Unboxing Dare to Dream | Fairyloot April (+ March!) 2023

[@Wanderness]

Thank you so much for being so welcoming after a break on my channel. Its been an awful few weeks, but I'm happy to be back!! I'm going to be using tiktok to compliment my channel - not replace it - as shorter videos for around my life at the moment, so you can find me there at nessreads if you like 😊❤

[@nikies1611]

The Quirky Cup Collective is an Australian-based journal company that makes some of the BEST reading journals!! I think they included the name on the back because it was a collab between the two companies. As far as I know I don't think it is going to be a collection of any type, though they may do some more collabs in the future. The March and April boxes solidified my desire to switch to the YA/Adult book-only combo box, and I was able to do it when I received the email last week! I have only been getting the YA boxes and I am much more excited to get two books versus all the random (and lately disappointing) items. I am excited to read both books but I was definitely a bit let-down by the design choices especially on Silver in the Bone. The design on the spine (versus the book name) was odd to me and the artwork inside is way too childish and just doesn't fit the feel of the rest of the book imo. The digitally-sprayed edges on both books are stunning though, no complaints there! PS. My feet fit those socks I have literal baby feet haha XD PPS. For once I was really sad the book wasn't purple in April since ALL the items were haha. I wanted everything to match!

[@Wanderness]

Oh that's cool to know about the collab! Thanks for letting me know :) Honestly going to combo is such a good idea, the items aren't worth it, but also the designs of the YA book just feel so different now. Maybe because people kept comparing the designs to the adult one they've made them more aged down?? Yep of all the books to make purple, this was their chance!!

[@ChronicleV]

As soon as I got the invite for combined adult + YA book-only, I signed up so fast. I skipped April’s YA box and I’m so glad I did. Owlcrate did the same book and their customizations were so much better. I regret not skipping the March box as well tbh. Fairyloot YA box sub has absolutely dropped the ball this year, everything just feels cheap. It’s like the item curation team isn’t putting in any effort, or just too focused on cutting costs?

[@Wanderness]

Good decision on the combo sub! I hadn't seen the owlcrate one until today and I'm honestly floored by their edition, its just worlds apart. FL are really in the gutter this year, apart from their adult subscription. Must be struggling with costs rising

[@slowerlowerliving2264]

After the March box, I put myself on that waitlist; I’ll be bummed about an item from time to time, but it’s the better deal overall.

[@DelFeeny]

Everyone on their Discord server has been rightfully saying that their YA boxes have become lazy. Wonder if that's why they suddenly shut it down?🧐But I enjoy your unboxings and it's good to see you back! ☺

[@bookscoffeepassion]

OMG! They shut down their discord server? That's not a good sign at all. 🧐

[@DelFeeny]

@@bookscoffeepassion They said they want to create a similar space on their website. But closing the server without warning was very weird.

[@bookscoffeepassion]

@@DelFeeny it seems weird for sure. So strange!

[@ashleywhite760]

This is the first (and last) YA box I am getting this year haha. I've skipped all the rest but got April, and I overall am happy with it. But I switched over to the combo book only subscription and I'll be happier for it. I will miss the tarot cards tho and wish they could be included into the combo box.

[@Wanderness]

Someone needs to start a petition for tarot cards in book only!

[@ashleywhite760]

@@Wanderness yaaaaas! Heck I'd take it as an add on!

[@mortalrikku]

I was so disappointed with both boxes. The books do look amazing! But all the extra content, especially that print!!!

[@bizzywithbooks5256]

I think you’ll like the April adult book, the edges are gorgeous. Can’t believe you’ve done a complete turn around on YA vs Adult. FL YA is getting lazy while FL Adult has just been killing it lately.

[@charlotteburns3213]

I love your unboxing vids, it's nice to see you back. I'm really glad I have the book only sub, some of these items are really weird. I'm on the combo subscription now and really looking forward to getting the adult books.

[@Wanderness]

Thank you Charlotte! Hope you enjoy the combo subscription, the adult books just feel like another level

[@marthabrick7123]

I have been on the waitlist for fairy loot for over 6 months

[@dorkphoenixrising]

Ness: You wouldn't just buy a one-off plate, you'd buy a set. Me: *shrinks into the background with my single Cath Kidston fantastic beasts plate* 😂 I thought IC this month was bad but March FL may take the trophy after seeing this... looking forward to that unboxing! so good to see you back on the channel! would the tiktok videos also work on here as shorts (just thinking for those without tiktok, like me!)?

[@Wanderness]

HAHA aww I'll let you off with that one ;) Yes I'll post videos as shorts here, if I think they are any good. At the moment I'm just posting rubbish to try and get used to mobile editing, but when I think I've achieved something decent you'll see them here as shorts

[@HappilyReadingBooks]

Hi! Just an FYI about the socks, they stretch and are comfortable and even fit my 9.5 feet, lol. Their size is deceiving. Also, I took a trip recently and found that the book sleeves work perfectly for toiletries. My husband and I used them to pack our hair products, deodorant, brushes, and lotions. I was so happy to finally finding a use for them. 😁 And I agree that the quality of the YA FL has gone down this year...which had made me sign up for the wait list for the adult book only box.

[@Wanderness]

I love it when you find uses for the items beyond what they are intended for, good idea! The adult sub is just so much better!

[@annamarieinbookland]

March Box - I was also disappointed with the box I think it was my least favourite out of all the boxes in the year I've been subscribed. My phone and laptop are covered in minions stickers so my stickers from this box are still in the box lol, my favourite item was the tarot pouch which I've put my cards in. My plate (an the mugs from other months) have all been kept in a box for when I move as I don't want my sister to break any of them lol April - I liked this box and I'm looking forward to reading the book. I've been using the bowl cozy when I've been having ice cream, I've worn the socks once but I do really like them they fit just fine on my tiny feet lol, I don't want any more book pouchs, the pattern was really nice I'm just sick of getting them I've now got 3 and I've been subbed since May 2022. I am looking forward to reading the book it sound really good.

[@Lola-lt1of]

I agree...nothing on the March book design match

[@LJG7654]

I think both boxes were weak on the item front, especially. The bowl cozy is my favorite. I love the design and it's something I would use. You should be able to put it in the microwave as well. But I'm old, so what do I know? lol! The book sleeve is nice, but they have been in so many boxes they don't hold any special excitement for me anymore. I also think the Owlcrate's version of April's book is much better. I don't think the FL inside art really matches the vibe of the outside of the book or the summary. It's too cartoony.

[@Wanderness]

Yeah the bowl cozy is a really practical item, I'm more of a pasta bowl for every meal kind of person 😂 I hadn't seen the owlcrate one when I filmed this, but now I have and I'm FUMING. It's so good!

[@LJG7654]

@@Wanderness I have subscribed to Owlcrate for a few years now and other than their edges, I really do love their book redesigns the best of the boxes...and now that they're adding in stenciled edges, I'm really excited! But this one in particular was pretty and shiny...

[@charlieriste]

Omg I’ve been so looking forward to this!!!

[@Wanderness]

Awww stopppp 😭💕💕

[@clostace2856]

Was anyone else really upset that the April book doesn’t have the title on the spine? 😭 I agree fairyloot has had a rough couple months. I’m hoping next month is good though because the book seems a good one

[@Wanderness]

It just has to get better, so many okay books in a row, nothing that's wowed me

[@JJC91]

I'm pleased you managed to get hold of your March box! I totally agree with your comments on this month's box. I couldn't believe the print was an item, I got 2 in my box and it's so flimsy and has no foiling on it? I literally thought it was the authors note! Also I noticed your book had a pretty silver signature, mine was just plain black pen ☹️ I think I might switch to the adult subscription after seeing you get all the pretty books each month 😅

[@Wanderness]

I thought it was gone forever! I actually nearly made a comment about how the silver pen was lovely 😭 wonder how many have the silver and how many have the black. Honestly switch, the choices are just better

[@mariakoszalin]

I started reading Silver in the bone and I really like it :)

[@Wanderness]

I've just seen the owlcrate edition and it's STUNNING

[@SimGirl00]

Yayyy I missed you!! I agree with you on everything that you said hence why I decided to go for the YA and Adult combo. Tired of these items they keep putting into the boxes

[@Wanderness]

I'm so pleased to see comments from you Nikki! Great idea, that's the best way

[@edgy_velpciraptr]

I would also like to switch to FL Book only but I also want to complete the Tarot card collection 😅 IM SO GLAD YOURE BACK!! I’ll be definitely giving your TikTok a follow 🥰

[@Wanderness]

Literally just get rid of the theme cards and put the tarot cards in, can't cost much difference in production. Thank you so much Mikayla!

[@navnav5587]

omg I hated the bookmark too! it gives me the ick 😂

[@Wanderness]

Literally 😂

[@Lex77755]

the bookmark was missing from my March box, but I didn't like it so much that I didn't even write to them about it. I loved the stickers, I put them on my laptop, and I happy that I skipped the April box.

[@Wanderness]

Yeah I wouldn't ask for a replacement either if mine wasn't there but it's so annoying because you've paid for it

[@Lex77755]

@@Wanderness Yes, I considered it, because of that, but I wasn't sad at all 😅 BTW in Hungary, the books are mostly cam out in similar size, so it’s so funny hearing people complain about it 😂😂

[@jamieb7990]

Welcome back, Ness! Sure missed your videos!

[@Wanderness]

I've missed everyone here too!!

[@AbiofPellinor]

Welcome back! I hope things are back on the straight and narrow for you lass ❤

[@Wanderness]

I'm sure they will be soon, just waiting for some luck!

[@jadiecakes3241]

I was so glad I skipped march. I wasn't interested in the book at all but I do want the stickers haha!! I've got april on the way because someone said they wanted it and have now ghosted me... so what a waste of $80~ I'm hoping I can at least sell the book. It's pretty (and I LOVE the bowl item, I'll get a lot of use from that) but I just am not keen on the book. I havnt really been into any of fairyloots books this year. Meanwhile IC is knocking it out of the park for me this year.

[@Wanderness]

OK SO IVE SEEN OWLCRATES EDITION OF APRIL AND IM FUMING 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@megancheang7858]

Fav item from March box: tarot cards since I like One Dark Window I decided to get the April box because I have read Violet Made of thorns and Daughter of the moon goddess. I am pleased with the practical bowl cozy and this is my first time receiving a booksleeve in Fairyloot, at last! The socks design creeps me out because of the eye. Normally the art print would irritate me since i refuse to acknowledge it as an item, but since the April box did not include this fandom, i will treat it as a bonus item instead. I like the book synopsis but am so irritated by the exclusive redesign they did since the cover doesn't look that different from the original and the spine is not exactly...my style. The artwork is cute but i preferred the more mature styles Fairyloot gave for Seven Faceless Saints. Daughter of the Moon Goddess' endpapers definitely has more detailing on the background at least! The one thing I do like is the sprayed edges.

[@Wanderness]

Across both boxes the only thing done really well are the tarot cards! I've seen the owlcrate edition of Silver in the Bone and OMG so much nicer than Fairyloot. I'm honestly so angry at them now because of it

[@megancheang7858]

@@Wanderness I saw the Owlcrate book before i saw the Fairyloot book so i was super disappointed when i saw the edits Fairyloot made. I am really hoping someone sells me the Owlcrate book, if only so I can get the dust jacket and switch them.

[@megancheang7858]

I finally got my book courtesy of my sister...this is my first time receiving a digital sprayed edge and...is it just me or is the sword kind of...curvy?

[@readingwithshan]

Missed youuuuuu ❤

[@Wanderness]

So grateful for you 💕

[@Lifeonasofa]

Glad I’m not the only one disappointed in FL this year. What happened?! I’ve been awaiting the combo subscription email so I could drop the items as they have felt very lazy. But when my combo invite came, I opted to drop YA completely. They’ve done a great job with their Adult books but the YA books again just seem to be getting dull design choices. We want proper designs, what happened to book inspired items, character art of things, or just fun bookish things we ACTUALLY want to keep. This clip art flowers and quotes thing they’ve done the last 6 months is not inspired. It’s a real shame as they were my favourite for a long time 😞

[@Lifeonasofa]

Also, I don’t like how the edges never match both the dust jacket and the hardback…please just think about the design 😭 why is the naked hardback cartoon orange and the edges are black and blue real life hand? I really do get the impression that they’re not designing as much. Very much copy and paste onto the edge and yeah slightly edit the colour so it’s barely noticeable that it’s any different to the original.

[@debrarini7359]

I cancelled mine. For 50 dollars I expect way more!

[@M_D2]

Me too. The quality seems to have gotten worse lately. Not worth the price

[@karenrapoport7852]

Same. I literally got on my account and hit skip and I will continue to skip until I’m kicked off or invited to the book only subscription. Whichever comes first. 2 crap boxes in a row.

[@annbechtel7113]

I will say that those two boxes were the reason why I canceled my full box subscription and went to the book only option

[@Wanderness]

I honestly don't blame you at all!!

[@Lala47362]

Are you gonna do illumicrate unboxing from march and April too?

[@Wanderness]

April yes, that's coming in an hour!

[@cleg78]

Great to see you back especially with this video…can I rant…please 😂

[@cleg78]

Yeah the March box was awful

[@cleg78]

The stickers were nice but I don’t class as an item as such as so cheap

[@cleg78]

The tarot bag was bad condition, well mine was

[@cleg78]

Items were awful… The book, well!!! I was shook it had 360 pages!!

[@cleg78]

The April box…I was ok ish with the items but the book!!!! It ticked some boxes but what a massive flop. The edges, perfect, loved the dust jacket but the printed hardcover was bloody awful. The illustration don’t get me wrong were good BUT with the subject of the book they could have done so so much more.

[@yasminetorres123]

I’m so glad I skipped April, Owlcrate’s wasn’t my favorite just because I love the original cover but it’s much nicer I think than Fairyloot. I do agree that their items have not been great. I skipped Owlcrate’s May since the book is the same so let’s see if I made the right choice picking Fairyloot

[@Wanderness]

I wish I could get owlcrate! Shipping is just too much. I hope your choice is right too, fingers crossed!

[@slowerlowerliving2264]

The first fairyloot box made me go back on the book only waitlist. So annoyed.

[@blairfreeman317]

I wish so much there was a YA book + tarot card option. In general the items are not worth the subscription.

[@Wanderness]

They should replace the useless theme card in the adult sub with tarot cards, they can't cost much to produce

[@bookscoffeepassion]

Fairyloot has been dropping the ball with their YA boxes. It has been bad. 😬

[@kammi4215]

If you end up cancelling your FL YA sub, do you think you might try out Fairyloots Romantasy Sub coming next year? 0:

[@Wanderness]

Yes my plan is to switch to a combo of adult and romantasy :)

[@RebeccaReads]

I feel like with March’s box they kinda just went “we have other things to work on and promote so yeah let’s not put as much effort in”

[@RebeccaReads]

The bowl cosy would be useful to be fair for your hot soup out the microwave 😂

[@RebeccaReads]

Okay but a compilation of your reaction noises to the april book would be a great TikTok sound please and thanks 😂

[@RebeccaReads]

The naked hardcover of April’s book is giving me “Y9 art” vibes

[@Wanderness]

YES

[@Wanderness]

I could literally do a side eye montage in my illumicrate unboxing

[@jeniferalvarez2914]

I hated the March box so much! The book is so hideous and that bookmark! 🤢 I’ve never seen such an ugly exclusive book! The April box was an improvement. I’ve been on the fence about whether or not I’m interested in the book. I love the art style and the items were an improvement to me. I wish they’d do fabric book jackets. I love the jacket we got from Illumicrate recently and I could use more. I only subscribed to the full box because they used to do double book boxes every 3-4 months. And instead of extra books I have a whole bunch of crap that’s just wasting what little space I have.

[@Wanderness]

Agree about the book jackets, they are so much more useful. The only item I'm holding out for is the hollow books!

[@MrRorosuri]

💓💓

[@SweeeetLovex3]

I enjoy watching your unboxing videos and getting your opinion on the overall boxes (box values). :) tbh I liked the march sticker sheet the most too. 😅 so sorry but the bookmark was NOT it ugh D: the aprils books customizations looked good! I’m not picky regarding the artstyle (like both cartoonish and more mature ones) but the cartoonish artstyle didn’t quite fit the vibe and the edges of the book. 😅 still gorgeous artwork though!

[@inesmarzal5677]

I havent received the april box but fairyloot’s YA box just keeps getting worse and worse with the items. As soon as I have all tarot cards of this collection i’m changing to book only. The items are just not worth the price

[@waywardwitchcraftsandbooks]

The March box was so disappointing and after the very lucklastre Jan and Feb boxes, it was the last straw for me. My payment already came out for April so I did get that one too but I cancelled it after. I ended up selling the March book as not my cup of tea, I loved the stickers and the tarot bag and I will use them both but I am selling the plate and the bookmark as they are not for me at all. One plate? So random. The April box, I’m torn whether to keep the book as I like the sound of it but I hated Lore and DNF’d it so I’m worried it will be just as disappointing. I had the same reaction to the bowl cosy 😂😂. The socks I will wear, I have tiny feet. Haha. But the art print pushed me over the edge, another one? So disappointing and I actually somehow ended up with 3 in my box, it felt like a cruel joke. 🙄😂 The bookmarks were nice and I love the tarot cards, I always love the tarot cards but these ones were especially nice. So yeah I’m officially done with FL, no other book subs and I am at a point that I don’t know whether to go on the waitlist for the adult as they’ve been great or go to illumicrate or another book sub box because I have not been too keen on some of the book choices of late. Such a conundrum but I will happily live vicariously through you in the meantime. P.S. Glad you’re back. Can’t wait for the illumicrate unboxing.

[@Wanderness]

Honestly don't blame you, so many people seem to have cancelled after the march box. I would recommend Fairyloot Adult over Illumicrate, their book choices are so much better!

[@emmadeboer5441]

FL YA suckst atm 😢

[@Wanderness]

It really does!

[@federicalagetti8245]

I switched to the YA book-only sub after March because I was really disappointed by the items. Ironically my favourite item in the March box was the sticker sheet😂 I usually love Fairyloot special editions but this time it was a letdown.. I was very excited to read Seven Faceless Saints but I hate what they did with the book: the "exclusive" cover looks like it was made with PicsArt and the size of the book is ridiculous. Also the edition that I got was kinda ruined because it had a lot of scratches on the front and also some dirt stains. And the naked hardcover is underwhelming as well. The only thing that I liked are the beautiful charcaters artwork on the endpapers! The artist did an amazing job with them✨ I skipped April but now I am really curious about the May Ya book. I already know what book it is and it is one that has been on my TBR for a while! According to FL it will be one of their most spectacular editions so finger crossed🤞🏻❤️

[@Wanderness]

You've got exactly the same feeling about the March box as me! I forgot what the May theme was and just went to look, yes I'm curious about the book too!

[@federicalagetti8245]

Yes I can't wait for the May book! Hopefully it will make up for the disappointment of the last YA books. Oh and by the way I love your videos❤️

[@badfaith4u]

Wonderful video! Will you share your tik tok videos on KZbin because I can't access tik tok in my country?

[@Wanderness]

Yes absolutely! I'll not share everything, just the ones I think are any good :)

[@anikachowdhury995]

You’re missing an item from the March box! They included a silver necklace that had a tree design but frankly, it wasn’t very pretty and cheaply made and I don’t remember the fandom/book it’s inspired by. Not a loss, disappointing box overall

[@Lala47362]

Their necklaces are always sooo ugly I don’t know which they include them when they know that no one wants to wear a plastic necklace lol

[@federicalagetti8245]

Nope that was in the February box! I got it and I agree that it was ugly. One of the cheapest items I've ever received😂

[@Wanderness]

This came in the Feb box for me and it was one of my least fav items ever! I would have been happier to not get it to be honest haha!!

[@anikachowdhury995]

@@Wandernessahh I must’ve gotten it mixed up then! To be honest, I only subscribed to FairyLoot so I could be given Early Access to buy their special edition set of The Raven Cycle, but on the day of the pre-sale, I didn’t receive an email so I messaged them and they were like oops so sorry about that but couldn’t do anything because they had sold by the time they replied to me 🙃 cancelled my subscription after that!

[@anikamercier2651]

I think the March FL was ok. But the April one nope!! 👎 I don’t like that they change the tarot card artist. Aprils I really hated. I also feel like the naked book and endpaper art totally doesn’t match the cover or the sprayed edges. Seemed like a really strange choice.

[@Wanderness]

Yep they didn't match at all, looked so odd!

[@Anna_the_salty_squirrel]

Unpopular opinion: I don't like it when they just print the book cover on the edges. It's a cheap, it's lazy and it does not translate well. I would much rather they hired artists to design something new instead of just copy&paste elements of the cover onto the book edges.

[@Wanderness]

No that's fair!! I like it when it ties into the cover, we've had some random edges on the side. City of Nightmares looks like something done in Paint

[@Lala47362]

Wtf is that underside of the april book 😂

[@Wanderness]

I know I don't know what they were thinking with the whole landscape scene

[@LifeWithStefy]

Honestly it just keeps getting worse and worse and it’s like no thought is put into it, but you know there has been just not inspired enough. I’ve been debating whether to go book only but then I get FOMO for the items that I might miss out on. So I’m happy to sell on or give away. Is probably a toxic way of thinking but hey ho I was surprised how small SFS was and agree that the artwork on the naked cover does not go with the book design for SitB but those spredges 😍😍😍

[@eugeniaC93]

April’s Owlcrate customizations are way way way nicer + the author letter is bound. So disappointed in the Fairyloot YA books lately, I’m considering unsubscribing

[@Wanderness]

I wish I could get owlcrate :(

[@NorelleLee8]

These two boxes were so weak. If they will continue the same way i think i will cancel my subscription. I don't want to pay that much money and get... art print, some weird soup bowl coaster or whatever that was and other lazy, cheap things like that. I liked only april bookmarks and taro cards(because art on them is always great). Other book boxes are doing better in terms of items-better ideas and items. Also i was so disappointed in book design this month. Cover looks basically the same as one in bookshop. I could just buy that book. And art under main cover... i don't get it. It looks like childrens book and does not go together with main cover. It looks like 2 different stories. The bottom line is - i will check one or maaaybe two more months and then decide.