Owlcrate is a monthly bookish subscription box that includes one new release YA hardback novel, as well as 3-5 other bookish items. Each month revolves around a different theme that ties in with the book and goodies. It is also one of the few boxes that ships almost anywhere in the world. Subscriptions start at $29.99 per month.
The theme for October was Once Upon A Dream.
- Button Bookmark – This handmade bookmark was created by My Heart My Tribe. There were many different fabrics used to make these bookmarks and I ended up with a cute pastel polka dot one. I haven’t tried using my yet, as I’m afraid it might bend the pages a bit so I think I’ll save it to use for my planner.
- Mini Notebook – The Oz Passport is actually a little notebook from The Unemployed Philosopher’s Guild. It’s pretty cute and I like that it actually includes lined pages. Each page includes a picture of the Cowardly Lion as well, which is a nice touch. I just wish I didn’t have so many of these pocket notebooks.
- Bracelet – This charm bracelet was created and designed by The Geeky Cauldron. It’s inspire by Sleeping Beauty and includes a tiny spindle charm. I’m not the biggest fan of dangly bracelets, but it’s still pretty cute.
- Beanie – This Peter Pan beanie is from Whosits & Whatsits. It’s super soft and slouchy which I really like! Honestly, this item is probably my favorite thing included in this month’s box. I’m pretty ready for colder weather so I can wear it everywhere and pretend like I’m really a Lost Boy. Adulting is hard and I wouldn’t mind never growing up right now.
- Book – This month’s book is Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter. I was really excited when I first found out that this book was included in the October box, as it had been on my radar for quite a while. Unfortunately, now that the reviews have been rolling in, my excitement has turned to disappoint. I’ll still be giving it a chance but I’ve definitely tempered my expectations a bit.
In the enchanted kingdom of Brooklyn, the fashionable people put on cute shoes, go to parties in warehouses, drink on rooftops at sunset, and tell themselves they’ve arrived. A whole lot of Brooklyn is like that now—but not Vassa’s working-class neighborhood.
In Vassa’s neighborhood, where she lives with her stepmother and bickering stepsisters, one might stumble onto magic, but stumbling away again could become an issue. Babs Yagg, the owner of the local convenience store, has a policy of beheading shoplifters—and sometimes innocent shoppers as well. So when Vassa’s stepsister sends her out for light bulbs in the middle of night, she knows it could easily become a suicide mission.
But Vassa has a bit of luck hidden in her pocket, a gift from her dead mother. Erg is a tough-talking wooden doll with sticky fingers, a bottomless stomach, and a ferocious cunning. With Erg’s help, Vassa just might be able to break the witch’s curse and free her Brooklyn neighborhood. But Babs won’t be playing fair…
I’m usually left fairly impressed each month by the boxes that Owlcrate puts out. Unfortunately, other than the beanie, the October box was a bit of a letdown. Maybe I’ve just gotten so used to each month being pretty awesome, that I’ve put too much expectations on them. I mean, this is actually a fairly decent box, there’s no denying that. But I would have preferred amazing instead of decent. Luckily the November box is Wonderland themed and is going to include an Owlcrate exclusive version of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. I’ve heard it’s one of their best boxes yet and I cannot wait!
Are you an Owlcrate subscriber? What did you think of the October box? What other bookish boxes are you subscribed to? Have you read Vassa in the Night?
Wonderfilled Reads 
I ended up skipping the October box because I was a bit low on money and I’m so jealous of that beanie haha I freaking love it. I like the bracelet too. I’m so so excited for this month’s box though! I can’t wait to see the exclusive cover. 🙂
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Hahaha yeah, the beanie is definitely the best! And me too! They’re saying this box is probably their best one so I can’t wait to see it!
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I too was looking forward tot his box but now it sits collecting dust 😔 the reviews have really turned me off. It’s a shame cuz I met the author after waiting in line to have her autograph the finished copy I received at Bookcon. So yea, I have 2 copies of this book 😂😂😂
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Awww, I’m sorry! I’m still gonna read the book though and hope that maybe I enjoy it even if others haven’t. Fingers crossed!
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Aww, sorry to hear that this box hasn’t impressed! I don’t subscribe to any boxes bc I hate clutter and trinkets (haha) but I’m so into the idea of ~sending myself the gift of books~ without all the non-necessities. And I hear you RE: Vassa – I was super excited too but the reviews haven’t been good. I hope you enjoy it, though!
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Haha oh I totally understand! That’s why I like the Book of the Month Club because it’s only books, none of the extras… Yeah, hopefully it’s not too bad! 😊
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Ooh, how’s that box? Do you find that the books they send you are the books you actually want to read? I’ve always wondered how they do the selections.
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Well it’s actually really neat because there’s 5 new books that the judges choose for each month and then you get to choose which one of those is sent to you! So far, so good! I actually did a review of my October box a few days ago if you want to check it out. 😊
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Ooh, thank you! That sounds like something I’d be interested in. I’ll check out your review when I have the time. 🙂
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You’re so welcome! 😊
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I wasn’t at all impressed with this box. I actually did a giveaway for my box. And the book was so weird I couldn’t stand it anymore. I’m looking forward to this month’s box. I’m dying to read Heartless. 🙂
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That’s probably what I should’ve done but I liked the beanie too much lol. And yessss, the November box needs to get shipped out already. I’m tired of waiting lol!
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I know. Give it to me NOW, OwlCrate! 😂
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I got an email earlier saying they’re getting ready to ship. GETTING READY?! What the heck have you been doing all month?! 😂
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I got the same email. They take any longer to ship we won’t get them until after Thanksgiving. Let’s go, people! Chop chop!
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I know! And I cannot wait that long!!! 😩
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Even though I’ve never received Owl Crate from the unboxings I’ve seen this one does look pretty underwhelming! Bit of a shame. It’s good to know that they’re normally a lot better though.
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Yeah, this one was certainly an anomaly. They’re usually so much better. Maybe they wanted to lower our standards with this one to blow our minds with the November box haha?
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Yeah this one seems like an ordinary box hahah I totally get the feeling 😂-Trang
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Yes, it really does!! At least give me a candle or something 😂
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I’ve recently subscribed to Owlcrate so the November box will be the first one I receive. Hopefully it’ll be better than the one in October. I am so excited for Heartless so the book itself is worth it!
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I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! The November box is said to be one of, if not, the best box they’ve sent out. I hope you love it!
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