LitCube is a book and reading-inspired subscription box. Each month's box contains a book, as well as other treats to fit the theme, like wearables, gifts, housewares, and snacks.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: LitCube
The Cost: $34.95 per month
The Products: Hand-picked books alongside other non-book finds that fit the theme
Ships to: U.S. for free. Canada for $10 shipping and handling. Shipping to all other countries is $14.99.
Check out all of our LitCube reviews and all of our reviews of Book Subscription Boxes!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Each box has a theme, and this months is "Sorting Hat"! That's right, folks. Get ready for a lot of Harry Potter fun!
Here's a list of all of the items in the box. I like that they note the creators of the items, too!
The League of Beastly Dreadfuls by Holly Grant - Value on Amazon $13.89 (retail price $16.99)
This title sounds an awful lot like a certain Harry Potter prequel's name, doesn't it? No matter, though, as this story is uniquely its own. I think the gently sinister, bizarrely fun book will charm young readers looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary.
Book Summary on Amazon:
A creepy Victorian house, secretive aunties, and a great escape combine in this debut that is part Mysterious Benedict Society, part Roald Dahl, and all quirky, smart, hilarious storytelling. Join the League. . . .
Anastasia is a completely average almost-eleven-year-old. That is, UNTIL her parents die in a tragic vacuum-cleaner accident. UNTIL she’s rescued by two long-lost great-aunties. And UNTIL she’s taken to their delightful and, er, “authentic” Victorian home, St. Agony’s Asylum for the Criminally Insane.
But something strange is going on at the asylum. Anastasia soon begins to suspect that her aunties are not who they say they are. So when she meets Ollie and Quentin, two mysterious brothers, the three join together to plot their great escape!
"Marvelously inventive and utterly demented, THE LEAGUE OF BEASTLY DREADFULS is nasty good fun from beginning to end!" -- Bruce Coville, My Teacher is an Alien
"WONDERFULLY WITTY. It reminds me of Roald Dahl's The Twits only in an insane asylum."—Chris Grabenstein, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
* “A yummy debut.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Just the right mix of humor, magic, maliciousness, and suspense"—Booklist
"Anastasia is anything but average, and her adventures are just beginning."—Publishers Weekly
"Enough mystery and humor to keep readers wondering what will happen next. A solid debut reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events." --School Library Journal
"Abundant humor....Charmingly offbeat ...sure to entertain."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
This book reads a bit more like a novel for middle schoolers or younger. High school (and older) YA readers might find this book a bit too cutesy.
This "Owl Post" envelope is up next...
Harry Potter Planner Stickers by Nerdy Girl Designs - Listed Value $3.99
These stickers are adorable! I'm crazy about these cute versions of the characters. Even Voldemort looks huggable, doesn't he? I've been getting really into planners and planner accessories, and especially heading into the new year, I'm excited to add this sheet to my collection! These stickers are matte, so you can easily scribble on them, or just use them to mark special days.
Set of 55 Nail Decals from Nail Glams - Value $5.49
These are like temporary tattoos for your nails, featuring a bunch of great HP imagery. I love the platform 9 and 3/4 designs! Just cut out the one you want to use, then apply it by pressing it face-down on your nail, wetting the back, and pressing down a few seconds. I think I'd do a statement nail or two with these, maybe alongside a sparkly polish.
Gryffindor Student Handbook Planner - Listed Value $39.99
LitCube designed and made this planner exclusively for its subscribers! The front and back are embossed with metallic gold graphics, giving this magnet-secured planner an austere quality. The cover is somewhat plush and feels sturdy, though I'm pretty sure it's faux leather.
The metal is ring bound, so you can add or remove pages as you'd like. I think that's awesome since it lets the planner be a bit more customizable and longer lasting. (Run out of pages? Just add some more!) I like the crisp, modern design of the planner pages. And the inside of the front cover has a place for cards and a pocket for loose papers, too.
Planner stickers and a brand new planner to use them in? 2017 is looking good for Harry Potter fans!
Hogwarts Gryffindor Scarf - Listed Value $14.99
LitCube also created exclusive Hogwarts scarves for this box. I got a Gryffindor one if you couldn't tell by the gorgeous colors!
The scarf is silky smooth and about 5 feet long. It's semi-sheer, so it feels feminine and fancy!
Gilliam Rum & Butter Stick Candy - Value $0.20
Of course, every wizard needs a wand! This one just happens to be flavored just like butterbeer. I'm not the biggest hard candy fan, but I think this extra touch is very cute. And who doesn't love these savory sweet, caramel-like flavors?
Verdict: This was one of my favorite LitCube boxes yet! I thought the variety of Harry Potter items was really unique and fun. Plus, the quality of these pieces was really nice. That said, I do think some of the values for the items were a bit high for what they were, notably the planner, which was listed at almost $40.00. The value of the box was about $79.00, which is more than double the $34.95 price. I think $34.95 is still fair, though. I would say that this box, in particular, would probably be best for younger YA readers, but I thought it was a whole lot of fun!
What do you think of the Harry Potter items in this LitCube box?
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