Thank you NetGalley and PanMacmillian for providing me with the opportunity to review Januaries by Olivie Blake.

I must say, I think this may be my favourite Olivie Blake's book or rather a collection of tales, each quite unique not only in form (e.g., short story, poem, journal entry) but also feelings they evoke. Some of them were more accessible than others - I'm talking here about easier writing/diction - and some were more "flowery", written in a "typical" Olivie Blake fashion. I genuinely enjoyed both but I'm glad it was a mix. Generally speaking, each tale had an amazing build up to a rewarding conclusion and some sort of life lesson regarding relationships (mind you this is a HUGE generalisation of Januaries as it also includes stories, for example, of pathetic men, life after death, longing and the idea of multiverse) everything sprinkled with bits and pieces of magic. For me, the main realisation was that pain and love exist on the same fabric and those feelings are just two sides of the same coin. What I also liked is that Blake included an insight into the thoughts of a person with mood disorder and although I can't relate to it, I'm happy I have a deeper understanding of it.

My favourite tales are:
- To make a man
- Monsterlove
- Fates and consequences (this one was super funny as well!!)
- Sous Vide
- Sensual Tales for Carnal Pleasures
- A year in January

When I first read one of Olivie Blake’s short stories in the ‘In These Hallowed Halls’ anthology, I hoped that she would publish a whole collection of original short stories. So, I was beyond excited when I learned that ‘Januaries’ was coming out!
I think that Blake’s lyrical writing style and unconventional narrative structures are perfect for the short story medium. Not only can she quickly draw the reader in with her words, but she can also create a shocking and surprising story in a few pages.
Her focus on the strange and supernatural, the absurd and ordinary, and the frightening and fascinating was wonderful. I particularly enjoyed her stories about unconventional love (which occasionally involves hauntings and some murder).
Whether you love Olivie Blake’s other books or you want to read some of her work but don’t want to commit to a whole book, I don’t think this collection will disappoint. And as a bonus you can enjoy the stunning artwork included at the start of each new season (my favourite was Spring but they’re all mesmerising).

So I was so excited about trying a new Olivie Blake book that wasn’t set in the atlas world . Because I really didn’t like it at all.

This book was boring, the writing didn’t grasp me in anyway. The characters weren’t original., the story’s felt forced but also went from one tangent to another.



Maybe I just don’t like this Authors writing.

The only story I thought I liked until it went a bit schew wiff was Nora and Edmunds story , fun almost gatsby ish . Loved the tone then bam not a good shift too much too busy needs edited.

Sorry 😔

"Januaries" is a collection of short stories written by Olivie Blake.

I loved this collection so much! Some titles won me over, others left me lukewarm, and others still didn't convince me, but overall I was very pleased! The collection expresses the author's great imagination, alternating between modified classic fairy tales, thrilling contemporary heists, multiverse adventures, a careful and intense analysis of what it means to be human, and much more. I love the author's spellbinding, evocative, and lyrical writing, and I am very happy to have found it again between the pages! Also, I continue to be amazed by her ability to skillfully mix different genres and themes, creating fantastic results!

My favorite stories were:
- The Wish Bridge
- The House
- Fates and Consequences
- A Year in January

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.