Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Unboxing: Duality Box - Shield Maiden


Duality Box is a bimonthly book box subscription based in Malaysia, and the Shield Maiden box is their first box. Congratulations to the Duality Box team for this debut box! Here's an appreciation post for you girls ♡♡♡

I'm so happy to be receiving my first ever book box! Oh how I have always envied international bookstagrammers that are subscribed to amazing book box subscriptions. My heart actually leapt in joy the moment I found the existence of Duality Box, and it was thrilling to actually see their first book box. The fact that the theme is Shield Maiden made me more excited, I'm always up for anything that represents strong women.


Firstly, let me introduce the OC for Duality Box's Shield Maiden, Reana! Illustrated by @fox_artrancic, this theme art makes an amazing representation of a strong woman. "She is strong, powerful, wise and does not hesitate to flaunt her beauty. She embraces her scar. She is what we want all of our subscribers to be. We are all Shield Maidens!" (Duality Box, 2018).

Now, let's have a look of what's inside the box!

1. Exclusive Hermione's Chocolate (Harry Potter Series)


Hermione Granger has always been a fictional character that I always look up to. As quoted by the Duality Box's guide, Hermione is "an inspiration to a lot of people, in term of diligence and excellency". She's the perfect definition of beauty with brain, and she has never been afraid to voice herself out. Growing up with Harry Potter (both books and films), I admired so many things about Hermione; courage, brilliance, loyalty. If Hogwarts is real, she would definitely be my idol.

To have this Hermione chocolate bar made me smile so wide, it is so adorable! I like that the packaging is Gryffindor themed, and the spell Wingardium Leviosa is also on it. The taste? I can't say since I haven't eaten it yet (it's fasting month is my excuse, but if I really have to be honest, I don't have the heart to eat this chocolate. It's too cute /screams/)

— Designed by Su (one of Duality Box's founder)

2. Exclusive Feyre's Pillow (A Court of Thorns and Roses Series)


Another one to add to my pillow & soft toys collection! The ACOTAR series has been one of most anticipated read for me, but I haven't been able to actually start the series yet (I do have two of the first books in the series). I was so happy the moment I opened the box and saw this beautiful small pillow, the size is perfect to bring for travel! Absolutely in love with the simple design, and of course, I'd be acting like a High Lady anytime I'm going to use it. 

— Designed by Iffah (@nerdiffah) (one of Duality Box's founder)


Would you just look at its fine quality? Gorgeous!

3. Exclusive Adelina's Tea (The Young Elites Trilogy)


Is it just me or I have never heard of any book box subscription that gives tea as one of their exclusive items? Tell me if you know any, because I was ecstatic when they announced that a special tea will be included in Duality Box. 

I'm not really an avid tea lover (I drink more milk teas), but I've always been curious about the different taste of different types of teas. I feel like it's fun to taste new tea flavours, like an adventure.  

Adelina's Tea is inspired by Adelina from The Young Elites Trilogy (sadly, another series that I have yet to read). As the guide says, it has a tinge of roselle flower in it. Just like the Hermione's Chocolate, I haven't tasted this one either, but I can say that the scent of it is wonderful. It's a little bit overpowering, but I love it still. I can't wait to try and have a taste, maybe during today's Iftar!

— Tea by @rubellitemy

4. Exclusive Aelin's Artprint (Throne of Glass Series)


Is this my first ever bookish fan art? Yes! Have I read the series of it? Again, no ðŸŒš Shame on me. (In defense, I have too much books to read and I usually read standalone(s) first). But no worries, since I have four books from the series, I can start reading them anytime soon.

Okay, now, let's look at this oh-so-gorgeous art print! It features Aelin Galathynius from the Throne of Glass series. The main message in the art print, according to the Duality Box team, is that a woman can be feminine and fearless at the same time. Hell yes! This is the kind of content I'm looking forward to. Women's power in books always gives me more hope in this world, they gave me more assurance and strength that a woman can be whoever they want to be.

— Art print illustrated by @parvaillust

5. Exclusive Inej's Artprint (Six of Crows Duology)


I think it's about time that I get kicked out from this bookish community, because I haven't read Six of Crows Duology either /sobs/ Six of Crows have been in my top TBR list too, but the main reason I haven't gotten it yet is because I am aiming for the hardcover version. It's absolutely a must-have because they're gorgeous! Sadly, we all know that hardcover books are higher priced than paperbacks, and since I'm always short in fund (no, I don't regret any of my hauls though), I never managed to buy the Six of Crows Duology. Would anyone be willing to gift them for my next birthday? ;)

Anyway, this small art print is lovely as well! I love that it is in monochrome, it somehow makes the art more meaningful in a way. Inej Ghafa's fierce expression is captured perfectly too.

— Art print illustrated by @parvaillust

6. 'Mirror, Mirror' Bookmark


I'm always worried whenever I get myself a new bookmark. My bookmarks always disappear! But seeing this Mirror, Mirror bookmark, I'm really hoping to behave myself and not to ever lose it because it is absolutely stunning! I appreciate that they used this quote since I always call myself a queen (yes, I actually shamelessly named myself Queen Aera) ✨✨✨

— Bookmark designed by @stellabookishart

7. Exclusive Collectible Bookmark


This. THIS HERE. Such a beauty, isn't it? I have no words to describe how much I love this exclusive bookmark, it's beautiful! I probably will never actually use it to mark any pages, but perhaps I'll display it somewhere nice. This collectible bookmark makes me more excited in seeing Duality Box's future boxes!

8. Sky in The Deep + Author's Signed Bookplate


And of course, the newly released YA book, Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young! The cover itself is absolutely remarkable, it depicts a strong looking girl in semi-darkness, holding an axe. It captivated me even from the first moment I laid eyes on it, because it's not something that we always see. It is a story about war and battle (part Wonder Woman, part Viking, as quoted by some), and this is something that I rarely ever get to read. I heard good reviews about this book, and I can't wait to dive into it soon!

These are all the wonderful items included inside the Shield Maiden box. I have immense love for everything in it, and I'm so proud of the founders of Duality Box. Su and Iffah, you guys are the greatest! 

I am so looking forward to the next boxes! Broke or not, I'll have to find a way to stay subscribed to this amazing book box subscription ;)


Till next time ♡ Love, Aishah Humaira'


Resources:

PSD Colouring (base) - PSD 18 by Moon2k2

Background/border - Milkycelestials

Fonts -

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