OwlCrate is a YA book subscription box. Each month they send you a newly released YA book with some bookish goodies.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About OwlCrate YA
The Subscription Box: OwlCrate YA
The Cost: $29.99 plus shipping ($6.99 to US, $10.59 to Canada, $19.99 Worldwide)
DEAL: Use coupon code WELCOME10 to save 10% off your first month!
The Products: A new YA book and 3-5 book-related goodies.
Ships to: US for $6.99, Canada for $10.59, and International for $19.99
OwlCrate December 2018 "Power Of Illusions" Review
Each box comes with a card detailing the items included. This month’s theme is “Power of Illusions.”
OwlCrate also included a booklet featuring a letter from the author, a word search, and the January theme reveal.
JANUARY THEME SPOILER:
An extra insert was also enclosed again featuring the January theme “Magical Artifacts.”
Amber & Dusk by Lyra Selene – Retail Value $18.99 (found here for $12.87)
This edition of the book was signed by the author and features an exclusive cover! This was an interesting fantasy book – full of adventure and mystery. The writing style of this author is a bit flowery for me, I found myself skimming some of the pages just to get the gist. While it’s not my favorite YA book, I liked it enough to add Lyra Selene to my watch list and keep an eye out for her next book.
Book Summary from Amazon:
Sylvie has always known she deserves more. Out in the permanent twilight of the Dusklands, her guardians called her power to create illusions a curse. But Sylvie knows it gives her a place in Coeur d'Or, the palais of the Amber Empress and her highborn legacies.
So Sylvie sets off toward the Amber City, a glittering jewel under a sun that never sets, to take what is hers.
But her hope for a better life is quickly dimmed. The empress invites her in only as part of a wicked wager among her powerful courtiers. Sylvie must assume a new name, Mirage, and begin to navigate secretive social circles and deadly games of intrigue in order to claim her spot. Soon it becomes apparent that nothing is as it appears and no one, including her cruel yet captivating sponsor, Sunder, will answer her questions. As Mirage strives to seize what should be her rightful place, she'll have to consider whether it is worth the price she must pay.
An extraordinary vividly rendered YA debut.
A letter from the author is also included with the book. I loved what she wrote, “even a world without night can play host to shadows.”
Exclusive! Lunar Queen Candle by Flick the Wick
This 2 oz. soy blackberry & vanilla scented candle smells divine! It’s inspired by Queen Levana (from The Lunar Chronicles) and although she is evil, this candle should bring you nothing but goodness!
Exclusive! Tote Bag by Stella Bookish Art
This tote bag has oversized handles, making it roomy enough to wear on your shoulder over a bulky coat. The material is thick, yet lightweight and seems as if it would dry easily. I love the dark design – it's a nod to the mysterious character Legend from Caravel and Legendary.
Exclusive! OwlCrate Planner by OwlCrate – Retail $14.99
I took a ton of photos of this planner because I wanted you to really see how thoughtful it is! There are bookish quotes, places to jot down your favorite books, and even rating systems so you can remember what you liked and which sequel you're going to pass on! This planner is really all that you need to stay organized – while I'm a little more tech savvy and don't often turn to a paper planner, this is going to be the perfect gift to my librarian friend!
Exclusive! Wooden Ornament by Juniper and Ivy Designs
This ornament is a perfect fit for me, although I never read the book that inspired it, The Crown’s Games. My son collects snow globes, and the little wooden ornament is a great (non-breakable!) item to add to his little collection. It says “Imagine, and it shall be. There are no limits.” What a great message!
Exclusive! Magnet by Ink and Wonder Designs
Funny enough – my toddler son also collects magnets, and this one has a carousel horse on it! How adorable! This magnet is inspired by The Night Circus, and features the quote, “we lead strange lives, chasing our dreams around from place to place.”
Exclusive! Amber Necklace
Obviously related to this month’s book pick – this Amber necklace is a small (around ½” pendant) on a delicate gold colored chain. While it’s clearly costume jewelry, it’s a cute addition to the box and totally fits into the curation.
Exclusive! King of Fools Excerpt (release date April 30, 2019)
The last item is a pretty sizeable excerpt from a highly anticipated April release from Amanda Foody, the next in the Shadow Game Series.
Verdict: This is a beautifully curated and well thought out box. I’m happy with the value that I received this month. The artwork and detail on all the items are fantastic and beautiful. I paid $36.98 ($29.99 + $6.99 US Shipping) and received 7 items (not including the book excerpt). Using straight math, that’s like paying about $5.28 per item.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you will start with the February box.
Coupon - Use coupon code WELCOME10 to save 10% off your first month!
Value Breakdown: This box costs $29.99 + $6.99 US shipping, which means that each of the 7 items in the box has an average cost of $5.28.
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