I am never sure how I feel about this author's work, sometimes I really enjoy it and sometimes I'm not so sure, so I thought a collection of short stories would be ideal to see where maybe some ideas come from or even just how she tells a short story, and sometimes I am impressed and sometimes I'm left bewildered.

There is no denying this author can write. From the first story, these stories awake on the page and really pull you in that make you feel like you are part of the story - even in the stories from this author I've not enjoyed, I've been drawn in by her characters and how she writes, and this collection is no different. The romance that ensues in The Wish Branch is just so perfectly written and opens this book with so much promise.

Where this author works is where she can push the boundaries and really test herself with emotion and expression. I think that is highlighted in other works she's written but here in this collection it shines. Monsterlove in particular are perfect examples of stunning writing and gorgeous characterisation that sticks with you.

A great collection full of the things Olivie Blake does so well in her novels, I actually prefer her here, particularly in the journal entry style stories beginning with The Audit and I would legit read whole novel in verse if they are anything like How To Dispel Friends And Curse People, cos that was cute as heck - that's the cosy romance I'm looking for here.

(Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC for honest review).

A collection of short stories by Olivie Blake.

Some stories were extraordinary, others were very abstract. Some I enjoyed, others were a bit too out there.

An outstanding collection of stories that are lyrical, beautiful and rich with emotions, as expected with Olivie’s work. Utterly captivating!

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan books for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As with a lot of anthologies, this book had some stories I really enjoyed that could have been their own novels, and others not so much. Blake's writing style was present throughout and she definitely nailed the themes of love, passion, betrayal, and magic.

Some personal favourites were The Wish Bridge, Sucker for Pain, The Animation Games, How to Dispel Friends and Curse People, and Chaos Theory.

I'm not sure I would re-read the entire book, but I would definitely go back to the ones I enjoyed most.

I did not know it was a collection of short stories before I requested it. As with most collections, it's not you - it's me. I can't get invested in them and find I struggle to care. It was fine. Just not my thing.

The cover of ‘Januaries’ immediately captivated me. Together with the title, it gives the impression of frosty winter stories that are perfect for reading in front of the fire. It's still a bit early for this kind of pastime, but I still enjoyed reading it.
In fact, I probably would have been a little disappointed if I'd saved it until winter (or even January ;)). The setting of each story is year-round and not specifically set there, as the cover wants to convey.
The short stories themselves are very varied. As the blurb suggests, we find ourselves in a wide variety of worlds and scenarios. Within just a few pages, we are whisked away on wonderful journeys whose endings have been chosen just right to leave the reader daydreaming.
Some are a little wilder than others. Anyone who has read the Atlas series will probably know what kind of ‘wild’ I mean - namely the very best. Blake packs interesting thought processes and unusual relationships into pleasantly small bites. I'd love more of this!
The only drawback, in my opinion, is that they are TOO different. Yes, they are all ‘Stories of Love, Magic & Betrayal’, but that's where their similarities end. In an anthology, I would hope for more of an overarching theme to which the different stories can relate.
However, if you prepare yourself for the cover to unintentionally mislead you and for the main commonality to be ‘extraordinary relationships’, you will find a wealth of wonderful short stories. Each one is a little masterpiece and easily digestible before bedtime ;)

I will read Olivie Blake’s shopping list if I could, so there was no doubt I would not enjoy this read.

Januaries is a compilation of short fantasy stories. I enjoyed some of them and there are some interesting concepts however others were a bit too abstract/whimsical for me. I feel like I would have liked the stories to have been longer and then it may have been a bit more cohesive

This one started off great with The Wish Bridge which turned out to be my favourite of the whole book.

Others I enjoyed were: Sucker Love & The animation games.

I know there are meant to be short stories but there were a few I felt I would have enjoyed more with a bit more development and if they were longer, or explored a little further but that is a personal preference.

But books like this there are always going to some that appeal more than others. And I did love the concept.

I’m new to Olivie Blake’s writing but I’m definitely going to be checking out a full length book of hers because whilst some of the mini story’s were a miss for me, I really did enjoy her writing style.

I'm not usually a lover of short stories, but I do love stories about love and magic and having read some of Olivie Blake's previous work I was intrigued. I'm so glad I was able to read this collection because every concept was so intriguing and the writing was perfection. I was surprised that each story was written by the same author because the style and content felt so new each time a new story started and I was so gripped. The wish bridge to start was great in my opinion and I was wary of if it could get better and to my surprise it really did.
I think my opinion on short stories may be changed, although there are a few that I would loved to have been longer but that's my own greed and nosiness playing more of a part than because the story left too much to the imagination.

"Januaries" is a remarkable collection of short stories that showcases Blakes talent for crafting intriguing and compelling characters. Each story is a testament to Blake's skillful writing and her ability to create captivating atmospheres.

The collection contains numerous standout pieces, each with its own unique charm. However, the arrangement of the stories does not necessarily follow a cohesive mood or genre, which can make the reading experience feel somewhat disjointed at times. This is why I believe the book is best enjoyed over an extended period, allowing each story to be fully appreciated on its own.

Several stories in the collection captured my interest deeply, while others did not resonate as strongly with me. Despite this, the overall quality of Blake's writing and her ability to immerse the reader in each narrative make this book a worthwhile read.

In conclusion, "Januaries" is a must-read for fans of Olivie Blake and for those who enjoy a mix of fantasy, adventure, and the absurd. To fully appreciate the diverse range of stories, I recommend reading them one at a time, with breaks in between, to allow each narrative to stand out.

A DNF for me, sadly. Stories of love, betrayal, longing and lust that I initially liked but after a while grew tired of, to the point where I lost interest.. Not really sure why - was it the characterisation, which I generally found full of unlikeable people?

Or perhaps it just felt artificial? Perhaps the writer was trying too hard? It's clear that she can write, and in different styles too. But in the end, after reading more than half way through, I found that I just wasn't bothered about reading further. It became a bit of a slog, frankly.

I am surprised, as I wanted to like this, and thought I would to start with. But one to be labelled as 'not for me'..

I will admit I came late to the Olivie Blake party, but the few of her works I have read I just adore her writing style.

There is a humour that is specifically OB and this runs throughout Januaries.

A collection of short stories that include fantasy, fairytales, betrayal and the macabre.

Some of these I didn’t want to end and could have read an entire book on, some of them were fine but such is the way of an anthology.

An enjoyable collection from an excellent author!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.

4/5 ⭐️

"Januaries" is a mesmerizing collection of short stories, poems, and musings that will captivate fans of fantasy, magic, and adventure. Olivie Blake's writing is a masterclass in creativity, weaving together disparate threads of mythology, folklore, and contemporary life.

Each piece in the collection is a gem, from the spirit tethered to a magical bridge to the multiverse assassin's introspection. Blake's prose is lyrical, witty, and incisive, tackling themes of mortality, love, and freedom with depth and nuance.

The modified fairy tales are a delight, offering fresh spins on classic stories, while the absurdist poetry adds a touch of whimsy. The contemporary heists and occult situationship tales showcase Blake's versatility and skill.

Overall, "Januaries" is a triumph, a genre-bending, boundary-pushing collection that will leave you enchanted, moved, and eager for more. Olivie Blake's unique voice and vision make this a must-read for anyone seeking a reading experience that's both magical and unforgettable.

I find this collection of totally fascinating short stories and very much in line with the spooky season. Each story with such a unique touch and endearing that had you on the edge on the seat. Each one of them well written, dives in the fusion of supernatural and mundane beings with a satirical, whimsical and absurd narrative at times without leaving aside how they ponder about the existential crises that have ever crossed anyone's mind.

Thanks Netgalley for this ARC

Rating - 4.25⭐️

This was the first short story anthology I’ve ever read and I’m glad that my first anthology was an enjoyable experience. There are 13 short stories varying in lengths and I agree with Olivie that this is like bedtime stories for adults. I already had a feeling I would like this because it’s written by Olivie Blake and I loved her previous book Masters of Death so I wanted to give this anthology a go! I love Olivie Blake’s prose, it’s very unique how she writes.

A list of my fav short stories from this anthology
- the wish bridge
- Sucker for pain
- The animation games
- How to dispel friends and curse people
- Sensual tales for carnal pleasures
- Chaos theory

This just wasn't for me, I really liked the first story and wanted more from that world!

Then the second story was chaotic and I couldn't get my head round it, and after then I had checked out.

Januaries by Olivie Blake is an enchanting collection of short stories filled with magic, love, and betrayal. Each story is unique, offering a range of fantastical settings and quirky characters, from a spirit tied to a magical bridge to a fairy answering a Craigslist ad. While some stories stood out more than others, all were enjoyable, showcasing Blake’s imaginative writing.
The collection blends fantasy with real-life themes, creating a dreamlike experience reminiscent of fairy tales with a modern, adult twist. "The Wish Bridge" was a standout for me, setting the tone for the entire anthology. Though some tales didn’t grip me as much, the overall creativity and charm make this a delightful read.
Perfect for autumn or any season, Januaries can be read all at once or savored one story at a time. It's an ideal choice for fans of magical realism and short story anthologies.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own

This was an absolutely perfect read for autumn. Olivie Blake’s talent really shines and while there were definitely some short stories that I liked more than others, all are great reads. The Wish Bridge was an incredible one to start on and is my favourite. I’ve rated each individually:
- The Wish Bridge: 5
- The Audit: 4
- Sucker for Pain: 4.5

- The Animation Games: 4
- The House: 5
- To Make a Man: 4
- Preexisting Condition: 3

- Monsterlove: 3
- How to Dispel Friends and Curse People: 3
- Fates and Consequences: 4
- Sous Vide: 3.5

- Sensual Tales for Carnal Pleasures: 4
- Chaos Theory: 4.5
- A Year in January: 4.5

This is an enchanting collection of short stories from the talented Olivie Blake. It offers the endless creativity and complete uniqueness of Blake’s writing through a whole host of characters and stories that I devoured far too quickly. Each of these tales is some form of fantasy, some based in different worlds and others which aren’t, some with magic humans, and some with those who are not-quite human. While there were some stories I liked more than others, there were none I didn’t like, making it easy to fall into these different worlds and Blake’s writing, which very much reminds me of Master’s of Death with the quirky style. Though the book is divided into seasons, and named after a winter month, it’s a collection that can be enjoyed at any time, and can be read all at once or one tale at a time. Blake’s writing fascinates me and I love the unusual characters and plots she invents, so this was a treat for me!