July’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.

July’s theme for OwlCrate was Potions & Poisons.

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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!

As with June’s box, July was a bit delayed – though thankfully not as long! And it looks like August will also be slightly delayed. Again, I’m hoping it won’t be by too much, as August’s box is one I’m particularly looking forward to.

Book – July’s OwlCrate book is very thematically appropriate if you ask me. It’s The Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron, and there are a lot of little details that make this book extra special (read: exclusive). As per usual, it’s signed. But it also comes with an exclusive foil design and reverse jacket artwork. Honestly, I think this is the first time I’ve ever been tempted to display the reverse side instead of the original. It’s that lovely.

TBR Jar – So, I’m pretty sure that the TBR Jar stole the show. At least it did for me. I may be a little bit obsessed with TBR Jars at this point! In my defense, I have so many books to read – sometimes it’s nice not to have the pressure of deciding what book to read next. I folded little strips of paper into origami stars for my jar, but really the skies the limit with this one.

Popsicle Mold – This month also included a silicone popsicle mold inspired by Three Dark Crowns. This is probably the only item I’m not super excited about. I don’t really go for popsicles (don’t shoot me!), and I hate the taste of silicone, so I won’t be eating/drinking anything out of that material given a choice. But it’s still a clever idea.

Bottle Keychain – This bottle keychain may have a simple concept, but it had elegant execution. Inspire by Narnia; this little bottle is perfect for hand sanitizer (at least, that is what I fully intend to use it for) – all while classing up the concept. I love it.

Tea Towel – The tea towel is the item I was most curious about, as they had hinted at a large fabric item for the kitchen. Once again, I find myself loving it. Part of me doesn’t want to use it because I am a messy cook and fear I’ll stain/ruin it. It might end up framed, though I’ll probably cave and find a cute way to keep it in the kitchen as is. Oh! I forgot to mention it’s inspired by Labyrinth Lost, though I don’t think you need to love the fandom to appreciate the design.

Bubble Bath – Next up, we have some nice bubble bath created by Fiction Bath Co. It’s inspired by the Midnight Lie, and I think I’m in love with the bottle design. I haven’t used it yet, so I can’t really comment on how bubbly it is, but it does smell nice!

Enamel Bookmark – Last but not least, we have an Alice in Wonderland inspired bookmark. I absolutely love the design, though once again, I won’t be using this one as a bookmark. While I like the design itself, I don’t use chain bookmarks for fear of denting my books. However, they always look nice on display, so I’m not upset by this.

August Hints & Theories:

August’s theme (which I am supremely excited about) is: Dark Academia. Ironically, OwlCrate will not be the only box doing this theme in August, though it sounds like they are doing different books/concepts for the most part. Here’s what I know about the box:

1. The book is described as an atmospheric story, set in a location full of dark and morbid history – not to mention witchcraft. If this book is the one I think it is (99% certain on that), I’ve already read it – and can’t wait to get a special copy, as it’s one of my favorite reads this year.
2. The book is going to have a foil design on the cover and gilded edges. Yes, please! I can’t get enough of sprayed edges; it’s a real problem.
3. Fandoms in this box include The Secret History, The Raven Boys, Truly Devious, and If We Were Villains. Plus ADSOM.
4. Booksleeve! August’s box will have a booksleeve designed by Saint Dri. Pretty sure that this is the item inspired by The Raven Boys.
5. August also includes the next tin in the ADSOM collection. This makes three of four, and I’m chomping at the bit to get my hands on it.
6. And lastly, there’s going to be an item from Riddle’s Tea Shoppe. I think it’s safe to assume that we’re getting more tea. I love the quality of this store, so I’m pretty excited by that bit of news. Not sure which fandom will be inspiring this blend.

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