January wrap-up and life updates

Hey guys !
January is over. So far I’m not sure 2021 will be better than 2020, but I’m not complaining. I’m fairly well off. I mean, my internship is still going, there’s no lockdown (yet) in France, I get to read more than usual (It’s litterally part of my job!) and I’m healthy. Basically, I’m grateful for my situation and hope you are all well too, and hope those who are not will make it through this and manage to stay strong ❤

Regarding books, I read a lot this month. More than usual. I’ve read 9 books in total, but they will not all be listed here, as around half that number is due to books I read for work, and can’t disclose yet. Plus they’re in French, so not so interesting for you guys! Also, most books featured here don’t have a review on the blog yet because I’M SO BEHIND!

If you’re interested to follow up on the books I read, you can check out my bookstagram, that I am trying to revive lately! I found the IG spark in me again, so feel free to check it out and have a chat : @theelderbooks

Now that the personnal part of this post is done, here’s what I read in January, minus work books!

The Rain Heron | Robbie Arnott | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | My review

The Rain Heron has me a little confused. I’m still not too sure what the plot is about, but it is a very relaxing and reflective read. The characters are really cool, and it’s kind of a coming-of-age story, all in all!

Séléna, la couronne de Bahram | Célia Réus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | RTC

This one is a French fantasy, that reminded me a lot of Throne of Glass. I must admit I read it because Célia is one of my college friend, and she conceived and published the book herself, which is pretty impressive when you know how hard it is to do! Still, I’m glad I read it, the plot is cool, featuring royalty, dregs, and adventure! I’ll 100% read book 2 when it’s released.

The Swimmers | Marian Womack | ⭐⭐ | RTC

When the blurb for The Swimmers announces a climate change related plot, I thought I would love it for sure. But I didn’t really. Mostly because I’m not too sure what went on. I think I missed what the plot was about. It lacked action a lot, and I’m not too sure what the goal(s) of the characters were. But the writing was pretty cool, and the world depicted sounds beautful, so I didn’t DNF it!

Ces orages-là | Sandrine Collette | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | NR

Another French book, this time about a woman who manages to escape her abusive boyfriend. But even after being free, she keeps looking over her shoulder, afraid he’ll find her. That was a pretty cool read, but I didn’t like the main character much… Still, the writing style was pretty cool and I could feel the tension throughout the whole book!

Tiger girls and the candy kid | Glenn Stout |⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | RTC

I absolutely love this tale of two young lovers who take up on the crime stage of the Roaring Twenties. It’s gruesome, beautiful, sexy and horrifying all at the same time. I loved how the author managed to put in words the life of the Whittemore gang, and am absolutely impressed with all the research work he did to put this book together! I definitely recommend it to anyone who like reading about the 1920’s/30’s!

Odin’s Child | Siri Pettersen | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | RTC

I want to give this so much more than 5 stars. I can’t remember which blogger recommended that book on her blog, but I can’t thank her enough. This is a fabulous Norse-inspired tale of Hirka, a young women who was born without a tail. She’s the tailless girl, a child of Odin, and therefore a danger for all of the country. She needs to find out how to stop the msyterious conspiracy to put down the current leaders, all while figuring out who she is, and saving the world. It had some GOT vibe, and I really enjoyed it! Seriously, you won’t regret reading it!

That’s it for me this month!
Did you have a good month?

Thanks for reading me,
See you soon,
Love,
Jade ❤