January 2017 LitJoy Crate Review

I'm so happy! Happy, happy, happy! And I'm sure you know why! Because my new bookcases are finally assembled and I am just completely in love with them. As I began shelving my collection, my husband commented that there was no way I could possibly own enough books to fill it. He was very mistaken! I'll add a photo of the new shelves down below at the end of this review. I still have to go back and get 2 shelf height extensions but that can wait till later. Now, let's get to the January LitJoy Crate Review!

If you aren't aware, LitJoy Crate is a monthly YA book subscription service (they offer other types of book boxes as well!). The cost is $29.99 per month (plus s+h) and subscribers will receive a new release YA novel and other bookish goodies that coordinate with the books theme.

Oh! Extra packaging! It always makes things more fun to unwrap individual items.

This month's theme is Star Crossed and the included foldout card lists each item in your January box. And may I just say, I'm digging the new info card design!

Carve The Mark by Veronica Roth --- there's been a bit of controversy around this book regarding some racial issues. I've seen a lot of confusion and conflicting opinions and many have said that this is just something that's been blown way out of proportion. I prefer to reserve judgments and form an opinion after I read it! Here's the synopsis from The back cover:

"In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift.

CYRA is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

AKOS is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual current-gift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost.

Then Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another?

Carve the Mark is Veronica Roth’s stunning portrayal of the power of friendship—and love—in a galaxy filled with unexpected gifts."

Blooming "Hush Flower" Buds --- This confused the crap out of me at first glance but it's actually quite neat! In Carve The Mark, the hushflower is a resilient flower that blooms on ice. It's special because a small dose of it can take away pain but to much puts you six feet under. Never trust a pretty flower, huh? These little blooming tea flowers represent the Hushflower that is mentioned in the book, only these won't bring death to your door.

Galaxy Bracelet --- The connection here is pretty obvious. Carve The Mark is set in space, after all. LitJoy Crate says the wanted something to pay homage to 'Roth's beautiful description of planets and stars. I adore this bracelet and I've already worn it out several times. Each colorful swirl makes me happy...

Sugar Lip Scrub --- Handcrafted by Elle Pea Tea, this natural vanilla lip scrub is perfect for my makeup bag. The tense attraction between the books characters makes you feel the urge to keep your own lips smooth, soft, and kiss ready! It tastes yummy too!

Fingerless Gloves --- You know, I have never owned a pair of fingerless gloves despite my urge to buy them. I'm glad to get them because I freaking love them!

How I adore these! In the book, kills are marked by literally carving a Mark on your skin. The character Cyra, often wears gloves to cover her kill marks and send a message to friend or foe.

Another month, another absolutely fabulous LitJoy Crate! Seriously, one of the things I love most about this box is that each and every item generally tends to work directly into something from the featured book. It's quite an amazing experience and I look forward to it each month!

Thoughts on LitJoy Crate? Share with us!

Wait! I promised a picture of my new bookshelves so here ya go!