The Book of Holding (Dungeons & Dragons) review

Would this journal become the central hub for my campaigns, sketches, and daily notes?

Product Overview

I picked up The Book of Holding (Dungeons & Dragons): A Blank Journal with Grid Paper for Note-Taking, Record Keeping, Journaling, Drawing, and More — Diary – August 4, 2020 because the name promised a multifunctional journal aimed at tabletop gamers and creative note-takers. I found it to be a straightforward blank-grid notebook that leans into the Dungeons & Dragons aesthetic while keeping the format flexible for many uses.

I approached it with the mindset of someone who both runs campaigns and likes to sketch maps and layouts. In this review I’ll share what I liked, what I didn’t, how it performed for writing and drawing, and whether it lives up to being a useful tool for D&D and other activities.

First Impressions

When I first held the journal, the cover artwork and title grabbed my attention and set a playful, thematic tone. It felt like a prop from a game rather than a purely functional notebook, which I liked immediately.

The design suggested this was meant for players and game masters, but the grid paper and uncluttered interior pages made me realize it could also work as a technical sketchbook, planner, or personal diary.

Physical Characteristics

I checked the physical aspects carefully because that’s what determines how I’ll carry and use any notebook day to day. Below I break down the main attributes and my observations.

Feature	Details (as per title/typical product)	My Notes
Title	The Book of Holding (Dungeons & Dragons)	Clear D&D branding, evocative name
Format	Blank journal with grid paper	Grid spacing useful for maps, charts, lists
Date on item	Diary – August 4, 2020	The date appears in the product title, suggesting a release or edition
Cover	Thematic softcover or hardcover (varies)	My copy had a sturdy cover with thematic art; it felt durable
Binding	Stitched or glued (varies)	My copy lay fairly flat after breaking in; binding seemed reliable
Paper	Grid paper	Paper handled pencils and fine liners well; heavier inks sometimes showed ghosting
Size	Varies (pocket to A4 alternatives)	My copy was a mid-size (similar to A5), easy to carry
Weight	Portable	Light enough for me to toss into a bag
Page Count	Not specified in product details	My copy had plenty of pages for multiple campaigns

I intentionally avoided asserting specific numerical specs like precise page count or GSM since these can vary between editions and the listing didn’t include them. However, in practical use my copy was generous enough for campaign notes across several sessions without becoming unwieldy.

Cover and Design

The cover sets the tone. I appreciated the fantasy-style typography and iconography that makes it feel like an in-world artifact rather than a generic notebook.

The artwork doesn’t scream branding so loudly that it’s impractical for daily use. I’ve been comfortable bringing it to cafes and meetings without feeling it’s juvenile or out of place.

Paper Quality and Grid Layout

The grid paper is the star for me. The squares are a practical size for drawing dungeon rooms, mapping encounter areas, and sketching quick diagrams. They also make structured note-taking and bullet journaling simpler.

Paper felt medium weight under pen and pencil. I used pencils, gel pens, fineliners, and a few fountain pen inks. Pencil and gel pens were great; fountain pen inks varied — some bled slightly or produced ghosting on the reverse, depending on nib size and ink saturation.

Binding and Durability

Binding influences whether a notebook will withstand repeated use. My copy had a binding that held up through heavy handling and frequent opening. It didn’t fall apart after being tossed in a bag or opened flat repeatedly.

The corners and the cover show some wear after months of use, but nothing catastrophic. If you expect daily heavy-duty usage, slipping it in a protective sleeve might be worthwhile.

Writing and Drawing Performance

I tested the journal with a range of tools because I like to both write session notes and sketch maps. The grid format helps me keep handwriting tidy and scales map tiles consistently.

Overall, this notebook handled pencils and standard pens admirably. The surface had enough tooth to give pencils some grip while being smooth enough for pens to glide. For shorter notes and diagrams the experience was delightful; for more ink-heavy or layered artwork I noticed limitations from ghosting and occasional bleed.

Pen and Pencil Feel

I enjoyed writing with ballpoint pens, gel pens, and pencils. The grid helped my handwriting stay aligned without strict margins. My fine liners (0.3–0.5mm) worked well for contouring maps and writing, delivering crisp lines with minimal feathering.

When I used fountain pens with broader nibs and saturated inks, the results varied. Thin nibs and drier inks were acceptable, but wetter inks obviously showed more show-through and a little bleed on some pages. I personally reserve fountain pens for special pages where I don’t mind using the front side only.

Ink Bleed and Ghosting

Ghosting was moderate; you can still read through earlier notes when a page is held to light. Bleed-through depended on ink type and nib. Ballpoints and pencils showed zero bleed, fineliners occasionally left a faint mark on the other side, and heavy ink saturation from fountain pens sometimes reached actual bleed-through.

For me, this wasn’t a dealbreaker because I often use one side predominantly for writing and the other for sketches or secondary notes. But if front-and-back use with heavy ink is critical for you, consider a heavier-weight notebook.

Graph/Grid Use for Maps and Layouts

The grid made building maps and plotting dungeon encounters easy. I could assign each square as a 5-foot tile equivalent and sketch rooms and corridors with consistent proportions.

I liked using the grid for timeline tables, initiative trackers, treasure lists, and mapping character movement. The grid also helps with callouts and annotating mechanics — for example, placing traps and measuring line-of-sight.

Use Cases and Practical Applications

I tested this journal in several scenarios to see how versatile it would be for different users. I found it to be a comfortable middle ground between a themed product for gamers and a practical grid notebook.

For Dungeons & Dragons (Campaign Notes and DM Prep)

I used it for session notes, NPC lists, and quick encounter sketches. The grid made tracking initiative and mapping combat areas intuitive. I also used a page per NPC for stats, quirks, and hooks, which made referencing during sessions quick.

The journal feels like a natural choice for GMs who want an all-in-one tool: planning, sketching, and logging sessions without juggling loose papers.

For Players (Character and Inventory Tracking)

As a player, I used a few pages for tracking spells, inventory, and leveling notes. The grid helped me list skills and passive details in columns so I could glance quickly during play. It’s also useful for drawing quick tactics or noting role-play prompts and personal goals.

It’s not a substitute for a dedicated character sheet for competitive or crunchy games, but for narrative-focused play and long-running campaigns it’s fantastic.

For Artists and Mapmakers

I treated some spreads as dedicated map pages and others as sketch pads for encounter diagrams. The grid gives structure for scale, and I liked that I could use it both for tight inked maps and looser pencil sketches.

If you intend to create polished, multi-layered maps with heavy inking and watercolor washes, the paper might show limits — but for line-art maps, dungeon diagrams, and concept sketches, it’s excellent.

For Bullet Journalers and Planners

I used the grid to create habit trackers, weekly layouts, and structured lists. The grid made drawing boxes and tables simple. Since the interior is blank-grid, I could personalize layouts every month without pre-printed constraints.

This makes it good for people who enjoy customizing spreads and prefer a blank canvas with the aid of a grid.

For Record Keeping and Journaling

I also used it as a diary for campaign milestones and personal notes. The aesthetic made journaling feel thematic and fun. The grid helps when I want to add charts or timelines to track campaign arcs or personal progress.

The journal felt intimate and functional, and the D&D branding added a playful, nostalgic element that made daily entries more enjoyable.

Organization Tips I Use

I like to set up a flexible system rather than rigidly filling the book from front to back. Here are some small habits that made the journal more useful for me.

• Use the first few pages as an index where I log page numbers and topics. This keeps me from flipping back and forth endlessly.
• Reserve the back section for maps and larger layouts — that way I know where to find visual assets quickly.
• Number pages lightly in pencil if the journal doesn’t come pre-numbered; this helps with cross-referencing.
• Use sticky tabs to mark frequently referenced sections like NPCs or ongoing quests.

These practices keep the journal organized without stripping away the creative flexibility I enjoy.

Pros and Cons

I weighed the positives and negatives as I used the notebook across different roles. Below I list what I think are the strongest and weakest aspects.

Pros:

• The grid paper is versatile for maps, notes, and structured lists.
• Themed design enhances immersion for TTRPG players and fans.
• Portable and practical for both in-session and on-the-go use.
• Binding and cover are solid for regular handling.
• Great for creative and technical uses, blending sketching with note-taking.

Cons:

• Paper weight limits heavy ink use — fountain pen users should test first.
• Exact specs (page count, paper GSM) aren’t always clear from product listings.
• If you want a premium notebook feel (e.g., higher GSM, archival paper) you may find it lacking.
• Design can feel niche for non-gamers who prefer minimalistic aesthetics.

Comparison with Similar Notebooks

I often compare notebooks to see where they stand in relation to popular competitors. Here’s a high-level comparison I make when choosing a notebook for game prep and creative work.

Feature	The Book of Holding	Moleskine Grid Notebook	Leuchtturm1917 Grid
Thematic Design	Strong D&D theme	Minimalist	Minimalist, premium
Grid Paper	Yes	Yes	Yes
Paper Weight (typical)	Medium	Medium	Higher (usually)
Binding	Sturdy	Stitched	Stitched, tends to lie flat
Indexing & Extras	Depends on edition	Some editions include	Built-in index, page numbers
Price (typical)	Affordable	Mid-range	Mid to high-range
Suitability for Heavy Ink	Moderate	Moderate	Better (higher GSM available)

In my experience, The Book of Holding is the more thematic and affordable option, while Leuchtturm1917 tends to offer more premium paper quality and notebook features if you need heavy ink performance and numbered pages.

Who This Is For

I recommend this journal to GMs and players who want a functional, themed notebook that supports both note-taking and map sketching. It’s particularly appealing to people who enjoy the aesthetic of Dungeons & Dragons and want a single book to hold diverse campaign materials.

If you’re a fountain-pen enthusiast who insists on the least show-through possible, you may want to test a sample page or consider a higher GSM notebook. If you’re after a decorative journal that does a lot of things well without being overly specialized, this fits.

How I Use It in a Typical Campaign

I established a simple system that integrates with my campaign flow. I keep session summaries at the front, NPC and location notes in the middle, and maps at the back. Here’s a sample layout that worked well for me:

• Front section: Campaign log — session date, major events, player decisions.
• Middle section: NPC cards — one page per NPC with hooks and stats.
• Back section: Maps and encounter diagrams — full spreads for detailed layouts.

Using it this way meant I could flip to the right type of content quickly during sessions, and the grid helped keep maps proportional and readable.

Pagination and Indexing Strategy

Since my copy wasn’t pre-numbered, I numbered pages in pencil and kept an index on the first two pages. This saved time during sessions when I needed to reference a location or NPC quickly. I also used colored tabs to mark major sections for instant access.

Gifting and Presentation

I’ve given this journal as a gift to a few friends who run campaigns. The reaction was consistently positive because it felt like a thoughtful, thematic present that they could actually use. I find it better received than a generic notebook because it acknowledges the recipient’s hobby.

If I’m gifting it, I like to pair it with a mechanical pencil or a set of fineliners so the recipient can start using it right away.

Improvements I’d Like to See

There are a few small changes that would make this product even better in my opinion.

• Clearer product specifications (page count, paper weight) in product listings would help buyers pick the right edition.
• A slightly heavier paper option would appeal to users who prefer fountain pens and mixed-media sketches.
• Built-in page numbering and an index could save users a step during setup.
• An elastic closure or inner pocket would add functionality for carrying loose reference sheets or maps.

These are practical tweaks rather than major overhauls. Even without them, the journal performs its primary functions well.

Care and Maintenance Tips

I carry my journal in a soft sleeve to reduce wear on the cover and corners. Because I occasionally use ink and watercolor washes, I recommend:

• Using a protective sheet between pages if you’re concerned about smudging.
• Testing pens on the back of a scrap page to avoid surprises during a session.
• Periodically flattening the spine by carefully pressing the book closed to help it lie flat during sketching.

These small habits extend the useful life of any notebook and keep pages readable.

Price and Value

I bought this as an affordably priced themed notebook, and I felt I got good value. For the price, you receive a usable, attractive journal that suits multiple roles — DM’s notebook, player log, sketchbook, or planner.

Compared to premium notebooks, this one won’t match archival paper quality, but it delivers a lot of utility for its cost. If you want a notebook primarily for D&D and general creative use, I see excellent value here.

Personal Anecdotes from Use

I used the journal during a weekend long-session and found that having my notes and rough maps in one place reduced pacing disruptions. I could draw a room on the fly, label traps, and then place initiative order notes beside the map without scrambling for loose sheets.

One memorable moment was using the grid to sketch an improvised puzzle on the fly. Because the notebook fit in my lap and the grid kept my layout coherent, the players could follow the plan visually and the scene felt more immersive.

Alternatives I Considered

Before I bought the journal, I weighed a few alternatives: premium dot-grid notebooks for overall versatility, dedicated map sketchbooks with heavier paper, and pocket notebooks specifically for session notes. Each had strengths, but for me the combination of theme, grid, and portability made The Book of Holding the best fit.

If you prioritize heavy ink usage or want a notebook with extensive built-in organization, consider Leuchtturm1917 or similar premium brands. If you want something ultra-portable, a pocket-sized field notebook might be preferable.

Final Verdict

I enjoyed using The Book of Holding (Dungeons & Dragons): A Blank Journal with Grid Paper for Note-Taking, Record Keeping, Journaling, Drawing, and More — Diary – August 4, 2020. It hit the sweet spot between being thematic and practical, supporting the dual roles of campaign management and creative output.

For many players and GMs, it will function as a single, reliable tool for session notes, character tracking, maps, and plans. If you want premium paper for heavy inks, this might not replace high-end sketchbooks; but for most tabletop-focused needs and everyday creative use, I found it to be a delightful and useful notebook.

Rating: I give it 4 out of 5 stars based on theme, utility, and overall performance. It loses a star largely because the paper isn’t ideal for very wet inks and because product listings could be clearer about specifications. Despite that, it’s a great choice for its intended audience and a fun item to keep at my gaming table.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.