The Bookish Box is a book-inspired subscription box from Appraising Pages, which is now called The Bookish Shop. This month is the first time I've gotten the box in a shipping envelope rather than a literal box. It's super cute!
Originally, The Bookish Box was a subscription box filled with bookish objects only—no actual books involved. Recently, though, they changed up their game and added several subscription varieties to choose from, including one that does have a book inside!
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 Bookish Goodies & YA Book Box, which is $28.99 a month + shipping.
About The Bookish Box Subscription Box for Book Lovers
The Subscription Box: The Bookish Box Shirt & Goodies Box Subscription
The Cost: $28.99 + shipping
Here are all the other Bookish Box options available:
- Woman’s Size Bookish Box – $29
- Young Adult Book, Goodies, and a Shirt – $43
- Adult Book, Goodies and a Shirt – $43
- Adult Book & Bookish Goodies – $32
- Plus Size Bookish Box – $32
- Jr. & Unisex Shirt and Goodies Box – $29
- YA Book & Shirt – $27
- Goodies & YA Book – $28.99
- Shirt Only – $18
The Products: Every month you’ll receive themed goodies and a young adult newly released book.
Ships To: the US for $7.50 to GA and Worldwide for an additional cost.
The Bookish Box Subscription Box "Quartz and Castles" December 2018 Review
Included in the box is an info card that listed all of the goodies included in this month’s “Quartz and Castles” box, the young adult and adult book selections for the month, the t-shirt for the month, and information on the monthly themed Bookish Box playlist on Spotify. The items you receive will depend on which Bookish Box option you choose. The back of the card describes a special members-only sale for the month of January.
Amber & Dusk by Lyra Selene - Retail Value $18.99 (found here for $12.87)
Book Summary:
“Sylvie has always known she deserves more. Out in the permanent twilight of the Dusklands, the Sisters of the Scion taught her that her legacy – her power to create illusions - was a curse. But Sylvie knows it gives her a place in Coeur d'Or, the Palais of the Amber Empress and her highborn legacies.
And 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 at the court is quickly dimmed. The empress, Serverine, invites her in only as part of a cruel wager among her beautiful and powerful courtiers. Sylvie must assume a new name – Mirage – and work to hone her magic. She begins to navigate secretive social circles and deadly games of intrigue in order to claim her spot at the court, and soon it becomes apparent things are not as they appear. However, 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 must to consider whether it is worth the price she will have to pay.”
The book is fresh off the press and has already received great reviews. I'm however having a hard time digging into this book. The author does a great job describing the setting and the characters. The backstories are great. I just keep finding myself wondering off. I read a few reviews that said the story really picks up toward the middle and finishes strong so I'll push through and see how it ends.
Bookstack Gloves by The Bookish Shop – Listed Value $16.00
These blush pink gloves are so cute. The back is stitched with a stack of books with quartz extending out from them. The hand of the gloves has a heart on the pointer finger. These gloves fit a bit snug but are otherwise really nice.
Narnia Inspired Candle by Say Anything Studio – Listed Value $8.00
Say Anything Studio, formerly Whisky Diamond Candle, made this custom designed Narnia inspired candle for The Bookish Box. Cair Paravel is the castle where the Queens and Kings of Narnia ruled in The Chronicles of Narnia. This multi-color candle smells like candy. I can’t wait to find out if the various layers have different scents.
A Darker Shade of Magic Mug by Book Worm Boutique – Listed Value $15.00
Inspired by A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab, the first book of the Shades of Magic trilogy, this mug features a quote from Schwab: "For the ones who dream of stranger worlds". It's a quote apt for an author of books with alternate universes and magical characters.
Throne of Glass Inspired Tarot Cards (Set 3/3) by Diana Dworak – Listed Value $15.00
Inspired by Throne of Glass by Sarah J Mass, these set of tarot cards features 6 artfully designed cards: The Devil, The Lovers, The High Priestess, The World, Temperance, and Judgement.
Grisha Inspired Bookish Box Collectible Pin (5/12) by Dust and Pages – Listed Value $8.00
This pin is inspired by The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, a trilogy set mainly in the fictional country of Ravka. In Ravka a form of magic known as The Small Science exists. The Grisha, the practitioners of The Small Science, is the most powerful and elite of the society and use their imposing power to manipulate matters. This pin designed by Dust and Pages with quartz and castles is well designed, sturdy and a Bookish Box collectible.
The Verdict: I liked the goodies in this month’s box – especially the mug. I also like how Bookish Box sets a theme and carries it throughout the books and book-related items. All incorporated quartz or castles in one way or the other. I’m also impressed by the diversity of partnerships highlighted in this box. I’m looking forward to the book picking up and will post my final thoughts in the comments down below.
This Bookish Box costs $36.49 and has a stated retail value of $80.99. Although I think the stated values are a little high, the total is still more than double the price of the box itself making it a good value for a newly released book and unique and book inspired goodies.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, sign-up now for a chance to get February’s box. January’s “Twisted Fairytales” box is already sold out.
Value Breakdown: This box costs $36.49 after shipping, which means that each of the 6 items in the box has an average cost of $6.08.
Check out all of our The Bookish Box reviews and the Book Subscription Box Directory!
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What do you think of the December “Quartz and Castles” 2018 Bookish Box?
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