I got my very first OwlCrate (or those that don’t know: a monthly, young adult book subscription box) last month, and it was simply marvelous! The theme was “royalty,” and the book inside was My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. I decided that nothing could be better than doing a combination book review and unboxing post! AM I RIGHT or AM I RIGHT?

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I seriously could not wait to open the box. I’m pretty sure I was salivating with anticipation. Here’s what was inside:
1. Mystery Disney mini Funko. I got one of my all-time favorite princesses: ARIEL (!!!).
2.Rich Love Shoppe bracelet with a perfect quote from the fantasy novel, Cinder: “Even in the future the story begins with once upon a time.”
3. Lovely royal magnetic bookmarks from Crafted Van.
4. An awesome print by Evie Bookish with a quote from the fantasy novel, Red Queen: “Words can lie. See beyond them.”

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5. And finally the book (which came with a note from the authors)!! My Lady Jane is a retelling of Lady Jane Grey’s life as royalty (and what happens after), and it combines fantasy, history, comedy, and romance. See below for my thoughts on the novel.

Book Review: My Lady Jane + OwlCrate UnboxingMy Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Published by HarperTeen on June 7th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Pages: 491
Format: Hardback
Goodreads

Edward (long live the king) is the King of England. He’s also dying, which is inconvenient, as he’s only sixteen and he’d much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown…

Jane (reads too many books) is Edward’s cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession. And there’s something a little odd about her intended…

Gifford (call him G) is a horse. That is, he’s an Eðian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed—but then he wakes at dusk with a mouthful of hay. It’s all very undignified.

The plot thickens as Edward, Jane, and G are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, our heroes will have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it’s off with their heads?

I had been seeing this book around the book blogosphere for the past few months and hadn’t considered reading it until it arrived in my OwlCrate. I am so happy it did!

The synopsis on Goodreads really sums it up perfectly: The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

My Lady Jane combines everything: history (sort of), romance, comedy, magic (which you may initially think stupid but proves to be absurdly perfect) and adventure. The novel is a light-hearted and easy read that you’ll certainly enjoy if the above synopsis appeals to you in any way. It’s also worth mentioning that the narrators are fantastic in the novel: interjecting and spoiling as they see fit.

I enjoyed the reading experience greatly. I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted a quick and easy, sit back, relax, and chuckle a bit sort of book.

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This is the theme for the July box. Half of the recipients will be receiving the “good” box, while the other half will receive the “evil” one. I CAN’T WAIT.

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Have you read My Lady Jane? Thoughts? Did you receive an OwlCrate this month? Do you subscribe to any fun boxes I should know about (there’s so many to choose from!)? 

Get My Lady Jane here: Amazon. Barnes & Noble. The Book Depository.