and the Story Begins is a book subscription box that delivers you two carefully selected books each month. Choose between Young Adult Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Military, Romance, Horror or up the mystery level with a Surprise Box.
Note that unlike other boxes, which include book-themed goodies, this box is books-only.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
This review is of the Young Adult Fiction, $9.99 a month, box.
The Subscription Box: and the Story Begins
The Cost: $9.99/monthly box, or choose a 3 Month subscription for $28.99 ($9.66/box) or a 6 Month subscription for $55.99 ($9.33/box). Shipping costs vary.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 25% off your subscription!
CODE: SPRING25
The Products: Two carefully selected books based on the genres you select.
Ships to: Everywhere, but shipping costs vary.
Good to know: Options available at sign-up may vary based on availability
Check out all of our and the Story Begins reviews and the Book Subscription Box Directory!
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Sekret by Lindsay Smith - Value $11.76 on Amazon (retail price $17.99)
Wow, this book reads like a spy movie for the younger set! It's set in 1960s Russia, which was a refreshing break from the futuristic scenarios YA novels so often find themselves in. There's still a good bit of science-fiction fun to be had, though. I also liked that this book is apparently the first in a series of two, so now I'm curious to read the sequel!
Book Summary from Amazon:
An empty mind is a safe mind.
Yulia's father always taught her to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive the harsh realities of Soviet Russia. But when she's captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she's thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power. Yulia quickly realizes she can trust no one--not her KGB superiors or the other operatives vying for her attention--and must rely on her own wits and skills to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.
Here's the back of the hardcover book.
Vengeance Born by Kylie Griffin - Value $15.00
This paperback is the first in the Light Blade Series, which is a fantasy romance trilogy. The world of this book is brutal—certain bloodlines are enslaved or killed, Annika, the protagonist, is abused and hated by the people around her... it's rough. But the harsh beginnings do make you root for Annika all the harder.
Book Summary from Amazon:
There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not pure bred is virtually powerless. Until an unlikely champion is born...
Annika, half-blood daughter of the Na'Reish King, longs for more than her tormented life among her father's people. Conceived in hatred and bred as a tool of retribution, she's gifted with a special talent that can heal as well as destroy...
With the Na'Reish vastly outnumbering them, Kalan, a Light Blade warrior, knows the future of humankind depends on him alone. Incursions into human territory and raids for blood-slaves by the Na'Reish Horde have increased. As Chosen-leader, he faces the task of stopping the demons-and convincing the Council of aging Light Blade warriors that change is necessary for survival.
When Annika learns Kalan is a prisoner in her father's dungeon, her dream of escape seems within reach. She agrees to free him in exchange for his protection once they reach human territory. Now, marked for death for helping him, Annika must learn to trust Kalan as they face not only the perilous journey to the border but enemies within the Council-and discover a shocking truth that could throw the human race into civil war...
FYI! I hope this doesn't spoil too much, but there's some pretty sexy stuff in this book, so if you're shopping for a younger reader, be aware that things do get a little R-rated!
Verdict: I think this was a good and the Story Begins box. I like the fact that these were both the first in short series of books, so that if I found something I liked, I could dive deeper. I also appreciate that this subscription often includes hardcover books in their boxes. That small gesture makes me think that they're really trying to help you get your money's worth. Speaking of value, the two books in this box reached about $27.00, which makes the $9.99-plus-shipping cost of the box more than worth it.
Which of the books in this month's and the Story Begins box piqued your interest the most?
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