Oh my gosh I literally LOVED this audiobook! It was absolutely perfect for fall/spooky season. It was full of captivating whimsy, and it’ll have you hooked!

Normally I’m not a huge fan of short story collections/anthologies but this one was amazing. I adore Olivie Blake and her writing and this short story collection was no exception. There were obviously stories I felt kind of meh about, but I still enjoyed every single one. The settings and vibes are all so well done in each story and helps truly set them apart from each other. I had the audiobook for this and the full cast narration was definitely one of my favorite parts of this reading experience. It really helped separate each story and truly make them feel like they’re their own. I’m rating this a 5 because again, I truly enjoyed every single story just some more so than others.

I went into this book knowing that I loved the author and expected it to be another story. I went in almost blind, except for my knowledge of her writing and exceptional prose. My feet were knocked out from under me and I was left reeling.

When I started reading this book, I was immediately pulled in and tossed around, then thrown out and back in again, as I wasn't expecting a collection of short stories (I trust, after reading so many books by her, thank Ms "Blake" will deliver an experience worth having) I was confused in the best and most satisfying way. I hung on, like a roller coaster the repeated ups and downs left me smiling and eager for more.

The narrators are all familiar to me too, and they were all excellent choices for their stories, some repeated and with each one it made sense why they were chosen. If you couldn't tell, I listened to this as an audiobook and would highly recommend you do the same if you are partial to them.

ARC Review
If you love a good, quick, fantastical book, these are so fun! Some I enjoyed more than others, but the beauty of it is that there are so many that there's bound to be something for everyone. Each story was unique, yet they fit together perfectly in this collection. Definitely recommend! I listened to 1 a day while driving/doing dishes/etc and it was nice to escape for a short period of time into a new story every day.

This was my first Olivie Blake book and I am in awe of her range. This was a diverse and increasingly complex set of short stories, and I loved each one more than the last!

A collection of short anthologies by Olivie Blake. This is my first published read by this author, I originally started reading her fanfiction work on ao3, and this did not disappoint. No short story is like the others, each unique in their themes and plot. My favorite was Lyla and Nile’s bridge story, it set the pace for the rest of the book, opening with a feeling of wonder and magic. I also really enjoyed the fairy that answers a Craigslist ad, this one was quirky. And then Sucker For Pain, about the familiar turning vampire, of love and sorrow. Overall, a great collection of variety with a little something for everyone. If you haven’t read anything from this author this would also be a great introduction to her writing style.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! I have been a fan of this author for a while, so I was excited to see this short story collection when it was announced. My only dissapointment with this book is that some of the stories felt too short-- I would have enjoyed hearing some of these stories further fleshed out into their own novels, as some had the possiblity of being much more detailed and nuanced in a longer length. A few of the stories made me feel as if I was just getting into the pacing and world of the characters right before they would end, leaving me wanting more but having no means to get it. I could say that this is just the skill of a great writer-- leaving their audience wanting more-- but I believe in a few instances it really was that the story needed more detail and words behind it to really bring it to the conclusion that it deserved.

I thought that the use of multiple narrators for each of the stories was a nice touch, and it helped to differentiate the stories within the book. I would have liked to have had a distinct seperation between the stories (such as "Story number 1" or something similar) instead of just the title, as sometimes I was unsure if a new story had begun or not if the narrators had similar voices.

I would highly recommend this collection, and I would love to see more similar collections of stories from this author, or even a fully realized novel version of many of the stories included in this collection.

This was a delightful collection of short stories. I loved how not all the stories had happy endings, and that there was a wide range of people, mythology, and depth explored.

I’m not always a fan of short stories, but that is not the case with this collection. Blake gives us a wide array of themes, characters, and morals, and none of them disappoint. It’s a fantastic collection.

I loved "Januaries." It is a wonderful collection of short stories. My favorite story is "The Wish Bridge." It's about a bridge that only appears during full moons and is never in the same spot. The bridge leads nowhere; to cross it, you must face the guardian that guards it. You may request a wish or a truth, but not both. She can forgive you a sin or permit you a wrong, but not both. She can also give something back that you've lost or help you get rid of something you wish to lose, but not both. I cannot stop thinking about this story! If you enjoy short stories, "Januaries" needs to be added to your TBR list!

I enjoyed the audiobook, and the narrators did a great job differentiating characters and helping with the pacing and emotions in the stories.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for letting me read the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4 ⭐️

I have read most of Olivie Blake’s books and this is going to be a new favorite of mine.

The multiple narrators were great and almost every story held my attention. I loved the variety of the stories that Blake created and definitely wished for a few to be longer.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

A compendium of short stories was just what I needed. Blake didn't disappoint and included all the whimsy and magic I could stand. It's a great break from longer titles!

Januaries by Olivie Blake is a mesmerizing collection of short fiction that transports you through enchanted realms, existential musings, and poignant moments of life, death, and love. As a fan of Blake's imaginative and thought-provoking writing in The Atlas Six, I was excited to dive into this collection, and it did not disappoint.

The audiobook format truly brings each story to life, thanks to a diverse and talented cast of narrators who breathe depth and nuance into these magical tales. From a burned-out wish-granting spirit to a Craigslist fairy, the eclectic mix of characters and settings makes each story feel fresh and immersive. The standout performances for me were "The Wish Bridge" narrated by Stephanie Nemeth Parker and "Fates and Consequences" brought to life by Steve West—both masterfully capturing the emotion and wit of their respective stories.

Blake’s signature writing style shines throughout the collection, combining sharp humor, lush descriptions, and thought-provoking concepts. Whether it’s a Victorian orphan navigating the occult or an assassin pondering missed love in a multiverse, every story is a unique reflection on human desires, relationships, and the consequences of our actions. The absurdist elements, like in "How to Dispel Friends and Curse People," add a playful layer to the collection, balancing out the heavier philosophical themes.

That being said, the collection can feel a bit disjointed at times, with some stories resonating more than others. The range of genres—from modified fairy tales to contemporary heists—offers something for everyone, but this variety can occasionally make it harder to connect with the collection as a whole. Some of the more experimental pieces, like the poetry or absurdist tales, might not appeal to every listener.

Overall, Januaries is a beautifully crafted collection that showcases Olivie Blake’s imaginative prowess and narrative versatility. The audiobook experience enhances the magic with stellar narration, making this a must-listen for fans of speculative fiction and those who enjoy exploring the boundaries of reality and fantasy. If you’re looking for something unique and introspective, this collection is a delightful escape.

I absolutely loved Januaries! As a big fan of Olivie Blake, I was excited to dive into this anthology, and it exceeded my expectations. I listened to the audiobook version, which featured an amazing full cast that really brought each story to life. Their performances added so much depth and emotion to the tales, enhancing the experience in a way I think only an audiobook can. The collection begins with one of my favorite stories and keeps the momentum going with a series of short stories, fairytales, and poems that explore love, life, and the unexpected with a perfect blend of wit and heart. Blake’s talent for creating magical worlds and complex, charming characters shines through in every piece, drawing you in and leaving you wanting more. Each story is a beautifully crafted journey, filled with moments that tug at the heartstrings and surprise you in the best ways. This anthology is an absolute gem, and I can't wait to experience more of Olivie Blake’s work in the future.

*Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for a review copy and access to the advanced listening copy of the book!

I really don't think I knew what I was getting myself into when I decided to dive into Januaries. This collection of short stories lives up to its title: There are moments of love, incorporation of magic, and wild acts of betrayal. With Olivie Blake's talent with words, I should have realized I'd be in for a treat.
While hard to summarize, it is important to realize that this is a short story collection broken up into four seasonally titled sections. The content of these stories vary wildly, but they are all incredibly entertaining in their own way. I think it would be fun to share my favorite short story from each section of this book, those that I feel are absolute stand-outs and make this collection so worth reading. They are as follows: The Wish Bridge, To Make a Man, Sous Vide, and Chaos Theory.
This was my first experience with listening to an audiobook for one of Blake's books and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to do so. The audiobook includes multi-cast narration, which adds so so much to the storytelling. Each narrator brings something new and exciting to the story they're reading, helping to transport the reader into the pages of this book. The narration for Monsterlove was particularly incredible and made the emotion behind Blake's words so evident. It completely elevated the text and made for a wonderful listening experience.
If you're in the mood for a collection of short stories, do yourself a favor and read this book!

SOLID 4.5 stars for this beautiful collection of short stories <3

I don’t even know where to begin with this anthology.. each story held so much depth and took up so much space in my mind. I love the humor, whimsy, and affection that was woven into each and every single narrative. Though they all varied greatly in terms of subject matter, it all did truly come back to love, magic and betrayal! I also loved the nods to Greek mythology (I am obsessed.)

I have been going back and forth about which stories I loved the most and truly, it is SO hard to decide. I am going to try my hardest to only pick one or two from each season that they take place.
-Spring: Sucker for Pain was very magical, though The Wish Bridge was beautifully imaginative and captivating.
-Summer: The Animation Games was absolutely hilarious and I did not expect it at all. To Make A Man literally brought me to tears.
-Autumn: Fates and Consequences had me laughing out loud in the car.
-Winter: Chaos Theory!!!!!!!! Wow. What an incredible story, it was hands down my favorite of the entire book.

I really enjoyed the sense of wonder that I felt while reading each tale. Olivie Blake’s writing was just, simply put, beautiful and romantic. Even in the sad bits, I could still feel like love and sometimes deep grief that was put on the page.

I would recommend to anyone who wants bite sized pieces of magic. I received both the audiobook and ebook ARC of this and I have to say that the narration of the audiobook was top tier!!! Especially in Chaos Theory.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for my arcs of this book!!! I loved it so mu

Huge thank you to NetGalley/Tor/Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this early!

I was able to listen to the audiobook for Januaries and was incredibly impressed not only my the narrators but the depth and emotions of these short stories. Olivie Blake has once again written a book with stories I will go back and reference often. Monster Love is probably one of my favorites which covers the struggles of womanhood and motherhood. I happened to listen to it with my fiancée who didn’t understand it at all as a man and it spurred some amazing conversations between the two of us. This book is absolutely amazing and one you need to read!

This collection of short stories by Olivie Blake was the perfect fall read for me. Just spooky enough to feel seasonal, and just campy enough to have fun. Some of the subject matter is sensitive so it might be worth a quick look at the content warnings. The stories range from paranormal to mythological and were all compelling in their own way, some laugh out loud funny, others can’t put it down suspenseful. The cast of narrators was exceptional and I would definitely get the audiobook of this one.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

As expected with anthologies, some of these were hits and some misses for me. Overall I thought it was very creative, interesting, and enjoyable.

I absolutely loved the full-cast narration! All of the narrators were so good and added depth and intrigue, while keeping my interest from story to story. This was an excellent audiobook!

My favorite stories:
"The Wish Bridge" read by Stephanie Nemeth
Parker
"Sucker for Pain"read by Ferdelle Capistrano
"The Animation Games" read by David Monteith

Thank you Macmillan audio and NetGalley for the ALC!

What first drew me in about this anthology was the name. I was just VERY puzzled how it could possibly be a fantasy book. I found out by the end, and I was left existentially changed by all of the stories along the way. Let me tell you, this book was GREAT!

I loved getting snippets or “baby” stories from one author. It feels like we get a glimpse at Blake’s notepad of story ideas, and I was absolutely enjoying all of them! I’m one of those readers that likes to hop from series to series, like flipping channels or shows on tv. So, it feels like you are getting an episode with each story. Think Black Mirror, but not scary at all! Mostly romantic, with some steamy scenes and a little explicit language.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a variety of short, diverse fantasy stories! You get witches, vampires, gods and goddesses, multiverses, magic… just the whole kitchen sink.

Lastly, I listened to this story on audio. The audiobook has a full cast and each of them are fantastic! Olivie also narrates one of the stories herself! Would highly recommend the audiobook. However, this anthology gave me a cozy and cuddle-with-my-book feeling (although some of the topics can be heavy); so, having this book in hardcover while under some warm blankets would also be perfect.

Thank you NetGalley, Olivie Blake and team, Tordotcom, and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 ⭐️ 1.5🌶️