Go Indie Now! is a book subscription box that sends out independently published novels and small items to regale the senses based on a monthly theme. You can choose between the Holiday box that contains two books, plus items for all five senses, or the Weekender which sends one book, an item to hear and either an item to touch or smell. I was sent the Holiday November box with a survival theme. Here’s what was inside:
Everything was shipped in this gorgeous, shiny bright green bubble mailer. It made receiving the shipment feel like Christmas. On the outside of the bag is a business card with information about the website and the owner, as well as their company slogan: “Bringing you a mental vacation each month.” Every item inside arrived in tip-top shape.
Inside the bag, everything was individually wrapped in orange fall themed bags. These kept it all safe and gave an air of suspense before opening.
The first handful of items from the bag was a letter that told a bit about everything included, two bags of tea, a bar of soap, a scent pack, a magnet and a poem. The typed letter had a small handwritten note on the outside, which I thought was a nice touch. The ginger tea was this month’s “to taste” item and was chosen for a rustic feel to match the books. It’s Yogi brand, which is always tasty.
The small bar of soap was created by Milk & Jelly. It’s scented with a variety of spicy aromas including Dragonsblood and was very pretty when unwrapped. It had actual herbs caked into the end of the two-color bar. It smells amazing and lathers nicely. It was this month’s “to touch” item.
Next, as always, the bag had a scent pack for the “to smell” item that relates to what they feel the setting of the main book would smell like. This one is Barren Moon by Adventurescents. It has a perfumed chalky odor that smells a lot better than it sounds. I can’t help sniffing it even though I haven’t read the book yet. Better yet, it comes in a cute little crocheted bag so you can hang it nearby.
The “to see” items this month were a copy of a poem written to enhance the novel and a magnet that advertises the series this month’s book is from. The poem is just affixed to a piece of paper, nothing truly special, but might mean more once I’ve read the book. The magnet sticks well and gives a visual of the world the books are set in.
This month the bonus book was divided. Half of their customers received Oak & Mistletoe by J.Z.N. McCauley and half received Shadow Fall by Audrey Grey. I received the latter and am a few chapters in. Indie novels can be hit or miss, but this one has sucked me in. The world is flush and the characters multi-faceted. It reads like any good best-selling dystopian novel and I can’t wait to finish it. The book also came with a photocopied letter from the author.
Lastly, the main book choice this month was The Roar by A.M. White. It included a signed bookplate that looks like a library stamp card. I haven’t read the book yet, but it looks like another dystopian/survival novel which fits the theme. This one seems more sci-fi related, which will be different for me, but it looks good.
Each book was also marked with a club stamp as well as a ladybug that represents happiness and calm. They included a little card with a more in-depth explanation for the ladybug. I’m not sure I’m thrilled with my books being stamped, but I realize it’s a way for them to get the word out if you pass the book on, so I can forgive it.
Wondering about the “to hear” category? Each bag includes a YouTube playlist that you can get to through their website. They choose music based on the main novel pick and line it up for you to listen to while reading. This month it looks the playlist is for The Roar. It’s post-apocalyptic instrumentals which will make for great mood music.
Overall, I thought this was a really unique box. It spreads the word about indie authors and lets you use all of your senses on the included goodies. While it doesn’t have a lot of extra value, I think the items work out about even to the $30 plus $5 shipping price.
If you’re looking to discover new reads you may have never heard of otherwise, give them a try. Everything is screened to make sure you’re getting quality stories and there’s a new theme every month. They’re still taking orders for their December Fallen Angels box. Click here for more information.
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