Monthly wrap up: January

Last year, I took the attitude that January was a trial month and didn’t count. Starting the year with sinusitis meant I nearly took that approach again. But once the headaches cleared up, I changed my mind.

This is the first time I’ve set monthly goals – and it worked. I broke them down into weekly targets and then, because I love a list, further broke those down into daily aims so I could consistently work towards what I wanted.

Last month, I read 7 books, wrote 5 fanfiction chapters and edit 2 chapters of my novel. I also spent tried to learn how to knit (and failed) and made it to the gym twice a week. Having a target to aim towards and a job to tick off certainly worked for me!

I’ve been reading some long books lately, so it was a bit of a struggle to reach my target of 7. Here’s what I read in the first month of 2020:

The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb

A full review is coming shortly but I enjoyed returning to the world and characters that Hobb creates here. There’s something about her world-building that really draws me in and this was a strong second book in a trilogy – always a risk.

The Hidden Past by Jude Watson

At the end of 2019, I started the Jedi Apprentice books – I’m not sure why. But they are short and fun and I’ve always been a fan so wanted to indulge further. It held my attention, so is more needed to be said?

Arcana by Paul Kane

Arcana was a really solid read: nothing to blow your mind, but a plot that swept you up, characters you rooted for and an intriguing magical system that made it fun and unpredictable. Full review coming, but I really enjoyed this one.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I didn’t intend reading this one until I signed up for my first book club. It’s not my normal kind of read, but I got swept up in the charm of it and enjoyed it far more than I thought. It was nice to go outside of my norm for a change.

The Mark of the Crown by Jude Watson

This is otherwise known as the point where I started thinking I wouldn’t make my target and needed to throw in another short book. It was fun though, and you start to feel the characters are starting to progress.

Four Minutes to Save a Life by Anna Stuart

The kind of book that really sticks with you. Full of content warnings but wow, I found this a powerful and emotive read where friendship and forgiveness are the strongest gifts that a person possesses. Looking forward to sharing the review.

Magic Unleashed by Devri Walls

A full review is coming for a book tour but this was a decent read. Again, nothing mind-blowing, but enjoyable, entertaining and strong characters. I’d happily read more in the series for sure.

How’s the start of the year been for you? What have you been reading?

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