OwlCrate YA Book Box Review (December 2020 – Love is a Battlefield)

Packages being shipped to Canada in December are a nightmare. I waited for two weeks with no movement on this December OwlCrate box, it was stuck one province over, and I was dying to know what was inside.

Based on the teasers, I guessed the book in this box, and I was not wrong. It is such a beautiful book and one that I’ve wanted to read!

December 2020 OwlCrate Packaging

This month’s OwlCrate came in a black box, and once opened, you get some festive green detail inside. I thought this was a nice touch, given the holidays.

Again, just like the October Legends and Lore box I reviewed earlier this month, this December box was packed tight, so nothing moved around in there.

In the October OwlCrate subscriptions box each item came individually packaged in its own little box with quotes from books on each of them.

This month only one item came in the OwlCrate branded packaging, and there was no quote. The packaging was a beautiful light, almost teal blue, with an illustrative botanical pattern:

What was in the OwlCrate December 2020 box?

Like the first box, first come all the papers with the spoilers, a pamphlet with some information about the book design choice, and I noticed a photo challenge with a timeline for dates in the pamphlet (I think I’ll take part in those this time around)!

You get a little sneak peak of what might be in January’s box, which I’m also excited for.

OwlCrate Dame & Chasseur Leg Warmers

The first item I saw peeking through the box’s packaging paper were these adorable (and much-welcomed from yours truly in Canada where I’m perpetually freezing) Dame & Chasseur Leg Warmers.

They’re called “slouchy leg warmers,” however, my legs are thick, and these come nowhere close to slouching. That’s okay though, they’re practical and keep me warm; I don’t need to look slouchy and cute.

They’re designed by @paperbackbones and inspired by the Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin, a book I picked up on Amazon which I’ve yet to read.

Ice & Shadow Hand cream

The next item is hand cream. Here in Canada, it’s cold and dry, and my hands need all the lotion and cream through the winter, so this item is perfect.

I’m quite particular about the lotions and creams I use since I loathe greasy stuff on my hands, but this rubs in nicely; I’m impressed. The scent isn’t obnoxious, either!

This cream was made by Fiction Bath Company and is inspired by the book Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst.

Decorative Rolling Pin

I don’t bake often, but I can see myself getting fancy with this rolling pin. It has decorative flowers on it you just roll, and it prints this beautiful, fancy design on your baked goods. How easy is that?

The rolling pin was designed by the artist Michelle Gray and inspired by the book called Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik.

300pc Jigsaw Puzzle

Yes! I love puzzles! I was excited to see this puzzle in the OwlCrate box and will work on it while listening to an audiobook, of course!

The puzzle is an illustration by artist Tiara L’Hoommedieu of the enchanting Moon festival scene from An Ember in the Ashes” by the author Sabaa Tahir.

Wooden Tree Ornament

I love anything wooden, and this is ornament is beautifully crafted. The ornament is designed by Juniper and Ivy Designs and inspired by the book The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh. The quote says:

Some things do not have to be said. Love speaks for itself.

OwlCrate December Enamel Pin

Iron and Ink Designs designed this month’s collectible OwlCrate pin, and it is beautiful with floral details from the rival gangs in the book. The quote on the pin says:

These violent delights have violent ends.

What was the book in OwlCrate’s December 2020 box?

You probably already know the book this month was These Violent Delights!

I almost bought These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong on Amazon about 20 times. I guessed that it would be in this box, and I forced myself to wait patiently. I was not disappointed. The book is beautiful, and the jacket is stunning.

These Violent Delights is a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai. I know, amazing, right? Before I drop all the beautiful photos, here’s a synopsis in case you’re interested.

Synopsis

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal. But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Buy a Copy

Synopsis

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal. But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Buy a Copy

I’ve not set eyes on such a beautiful book. It’s textured gold with a contrasting black dagger illustration on the front cover.

The cover is exclusively recolored and comes with artwork on the back of the dust jacket by @scareerux.

It’s a stunning special edition and signed by Chloe Gong. A letter from the author was also written for OwlCrate subscribers and included in this box.

Okay, now the moment we’ve been waiting for. Feast your eyes on this beauty!

Final thoughts on the Love is a Battlefield OwlCrate December 2020 box?

This was my second ever OwlCrate box, and I absolutely adore this box. It’s so cozy, practical, and the book is stunning. It doesn’t hurt that I’ve been longing to get my hands on this book for months!

Second box is a hit and I would 100% buy again!

I hope you enjoyed this unboxed review of OwlCrate’s December 2020 Love is a Battlefield box.

It takes a lot of work to take the photos, edit them, and write this post. If you’ve made it here to the end, I’d love to hear from you in the comments to see if you enjoy these kinds of posts?

I’m excited about the January OwlCrate box, and my Limited Edition Winter Wishes Box is already on the way to me in the mail! Eek! I hope you’ll join me for the next Review! Thanks for your support!

Best,

Ashley

From novelfables.com

Walmart eBooks by Rakuten Kobo

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