Books – Page 59 – The Constellation of Moon

A collection of subscription boxes

Posted on August 17, 2017

As many of you may (or not) know, I tend to try and test as many book subscription boxes as I can, throwing a few non book ones in the mix just for fun.

I will list here all the ones I have tried to this day, plus the ones I’d like to try one day. Some do not exist anymore, which is such a shame…

As a disclaimer, I will post the ones that have a renewing subscription enabled (which means that after testing, they made it to the “this makes me so happy I can throw money at it and not have a panic attack” list). After that I will post (in no specific order amongst each category) the ones I tried that are still available, then the ones I tried that have closed shop, and finally the ones I’d like to try.

I will try to include one picture for each box mentioned (except the ones I haven’t tried yet) and a small general review of what they include, my review/thoughts and why I kept it or not. There are very few boxes that haven’t made me happy so most of them didn’t make it to the renewal list due to money (I do not own a money tree, sadly).
As per usual, rating is 0.5() to 5 ().

Boxes I am currently subscribed to

Book Box Club

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Stuffed owl, fairy lights and lankyard not included (wand was).

My first box: Their very first box, launched on September 2016. Theme was ‘The Enchanted Forest’, subscriber since then.

Cost: Starts at £25 (6 months) up to £27.99 (monthly) for the box but if you only want the book (their other modality ‘Purely Books’) then it starts at £40 for a 3 month subscription.
Includes shipping? Yes (UK at least)

Rating:

Type of books: Young Adult, in various genres. We have had fantasy, contemporary, time travel, etc.

Goodies: There are usually 4-6 items included and there is always a Book Box Club exclusive that is usually personalised (I have so many lovely goodies that are Moon exclusive). If you want your personalised item to have a specific name, let them know. You also get publisher goodies and an information postcard. They really listen to your suggestions on items you’d like to have included.

This is currently my favourite book box, and there are loads of reasons for that. For starters, it was the first box to actually have an author chat (now a lot of them do it but none like they do). And the best part is that it is done exclusively in the Clubhouse, for those of us who are subscribers. The feel of community is amazing, we have a forum where we also have fun. Basically, you are not only getting a lovely book, the chance to chat with the author and ask questions (even joke around), and the extra goodies which are lovingly planned (Kate and Libby actually plan content thinking on how it’ll look all put together alongside how it will fit the theme), but you are part of a bookish community. No other box has ever given me that. I have made new friends and I am interacting more with lovely bookish people than ever before.

I am not a rep or anything, but I love it all so much, I pestered them to give me a discount code to share around so others could join in on the fun. So if you want to give them a go, you can use MOON17 for 5% off your subscription.
PS. The girls are so cool that I ended up making a lovely design for them (more about this on the unboxing post that will be my next post).

You can subscribe to the boxes or Purely books on their website.

FairyLoot

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My first box: The Steampunk box done last October (?). I wasn’t too impressed so I stopped there but renewed my subscription for their anniversary box and I am currently renewing

Cost: £26 per box. It doesn’t matter if you subscribe monthly or in 3 or 6 months, it’s the same price. The only way to get a discount is through a rep code.
Includes shipping? No, and be careful because VAT will also be included separately if you are in the UK/EU.

Rating:

Type of books: Fantasy Young Adult

Goodies: 5-6 goodies. Usually includes a candle or scented item and other goodies. They try to include items no other box has done before (like oven mittens, tea towels, fairy lights, etc).

FairyLoot is a fun box and it also has a community feel but it done mostly through Facebook. It is fantasy only, so you know what you are getting here and it is easier to guess the book. They are currently doing a bookmark collection and try to keep it fresh by including different items. To me it is about 80% hit and 20% miss. I enjoy the boxes but some are quite disappointing. There is usually at least one item I am happy to get rid of and pass on (if not more) and the cost sometimes feels a little steep. It is still good and there is the FairyChat and FairyScoop which add extras.

You can subscribe to the boxes on their website.

Illumicrate

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My first box: August 2016. Have a subscription since then.

Cost: £29.99
Includes shipping? Yes for the UK.

Rating:

Type of books: Varied Young Adult

Goodies: It says you get a book and 3-5 goodies but I always find two books and lots of goodies in it.

I was shocked by the amount of goodies and content in it and the fact it had not one but two books, one being an ARC. They are a quarterly subscription so it feels less heavy on your pockets when you get it and there is definitely a good value for money in the contents of the box. It has a good effect on me and usually makes me smile when I receive it.

They are currently sold out but you can subscribe on their website.

Yume Twins

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My first box: June 2017, Birthday Box

Cost: From $27.50 to $29.99 USD.
Includes shipping? Yes, worldwide

Rating:

Type of content: Kawaii (cute) items from Japan

Goodies: Usually around 4-5 goodies with a plushie included. At least one of the goodies is an options one (as in you could get one of many variations of the product, it is random).

I am still umming and erring on this box. The content is super cute and the plushies are good quality, which is delightful. It makes me feel cosy and cute all over. But I don’t collect plushies or use most of what it includes so it is tricky. I want it but I also don’t want to spend on something I don’t use. Thankfully they post most of the items included (not all of them) on the box, so you can decide if you want it or would rather skip (the surprise factor is in the items not mentioned and which version of them you got). I have done this for August’s box since nothing really made me go “I want it” but there are some items from September I want so there we go.

You can check them out on their website.

Boxes I have tried that you can try

This is a mix of boxes. Some I buy one every now and then when the theme is something I really really want (and can afford an extra box). Some I tried and they just didn’t make me happy so I didn’t renew. A few I have liked but the cost was too steep to keep it up so I had to stop. Here is this collection of boxes.

Owlcrate

You can see that my unboxing picture skills needed a lot of improving

My first box: Myths and Legends, November 2015

Cost: Monthly subscription is $29.99 USD.
Includes shipping? No, it is added afterwards.

Rating:

Type of books: Young Adult

Goodies: 3-5 goodies

Owlcrate was my first subscription box, but as you can see, I started doing them almost two years ago. There weren’t as many choices at the time so I kept this going but it came to a point when the goodies felt rehashed, it wasn’t good value for money and I had so many issues getting my box delivered to my home (and it was just this box, other deliveries were fine) that I stopped my subscription in August 2016. Also most of the books included weren’t the wow factor except maybe This Savage Song which was a repeat I got (another book box had sent it a month before Owlcrate did) and I have to say that since then there hasn’t been a box I feel I missed out on.

You can subscribe to their box on their website.

Lit-Cube

My first box: Beauty and the Beast themed

Cost: $34.95 per box.
Includes shipping? No.

Rating:

Type of books: Varied, not exclusively Young Adult though it does have some of those.

Goodies: Bookish goodies to make a magical experience. I can’t remember exact quantities.

I loved the B&B box I received and then that month they had to make a tough decision and stop sending international boxes so there died my subscription. I have only recently found out that they are doing international shipping again, so I looked at the September theme and decided to give this a go again. Depending on results I may consider more of them. The only downside is that it is on the pricier side of the scale and from America (all boxes from America generate customs issues or delays, and it is not the boxes fault at all).

Also sadly I do not have a matching picture of the unboxing but you can check out their website for more info on them. They also make a Stars-Hollow monthly box if that peaks your interest (which I haven’t tried so yeah).

Ninja Book Box

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My first box: Summer Box

Cost: £26 per quarter
Includes shipping? Yes if you’re in the UK.

Rating:

Type of books: Indie

Goodies: Bookish goodies

This is an indie books box, and as such is more low key. Still, the one box I’ve tried which is their summer reads (which is totally different to the usual box as in it didn’t have any goodies alongside except bookmarks) and I was pleasantly surprised with it. It even included one book I had been eyeing up for a while so definitely recommend.
I have missed out on the next boxes for one or another reason and they end up being sold out before I make up my mind about getting it.

You can check them out on their website.

Magic Chest

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My first box: I think it was May’s box and it was Against All Odds.

Cost: €29.99 for a monthly subscription
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of books: Fantasy books

Goodies: 3-5 bookish goodies

Sweet box for fantasy books, with cute content though I couldn’t justify the cost considering it comes from Germany so I have put it on the side burner to see when a theme is something I really want.

You can check them out on their website.

The Bookish Box

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My first box: Ravenclaw House Box (2017)

Cost: They have one time boxes and a regular subscription, Ravenclaw box was on the quite expensive side.
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of content: Bookish goodies

Goodies: 3-5 bookish goodies and usually a wearable (if I am not mistaken). You can add a book for extra cost.

I was a little disappointed with the content for this box. Definitely it wasn’t a good value for money and this one time box made me decide not to keep trying. IT was also delayed a lot to be delivered (I had even forgotten I had paid for it and was supposed to receive it until it arrived, which isn’t very encouraging). The T-shirt is nice and the candle smelled delicious but otherwise I wasn’t wowed by it.

You can check their other boxes and options on their website.

The Accio Box

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My first box: I am not sure which month, but I know I emailed them to see if they would open international shipping just for me (I was willing to pay the shipping just to get this box).

Cost: From $34 per month to $39.99
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of content: Exclusively Harry Potter themed goodies, no book.

Goodies: 3-5 indie goodies, hand curated. High quality.

This is not your usual subscription box. It doesn’t have lots of items, but the ones it does have are quite high quality. They are the kind of things I would favourite on Etsy but never buy because I would think they are too expensive even if they are lovely. There is no book to be included in the box either.
The only reason why I stopped my subscription is that customs was becoming very difficult to navigate. The actual custom was very small but the “handling” charge the post office was adding made it become at least half the price of the box which was most definitely not fun.
I sincerely recommend this box to anyone in the US & Canada, or if you don’t mind paying customs on top of the box price. The content was indeed high quality (highest quality tote bag I have ever received, even better than some I have bought independently) and most of it has been used nicely (for example, soap dish is happily being used in my shower and the bubble bar I am trying to ration to make it last because it is so lovely!).

You can check them out on their website.

Anime Quarterly Meraki Candles Box

My first box: Ghibli themed box

Cost: £21.99
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of content: Candles and other goodies related to the theme.

Goodies: I think it is 2 4oz candles and about 3-5 other goodies.

I love Ghibli and also love Meraki Candles. Heather is amazing at making delightful candles that smell oh so good, so this was a no brainer for me. I didn’t regret it at all though I just realised that I never took a picture of the content which is very silly of me.
I didn’t buy the next box mostly because of the theme rather than because I don’t like the content, Yuri on Ice doesn’t do anything for me. But I have bought other of her candles and have loads more in my collection.

You can check her Etsy, but at the moment it is closed temporarily.

Bookish Teas Box

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My first box: Magical London

Cost: £22.45
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of content: Tea and other goodies

Goodies: Three different kinds of bookish themed tea and extra goodies.

This is the best tea I have ever tried. It is amazing! I was blown away by it when I received my box, and now I want to buy more because I need more of these wonderful tea. Zilan includes a Tealicious pamphlet which has recipes you can do to use the tea in fun ways. I am not subscribed mostly because of being picky about the themes of the boxes but I buy her tea separately anyway because it is so good.

You can visit her website to find more lovely tea.

Scrawlr Box

Scrawlr

My first box: Sometime around December 2016

Cost: £15 per month
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of content: Art supplies

Goodies: Several art supplies, a bookmark detailing contents, and something to use your supplies on.

This is an art subscription box and for the price it wasn’t too bad, it is good value for money. But as an artist I don’t use every supply, so some of them were more like “oh I don’t do this medium but I guess I can try it” and then I contacted their customer service and had a bad experience and empty promises so that put me off and I didn’t renew after 3 months.

You can check them out on their website.

Chimasu

My first box: Can’t remember exactly when I think start of this year, February/March

Cost: Prices start at £16 per box
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of content: Asian snacks

Goodies: Loads of asian snacks, loads.

This is a fun subscription box if you like food and snacks and asian things. I found it to be great for trying new things and then going and buying the ones I liked at the asian supermarket nearby. I found a lot of snacks I wouldn’t have tried otherwise and also some I had wanted to try but hadn’t dared.
I stopped my subscription because I wasn’t eating all of it by the time the next box came so I felt like it was going to waste. This is mostly because it is just so full of nice stuff. And I do consider rejoining at some point.

You can check out their website if you’d like to try some snacks.

STICKII Club

My first envelope: Sometime early this year (2017)

Cost: $10 per month
Includes shipping? No

Rating:

Type of content: Stickers

STICKII is a bundle of cute stickers (you can choose from three types and each gets a different theme each month) and sometimes extra stationery. I like it a lot but for financial reasons cut it short and now only buy a theme if I am dying to have it. They usually send spoilers so have an idea of part of the stickers you will receive.
No picture because for some reason I never took one (even though I have received 5+).

Check their website out if you’re interested in stickers.

LootWear (For Her)

My first box: It was Bioshock related

Cost: £14 per month
Includes shipping? Yes

Rating:

Type of content: A wearable specific for females

This was a fiasco. A big one. I tried it twice and both times they sent the wrong item or the wrong size and I had to contact support and get them to send the right item (I got to keep the one that was wrong) and the delivery took ages and it was just not great. Items were also not such great quality so didn’t continue.

LootCrate J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World

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My first box: Their launch box

Cost: £39 (it was much higher when they started at over £50)
Includes shipping? Yes

Rating:

Type of content: Harry Potter/ J. K. Rowling wizarding world themed

Goodies: 5-7 items

This was also a sad affair with Lootcrate. As I mentioned before, the box cost a lot more before, so it was most certainly NOT good value at all. I can’t say how it fares now. But what I can say is that most of the items were cheap quality and most certainly had not much of “exclusive” (I had seen items almost the same at Primark for a fraction of the price, and hey look Primark has even launched an HP themed line). Most of the items I gave away since I didn’t enjoy them at all and they felt so cheap I was not happy with how much I had paid for the box.

You can check both LootCrate boxes on their website alongside more of their options.

Boxes I have tried that have stopped their services

I try a lot of boxes and there are a few that haven’t made it and stopped their services. Most of them were very good and I wish they had had a better chance.

My Bookish Crate

This was a UK based box that first introduced us to TJ Lubrano’s artwork and it used to have good content. I was sad to hear it say they would stop their services and the last box was a slight disappointment. The picture is the first box I bought from them (my unboxing skills still evident). This was last year and I had an ongoing subscription until the last box.

Nerdy Bookworm Box

Anther good UK box that didn’t make it. It had more indie content and was less popular but still good. Sadly I didn’t keep a subscription and just bought boxes here and there…

Novel Tea Club

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A box from Canada that was focused on sending pampering goodies, it used to have an indie book, some tea/coffee, pampering goodies and a bookmark and I used to love it very much until they stopped at the beginning of this year. I was sad to see them go since they always made me smile.

Boxes I’d like to try

Most of these I haven’t tried due to them being from America (customs and shipping are killers), some of them because of how expensive they are, and a few I haven’t had a chance to grab one and they are sold out each time I try to get one. They are still on my wish list for now.
I am not reviewed in detail any of them until I have actually tried them so this is more of a “these boxes exist, may be worth trying”

ShelfLove Crate

Bookish Land (it has a fox, I need this but price has kept me from buying it)

Enchanted Book Box

Unicorn Crate

Leafer Box (I am awaiting my first box, I chose sci-fi)

SpearCraft Book Box

Once Upon A Book Club

So the tally is 20 boxes tried, 7 to try.

If you have any boxes that you think I might like to try please let me know. I am willing to try to review boxes if they pique my interest.

Disclaimer: These are my opinions and only that. I have tried so many boxes I know what I like in a box and what I don’t. What makes a box is the wow factor and the “this makes me happy and I don’t feel like I wasted money on this” feeling. Please know that for most boxes I subscribe for at least 3 months to give them a good chance, so I form my opinion over several boxes, there are a few exceptions were one box was enough for me to decide not to try them any further. It is up to you to decide what you want on a box and if the content is good value for money to you. I pay for the boxes from my own pocket so I try to choose wisely. None of the boxes mentioned here have sponsored me to review them or given me a free box to review.

Books

Reading Routine

Posted on August 15, 2017

In response to Ms. Victorious blog entry about her reading routine, I am writing this post. I am not sure how long it’ll be, but I am sure I may have a lot to say.

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My bookshelves now look different

1. How I tend to read books

I’d say the best way to answers this is “any way”. I have a tendency to sit next to the bookcase (on the floor) and just read, there on the floor without any preparation beforehand or any thought about it. I used to do this at my parents house, sneaking behind the dining room table and in front of the bookcase, reading my mother’s YA novels (this is 70’s and 80’s YA books) since she thought I was too young for them (I probably was but it was books and I love reading) or maybe reading the Juvenile Encyclopaedia (I can’t remember the exact name but it had language lessons, encyclopaedia articles, stories, etc. I read Rikki-Tikki-Tavi on it (amongst other things but I just have the memory of it).

But I digress, sorry!

How I tend to read is just by grabbing a book and submerging myself into it. Quite simple I have to say. Of course I have preferred ways of doing this, such as going to bed with a cup of tea and reading for a few hours, or sitting next to my bookcase and reading or just on the couch. But unplanned reading is as welcome as planned.

As for my reading speed, I am a very fast reader. I have yet to meet someone that reads faster than me (doesn’t mean there isn’t someone who does). Which means I don’t like reading out loud, my eyes+brain are about 10 pages ahead of my mouth and hands, so it becomes a chaos of stumbling upon words because yes, my mouth is reading the first line in the first paragraph, but my eyes are already several paragraphs ahead and insisting that I say those words too. It is a struggle for me to slow down when reading (it helps if I’ve read the book before, since I have photographic memory and that means I remember the words so I don’t have to read as much and can concentrate on wording them out). Being fast also made it difficult to keep track of where the group was reading when it was one of those classes at school where we each read a paragraph in order and yeah. I would usually count the people and mark my paragraph so I knew what I should read out loud when my turn came.

My mum has a funny story that when I was in elementary school, something like Y4 or Y5 (8-10 years old) on a parents meeting thing the teacher was adamant that parents should make sure their children read for 15 minutes everyday and my mum asked “very well, but how do I make my child read for just 15 minutes a day? She won’t stop!”. In all fairness, I learnt from her, she would read a lot too, so she was to blame for this.

And as for the environment, I don’t mind music or silence, I admit I prefer a quiet room so I can concentrate better but if ideal conditions aren’t met, I can still read perfectly fine.

2. What kind of books I tend to read

I can say all kinds but to be honest I read an eclectic picky mix. My main reads are fantasy (and it’s many variations, urban, high, etc) and sci-fi, but for example I am not very fond of Asimov and a few other Sci-Fi giants and prefer more obscure ones. Same with fantasy. Of course, I read a lot of YA. And I have a soft spot for Mary Higgins Clark’s mystery/thriller novels or anything from Kathy Reichs.

I can also read contemporary though I am not as keen and I prefer for those kind of reads things like Cecilia Ahern and such, or japanese writers (Murakami is the most known but there are others). And my other favourite thing is historical. It can be historical fiction or non fiction. I have a lot of books on WW2 and aircraft, but then I also have books on colour, costumes, drawing, the art of, etc.

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And last but not least, I like graphic novels (but I am not wowed by Marvel/DC). This of course includes manga.

Most of what I have read (until I started buying book boxes) is older books and authors that either are famous now or ar not known anymore except by older people. Authors like M.M Kaye (learned a lot about history and the West Indies), Brian Jacques, Madeleine L’Engle, Robin Cook, Robin McKinley, Ken Follet, Anne McCaffrey, etc. (If you saw my post on my favourites, most of the books are old or they are new editions bought to replace the broken old ones). Some of my favourite books are now out of print or it is hard to get hold of them because people aren’t buying them anymore.

3. Where I tend to read

Short answer: everywhere. Long answer: everywhere, for real. I don’t know exactly when but it was in my teenage years (probable between 10-13 years old) I made the habit of almost never leaving the house without a book. You never know when you can sneak time to read, so I can say I’ve read while waiting (standing or sitting) in a queue, at a bus stop, waiting for the train, sitting outside a classroom, while in class (killing time after having finished the assignment), I’ve read on a plane, in a car, etc. The list goes on. I just read everywhere.

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My favourite places are bed, couch, floor and under the stairs (there is a tiny space there and I just sit among the coats and cleaning stuff and all that and read, somehow it is comforting). Another favourite occasion is sneaking some reading on a boring event (I may sin of being rude by taking out my book and reading at a conference during a talk or things like that, but I am multitasking most of the time and whatever the person is talking about I either already know it or it is not interesting me).

4. What kind of snacks keep me company while reading

I don’t prepare snacks for reading time, as you can gather from all I’ve written already, I basically just read. If I am reading before bed I try to take a cup of tea with me, but what usually happens is I forget about it while I read and only drink it once it is cold. If I am reading at a coffee shop then of course I will be drinking something and maybe having some cake (every now and then I go to a Costa or something, buy some coffee/tea and a cake and read and eat and drink in peace there, change of environment sometimes helps and is needed, sometimes I like being alone in a busy place). Snacks may happen at other times of reading but it is very variable so can’t say I do specific something. Tea is the most probable answer to be fair, but I drink tea almost a cup per hour so the odds are stacked in favour of tea.

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So now it is your turn, what is your reading routine?

What kind of books do you read? Is there a particular place that inspires you to read for hours? Coffee or tea while reading? What kind of snacks work for you?

Pictures this time include old shelves, a visit to Costa coffee, December’s Book Box Club and a lovely window seat with a view to snow in the valley (I was very lucky to have this as part of my job at the time).

Books

Written in Red Review

Posted on August 13, 2017

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Written in Red by Anne Bishop

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Rating:

I’ll start this review by saying urban fantasy is really up my street, but I am also quite picky with it (so for example, I’ve read Twilight but didn’t like it). I don’t want the urban fantasy to be an excuse to wrap some high school drama or some romance and love triangles and make it ‘cool’.

Written in Red thankfully doesn’t fall into any of those categories. There is little to no romance involved (there is romance in the sense of others have it, it exists, whatever, but it isn’t exactly the main thing in the plot or the important thing about Meg or Simon), no annoying love triangles *chorus of aleluyas* and no romanticising the Others.

The story happens in an alternative Earth where humans and Others (vampires, werewolves, elementals, and many others) coexist with the uper hand being on the Others.

Meg kind of stumbles into the Courtyard and realises she can ask for a job there and be given a place to stay, an income and some sort of anonimity which is exactly what she needs. Being a blood prophet, Meg has little knowledge of how the world actually works or who she is, and she has just escaped her limited life.

This whole “discovering the world and who I am” bit could have gone very wrong, but somehow there is something adoring about Meg doing it, without it being unrealistic or annoying. It seemed legit on how she navigated the world, and the way she interacted with the Others in the Courtyard (the beauty of not really having any prejudices).

There are several subplots going on here, which tie up nicely around Meg and that she inadvertely either stumbles upon or triggers off.

There is the annoying would-be actress with her own agenda to push that keeps trying to befriend Meg and find out more about the Others. I kept wanting to wring her neck but even though you as a reader can see her purposes from miles away, it is also true that mostly no one else would’ve given the circumstances.

There is also the cutest subplot that involves Sam, Simon’s nephew and a “safety line for adventurers” leash which causes mixed reactions and some interesting drama. But all I wanted was to hug Sam and have him over to my house.

Another subplot is the sickness affecting the Others in the North and without adding spoilers, the way it is tied up so that you could just be content with reading this one book and not go to read the next was quite crafty and oh so simple.

Then there is obviously being introduced to several kinds of Others and how they interact with each other and also how they discover humanity and “tolerate it”.

On a subtle way, the book touches on cutting and other mental health issues, friendship, humanity, brutality and violence, how people can be manipulated, kindness, and all wrapped up nicely into a beautiful urban fantasy rich in detail.

I have to admit I had bought this thinking it’d be not so good, but as soon as I finished it I ended up ordering the next books (one is only in hardback so I am waiting to get it in paperback and the next one isn’t out yet).

Moon recommends

If you like urban fantasy I’d recommned you look into Jim Butcher’s books and The Dresden Files (warning, there are so many of them but they are fun to read). Or you can try Patricia Briggs, she has several series one including a werecoyote (Mercy Series). Or maybe you want to go further back in time and read The Riddle of the Wren by Charles de Lint (2002-09-16) who is considered the father of urban fantasy.

If you want to buy it Written in Red or you can read my Good Reads review of it here.

Props on picture are a red envelope from a generic card, the same puzzle used for the What is your favourite book? post, Beast Funko Pop, Miss Peregrine’s falcon also from Funko Pop (it came with Miss Peregrine) and a swan feather quill made by yours truly during my reenactment times (Enlighs Civil War).

Disclaimer: There is an Amazon Associates link, but if you choose to use them and buy from them, know that you’re just helping me buy more books and feed my reading needs. Book synopsis is from Good Reads.

Books

Review and Rating system

Posted on August 12, 2017

To make things easier, here is the way I will be doing reviews and what the little foxes mean.

Reviews will feature one or more pictures of the book (current edition used), they may contain quotes of content from the book and will quote the synopsis found on Good Reads.

The Moon Kestrel rating system^TM has two symbols.

which means a full “star”

which means a half “star”

Notice the different sizes and colouring to make this easier. The usual range is to (0.5 to 5 foxes/stars) but there might be exceptions where I consider a book/product so good it will receive extra foxes.

Most of the ratings will be displayed below the title and before the synopsis. Amazon Associate links will be added to most of the books reviewed (I do this so I can buy even more books to read and review, because books and my bank account isn’t infinite). There will also be a Good Reads link to the review displayed there (if I wrote a full review, otherwise only to the book’s main page).

There may be recommendations of similar books to read or check out similar to the one reviewed.

If you would like to submit a book for me to review, do not hesitate to contact me. Here are some pointers on what I would prefer:

Sci-fi, fantasy or YA. I do not mind younger reads or other genres but these are the preferred ones.
Physical copies are preferred over digital ones but I may make an exception for shorter reads or specific ARC/Proofs. This is due to the fact I do not own an ebook reader. If you want me to make an exception you have to make it worthwhile for me (really sell me your story). I spend all day reading logs in front of a screen, I do not want to be reading more on a PC/mobile.
Book does not need to be recently published or an ARC/Proof.
I will provide a honest review, please, do not attempt to change my mind or suggest what I should write. The review will follow the guidelines provided above.
Book Box Club books get priority on being read first, after that it will depend on mood and what I am aiming for. I will do my best to get to your book as soon as possible, but I cannot guarantee it will be my next read. If the copy you provided is ebook I cannot guarantee when it will be read.
Posts are scheduled in advance, if you require the review for promotional purposes to be published by a specific date, please make this clear and we can try to work out how to fit it in at the right timing.
I can also review on GoodReads, Amazon and Instagram, and all my blog posts are shared to Twitter.
Any other questions, I am happy to answer them. Please use the contact form.

If you would like to submit a subscription box for me to review, please consider the following:

Book, bookish merchandise and gaming are preferred content. Crafts and others will be considered.
I DO NOT review make up subscription boxes since my use of make up is limited to mascara and a couple of eyeliners, on a fancy occasion I may wear some lipstick. It would not be a good match and I’d rather it goes to someone who can provide a better review.
Subscription boxes will be added to the latest “Collection” post (they are scheduled after I’ve accumulated several new boxes). They will also have an entire post about the contents of the box, and an unboxing will be done over Instagram stories.
I am happy to provide a code in the review for others to use when they subscribe.
Please refer to unboxing blog entries on what to expect.
Any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Books

What is your favourite book?

Posted on August 11, 2017

Have you ever come across the ‘What is your favourite book?’ question? Do you also get a slight panic attack when you realise it means one book? ONE book? (Or is it just me?)

I mean, how can you choose just favourite book? Just one? How will your other favourite and well read books feel? Those books with broken spines, or yellowed pages, or spots of food/drink/something , the books that are so old that you fear they will break apart just by breathing near them but re-read anyway… I can’t do that to them.

But I can tell you a series of favourite and beloved books that usually come to mind when the dreaded question comes up.

A Ring of Endless Light, Madeleine L’Engle

This is a book that always makes me cry, every single time I read it. It tells the story of Vicky and her family (the Austins, this is the fourth book concerning the family), and a summer spent near a dying Grandfather and how Vicky deals with being sought after by two completely different young men. My favourite character is Adam (and if you want more of Adam, then there is The Arm of the Starfish). Also, Madeleine L’engle has a way of introducing philosophy and science into her books. This particular book touches on life, death, and dolphins.
When do I re-read this book: When I need to cry, or need to reflect on life and death or feel a little bit alive. It is the sweet kind of sad.
If you’d like to buy it: A Ring of Endless Light

The Love Letters, Madeleine L’Engle

Another one by Madeleine L’Engle. This is a more adult novel and as good as it is, it definitely isn’t YA or younger. There are two parallel stories here, one were a couple is going through a rough patch and she has gone to Portugal to find some answers to her own storms in her heart. The other is about a nun who commits adultery and falls in love, yet she becomes the abbess later in time. The Love Letters mentioned are the letters found from the nun and published (it is based on truth). Once again quite philosophical and it ponders on love, divorce, marriage and even upbringing and how that may affect your choices later in life.
When do I re-read this book: When I want a more adult book and I am trying to figure out what is bothering me.
If you’d like to buy it: The Love Letters

After The Fire, Will Hill

This is a much modern book (as in written more recently) and is the recounting of life in a cult by Moonbeam and what led her to be in a hospital recovering from wounds. Moonbeam has been told not to talk to strangers and that The Governement is evil all her life, so it is interesting to see her retelling bits and pieces and learning about the ‘real world’. My favourite read of the year (2017) so far.
When do I re-read this book: Not re-read yet (it’s too new) but probably when I want to let go of some PTSD, when I want to appreciate humanity and want a story without a romance in it.
If you’d like to buy it: After the Fire

The Hero and the Crown, Robin McKinley

The prequel to The Blue Sword, this book tells the tale of Aerin and her wish to be a dragonslayer, to be more than the daughter of the king. Aerin has always been somewhat of an outsider in her own country, so her adventures are interesting. This is not a perfect “fairy tale” and the happy ending is different than what you would expect. Aerin is a seriously strong female character and goes on to become a legend (she is mentioned in The Blue Sword).
When do I re-read this book: Anytime I am feeling down or sad or not okay. Also good for being okay. Those moments when I want to curl up and sleep or disappear or both.
If you’d like to buy it: The Hero and the Crown

The Blue Sword, Robin McKinley

Imagine finding out that that feeling of not belonging has a deep reason. For Harimad, she learns that when she meets Corlanth and is abducted to join him and his warriors. An epic story of saving a country when no one believes them that there is imminent danger and discovering your own worth. Another strong female character in a delightful fantasy setting.
When do I re-read this book: When I want an adventure, some fantasy. Or when I am not okay or sad. Curl up moments too.
If you’d like to buy it: The Blue Sword

DragonRiders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey

A series, and I have a hard time choosing one from it. Basically, the series tells the story of how Pern was colonised, dragons were genetically modified/created to protect the planet from Thread (a menace that rains into the planet when another planet’s orbit brings it nearby). It shows how they survived and how some things were forgotten. Then it shows stories of the different holds, and the people in Pern throughout time and the different ‘Passes’ until the point when it appears they have found a solution to the Thread problem. It is rich in dragons, adventure, and going against the odds. It is full of strong characters (female and male) and not everything is black and white but there is a lot of grey and it is good.
When do I re-read this series: When I am in the mood for dragons, or want to remember some of the science in it.
If you’d like to buy it: Dragonflight or try The Harper Hall Trilogy

The Time Quintet, Madeleine L’Engle

Another series, sorry. But you can’t just have one of them, you need them all! My most favourite is ‘A Swiftly Tilting Planet’. But the whole series was a good base for my love for physics and science. A Wrinkle in Time talks science to you as if it was normal, and it is. The illustrations help you understand easily things and when Meg confronts IT, it makes you be proud of being human, flaws and all. Then ‘A Wind in the Door’ introduces you more unto biology and medicine and once again, introduces concepts at an early age that are university/PhD level, and you know what is the best part? You are able to understand them as a 12 year old (or at least I was and years later when wondering how I knew so much about mytochondria, I could say it was this book’s fault). ‘A Swiftly Tilting Planet’ is moving characters through adulthood but Charles Wallace is still going through his teenage years and trying to be alive, this is a book about hope and about trusting instinct and once again about humanity. ‘Many Waters’ throws you into Noah’s arc time and you get to enjoy time with the twins. ‘An Acepptable Time’ is one I didn’t read as part of the series and only recently acquired so my opinion isn’t as settled on it (mostly because it has only been read once, whereas the rest have been read countless times).
When do I re-read this series: When science calls, or I need a pick me up, or to feel useful and not just anyone.
If you’d like to buy it: The Wrinkle in Time Quintet Boxed Set

So now, what is(are) your favourite book(s)?

If you are interested in the cute props, the background is The Bizarre Bookshop 2, 1000pc Jigsaw Puzzle, candle came from FairyLoot box and is made by witchwoodremedies, hearts bunting was part of one of Book Box Club‘s boxes, coaster is souvenir from Krakow, Poland and bookmark has a design by Alphonse Mucha.

Disclaimer: Those are Amazon Associates links, but if you choose to use them and buy from them, know that you’re just helping me buy more books and feed my reading needs.
None of the other links are sponsored nor do I get anything from promoting them except sharing the love.