August Owl Crate Something Wicked This Way Comes gets 4 Stars {ya lit subscription box}

Something Wicked This Way Comes, the theme for the August Owl Crate box was a fun one.  It included all things evil and dark and a lot of fun.  I gave this box 4 out of 5 stars.  It's fun and has some useful items as well.  It wasn't great mostly b/c I personally don't drink coffee and didn't get to enjoy all aspects.  However, I realize that is a pretty selfish reason to lower the rating.   

These Edgar Allan Poe socks are fun to wear; I just wish I wore socks more here in the Arizona desert living.  

Besides the main Young Adult book, this month's box included an extra book.  It's a short story collection of creepy and/or scary stories including the classic Sleepy Hollow. 

I also got a cool fountain pen with refills; it makes me want to learn calligraphy and write really cool things.  This bookmark inspired by Six of Crows is simple and fun.  I used to always use a receipt or scrap of paper as my bookmark, but my Owl Crate boxes have changed me.  Bookmarks are fun; no wonder the cool book readers of the world are all obsessed with them. 

Happenstance Coffee provided this Dark Arts coffee.  I obviously love the Harry Potter connection, but I'm not a coffee drinker.  I ended up giving this bag to a co-worker who later told me it was delicious.  If you are a coffee drinker, you should check Happenstance out.  Apparently they have a subscription service which may be a really cool gift for the coffee fan.  Plus, it's not the obvious Starbucks giftcard; therefore providing a little originality to the gift world.  

I get an Owl Crate every month b/c it is fun, and I love building my YA book collection.  This month The Hearts We Sold by Emily Lloyd-Jones  is a story about friendship, inner strength, and the power of love.  I love the letter we always get from the author which gives a little insight into what inspired the story.  I love the signed name plate, and the unique and exclusive covers.  The little details Owl Crate thinks about is fun, and a reason I love these boxes.  

I've just started this book, but it's a blend of sci-fi, fantasy and romance.  Since, it may be a little bit before I give you a full review of The Hearts We Sold, the book description will have to do.  

"When Dee Moreno makes a deal with a devil--her heart in exchange for an escape from a disastrous home life--she finds her trade may be more than she bargained for. And becoming "heartless" is only the beginning. What lies ahead is a nightmare far bigger, far more monstrous than anything she ever could have imagined. 

With reality turned on its head, Dee has only a group of other deal-making teens to keep her grounded, including the charming but secretive James Lancer. And as something like love grows between them amidst an otherworldly ordeal, Dee begins to wonder: can she give James her heart when it's no longer hers to give?

The Hearts We Sold is a Faustian tale for the modern age that will steal your heart and break it, and leave you begging for more. " 

What do you think?  Sound like a worthy read?

As always, if you get a different book subscription box that you love (it has to include a book b/c that is what I love the most) please share it with me.  I'm open to trying something new, even if I do thoroughly enjoy Owl Crate.  

Also, the Owl Crate links are referral links; it is just in case you are interested in a subscription for yourself or a friend.  Owl Crate also has a Junior box which is perfect for upper elementary school kids.  

Happy reading!  Happy fandom fun!  Happy Monday! 

Make It Out Alive- Owlcrate June 2017 {dystopian, ya, subscription box}

I've been getting an Owl Crate, a young adult literature subscription box, almost every month for over a year now.  I always get a good book, and fun fandom items in every box.

I'm the only one to read the books, but the whole family enjoys many of the fandom items.   We've increased our Pop Funko collection since getting Owl Crates, and my oldest has a piano bag, my son has a wallet, and my youngest has a dance bag all thanks to the Owl Crate boxes.  

I usually wait to share the boxes contents with you until after I read the book.  Hence, this box is from June.  However, I have such a long TBR pile that I sometimes don't get to the books as quickly as I'd like.  I may change that decision, and share them with you right after getting them.  Any opinions?  

"Make It Out Alive" was the theme for June's Owl Crate.  Basically, it is a dystopia theme.  In my past I have enjoyed many dystopian books like Hunger Games, Divergent, Flawed (from a previous Owl Crate box), Legend, and more.  Hence, why I was quicker to pick this box's book up. 

Factions... Can you name that dystopian book?  If you said Divergent, well done! This box came with a Determine Your Faction Bath Bomb by Fizzy Fairy Apothecary.  Personally, I think it is super fun, but I am a nerd, to determine your faction.  This bath bomb is the sorting hat for Divergent. So fun!  

Fizzy Fairy Apothecary has some other amazing bath bombs; definitely go check them out.  They would make a great gift for a bath lover.   The Chocolate Frog bath bomb and the Patronus bath bombs are probably some of my favorites. HP Love!   

The strong An Ember in the Ashes magnet, The Giver patch, and the fun pin all shown above were great additions to the box.  I love the magnet by Little Inklings Design; the quote speaks to my soul.  I also love the patch b/c The Giver was the original Dystopian book.   

Every Owl Crate box comes with a pin related to that month's theme.  I always add the pins to my work lanyard, and my co-worker refers to such pins as my bling. Book related pins are totally acceptable bling for librarians.  

This Zombie sleep mask from Archie McPhee is totally random and not something I would ever buy for myself.  I'm not really a sleep mask kind of girl, but I am a girl that loves pranks.  When my daughter saw this mask she knew exactly what she wanted to do.  She hid the mask under her pillow, and then put it on when she laid down that night. She wanted to scare Daddy with it, and I thought that was awesome. 

She obviously didn't scare him, but it was definitely fun.  The 5 and 2 year old had plenty of fun with the mask too. Who wouldn't want a little zombie fun in their life?! ;) 

Overall, the Make It Out Alive Owl Crate box is a fun one.  Not only did I get some fun fandom items, but this box came with not just one but two books.  Plus, the hardcover book always come with a letter from the author and the author's signature on a nameplate which is fun too!

Check the blog tomorrow fro my book review of The Sandcastle Empire.  

Overall, I wouldn't say an Owl Crate subscription box, or any subscription box, is something I or anyone NEEDS.  However, it is a lot of fun, and sometimes I need some fun.  

I personally have looked at a few different literature subscription boxes.  So far, I've always been most impressed with Owl Crate b/c of the books they select and the variety of the fandom items.  If you decide to go with Owl Crate I wouldn't mind if you used the link above.  Apparently, I could maybe get a free box, but I'm not holding my breath for that to ever happen for me.  ;)

I have looked at Lit Joy Crate for the picture book box, but I haven't been sold on them yet.  Though, if you know of any awesome literature subscription boxes send them my way.

   

Caraval gets 4 Stars {ya lit, fantasy, subscription box}

What do you get when you mix the books Night Circus and Mr. Lemoncello's Library?  Caraval by Stephanie Garber is most definitely the answer.

This fantasy young adult fiction novel has the magic of a traveling circus of sorts, but a scavenger hunt type of a game.  It's a fun read, and earns 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  

I felt Caraval was a well written story, with a complex storyline, and good character development.  There were many aspects of the story that surprised me; I find myself feeling this novel was creative, fun, and unpredictable story with a happy ending.  It was definitely a fun read.   

The fun unpredictable story was great, but I also truly loved seeing Scarlett grow in confidence throughout the story.  Scarlett started as a girl that was afraid of her abusive father and throughout the story she began trusting herself more, standing up for herself, and even fighting for what she wanted.  Confidence is something I believe teens could definitely use more of, and a book that highlights how a character builds her confidence is definitely worthy of a check-out. 

Caraval is a mostly clean read.  There is no language, sex, or drugs, but there is violence related to action as well as sex being referred to tho it never happened.

In regards to the audience, this book is best geared for 8th graders and up.  It's a long book, and not a constant page turner therefore it is not for the reluctant reader.  However, reluctant readers, and all y'all that drive a lot or find life is too busy to read, will really enjoy the audiobook, which is well read, and gets you into the setting and suspense that much more.

A few aspects of the story that I wish was done better is in regards to the romance and the abuse.  Scarlett's romance with Julian was a bit too instant, but I guess that is the YA coming out.  Though, the romance just seemed too sudden and unbelievable.  I also felt the parent-child abuse Scarlett and Donatella experience by their father wasn't dealt with.  With abuse being a big aspect to the story, I feel Garber missed an opportunity to give her book more value and depth.

Overall, Caraval is a fun story.  It isn't amazing, but it's an enjoyable light fantasy read.  Definitely give it a check-out this summer. 

Just so you have a better idea of the storyline, Amazon had the following book description: 

"Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away."

I got this book in my February Owlcrate box, but it took me a couple months before I could get around to reading it. However, I felt the box was fun even though I don't use a lot of it. The tote bag does make an excellent piano lessons bag for my daughter, and the cotton candy chapstick is pretty fun. 

What did you think of Caraval? 

Happy Fantasy YA Lit Reading!  


Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 13 - 18 year olds, 8th grade and upWorth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: Not.
Read Aloud: it's a great audiobook, so it could be a great read aloud, but I probably wouldn't.
Lesson Ideas: Confidence, Family relationships

January OwlCrate Classic Remix gets 3 Stars {ya lit subscription box}

Once a month a cute little brown box arrives on my door; it is full of goodies inside and a new book to read.  I like to think it's an owl that delivered it, but it never comes at breakfast when the House Elves are making breakfast. ;)  Though, when my white truck delivery man drops the package at my door it is definitely a glorious day.  I love when my OwlCrate comes in the mail. 

January's box was themed Classic Remix and I gave the box as a whole 3 out of 5 stars.  it was an okay box, but nothing that blew my mind or I was super excited about.  There was some delicious smelling soap, but I rarely use bar soap.  This box also contained a calendar, tea, magnet, bookmark, and the book RoseBlood by A.G. Howard. 

I think the items in this box that I enjoy the most is the magnet and bookmark, b/c their design is beautiful. I feel Sweet Sequels did a great job creating a creative and original Phantom of the Opera magnet.  Plus, that Etsy shop has an amazing Harry Potter quilt that I am currently drooling over. It is amazing!  I also think the sturdy cardstock watercolor bookmark from Lexy Olivia is simple and beautiful, and her Etsy shop says they are all handmade.  Wow! 

The calendar by Obvious State is cool and well designed, but I just don't have a great place to put it.  The soap, by TeaSoapBooks, is in the shape of an open book.  It is super cute and smells amazing; I just wish I used bar soap.  The tea, by First Edition Tea Co, is a mint herbal tea and it is inspired by The Little Prince.  I love that book and love that their teas are based on books.  Though, I keep forgetting to try the tea b/c I am in love with my apple cider vinegar tea right now.  Oh it is yummy!

Finally, the whole reason for the subscription box is the young adult literature book.  January's book was RoseBlood by A.G. Howard.  It is a continuation of sort of The Phantom of the Opera.  I was actually incredibly excited for this book b/c I love The Phantom of the Opera.   I haven't been a huge fan of Howard's work in the past, but that didn't even sway my excitement for this book.

Besides the book, every OwlCrate box includes a letter from the author and a signature sticker.  I like those little touches.  It's fun!  

This may not have been my favorite box, and I probably wouldn't have spent the $30 on it had I known how I was going to feel about the book, but yet I don't regret the box either.  Does that make any sense at all?  

The book review of RoseBlood will be on the blog tomorrow.  Check back tomorrow!  

I am still loving my OwlCrate subscription box, but I am definitely intrigued with the OwlCrate Jr. boxes with a middle grade fiction book and fandom.  Those boxes are geared toward 8-12 year olds.  I may have to try it out one month to see what I think.  

I know there are several subscription boxes out there, but I don't know all of them.   Do you get any?  Which ones are your favorite?  

Happy subscription box mail and happy book reading! 

September OwlCrate Subscription Box- YA Fantasy

I have a 5, 4, and almost 2 year old (day before Halloween), but yet my Young Adult Literature Subscription Box, OwlCrate, is a family affair.  My kids get some of the fun stuff, and we all partake in the excitement of opening it.  If I was a really good mom I'd get a kids subscription box, but I've yet to find one I really love.  

Today, I'm reviewing my September OwlCrate box, it had a Darkness theme which included a dark fantasy ya/teen read.   I thought this box was a lot of fun, but I really do love most of my OwlCrate boxes.  All in all, I've been very happy with my first subscription box service. 

Included in this box were a couple fun and unique items.  I love the Fortune Telling Bath Bomb; you take a bath and eventually you'll have a yes or no question to whatever deep conundrum you may have.  I like that the Da Bomb Bath Fizzers were created by to teenage sisters, and every one of their bath bombs has a surprise inside. What a cool concept. 

If a fortune telling bath bomb wasn't enough of a "spoil yourself" kind of night, this OwlCrate box included an amazingly smelling candle from The Melting Library. These book inspired candles are all hand poured, and the normal candle sizes found on the etsy site has the best library card covers.  They are awesome, and I spotted a couple Harry Potter candles I feel I may need to purchase.  

The book fandom fun didn't stop there with this box.  A cool Miss. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children pouch.  My son was quick to claim that one, and though I really wanted it b/c it was so cool looking I figured this pouch was a better fit from the shiny purple pouch he was "borrowing" from his sister. 

Finally, the book.  Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake was the dark fantasy young adult literature book that came in this box.  Check back tomorrow for my full review of this first in a series book.  I also love that OwlCrate includes a letter from the author and now a book plate sticker with the author's signature.  As well, this book included an old school paper fortune teller as shown in the picture below.  It wasn't until I opened my box and started folding the paper did I remember how they were made.  Man, I made hundreds of these paper fortune tellers in my elementary school days.  

All in all, September's OwlCrate box was another winner.  

If you have any questions about OwlCrate I'm happy to answer them.  This box is something I pay about $35 for myself b/c it is something fun for me.  I like books, and I like the fun things included in the boxes.  

 Rarely as a mom do I ever do things just for me, but this is something I love doing just for me (even though my kids partake in the fun). Now, if you have a teenager, I'd say most of the boxes are geared towards girls) that is a big reader this could make a really fun gift for them.  

If you sign up through my link here we both get a little bonus. 

Happy YA literature fandom and book fun enjoyment!  

Do you do any subscription boxes? 

Owlcrate July Good vs. Evil YA Lit Subscription Box Review

Another month means another Owlcrate YA Literature subscription box to review. Good vs. Evil was this month's theme, and I got a Good box.  Some got Evil boxes with the Death Star and Voldemort, but I got the box I wanted.  

I've been doing Owlcrate for 4 months or so, and I am loving the fandom, bookmarks, jewelry, letters from the author, and the books of course.  I've actually been quite impressed that there hasn't been one item of any of the Owlcrates that I haven't liked.  I mean, I have really liked the books, and I'm a tough grader.    

If you are interested in trying them out they're about $36 (that includes tax and shipping) a month; click here and we both win.  In every box you get a hardback YA book, letter from the author, artwork, and usually 3 fandom items.  The 20th of August is the last day to order the August box which has the theme of YA High aka school setting.  There have been a lot of Harry Potter hints on Owlcrate's Instagram account, so I'm hoping there's some awesome HP stuff.  I will also say that this is not a sponsored post; I pay for my subscription.    

Check out all of the stuff that was found in the July Owlcrate box.  The little girl found in the picture above is a cute Alice in Wonderland magnet bookmark.  There in the back is a small coloring book of the book covers of the latest books they've sent.  Plus, there were letter's from the author and the Victoria Schwab's signature.  It was a great box!

This absolutely awesome Millennium Falcon wooden necklace may be my favorite fandom in this month's box.  I never knew I needed this necklace from VectorEngraving until I got it and LOVE wearing it with my Star Wars shirt.  Sure, I'm a total nerd wearing such fandom gear, but I'm also a librarian so I'm already in the nerd department.  I proudly wear it, and my daughter has worn it on more than one occassion as well. We both love it!   

The necklace and this Dobby Pop Funko may tie as my favorite items in this Owlcrate box.  I love building my PopFunko collection, and I love that Dobby is holding a sock.  So much love here.  

Also, if you haven't checked out the illustrated Harry Potter book, found behind Dobby in the picture above, you need to!  It's amazing! The illustrated book wasn't found in this month's box; I already own it and have pre-ordered Chamber of Secrets coming out in October. 

Finally, the whole reason I get this subscription box is b/c of the books.  Owlcrate chooses great books, and I am excited to read this newly released hilarious romantic novel.  The Salvage Song by Victoria Schwab is apparently set in a dystopian future with monsters and a Romeo and Juliet like love story.   Don't worry, I will review it as soon as I finish it. 

All in all, well done Owlcrate!  Another great box, and I look forward to August's box.  

Do you do any subscription boxes?  There are loads of book subscription boxes, and I'd love to do many of them.  I actually have an idea to start my own, but I just don't know how to do it.  If you want to collaborate give me a holler.  

Happy YA reading and happy book fandom fun! 

Owlcrate June Royalty YA Lit Subscription Box Review

2016 was the year for me to try a monthly Lit Box.  Literature Boxes are a subscription box that includes a book and some other book fandom.

I chose Owlcrate b/c of the obvious Harry Potter inspired name which is awfully similar to my blog name.  Us HP fanatics need to stick together.   I've received several Owlcrates, and I've actually loved every single one.  All of the books I've received have been great books and the extra stuff has been so fun.

 Owlcrate is a YA (Young Adult Literature) book themed box, but I've been considering a couple different Children's Picture Book Lit Boxes.

 I love getting Owlcrate, and my kids love opening it with me.  However, they are a bit young for the books (being that they are 1, 4, and 5), and I think they would really love a box geared to them.  I'll review them when I finally decided which one I'm going to do.  Do you have any kid book box subscription suggestions?

The June Owlcrate box was themed Royalty, and they mentioned that if you liked Cinder you'd like this box.  Since I love fractured fairy tales I figured I'd like this month's subscription box.

My kids absolutely love seeing this box on our doorstep, and to be honest so do I.

This month's box included the cutest little Cinderella magnetic bookmarks from craftedvan.  Craftedvan has some of the cutest bookmarks and cards.  Go check them out on Etsy or Instagram. I honestly feel super cute when I use these bookmarks: I'm not sure how it's possible to feel cute while reading b/c of a bookmark, but somehow I do.

On Instagram Owlcrate had promised a mystery Miniature Pop Funko figurine, and I was excited. I have a Ron Weasley Pop Funko, and I definitely wanted to add to my collection.  I've always loved a good mystery, and my kids were anxious to help me solve the mystery to see which Pop Funko we got.

We were lucky enough to get Jasmine, and my kids love it.  Ever since we met Jasmine at Disney World my kids have been a fan of her, so this Pop Funko was a win for us.

The June Owlcrate box also included this very cool Rich Love Shoppe bracelet inspired by Cinder, the book by Marissa Meyer.  One neat thing about Owlcrate is some of the items you get in the subscription box you can't get anywhere else, which is the case with this jewelry item. Lovely, right?!

I love all of the little fandom items I get, but to be honest I get most excited for the book.  Owlcrate does a fantastic job of sending really great books, and with every book you get a letter from the author.  For me, a subscription box is fun but it is only worth it if you like and enjoy it.  I've enjoyed every box and every item.  I still get giddy when I get to use my Patronus Chapstick by The Geeky Cauldron.

This month, My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand is the lucky book for this Royalty Owlcrate box.  My Lady Jane is touted as a lighthearted alternative history, fantasy, romance, adventure, humorous book about Lady Jane Grey in 16th century England.

For my review of this 4.5/5 star book, My Lady Jane click here.

All in all, I am very happy with my Owlcrate (yes I totally pay with this myself).  They are so fun to get, and they are a perfect gift or present for a bookworm in your life.  

Are you addicted to Subscription Boxes?  Which ones have you done?


Happy Reading and Happy Booknerding (yes I totally turned that into a verb)! :)