January’s OwlCrate, a reveal and review by Cat

OwlCrate – A Box of Bookish Goodies

OwlCrate is one of many book boxes currently available for all the bibliophiles of the world. OwlCrate’s focus is on Young Adult (with a strong leaning towards fantasy), and each monthly box includes a new young adult book and several bookish goodies. Included in the goodies will always be an exclusive pin.

Best of all (for those collectors out there), each month has a special theme for the entire box.

January’s theme for OwlCrate was Thrill of the Hunt.

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*In case it wasn’t obvious, don’t look too closely at the rest of this post if you’re hoping to avoid spoilers!

So, you might be wondering where my review of OwlCrate’s December box went. No, you didn’t miss it! The December box was seriously delayed thanks to shipping issues, as they had to wait for one final item to arrive. That box is now in my hands (and I think that is the case for most subscribers at this point?), so a reveal/review will be coming out shortly.

Before I dive into the rest of this box, let’s take a moment to discuss one of OwlCrate’s big changes for the year. This year, instead of having their monthly pins inspired by the book within the box, they decided to take things in a different direction. The new 2022 Pin Collection is going to be a luggage theme, and I am all sorts of here for it. I don’t know if they’ll carry this theme into future years, or if they’ll pick a new theme each year. Honestly, I’d be okay with either option.

Pin – Normally I don’t leave a little segment for pins, but in this case, I’m going to make an exception. The first pin in the 2022 Pin Collection is inspired by A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab, and I am in love – with both the pin and the overall concept, that is.

Book – January’s book is none other than The Ivory Key, written by Akshaya Raman. I’m pretty stoked about this selection and am happy I waited for my OwlCrate box to arrive before picking up a copy. This exclusive version is gorgeous, with a reverse dust jacket and foil stamp on the cover. I’m a sucker for pretty covers and stamps, so it admittedly doesn’t take much to please me here.

Wooden Bookmark – Fans of The Gilded Wolves (myself included) were probably tickled to see a new item crop up in this month’s OwlCrate box. It’s cute, though I’ll probably end up displaying it instead of using it (wooden bookmarks are too thick for my liking).

Ceramic Bowl – And so begins another OwlCrate series! Last year we got book tins and drinkware. This year we’re getting a ceramic bowl collection – and something else (see below – trying to avoid spoilers where I can). I’m thrilled with the ceramic bowl collection so far. The whole collection is based on Middle Earth/Lord of the Rings, with the first one having Erebor (the Dwarven kingdom) in mind. That gives me a pretty good idea of what the other three in the set will look like. Slowly but surely my kitchen is turning into a bibliophiles’ paradise!

Canvas Pouch – Speaking of super popular fandoms, this box is full of them! The canvas pouch included in this box is inspired by Six of Crows, and it is super cute. Still have no idea what I’ll use it for – but I do love it.

Pin Banner – I think OwlCrate includes a pin banner each year. At least, it looks like they do give how many I’ve gotten from them over the years. This year’s pin banner matches the overall vibe of exploration, as well as December’s theme (Beneath the Waves). I don’t know if that was intentional or not, but it is a cute touch.

Dinar Coin – Last, but certainly not least, there’s a lovely Dinar Coin. This coin is inspired by We Hunt the Flame and was actually designed by the author, Hafsah Faizel. I freaking love that last little bit of information.

February’s Hints & Theories:

February’s theme is: Among the Monsters. I adore this theme, and legit cannot wait to see what items will be curated in this box. So far, here’s what I know about the box:

1. Bookends! That’s right, the February box is going to have (metal) bookends designed by NoOne Designs.
2. Azura Arts designed the pin in this month’s box. Again, it is going to be luggage-themed.
3. The book for this month features a leading character who may or may not be a monster and a monster slayer. Fitting for the theme, right?
4. This month’s book has sprayed edges, an exclusive cover, and a reversible dust jacket. The jacket is designed by Grace Zhu. Oh! And there’s a foil design on the book itself. Yes, please! As always, the books are signed and include a letter.
5. February kicks off the second 2022 collection for OwlCrate – paperback classic novels. OwlCrate even announced which book will be included as their first classic – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

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