Within the past year, I have subscribed to LitJoy's Young Adult subscription box. Besides the unavoidable delays in shipping etc. I have been very impressed and pleased with it. The most recent box, Magic Awakens, was particularly lovely. With the exception of one story, I was so happy to find that I have read or already noted as want-to-read all of the associated books. Below are my item-by-item thoughts on the box.
Book - Twin Crowns
When I learned this was the book that was going to be coming in the box I made myself wait to pick it up so I could read my own special copy. And upon reading the author letter, hearing that the ones who wrote it intentionally "...combined... magical YA fantasy, epic romance, and of course, humor!" made it that much more exciting.
Drachma - Percy Jackson
I was unfortunately spoiled for this item by the guide in the last box, but fortunately, I was so insanely excited that I barely cared. Percy Jackson is one of my absolute favorites of any book/characters/universe and The Mark of Athena was my favorite of The Heroes of Olympus. Additionally, my favorite type of book items are objects that come straight from the pages... something that the characters could have actually held or use or read. It did take me until I got to the end of the box to figure out the membrane square was for the coin but it now sits proudly next to my shelf of Percy books. I look forward to putting together some Annabeth pictures in the future.
Socks - The Cruel Prince
The Cruel Prince was one that I didn't enjoy as much as I expected to. I had heard nothing but amazing things about it, and didn't dislike it; I just thought it didn't hold up to the excitement I had heard. This page, however, was the moment that really hooked me about the book. I remember my jaw dropping when I got to this page. After some time not continuing the series, I do want to reread it, and I have a feeling I will like it more a second time. Maybe wearing these socks will help too.
Adventure Card - Gideon the Ninth
This is the one item from the box that I had not heard of the book beforehand. I immediately added it to my to-read list and look forward to learning about the compelling characters shown here.
Tumbler - The Kingdom of the Wicked
The first thing I noticed about this item was that I loved the size and shape. It is much smaller than a lot of drink containers I see in stores and just feels really cute to hold. The finish is gorgeous, both shiny and shimmery gold, and who could argue with the choice of quote? This is one I haven't read yet but am looking forward to while enjoying a drink with this.
Sticker - The House in the Cerulean Sea
Great size, pretty colors, and another lovely collection of words. The only thing I might want different about it is for it to be a vinyl sticker so that it would be a little more durable/versatile.
Bookmark - Serpent and Dove
Just a personal preference but I don't love wooden bookmarks. To me they seem just heavy enough that I am afraid they will fall out, but also seem like they might snap too easily in a paperback. That being said, the bookmark is amazingly well done, and now I cannot imagine using any other one for this book.
The gorgeous dust jacket for Twin Crowns. I love the muted color scheme, thoughtful details, and majestic mood it brings.
Zen Garden - Frozen
I did not include this one in the main picture because the colors were just so different, but I was ecstatic to discover this zen garden! I never guessed that I would receive an item inspired by a movie instead of a book (and this item clearly comes from the movie and not The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen), but Frozen and the sisters hold a special place in my heart that just melted me when I saw it. If the sisters in Twin Crowns are indeed similar to Anna and Elsa, then I am infinitely more excited for this read. I love how it is something more interactive, and I will soon be keeping it out on my shelf as we enter the winter season.
Overall, I would continue to wholeheartedly recommend this subscription box. Amazing value for the cost, thoughtful and well-made items, and obvious care and love for stories are clearly present.
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