Have you ever wanted to purchase a subscription to Owlcrate? Have you ever wondered if it was truly worth the cost? Never fear, Maria is here. I subscribed to Owlcrate for a year so you don’t have to!

Join me as I discuss my thoughts on each monthly Owlcrate box from March 2016 all the way until February 2017! I’ll tell you what I liked, what I didn’t and if I have even read the book yet or not!

So, is Owlcrate worth it? Keep reading to find out!

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March 2016: Writer’s Block

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Have I Read The Book?: YES!

First Impressions: YASSS!

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Out Of Print Socks

Ahh, my very first Owlcrate box…and the book was none other than The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner. At the time, I was super eager to get my hands on this book. Funny thing is, I did just that. I had already pre-ordered this book, so when I got it in my box I already had a copy! But that’s okay! I held my very first giveaway through Big City Bookworm! Also I didn’t mind receiving all of the cute little bookish items within this box! This is still one of my favourite crates to this day!

 

What’s In The Box?!

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

642 Tiny Things to Write About (published by Chronicle Books )

‘Banned Books’ Socks ( Out of Print )

Feather Quill Pen ( Kikkerland )

Custom 3-pack of Pins ( Bookworm Boutique )

Exclusive The Serpent King ‘Column’ Postcard and Author Letter.

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April 2016: Dystopia

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

Have I Read The Book?: No.

First Impressions: Intrigued.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Coaster & Notebook

At the time that this box was being delivered, I had been hearing a lot about Flawed by Cecelia Ahern through the booktube community. It seemed like a lot of people had it as one of their most anticipated books that they were looking forward to picking up. However, this was not the case for me. As soon as I noticed it was labeled as a dystopian, I had already decided that I didn’t want to read it. Once upon a time, maybe…but dystopians have been low on my list of books that I want to read. They just sadly aren’t my thing anymore.

 

What’s In The Box?!

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

Shatter Me Coaster ( Evie Bookish )

1984 Notebook ( Manuscript Notebooks )

Maze Runner Decal ( Shailey Ann Designs )

Mockingjay Bracelet ( The Geeky Cauldron )

Hunger Games Magnet ( HalfBloodPrints )

Exclusive Flawed Mini-Poster and Author Letter.

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May 2016: Steampunk

Everland by Wendy Spinale

Have I Read The Book?: No.

First Impressions: Not For Me.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Literally nothing.

The theme was steampunk guys. Not that I have anything against the steampunk culture, but again, this is just something that isn’t for me at all. I tried, I really tried to like something..anything from this box, but I really just didn’t. I hate chunky jewelry, nail wraps are totally not my thing and the book was just a no for me. I’m sure this box pleased a lot of customers, but unfortunately this has probably been my least favourite Owlcrate box so far.

 

 

What’s In The Box?!

Everland by Wendy Spinale

‘Barrie 1860-1937’ Peter Pan Art Print ( Creative Daffodil )

Steampunk Nail-Wraps ( Espionage Cosmetics )

Key Necklace ( Crystal Compass )

‘Steamworks’ Metal Accessory ( Elope )

‘Clockwork Angel’ Ring ( Sparks Emporium )

Exclusive Everland Tattoos and Author Letter.

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June 2016: Royalty

My Lady Jane by by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows

Have I Read The Book?: Not yet.

First Impressions: Cool theme!

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Magnetic Bookmarks + Funko Mystery Mini

I’m sorry if this is starting to feel a little repetitive, but Royalty as a theme is again, something that just didn’t really pique my interest. So many people knew exactly what this book was going to be based on the theme and I had no idea solely because I just don’t care to look into books that have to do with royalty and kingdoms, except for a select few of course. However, once I received this box, I became intrigued by the book and I really did enjoy a lot of the items within it! This one was definitely a pleasant surprise for me!

What’s In The Box?!

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows

Red Queen -inspired Art Print ( Evie Bookish )

Lunar Chronicles -inspired Bracelet ( Rich Love Shoppe )

Disney Mystery Mini ( Funko )

‘Royalty’ Magnetic Bookmarks ( Crafted Van )

Exclusive My Lady Jane Author Letter and Paper Crown.

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July 2016: Good vs. Evil

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

Have I Read The Book?: Yes!

First Impressions: PLEASE let me get evil!

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): The Funko POP! I got a Dementor!

Now here’s a theme that completely had my attention. Good vs. Evil? Count me in. The cool thing about this box was that you could get one of two variations. Good or Evil. The book was the same in both, but the bookish items were different. I won’t lie to you, I instantly prayed for the Evil box because clearly I have no soul. My praying paid off and I received the Evil box! Here’s the thing though, This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab was one of my most anticipated books of the year and I had totally already pre-ordered it…so, you guessed it. I hosted another giveaway! Overall, this was probably my favourite box that I received throughout my subscription.

What’s In The Box?!

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

Millenium Falcon/Death Star Necklace ( Vector Engraving )

Luna Lovegood/Draco Malfoy POP Figure ( Funko )

Alice/Queen of Hearts Magnetic Bookmark ( Jane’s Tiny Things )

Illuminae -inspired Sticker ( Drop and Give me Nerdy )

“YA Covers to Color” Coloring Book ( HCC Frenzy )

Exclusive This Savage Song Author Letter and Signed Bookplate.

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August 2016: Fast Times At YA High

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Have I Read The Book?: Not yet!

First Impressions: This seems cute!

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Harry Potter print.

A box that promised a cute contemporary? Love it. Once in a while you just need those light fluffy reads and it’s always great to have some on hand. Especially for someone like me who totally loved to dive into dark and depressing books and sometimes needs a little break from them. Overall, this box contained a lot of cute bookish items that I actually really enjoyed! In terms of the book, I hadn’t heard of it and I had never read anything by Kasie West before, but I have since heard amazing things about her and this story, so I really do hope to get to this book soon!

What’s In The Box?!

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Eleanor & Park -inspired Pendant Necklace ( OwlCrate )

Hogwarts Button ( Taryn Draws )

“Golden Trio” Art Print ( Susanne Draws )

“Stress Relieving Patterns” Adult Coloring Book ( Blue Star Coloring)

Pocket-Sized Decomposition Notebook ( Bookbinders.com )

Exclusive OwlCrate “Chapter Raptor” Button.

Exclusive P.S. I Like You Author Letter, Signed Bookplate and Coloring Pencils.

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September 2016: Darkness

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Have I Read The Book?: Not yet!

First Impressions: The theme fits my aesthetic.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Fortune telling bath bomb.

As you have probably already guessed, I LOVED the idea of Darkness as a theme. Totally perfect for a reader like me. I hadn’t heard of Three Dark Crowns before receiving this box, but I instantly became intrigued by the synopsis. Shortly after receiving this box, I had the opportunity to meet Kendare Blake at a book signing where she further discussed the concept behind Three Dark Crowns which made me want to read it even more. I still haven’t had the chance to pick it up, but I hope to soon!

 

What’s In The Box?!

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Canvas Pouch ( Out of Print )

Fortune Telling Bath Bomb ( Da Bomb )

Six of Crows -inspired Bookmark ( Evie Bookish )

Throne of Glass -inspired Candle ( The Melting Library )

Moon Chosen Passport ( St. Martin’s Press )

Remade Chapter Sample ( Serial Box )

Exclusive OwlCrate “Owl Statue” Button.

Exclusive Three Dark Crowns Author Letter, Signed Bookplate and Fortune Teller.

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October 2016: Once Upon A Dream

Vassa In The Night by Sarah Porter

Have I Read The Book?: No.

First Impressions: I’m feeling indifferent on this one.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Wizard Of OZ notebook.

Once upon a dream seemed like a very vague theme at first and I had a hard time trying to figure out what could possible be in this box. Of course, it turned out to be Vassa In The Night which I had heard a lot about through various booktubers and bloggers. Unfortunately, the synopsis just really didn’t grab me at all and I have since determined that I won’t be picking this one up. The box as a whole was a little underwhelming for me personally and I ended up feeling a little indifferent about the whole thing.

 

What’s In The Box?!

Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter

Peter Pan Beanie (Whosits & Whatsits)

Sleeping Beauty Charm Bracelet (The Geeky Cauldron)

Wizard of Oz Notebook (The Unemployed Philosophers Guild)

Fabric Button Bookmark (My Heart My Tribe)

Exclusive OwlCrate “Spinning Wheel” Button.

Exclusive Vassa in the Night Author Letter, Signed Bookplate and Temporary Tattoo.

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November 2016: Wonderland

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Have I Read The Book?: Not yet!

First Impressions: I knew exactly which book this would be once the theme was revealed.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Tea tin.

I think every single person who was subscribed to Owlcrate at the time of this box knew exactly what book this box would contain. It was SUPER obvious, but I don’t think that mattered to a lot of people as Heartless by Marissa Meyer was on almost every single Most Anticipated list I came across. Now, I personally have never read anything by Marissa Meyer before (I know…I’m working on it) therefore, I wasn’t super excited about this box. However, I am always super excited about origin stories…especially origin stories for someone who is considered to be a villain. I haven’t read this book yet, but I’m definitely planning to soon! Also, look at the pretty exclusive cover!!

What’s In The Box?!

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (published by Rock Paper Books, artwork by Risa Rodil)

Alice in Wonderland Bookmark ( Rock Paper Books / Risa Rodil )

Wonderland Elixir Tea Tin ( Riddle’s Tea Shoppe / Adagio Teas )

“Imagination is the only weapon…” Magnet ( Evie Bookish )

“Curiouser and Curiouser…” Metal Bookmark ( Authored Adornments )

Exclusive OwlCrate “Falling Alice” Button.

Exclusive Heartless Author Letter and Art Print.

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December 2016: Epic

Of Fire And Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

Have I Read The Book?: Not yet!

First Impressions: Always down for an LGBTQIA+ YA novel.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Lord Of The Rings book pin.

The theme was Epic and I could not for the life of me figure out what book would be in this box. Once the theme was elaborated on a little and mentioned an LGBTQIA+ relationship, I had a small inkling that it might be Of Fire and Stars, but I wasn’t certain. I’m glad that it was though, as I really do want to check out this book eventually! Not to mention the amazing items that were inside the box! It was really hard for me to choose one item to list above. On top of the Lord Of The Rings pin, I really loved the Darker Shade of Magic sticker, the Game Of Thrones coasters and of course, the Harry Potter Funko mystery mini! This was a pretty great box and I hope to read the book soon!

What’s In The Box?!

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

Harry Potter Mystery Mini ( Funko )

Narnia-inspired Greeting Card ( Susanne Draws )

Lord of the Rings -inspired Enamel Pin ( Jane Mount )

A Darker Shade of Magic -inspired Sticker ( Miss Phi )

Game of Thrones Coasters ( Dark Horse Comics )

Exclusive OwlCrate “Owl Skull” Button.

Exclusive Of Fire and Stars Author Letter and Bookmark.

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January 2017: Classic Remix

Roseblood by A.G. Howard

Have I Read The Book?: No.

First Impressions: Love Phantom, not really a fan of retellings though.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Bookish calendar.

This box was a bit of a miss for me unfortunately. While I enjoy The Phantom of The Opera, I’ve just never really been a huge fan of retellings for the most part. I had also recently heard some reviews on Roseblood by A.G. Howard that completely turned me off from wanting to read it. The bookish items within the box were also a little underwhelming for me personally, however I really do love the little calendar and I have it up at my desk at work!

 

What’s In The Box?!

Roseblood by A.G. Howard

“Children’s Stories” 2017 calendar (Obvious State)

Slaughterhouse Five-inspired Watercolor Bookmark (Lexy Olivia)

Phantom of the Opera-inspired Magnet (Sweet Sequels)

Wires and Nerve Poster

The Little Prince-inspired Mint Tea (First Edition Tea)

The Secret Garden-inspired Book-Shaped Soap (TeaSoapBooks)

Exclusive OwlCrate “Theater” Button.

Exclusive Roseblood Author Letter and Signed Bookplate.

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February 2017: Run Away With The Circus

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Have I Read The Book?: Not yet!

First Impressions: Another one where I knew exactly what the book was going to be.

Favourite Item (Besides The Book): Tote bag.

I mean, who hasn’t badly wanted to read Caraval? Oh yeah, this girl. I don’t know…circus themes just don’t really excite me that much unless it’s mixed with a little bit of horror. I know, I’m weird. However, I really do want to at least try and read this one. It’s been referred to as The Night Circus for YA and although I haven’t read The Night Circus yet, it has been on my TBR for a while now. The circus themed items within the box were super cute though and this box has a really pretty aesthetic overall!

 

What’s In The Box?!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Cinnamon Donut Lip-Balm (Geek Fire Labs)

Carnival-themed Sticky Page Flags (Girl of all Work)

Caramel-Popcorn Mini Soy Candle (Frostbeard)

Upcycled Playing-Card Notebook (Attic Journals)

Exclusive OwlCrate “Acrobats” Button.

Exclusive Caraval Author Letter, Signed Bookplate and Art Print.

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There you have it! A year’s worth of Owlcrate subscription boxes! I honestly can’t even believe that I have been subscribed for a year already. My mind is blown. Now for the big question that I’m sure you want answered. Was it worth it?

Overall, it was super fun and exciting to receive a mystery box every month that contained a new YA release as well as fun bookish items all within a certain theme. While I did get a few books that I really wanted, as well as discovering a few I may have never picked up…I think it’s time for my subscription to end. Not because I didn’t enjoy these boxes, because I really really did and I can appreciate all of the hard work that went into curating them, but because I don’t think my TBR and wallet can take any more books that I don’t necessarily need/want. The cool thing about Owlcrate is that if the theme seems like something you wouldn’t enjoy, you can skip a month and wait to use your subscription on a theme that suits your preferences. I decided to go through the year without skipping any boxes so I could provide you with a better look at the variation in themes.

I may come back to Owlcrate in the future, or maybe I’ll try and look into another box for a year…time will tell!

Click here if you want to learn more about Owlcrate and their subscription service!