Indie Book Connect is a monthly book subscription box for folks who feel like they've read it all, or are just looking for something off the beaten path. Each month, they'll send you two new books from two different indie authors just waiting to be discovered.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: Indie Book Connect
The Cost: $20.00 per month, or choose a 3-month prepay plan for $57.00 ($19.00 per month), a 6-month prepay plan for $105.00 ($17.50 per month), or a 12-month prepay plan for $192.00 ($16.00 per month)
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 5% off every box for life!
CODE: ADDICT
The Products: Each month, you'll receive two indie books by two different authors.
Ships to: $5.00 within the U.S. $25.00 to other destinations.
Check out all of our Indie Book Connect reviews and the Book Subscription Box Directory for more book boxes!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
The info card includes a Stephen King quote and the subscription's Facebook and Instagram handles. I like that they're so author-centric, encouraging you to leave reviews of the books in the box (presumably, via the Indie Book Connect social networks).
Indie Book Connect has set up a Goodreads group to foster discussion about these books, too. I like when book subscriptions encourage interaction between their members!
There's a bookmark in the box, which doubles as a little promotional item for Chikuna, an Etsy shop for vintage-inspired printables, downloads, and digital designs.
There's also a promotional hanging doorknob sign promoting Ashley Gallegos, one of the authors in the box.
There's also a business card for M.J. Neal, the other author featured this month.
Her info is on the back of the card.
Last Chance Baby by Ashley Gallegos - Retail Value $12.99 (Buy the Kindle version for $7.99 on Amazon)
The cover of this book makes me a little worried that this book isn't going to be a great match for my tastes. It has such a daytime-TV-soap-opera vibe (which I love in small doses, but a whole book's worth?). The writing style itself also doesn't grab me—it's not bad, it's just a little... easy? It has the fun, easily digestible feeling of a Lifetime movie. Again, I love me a Lifetime movie, but for some reason, it didn't grab me to read a story like that.
Book Summary from Amazon:
When pregnant Hailey returns to New Mexico, she’s happy to play along with the rumor that she’s running from the child’s father in Seattle—as long as it keeps the people she loves safe. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to trust ex-Navy SEAL Chuck with her life and the life of her unborn child. But Chuck has his own secrets, and he can’t ignore the red flags coming from Hailey, even though his heart says to trust her. The two soon find themselves plunged into a world of crime, espionage, and a danger that neither had anticipated.
It is signed inside, which is cool! Autographed copies always make me feel more connected with the author of the story.
Dreamer by M. J. Neal - Value $22.08 on Amazon (Retail Price $22.99)
The next book in the box is more of a fantasy novel. I love fantasy books that weave new universes and introduce unique phenomena. This one seems to do that through evocative language and moments of well-crafted suspense.
Book Summary on Amazon:
When your dreams become reality, do you dare face your nightmares?
This is the dangerous riddle that opposes the shepherd, Kelly, who has suffered from dark dreams for as long as he can remember. As an uneasy friendship forms between he and Raphim knight, Edmund Cade, the two begin to unravel both the threads of an ancient power sleeping in their land and a perilous power beginning to awaken within the boy himself.
But evil follows in ruthless pursuit as a common shepherd boy now faces both the threat of enemies and the audience of kings. Could Cade be withholding a dark secret?
Dreamer is a fantasy fiction novel that invites teens and adults into a dangerous realm rich with poetry, magic, and adventure. Join Kelly and Edmund on their quest to discover the truth behind a prophecy that has lain shrouded in the past for centuries. But if they fail, prevailing shadow may forever break and swallow the light to the ruin of all.
This one is also autographed by the author!
Verdict: While the one book felt a little too soap-opera-ish to me, I did enjoy the second book this month. Most of all, this subscription satisfies my curiosity around what lesser-known authors are producing. It's neat to see stories that don't make it to the major bookstore shelf (and if you're me, think a lot about why or why not they could hang with more mainstream publications). The subscription was $25.00 for me, after shipping, but I got about $35.00 of value inside. $25.00 is equivalent to what two new books at the bookstore would cost, so I'm comfortable with how this box is priced and valued.
What do you think of Indie Book Connect?
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