Hey Book Owl! Thank you for being part of the OwlCrate Community. We're so excited to have you here, and we hope you love this box! On this page, you will find how to join the conversation with other book owls, some spoilers on what's inside this box, and how you can earn reward points by sharing your unboxing experience!
Check out our previous unboxings here:
October's BLEED YOU DRY box
November's DRESSED FOR REVENGE box
December's OUT OF THE WOODS box
January's RISE BEYOND RUIN box
Page Sections
FEBRUARY'S YOUNG ADULT THEME
DECEPTION AND DESIRE
Our February book follows two protagonists; one who's magic is filled with bloodshed and heir to the throne, and the other who's struggling to survive in a world of a brutal reign.
A mysterious benefactor approaches one of them for the heist of a lifetime. As they work together, their motives and desires thrust them into a battle of deception and carnage.
Animal death & cruelty, death, murder, domestic abuse, grief, parental neglect, and bodily harm.
Please note: The content warnings listed above don’t cover all content included in the book.
CONTENT WARNINGS
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Ready to unbox DECEPTION AND DESIRE?
THE BEASTS WE BURY BY D.L. TAYLOR
This edition features:
- Exclusive redesigned dust jacket by @kate.ohara.illustration
- Reversible dust jacket by @niallcgrant
- Printed hardcover case design by @julie.reinhart_
- End pages designed by @zirael_art
- Stenciled edges designed by @kate.ohara.illustration
- Signed by the author on a page designed by @the.pearledreader
- Author letter bound into book
- Bonus content bound into book
- Ribbon bookmark
- Book size: 5.5" x 8.5"
The book selection for February is full of deceit and betrayal in a kingdom that needs saving. In The Beasts We Bury, we meet Mancella, who has the dreaded power to summon animals only after killing them, and forced by her father to strengthen that power no matter what.
Silver is a charming thief who’s world has been torn apart by Mancella’s father. He must manipulate Mancella and earn her trust to pull off a major heist, but as she is struggling to fix the world her father created, he needs to choose between his goals and his heart.
⚔️ This signed edition features a stunning redesigned cover and stenciled edges by Kate O’Hara (@kate.ohara.illustration).
⚔️ Turn over the cover for the reversible with gorgeous artwork by Niall Grant (@niallcgrant).
⚔️ On the hardback, we have some stunning artwork done by Julie Reinhart (@julie.reinhart_).
⚔️Inside, you’ll find gorgeous end pages done by @zirael_art.
An author letter from D.L. Taylor and bonus content is bound to the book just for our subscribers!
Enjoy this book while listening to the Spotify playlist we curated!
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
D.L. TAYLOR
How did the idea for The Beasts We Bury first come to you?
I was thinking a lot about the way people present themselves, with their best sides forward and their struggles hidden. You may admire the strengths that someone has, but you never really know what they had to go through to become the person that you see. So I was playing with the concept of taking a traditionally wholesome power, like summoning animals, and giving it a darker origin, something that causes the wielder deep pain that wouldn’t immediately be apparent from the power itself. That led me to Mance, a girl whose ferocity was extremely hard won, and whose bleeding heart is hidden behind a mask of strength. And the story took off from there.
Which character do you see yourself in the most?
It’s a little vulnerable to admit after my response to the last question, but the only true answer is Mance. This character came straight from my soul. Straight from a very specific time in my life. She and I have not, of course, gone through exactly the same things (I’ve never been locked in a room with a wild jaguar, fortunately). But we have definitely felt a lot of the same things. So she’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
What has been the most surprising (or exciting) thing you’ve experienced during your journey to debuting your first book?
I have been surprised by how easily I can be brought to tears in this process. Getting the book deal in the first place was one such moment, of course. But so was finding out I would be featured in OwlCrate. So was hearing the audiobook auditions. So was seeing my cover, and getting international deals, and holding my ARC in my hands for the first time. When it comes to this book, it turns out I’m a big ol’ softie. Please don’t tell anyone, though.
How would you describe your style of writing?
As far as my prose? Dark, but ultimately hopeful. Voicey and approachable in tone, yet complex in content. Infused with magic and moral quandaries. Like Mance herself, I think my writing has a harsh exterior and a soft heart.
As far as my process of writing? All-consuming. I take brainstorming walks in the woods, heedless of the season or weather. I text myself thoughts in the dead of night, plucked from dreams and half-asleep musings, and I put them on the page in the gray hours before dawn. I curate playlists with a song for every chapter, and then I belt them aggressively as I edit. I populate spreadsheets with meticulous, color-coded care. When I’m writing a story, I live in it. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What new projects can we look forward to seeing from you next?
Mance’s story does not end here, so my next book will be the sequel to this one, and it’s coming out next year! The title is The Beasts We Raise, and I don’t want to reveal too much yet, but I will say this… Writing it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
February's Bookish Goodies
SOLID PERFUME
Immerse yourself in the scents of Egypt with our solid perfume! Inspired by What the River Knows, this perfume has notes of cardamom, amber, lotus, and vanilla and is wonderfully made by Fiction Bath Co (@fictionbathco).
MEASURING SPOONS
Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate. But do use our measuring spoons to help create excellent baked goods that can help you on your adventure between realms. Inspired by Quicksilver, these spoons have been designed by Teresa Chen (@divineliterary)!
TOILETRY BAG
A most essential item, our toiletry bag is perfect for any journey, short or long! This item is beautifully designed by Gretchen Cobaugh (@lichen_and_limestone) and is inspired by Powerless.
BRACELET
Who says fashion and fantasy can’t intertwine? Our Heartless Hunter-inspired bracelet is the perfect accessory to go with any outfit! This bracelet with its beautiful rose motif is designed by Sho (@apollosproblemchild)!
ENCHANTED ELIXIRS ENAMEL PIN
Here’s the next pin in our 2025 enamel pin collection: Enchanted Elixirs! Each month’s box will include a pin with a quote charm featuring magical elements from fantastical worlds all tucked away in a bottle—all designed by Layla Ashtar (@layla_ashtar_shrine)! Our second pin in the collection features The Poppy War, a story of treachery, deception, and fiery magic.
INTERVIEW WITH THE VENDOR
Teresa Chen
You've been working with OwlCrate as a Curator and now the lead of the Adult Fantasy box! What has been your favorite thing to design for OwlCrate so far?
My favourite thing that I've designed is in March's box. I've also really enjoyed designing some of the tip-in pages recently! The Sins on Their Bones and The Teller of Small Fortunes are two that come to mind.
What are some of your favorite characters/books you've worked on so far?
Anything Grishaverse will always have a special place in my heart. Working on Shadow & Bone and Six of Crows has been an absolute dream, and both the books and merchandise were very fun to work on.
If you had to hand-letter a quote from your most recent read, which quote would you pick?
I'm re-reading Manacled right now, and the quote "You're like a rose in a graveyard. I wonder what you could have turned into without the war" has always been a favourite of mine.
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What is OwlCrate ?
OwlCrate is a monthly subscription service that delivers newly published hardcover novels and a collection of bookish goodies to your doorstep. Our Young Adult boxes are designed for ages 14 and up but, as we always say, you are never too old for YA!
Each Book & Goodies box contains a newly released hardcover novel plus 4-5 bookish goodies inspired by the book and other fandoms. We also offer a Book Only option. All books are signed by the author and have exclusive covers and design elements. We often include exclusive bonus content from the author as well!
All of the books chosen for this subscription are of various types of fantasy. This can include high fantasy, paranormal, science fiction, magical realism, urban fantasy, and more!
Check out some past boxes we've sent out over the years!
What do I do if one of my items arrived damaged?
We are sorry to hear one of your items was damaged in shipping. We do our best to make sure everything is packed safely and securely in your box but things can get bumped about in transit.
Damaged Item:
If you have a damaged item, please send a clear photo or two of the damages to support@owlcrate.com. We will be happy to send a replacement.
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