This is absolutely gorgeous, the inside pages feel nice and easy to write on, as well as being artificially aged to add tot he fantasy-esque theme to the journal. Overall, a fantastic gift or item for someone who loves to write. Some reviews on here complain about a bad smell from the journal but rest assured, they probably have over sensitive noses. There is definitely a smell from the book but it is VERY faint and is an ordinary fresh paint smell as these journals are handmade and this is to be expected. Open the packaging and let it air out for a few hours max and the smell will be gone. Really wonderful product overall.