Aardvark Book Club is a monthly book subscription box. They are relatively newer than some other companies and I only recently joined in the past few months but so far I am loving it!
Each month they curate a selection of five new release titles that you can pick from. You can choose up to three books each month, one from their monthly selections and two from any of their current or backlist books.
They’re pricing is very similar to other subscription boxes and definitely affordable. Shipping is always free. They ship to both the United States and Canada. See their FAQ page to learn more about how it works.
All books are hardcover and have cool color combinations that match the vibe of the book.
The hardcovers are also a unique soft texture, which I love because I can read it without the dust jacket and it feels nice in my hands. (Aesthetics are an important part of the process, am I right?)
Each box also comes with the cutest bookmark ever! Not only are they adorable little aardvarks, but they are functional too, as there is a notch in the side that perfectly holds the bookmark in place (and they make perfect bookstagram props).
They pick books in a variety of genres so there’s always something for everyone: contemporary, literary, historical, thriller, mystery, romance, horror, fantasy, and even science fiction!
One thing I’ve noticed about Aardvark specifically, in comparison to other book subscriptions, is their unique selections. They tend to be books that not a lot of people are really talking about, even if they are from popular authors. I love seeing new and underrated books that I may otherwise not have had on my radar.
I also love that they have really fun and unique “genres” in their descriptions for each book. You’re able to search their backlist by these tropes and themes to find something you’re interested in. This year they have also added a spice rating to their romance books.
They also have an app, with a community tab where you can chat with other members about the books!
They are super active on Instagram so go check them out over there if you’d like as well.
Let’s get on with this month’s book selections!
Here are the picks for January:
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Pages: 359
Publication: May 2nd, 2023
Genres: Sci-Fi, LGTQ+, Literary Fiction, Debut Novel
This month Aardvark has done something really special! This book is the winner of the 2023 Aardvark Member’s Choice award, as voted by the community. This is a special edition with foiling on the hardcover and an exclusive note from the author. I definitely chose this one for my box this month and I’m so excited to read it. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
Synopsis: “Two top women gladiators fight for their freedom within a depraved private prison system not so far-removed from America’s own.”
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
Pages: 367
Publication: December 5th, 2023
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Includes a Dog
Spice Rating: 4/5 explicit open door
I am not a huge romance reader, but the added fantasy element to this book is very intriguing to me. It’s not something I’m going to buy, but if my library gets a copy I might pick it up from there. This one has gotten a lot of early buzz and has pretty good early ratings.
Synopsis: “Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.”
Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody
Pages: 372
Publication: January 2nd, 2024
Genres: Early Release, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Debut Novel, Includes a Dog
This is not a book that was previously on my radar, but it sounds like an interesting read for anyone who likes commentary on true crime. The tropes aren’t necessarily my favorite type of thriller so I probably won’t be reading it. I read another literary thriller last year that almost put me in a slump so I am reluctant to pick up another right now. But I do see this being a good book for discussions.
Synopsis: “…exploring the dark side of true crime fandom and the blurry lines of female friendship… Conspiracy theories from Reddit seduce a disaster-prone woman into an obsession with solving her older sister’s cold-case disappearance.”
The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan
Pages: 305
Publication: January 9th, 2024
Genres: Early Release, Fantasy, Gothic, Historical Fiction
I am so freaking excited to see this book as a pick! It’s one of my most anticipated releases this month. I definitely added it to my box and I can’t wait to read it. Everything about it just sounds lyrical and transportive. I love gothic fantasy. I am expecting this to be a five star read for me.
Synopsis: “Rebecca meets Fatima Farheen Mirza in this sweeping, gorgeously atmospheric novel about a ruined mansion by the sea, the djinn that haunts it, and a curious girl who unearths the tragedy that happened there a hundred years previous.”
Sugar Baby by Celine Saintclare
Pages: 291
Publication: January 9th, 2024
Genres: Early Release, Debut Novel, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that this is not something I’m interested in. While I think that it will be an important and engaging book for some readers, it’s just not to my tastes. But I can see it being good for discussions on difficult topics. Personally, I read more for escapism than for contemplation.
Synopsis: “In the vein of Luster and Queenie , an unflinching portrayal of high-paid sex work in the age of the internet-an intoxicating, bold debut from a dazzling new voice. A compelling journey of self-discovery that offers sharp commentary on race, beauty, and class, Sugar, Baby is an electric, original, spellbinding novel that will keep readers turning the pages until the very end.”
Where You End by Abbot Kahler
Pages: 318
Publication: January 16th, 2024
Genres: Early Release, Debut Novel, Horror, Thriller
Another book from my most anticipated list for this month! Aardvark, y’all are just killing it lately. This one sounds creepy and weird and I’m here for it. It’s giving me the best Mona Awad vibes. I can’t wait to read it and it’s the final pick for my box this month.
Synopsis: “From bestselling nonfiction author Abbott Kahler comes a spellbinding fiction debut inspired by true events: an unusual form of amnesia upends the lives of identical twins, forcing them to face the indelible, dangerous shadow of the past.”
My honest thoughts on this month’s books:
This is the first month where I will have a full box of three books from Aardvark, which is so incredible! Shocking to me, is that I had more books I was interested in from Aardvark this month than from Book of the Month. I know right, I couldn’t believe it either.
I’m so happy to see this company growing and being able to select bigger and more popular books. The last four months have been the best picks yet, and they just keep getting better each month. This is the most early releases we’ve seen to date in a month as well.
I highly recommend this book box subscription! I am not sponsored or affiliated in any way, I’m just really loving it.
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