Illumicrate of the year! Once again it has been absolutely incredible. As always this post will be a full review of the box and its contents so if you don’t want to know what’s inside look way now!!

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Inside the box were the normal paper goodies which I loved! This included a postcard for Gilded Cage, bookmark for upcoming novel Following Ophelia and two magnets with V E Schwabb quotes on, although I’ve never read her books they’re exactly the kind of quote I want to surround myself with.  My favourite though was the adorable New Scamander bookmark with my favourite quote from the film, this was designed by Jane’s Tiny Things and an exclusive to Illumicrate.

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Exclusive early copy of Red Sister by Mark Lawrence 

Now this is a big book, an absolute corker. The blurb talks about a young girl being trained to kill while living in a convent…sign me up.

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Hand Stitched Jungle Book Pouch 

This pouch is absolutely adorable. I’ve been a huge Jungle Book fan since I can remember (although I only mean the original Disney movie, I’m not a fan of remakes in most cases) this is another exclusive for the box itself.

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Magic and Mischief Lip Balm 

A funny thing is that I really needed a lip balm and was going to buy one but opened the box first. This is an absolutely incredible at healing cracked and dry lips. I’ll definitely be using this every day until it runs out and it smells gorgeous!

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Wintersong – S. Jae-Jones 

I’d never heard of this novel but has seen it’s cover. It’s another large book which includes a Goblin King. It’s not something I’d personally pick up at the bookshop but I look forward to giving it a go.

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FLame in the Mist Sample 

I really like getting samples, it’ll give me an idea of whether this is something I want to get invested in. Can we take time to appreciate the beautiful artwork on the cover too?

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There may not look like a lot is in this box but I’m a firm believer in Quality over quantity. I loved everything in this box and thought they really out done themselves with the exclusives within it. I’m 100% happy with my box and can’t wait until 2 months time when I get my next!

Final Illumicrate of 2016! Review and Unboxing.

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November’s Owlcrate was the last of the year, and what a year it’s been! This is definitely my favourite bookish box so far. As always this post is going to go into detail about the contents of this books so if you don’t want to see any spoilers look away NOW, otherwise let’s take a peak at November’s goodies.

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The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid 

I’ve heard a lot about this novel floating around and so I was interested to see that it had been included in this month’s Illumicrate. I’m really hoping this is going to be a good read and something a little darker.

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Happy Socks

What’s better than being nice and cosy when reading? These socks are going to come in handy for sure and I’ve always wanted a pair of Happy Socks. These were unexpected but definitely welcomed.

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Aiden Exclusive Candle 

I’m not really sure who Aiden is (I’ve misplaced the card with all the details on) but this candle does smell delicious!

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The One Memory of Flora Banks Sneak Peak 

I love that this was included, the blurb makes it sound like a fascinating book. I’m definitely going to have a read of this and then hopefully buy the novel.

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Temporary Tattoos, Bus Pass Case and Notebook

I have to be honest this kind of felt like filler to me. I really liked the notebook but not so much the temporary tattoos or bus pass holder.
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Coffee Cup Cosy 

I think this is adorable and as soon as I have a coffee cup to use I’ll be popping this on too. You can never have enough things to proudly proclaim to the world you’re a book nerd.

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Quotes and Postcards 

There were a variety of postcards given out this month, again this did feel like filler but it did work and make me want to read these novels.

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Overall this wasn’t my favourite Illumicrate of the year but I do know the owner welcomed a little one a few months ago! I definitely feel that there’s a good amount of content but hopefully there’ll be less postcards and other items of a similar nature in January’s box.

What did you think of this box?

Leave your comments below!

Wonderland – October’s Owlcrate

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It’s Owlcrate time again! Unfortunately, I think this is going to be my last Owlcrate for a while just because it is really expensive to ship to the UK. That said, I’ve absolutely loved receiving them so hopefully at some point in the future I’ll be able to start my order up again. This month’s theme was Wonderland and it was incredible.

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First up was this adorable copy of the novel Alice in Wonderland and matching bookmark, designed by Risa Rodil. This was so cute and it means that there were two books in this months Owlcrate, I’m always up for more books.

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Wonderland Elixer Exclusive Tea. This was made for Owlcrate by Riddle’s Tea Shoppe and it smells lovely. I’m not sure what it will taste like because I’m not a flavoured tea person (although I’m trying to be) but I LOVED the absolutely gorgeous tin that it came in.

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Some original Alice illustrations also made an appearance. This magnet made by Evie Bookish has a quote that I want plastered on the walls. A book lovers dream.

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How cute is this bookmark?! Made by Authored Adornments this is so cute and has the ‘curiouser and curiouser’ quote on it too. So cute!

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This is an exclusive cover for the novel Heartless by Marissa Meyer. I’ve never read a book by the author but I’ve heard so many good things so I can’t wait to get stuck in and see what I think. img_1449

Here’s the monthly badge, while it’s cute, again the badges are something I don’t really feel are needed in the box but they’re a cute addition.

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What caught your eye in this month’s box? Let me know in the comments below!

 

The YA Chronicles Unboxing and Review

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A new subscription box to add to the pile today! I decided to order The YA Chronicles from Australia as I’ve seen it a few times on Booktube and it’s one that I thought had looked good in the past, so why not try it out? This is for August’s box so if you haven’t had a chance to open yours then look away NOW!

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Words in Deep Blue and reading light

First up is the novel I received this month. I’ve never heard of this book and was quite disappointed that it’s a mass market paperback and seems to be a fairly generic love story. I did like the light but also thought that it was quite cheap some something I could pick up in my local poundland, but it was a nice idea.

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Library Stamp Wrap Around

I really liked this, as it’s something different and creative, plus I remember when booked were actually stamped rather than scanned, ah the good old days of libraries.

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Bibliophile Soap 

This little soap was both adorable and practical. I like that it was something I’ve never recieved in a box before.  IMG_0253

Bookmarks

I purchased one and had two others come free with the box. You can always use more bookmarks…always.

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Overall I think this box was sweet but I don’t think I’ll be getting it again. For what I paid and what I paid to get it shipped from Australia I was a bit disappointed at how little I got in it. It was a nice change but I’m going to go on the hunt for more!

Marvel Collector Corps: Spider-Man Unboxing and Review 

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It’s time for some geeky goodness here on chloemetzger.com! My Marvel Collector Corps box has now arrived and I was super excited because Spider-Man was the first comic book I bought and to me has always been one of the best super heroes ever. It’s definitely made up for the slight disappointment I felt last month . I will say though for DC fans, I would happily get the DC Legion of Collectors box to review, however, it is only available in the US so unless that changes I won’t be able to get one to review for you! Anyway, on with the review. If you don’t want to know any spoilers please DON’T GO BEYOND THIS POINT, for now, pop back later!

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Monthly Badges 

I’m definitely in favour of these badges, you know what they are and who they represent, which is what you want from a badge really. Who wants to be asked?

Exclusive Spider-Man Funko 

I wasn’t keen on the original Spider-Man release from Funko (plus my sister received him at Christmas, not bitter, not bitter at all). There have been more Spidey releases since then, but I haven’t got around to picking one up so I was SUPER  excited to get this! He’s absolutely fab and, in my opinion, the right colours too. Good job Funko!

Exclusive Fabrikations Spider-Man 

I’ve never bought a Fabrikation before but squealed when I opened the box. He’s so cute!! He also stands up on his own, I absolutely love this and it’s brilliant quality too.

Spider-Man hat

Now, this is cool. Can I get away with it? That is yet to be seen but I love the fact that it’s geared towards the Summer, it’s a little different and it’s an exclusive. Again Marvel have done a great job.

MCC Variant

And, as with every issue an MCC variant, simple design but I absolutely love it.

Marvel have produced an absolute cracker of a box! I absolutely loved every item and while it doesn’t seem like much, it’s all brilliant quality. The theme for next month’s crate is Dr Strange, not a character I’ve been into before but I look forward to seeing the new movie.

What did you think of this month’s box? Leave in the comments below!

Owlcrate Unboxing and Review – August 

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It’s that time of the month again! My Owlcrate sub box has arrived with the theme of ‘High School’. The usual reminder that if you don’t want to know what’s in this box just yet this isn’t the review for you as I will be talking through all of the contents of this month’s box. 🙂

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Bookish Badges 

I absolutely loved finding these in my box, I have a thing about pin badges that I can put on my rucksack. They’re a bit different too and will make a great addition to my bag.

Adult Colouring Book and Notebook 

These were nice little additions for the box but did feel a little like filler to me.

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Harry Potter Print 

I LOVED this print that was put in this month’s box, it looks the closest to the original trio as I see them. Harry’s hair is a mess, Ron’s freckles are perfect and Hermione has the bushy hair and big teeth we all know and love.

Eleanor and Park Exclusive Necklace 

This is a sweet little necklace but unfortunately this isn’t for me as I’m not a Rainbow Rowell fan, I tried Fan Girl and it just wasn’t my thing. I’m sure this would be a great treat for a fan but not for me.

P.S I Like You by Kasie West 

This month’s novel came with mini colouring pencils, which was a cute addition. I don’t read a lot of YA that’s focused on romance but after reading the letter that came with West’s novel I’m a lot more intrigued to read it.

Overall I wasn’t as impressed with this month’s box as I would have liked to have been. That said, High School wasn’t a theme I was particularly excited about. Hopefully  next month’s box, ‘Darkness’ will be more to my tastes!