What do you think?
Rate this book
January Black
Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn is the son of The Hill’s commandant. As such, he’s expected to conform to a strict, unspoken code of conduct. Small acts of defiance over years—such as walking on the grass—have earned him a reputation for being unruly. When sarcastic test answers finally get Matty expelled from school, King Hadrian offers him a diploma if he can answer a deceptively simple question, and then dismisses the only answer.
To prove his worth to society, Matty wrestles with the king’s word games, the kingdom’s historical record, and laws that don’t make sense. He meets Iris Locke, a street smart gardener, along the way. After enchanting him at a glance, Iris helps his research, keeps him out of trouble, and finally breaks his heart.
Alone again, Matty finds himself on collision course with a deadly law, one he will have to break to answer the king’s question. Was Hadrian challenging him, or teaching him a lesson? Without Iris, it won’t matter, because Matty won’t stand down for anyone else.
January Black is the 2013 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal winner for YA-Coming of Age.
To prove his worth to society, Matty wrestles with the king’s word games, the kingdom’s historical record, and laws that don’t make sense. He meets Iris Locke, a street smart gardener, along the way. After enchanting him at a glance, Iris helps his research, keeps him out of trouble, and finally breaks his heart.
Alone again, Matty finds himself on collision course with a deadly law, one he will have to break to answer the king’s question. Was Hadrian challenging him, or teaching him a lesson? Without Iris, it won’t matter, because Matty won’t stand down for anyone else.
January Black is the 2013 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal winner for YA-Coming of Age.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2013
7 people are currently reading
1,859 people want to read
About the author
Wendy S. Russo
2Ìýbooks64ÌýfollowersWendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, and entertained her friends with Star Wars fan fiction and epic fantasy novels. Her debut novel, January Black, won silver in the Coming of Age category of the 2013 Reader’s Favorite Awards.
A Wyoming native transplanted in Louisiana, Wendy is a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.
A Wyoming native transplanted in Louisiana, Wendy is a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 1, 2022
Won this on the goodreads giveaways!
First off the cover I love (the one with the garden gate and raven). However I struggled a bit with this one. There is a lot of parts and the world setting that isn't well explained, especially early on. It just felt jagged. The positions, connections, etc. Hadrian's position(s) and lifestyle baffled my. King, president, yet living in a casual home...? I needed more showing and less telling in this story. I did like watching Matty work through things, however some parts were too predictable way to soon.
First off the cover I love (the one with the garden gate and raven). However I struggled a bit with this one. There is a lot of parts and the world setting that isn't well explained, especially early on. It just felt jagged. The positions, connections, etc. Hadrian's position(s) and lifestyle baffled my. King, president, yet living in a casual home...? I needed more showing and less telling in this story. I did like watching Matty work through things, however some parts were too predictable way to soon.
Read
January 4, 2015I am the author. :)
April 27, 2013
WARNING: Review contains no spoilers or hints to the story whatsoever. It consists mainly of: fan-girling, a loss for words, arm-flailing, and bowing to the awesomeness that is this book and its author.
is what great books are made of. Like life, it's about the pursuit of happiness. Yours, mine, the world's. It's about succeeding, flourishing, and having the freedom to do so. To make your own choices, to make mistakes, learn from them and then correct them, is one of the greatest liberties. Suffering the consequences of those mistakes is the price, which is made more valuable, heavy, when you're not the one who made the choice in the first place. Like life, the actions of one (or many) can affect a single life or more. They can hurt, but they can inspire too.
With her debut novel, Wendy Russo took what could be a trivial pursuit and unfolded it to be a GRAND one. The question is simple enough: What was January Black? Of course, I'm not telling you, but I must say I was astounded by the answer, by the essence and magnitude of it. While I had ideas, the delicate, complex unraveling kept me guessing until the reveal. But it was upon the very end that I was left breathless—and still am. When I picked up this novel, I wasn't expecting such an intricate, profound storyline.
I didn't expect such a rich world, full of original details, with its own unique hints of medieval, sci-fi, and fantasy elements—a world that was beautiful and otherworldly and that wasn't so unlike ours, if we would only look or pay attention. I didn't expect such relevancy of real-world issues, either.
Neither did I expect themes and love stories that moved me. I cried—and I mean the ugly, blubbering mess kind of cry from a deep, gut-wrenching ache, as well as misty eyes because of an explosion of warmth in my chest. I didn't expect to fall in love with all the characters, each so different, refreshing, and strong, and definitely not as fast as I did.
That's not to say I read books without those expectations that are more like hopes. Every time I pick up a book, I'm hoping for the best, to find it. I want to be wowed. I'm begging to be.
And I was with .
This little journey of a book had me falling so fast and hard for it, over and over again. I didn't want it to end. It's been a couple weeks and I'm still going through withdrawals. There is no other fictional man for me other than Hadrian. If I could bestow the universe upon one couple, it would be Matty and Iris. If I could write a YA novel that could be enjoyed by teens and adults alike, I'd hope it would be as all-encompassing and well written as this one.
Don't make the mistake of missing out on one amazing story. Read .
Favorite lines (out of many), while trying to avoid spoilers:
"The world is a different place when you fall in love ... when you have something to lose."
*
"There are two types of liberty. One is having means and opportunity to do what you want, and the other is an absence of obstacles that would prevent you from doing what you want."
*
"The blessing and curse of creation is that a work, be it art, or writing, or software, is only truly finished when it has elicited some sort of emotion from someone."
*
"Old books are like people ... They are more than the sums of words within. They have unique histories and personalities that change with time. Each one has a spirit that attracts its kindred souls within its readers."
*
A man who would convert his freedom to currency deserves nothing he can buy with it.
*eBook provided by the author via blog tour in exchange for a review. Thank you!
*Review also posted on the blog.
January 25, 2015
As seen on
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, sir. I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." ~Patrick Henry
Let’s see what I can say about this book� First things first, this is not an easy read and I don’t think this book is for everyone. The pace is a far cry from your typical YA read and may very well test your patience. The story is slowly developed and the clues are steadily given. There is no easy moving from one clue to the next. Matty goes periods of time without making and progress before stumbling onto some other piece of information. That being said, you have to be interested in both the mystery and the characters or you will likely get bored. I’ll admit, my attention wavered occasionally, but overall I stayed invested. Usually just as I started to get impatient with the story development, Russo would provide another clue or action to pull me back in.
The mystery is heavily tied to politics and political themes. But all roads lead back to the underlying question of freedom.
“� he found a statement made by Ronald Reagan. He said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same…’�
The setting is kept vague enough so that nothing is given away. We know society is technologically advanced. There are references throughout made about the “Old World� which is referring to the world we currently live in. We know the people escaped that world for freedom and peace. But other than clues there is nothing definitively given. Again, this all ties into the mystery. The whole book is a puzzle that comes together at the end.
I don’t claim to be the most perceptive person ever but I had no idea what the answer was until it was given and I didn’t understand the significance of many of the clues until I had that answer and could reflect back. But I still felt both anticipation and suspense with each discovery. I could still follow what was going on. I’ll take a well-seeded mystery over a simple one any day.
The characters were pretty interesting. Not epic, but I liked their stories when they filled the pages in between mystery-solving. The King was my favorite. He was laid-back, mysterious, intelligent, good-humored. I never really knew if he was good or bad. Or if he was hiding something. He definitely added to the intrigue. Matty as a character appealed to my nerdy side � he was a total brainiac. But he was a little awkward at times and had a few too many descriptive boyish moments when he was with Iris. To say they had a relationship is a bit of a stretch. It felt more like a friendship because of their innocence and purity. I liked how Iris kept Matty grounded and she was her own person - both strong and vocal.
The following is a good quote to show both Matty and the King’s relationship:
“‘The instructor is boring and the section is a joke.�
‘And?� the king prompted him for more.
‘He expects his answers, not correct ones.�
The king spun around at the bottom of the stairs, blocking Matty’s path. He crossed his arms. ‘You drew the atomic model for magnesium.�
‘Yes, sir.� Matty said, meeting the king’s eyes as he stopped on the lowest stair. They were brown.
‘It was a civics test,� the king said before walking away. Matty followed. “The question regarded the Assembly.� Downstairs resembled upstairs, except for a burnt orange wall in what Matty assumed was the sitting room. ‘Explain.�
‘Twelve.� Matty looked around for something in the king’s home that would belong in the palace. He found nothing. ‘Twelve protons, twelve electrons, twelve prince regents.�
‘So, the fact that magnesium is sour and highly combustible, that’s just a coincidence?’�
Overall, I enjoyed the change of pace in January Black from my usual reads. It was intricately detailed and had a thoughtful and deep-seeded mystery. The setting was familiar and yet it wasn’t, which kept me guessing. And you never know what the characters were really up to. This book makes you think, but it is a good use of brain power.
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, sir. I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." ~Patrick Henry
Let’s see what I can say about this book� First things first, this is not an easy read and I don’t think this book is for everyone. The pace is a far cry from your typical YA read and may very well test your patience. The story is slowly developed and the clues are steadily given. There is no easy moving from one clue to the next. Matty goes periods of time without making and progress before stumbling onto some other piece of information. That being said, you have to be interested in both the mystery and the characters or you will likely get bored. I’ll admit, my attention wavered occasionally, but overall I stayed invested. Usually just as I started to get impatient with the story development, Russo would provide another clue or action to pull me back in.
The mystery is heavily tied to politics and political themes. But all roads lead back to the underlying question of freedom.
“� he found a statement made by Ronald Reagan. He said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same…’�
The setting is kept vague enough so that nothing is given away. We know society is technologically advanced. There are references throughout made about the “Old World� which is referring to the world we currently live in. We know the people escaped that world for freedom and peace. But other than clues there is nothing definitively given. Again, this all ties into the mystery. The whole book is a puzzle that comes together at the end.
I don’t claim to be the most perceptive person ever but I had no idea what the answer was until it was given and I didn’t understand the significance of many of the clues until I had that answer and could reflect back. But I still felt both anticipation and suspense with each discovery. I could still follow what was going on. I’ll take a well-seeded mystery over a simple one any day.
The characters were pretty interesting. Not epic, but I liked their stories when they filled the pages in between mystery-solving. The King was my favorite. He was laid-back, mysterious, intelligent, good-humored. I never really knew if he was good or bad. Or if he was hiding something. He definitely added to the intrigue. Matty as a character appealed to my nerdy side � he was a total brainiac. But he was a little awkward at times and had a few too many descriptive boyish moments when he was with Iris. To say they had a relationship is a bit of a stretch. It felt more like a friendship because of their innocence and purity. I liked how Iris kept Matty grounded and she was her own person - both strong and vocal.
The following is a good quote to show both Matty and the King’s relationship:
“‘The instructor is boring and the section is a joke.�
‘And?� the king prompted him for more.
‘He expects his answers, not correct ones.�
The king spun around at the bottom of the stairs, blocking Matty’s path. He crossed his arms. ‘You drew the atomic model for magnesium.�
‘Yes, sir.� Matty said, meeting the king’s eyes as he stopped on the lowest stair. They were brown.
‘It was a civics test,� the king said before walking away. Matty followed. “The question regarded the Assembly.� Downstairs resembled upstairs, except for a burnt orange wall in what Matty assumed was the sitting room. ‘Explain.�
‘Twelve.� Matty looked around for something in the king’s home that would belong in the palace. He found nothing. ‘Twelve protons, twelve electrons, twelve prince regents.�
‘So, the fact that magnesium is sour and highly combustible, that’s just a coincidence?’�
Overall, I enjoyed the change of pace in January Black from my usual reads. It was intricately detailed and had a thoughtful and deep-seeded mystery. The setting was familiar and yet it wasn’t, which kept me guessing. And you never know what the characters were really up to. This book makes you think, but it is a good use of brain power.
April 26, 2013
"The world is a different place when you fall in love... when you have something to lose."
I really must begin with the fact that I liked it very much. So much that I did anything (even skipping work) to read it.
Plot and development:
In fact there are several stories. We have a main one, a couple apparently secondary, one "objective", and several other tertiary. How and when these stories will intertwine and mutually determine are the novel and unexpected elements that will change the course of events. You'll learn about these stories gradually throughout the book. Although some have found their outcome long ago, all of them influence every movement that takes place now. Each story brings something new, something both delicate and powerful.
It will be about maturing, about fulfillment as a man and high ideal, about the fight for love and not just about it. It will be about manipulation and pulling the strings, trust and betrayal, duty.
The author has succeeded a solid and coherent building. The start proposed by the writer will heat you. What began as a simple challenge will gain tremendous proportions and the death penalty. Wendy S Russo leads you on a winding road and you'll not know what your next turn will bring.
Characters:
The characters are admirable. Initially can intrigue, but along the way you start to appreciate each of them. Everyone has a story, a secret, a hidden burden. Each has at least one good reason. The evolution of the main character - Matty - occurs imperceptibly, but it is consistent. It is a true pleasure to see how he thinks, how he links information received, how he feels, how he grows.
Messages:
Oh, there are plenty! It remains for the reader to discover them himself. They are not hidden, are quite clearly expressed, but in today's society are forgotten or overlooked, taken as something that is implied. Covering personal and social life, these messages are important. Take heed to them!
I highly recommend the book.
Every time I write about how I liked a book I’m thinking with fear that maybe the one who had a willingness to take into account my opinion will not share it. Each has his own tastes, each seeking something in the books they read. However, I think many readers will be able to see this book’s messages and its extraordinary beauty.
"The blessing and curse of creation is that a work, be it art, or writing, or software, is only truly finished when it has elicited some sort of reaction from someone."
May 1, 2013
January Black by Wendy Russo is an interesting futuristic story. The book takes place in the future but with weird resemblances to the past (like class systems). The story focuses on Matty Ducayne, a young man who is rebellious and gets expelled from school. The King, Hadrian, makes a deal with him that if he can answer 1 question he will
receive his Master's. That question is "What is January Black?". The question initially sounds very simple to answer but Matty discovers that it's not a simple question and the answer requires a lot of work and sacrifice from him.
I enjoyed this story and the characters. The plot was intriguing and moved quickly. There were alot of twists and surprising events. The dichotomy between the new technology and the resemblances to a medieval kingdom were a little hard to understand at first. But as I got further into the book, I didn't notice the differences as much. The characters in the story were interesting and well-developed. I especially liked how the relationships grew between Matty and the other main characters. The romance between Matty and Iris was so sweet and so real. And the relationships between Matty & his dad and Matty & the king both helped Matty to grow into a strong, determined young man.
The story definitely had political undertones and could almost serve as a warning in today's political climate. The technology that allowed the King to monitor everything seemed like a warning against giving Big Brother too much power. The book talked a lot about liberty and civil rights and the plot led to the idea of revolution being necessary to restore liberty.
I think that this book will appeal to high school students and could be used effectively in a classroom setting to discuss the concepts of liberty, civil rights, and revolution. I also think that the book will appeal to adults who enjoy futuristic/dystopian novels and enjoy political and historical discourse. I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others.
receive his Master's. That question is "What is January Black?". The question initially sounds very simple to answer but Matty discovers that it's not a simple question and the answer requires a lot of work and sacrifice from him.
I enjoyed this story and the characters. The plot was intriguing and moved quickly. There were alot of twists and surprising events. The dichotomy between the new technology and the resemblances to a medieval kingdom were a little hard to understand at first. But as I got further into the book, I didn't notice the differences as much. The characters in the story were interesting and well-developed. I especially liked how the relationships grew between Matty and the other main characters. The romance between Matty and Iris was so sweet and so real. And the relationships between Matty & his dad and Matty & the king both helped Matty to grow into a strong, determined young man.
The story definitely had political undertones and could almost serve as a warning in today's political climate. The technology that allowed the King to monitor everything seemed like a warning against giving Big Brother too much power. The book talked a lot about liberty and civil rights and the plot led to the idea of revolution being necessary to restore liberty.
I think that this book will appeal to high school students and could be used effectively in a classroom setting to discuss the concepts of liberty, civil rights, and revolution. I also think that the book will appeal to adults who enjoy futuristic/dystopian novels and enjoy political and historical discourse. I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others.
December 31, 2015
So, it took me an unusually long time to read this book. I couldn’t tell you why. It’s fantastic! It never lost my interest. I guess other things (like my new job and the kids� soccer commitments) just got in the way. Regardless, don’t let my slowness in reading January Black by Wendy S. Russo deter you from reading it. It is a fantastic book, really � perhaps my subconscious was trying to savor the journey? Whatever it is, I closed the book with a smile on my face and five stars in my mind.
One important thing missing from the summary above is that there’s a very important love story that is pretty central to this book’s plot. Matty falls for a girl/woman named Iris, and that plays a very key role in this whole story. They are a very cute, sweet couple. Iris is an interesting character with a sad back story, and she seems just about perfect for Matty.
Matty. I like him. He’s got a good sense of humor and is extremely intelligent. And, frankly, he’s mostly a sweetheart. He’s basically expelled from school for thinking for himself. Which, as it turns out, is exactly what the king wants to exploit � his free-thinking tendencies. Watching Matty uncover the truth behind January Black was very interesting. Seeing it all come together and the pieces become revealed a little at a time � really neat to watch it unfold. And, frankly, there were some HUGE surprises toward the end. (I could NOT stop reading the last few chapters. It was all happening so fast, and I just didn’t want to wait any longer to see how everything came together and what becomes of everyone.)
In short, this book is one wild ride. The truth behind everything is really fun to watch come out, and wow. Piecing everything together is something else. Lots of surprises. And, at the heart, there is a very sweet, and even heartbreaking, story. I would highly recommend January Black by Wendy S. Russo!
One important thing missing from the summary above is that there’s a very important love story that is pretty central to this book’s plot. Matty falls for a girl/woman named Iris, and that plays a very key role in this whole story. They are a very cute, sweet couple. Iris is an interesting character with a sad back story, and she seems just about perfect for Matty.
Matty. I like him. He’s got a good sense of humor and is extremely intelligent. And, frankly, he’s mostly a sweetheart. He’s basically expelled from school for thinking for himself. Which, as it turns out, is exactly what the king wants to exploit � his free-thinking tendencies. Watching Matty uncover the truth behind January Black was very interesting. Seeing it all come together and the pieces become revealed a little at a time � really neat to watch it unfold. And, frankly, there were some HUGE surprises toward the end. (I could NOT stop reading the last few chapters. It was all happening so fast, and I just didn’t want to wait any longer to see how everything came together and what becomes of everyone.)
In short, this book is one wild ride. The truth behind everything is really fun to watch come out, and wow. Piecing everything together is something else. Lots of surprises. And, at the heart, there is a very sweet, and even heartbreaking, story. I would highly recommend January Black by Wendy S. Russo!
March 19, 2013
Set in a world that is similar to our own, “January Black,� by Wendy S. Russo, is an intriguing mystery, a sweet love story and has a twist at the end that will bring a smile to your face! Young Matty Ducayne has caught the eye of King Hadrian with his brilliant mind, intense curiosity and his ability to think outside of the box. Hadrian gives Matty a deceptively difficult question to answer: What is January Black? Matty has no time constraints, but there is only one correct answer and with the help and support of Iris, he undertakes a two year journey to find the solution to the king’s question. Throughout his search, Matty comes to many wrong conclusions, finds a sweetly sincere love shared with Iris, opens his eyes to the reality of the world around him, and learns that knowledge should always be shared. Once Matty realizes he has the answer, he makes a daring move that could cost him his life. He must trust in what the answer means, how it will affect the actions of those closest to him, and that his life will be changed forever!
I was completely enthralled by the world Wendy Russo created in this story and kept hoping I would magically find more pages after reaching the end! With its unique plotline, smooth prose, and charmingly brilliant characters, I can highly recommend "January Black" to anyone who loves a book that can be read and re-read, again and again!
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
For more reviews and other book related things, please visit:
I was completely enthralled by the world Wendy Russo created in this story and kept hoping I would magically find more pages after reaching the end! With its unique plotline, smooth prose, and charmingly brilliant characters, I can highly recommend "January Black" to anyone who loves a book that can be read and re-read, again and again!
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
For more reviews and other book related things, please visit:
April 4, 2013
Judging by the cover and description, I had expected this to be either historical fiction or fantasy. It is neither. It's dystopian.
I enjoyed the story and the mystery surrounding the question of January Black. The world of Columbia was built and described in great detail. The intricate plot line held many unexpected twists and turns that kept me interested. I did start to lose interest toward the end of the book, however. I felt like it took too long to wrap the story up.
The romance between Matty and Iris is very sweet and I really appreciated the way they were open and honest with each other about boundaries.
Parents: use caution with this book. I wouldn't recommend giving this to a child under the age of 15. There is strong language and sexual situations with some details. It would still be considered "closed door".
Content: strong language and sexual content.
The Cover: I absolutely love the cover. It is gorgeous and it makes me want to read the book again. The only problem with it is mentioned above - that I was expecting a different setting for the story.
I enjoyed the story and the mystery surrounding the question of January Black. The world of Columbia was built and described in great detail. The intricate plot line held many unexpected twists and turns that kept me interested. I did start to lose interest toward the end of the book, however. I felt like it took too long to wrap the story up.
The romance between Matty and Iris is very sweet and I really appreciated the way they were open and honest with each other about boundaries.
Parents: use caution with this book. I wouldn't recommend giving this to a child under the age of 15. There is strong language and sexual situations with some details. It would still be considered "closed door".
Content: strong language and sexual content.
The Cover: I absolutely love the cover. It is gorgeous and it makes me want to read the book again. The only problem with it is mentioned above - that I was expecting a different setting for the story.
January 16, 2013
I lost a few hours as I read this book. It's a Young Adult novel that is refreshingly and astonishingly intelligent, and the love story is perfectly played out.
Set in a world that is similar to our own but far removed, with a King who leads the people and set mostly in the royal city of Aventine, Matty is given a problem to solve. What was January Black? It takes him two years to solve this question; in that time, we as readers get to know this fascinating world, and delve along with Matty into astronomy, computer coding, chess, a rogue section of the city and even the words of Shakespeare. But as Matty draws closer to an answer, it is the politics of the question that will turn his world upside down.
From Matty's lightheadedness when he walks into the King's immense library of real books (ah! The scent of old books!) to the stargazing, to the cryptic messages passed between people who are known only by their number, to the sweet, tentative steps of first love between Matty and Iris, this is a book to be savored, read, and then read again.
Set in a world that is similar to our own but far removed, with a King who leads the people and set mostly in the royal city of Aventine, Matty is given a problem to solve. What was January Black? It takes him two years to solve this question; in that time, we as readers get to know this fascinating world, and delve along with Matty into astronomy, computer coding, chess, a rogue section of the city and even the words of Shakespeare. But as Matty draws closer to an answer, it is the politics of the question that will turn his world upside down.
From Matty's lightheadedness when he walks into the King's immense library of real books (ah! The scent of old books!) to the stargazing, to the cryptic messages passed between people who are known only by their number, to the sweet, tentative steps of first love between Matty and Iris, this is a book to be savored, read, and then read again.
August 13, 2014
I love a book that keeps me turning the pages, and it takes a certain type of talented writer to take me to that place. I won't repeat the plot details here as others have already done that. I will say, however, that this book has depth, strong, developed characters I could relate to, an unpredictable and exciting plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, and an ending that made me want to read more from this author.
This is an intelligent, well-written book that will appeal to those who like puzzles, intricate plots, and twists in the story. A creative, future world, with interesting characters. This book is for the logical minded, thinkers out there. You will truly enjoy it! I did.
This is an intelligent, well-written book that will appeal to those who like puzzles, intricate plots, and twists in the story. A creative, future world, with interesting characters. This book is for the logical minded, thinkers out there. You will truly enjoy it! I did.
February 25, 2013
The intriguing title is at the heart of this mystery, as sixteen year old Matty tries to answer a question for the king and earn his Master's. I loved Russo's intelligent style, her intricate world-building and characters who seemed to leap off the page. There is so much rich detail on every level: story, plot and character. I can't say enough good things about a book that touched me on so many levels.
I was thoroughly drawn in immediately and was sorry when the book ended. I fell in love with this novel and can't wait to see what Russo has in store for us next. I highly recommend "January Black"!
I was thoroughly drawn in immediately and was sorry when the book ended. I fell in love with this novel and can't wait to see what Russo has in store for us next. I highly recommend "January Black"!
December 23, 2013
Russo's January Black is a mysterious woven tapestry that is one part mystery, one part fantasy, one part science fiction, and one part romance. It is like a jewel that keeps twinkling different colors right before your eyes.
Matty is simply charming in his love for learning and alwys reaching for more, even if it means sudden death.
Iris is sweet in her love for Matty and willing to do anything to try to save him.
The mystery and haunting forboding of the simple question, "What is January Black?" Will leave you wanting more- ever so much more than you bargained for.
Matty is simply charming in his love for learning and alwys reaching for more, even if it means sudden death.
Iris is sweet in her love for Matty and willing to do anything to try to save him.
The mystery and haunting forboding of the simple question, "What is January Black?" Will leave you wanting more- ever so much more than you bargained for.
February 17, 2013
The first thing I noticed about January Black was the stunning writing. Wendy Russo’s ability to paint a richly detailed world is truly dazzling. Matty is the perfect protagonist—curious and smart with just the right mix of teenage rebellion. Iris is a great counterpart; and I enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold.
There are lessons to be learned in this novel, a social commentary that is masterfully woven throughout the gorgeous prose. Highly recommended!
There are lessons to be learned in this novel, a social commentary that is masterfully woven throughout the gorgeous prose. Highly recommended!
April 24, 2013
I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
To sum this book up in one word is probably impossible. To sum it up in a few: one of the best books I've read this year!
Matty Ducayn is a troublemaker who has been expelled from school. King Hadrian Steer is well aware of Matty's tendency to defy authority and gives him an offer the inquisitive brilliant Matty can't refuse. Now given access to the King's library, Matty goes on the adventure of a lifetime in search of what the mysterious January Black was. Along the way, he meets the girl of his dreams. Together, Matty and Iris are determined to do whatever necessary to answer the King's question. Filled with twists and turns the whole way, JANUARY BLACK is the perfect book for anyone who loves trying to figure out a centuries old mystery and can't set the book down until they do--I'm guilty!
I absolutely loved this book. I read over 50% of it on one sitting. I would've been able to finish it in a day if it hadn't been for life reminding me of my responsibilities. I loved how Russo had me guessing THE WHOLE ENTIRE TIME. I was right there with Matty, trying to figure out what January Black was, and all the other unanswered questions that came about during his research. I love solving puzzles and this book was a giant one. Russo knew exactly how to keep the reader's interest. It seemed like every time I thought I had figured it out, Matty found something else incriminating that had me second guessing myself. In fact, I did a lot of that. All the characters Matty encountered over the course of two years had me going back and forth, debating whether they were good or evil. If they tipped Matty off on what to look up next, I was convinced they were doing it with an ulterior motive. They would then do something else that made me think they were doing these things for a good reason. I think this was one of Russo's strengths. She gave you little details here and there that made you question everything. Only towards the end did you really find out the answers. She gave us, and Matty, so many little clues throughout that I didn't even think to pay attention to. As the whole kingdom started to unravel, I found myself flipping back to a certain scene and saying "HOW DID I MISS THIS?! IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE NOW!" This novel is like an amazing, make-you-think movie where you just have to watch it again to see everything you missed. JANUARY BLACK is just that: a novel you'll be dying to read again. As soon as I finished, I wanted to start it all over again. I know there are some many clues I could've picked up on but didn't.
I loved Iris and Matty's relationship. They are both teenagers, finding love for the first time. Matty is a typical boy who can't seem to pick up on subtle hints Iris gives to him. He likes her, she jokingly called him a stalker, he freaked out and didn't see her again for days. I just wanted to shake his shoulders and say "she likes you dummy!" Some may say that their relationship evolved too quickly, but I disagree. They were discovering the real world they lived in, together. Iris opened Matty's eyes to what really goes on in Columbia, outside of The Hill. They then start trying to solve the King's puzzle which brings them even closer. All of this drew them together, making them fall head over heels. They love, they bicker, they disagree but that's what makes their relationship so real. Matty has to learn that sometimes you must sacrifice things for the ones you love.
The technology that Hadrian has is crazy, to put simply. It's so complex but the way Russo describes it it seems so easy. If you aren't into technology driven stories, don't worry. The few pieces of technology mentioned are very neat and are completely crucial to the story. This novel is more about discovery. Discovery of love, discovery of history, discovery of what is missing from history, discovery of trust, discovery of knowledge, and one huge discovery that'll completely throw you for a loop. You'll have to wait towards the end of the story for that one though ;) It's also about defying the rules and making sacrifices if it means it's for the better good. This is a beautifully written story that will have readers up all night, dying to figure out all the questions that are raised. Russo doesn't deal her cards all at once; trust me when I say you'll want to stick around until the very end!
This review can be found at
To sum this book up in one word is probably impossible. To sum it up in a few: one of the best books I've read this year!
Matty Ducayn is a troublemaker who has been expelled from school. King Hadrian Steer is well aware of Matty's tendency to defy authority and gives him an offer the inquisitive brilliant Matty can't refuse. Now given access to the King's library, Matty goes on the adventure of a lifetime in search of what the mysterious January Black was. Along the way, he meets the girl of his dreams. Together, Matty and Iris are determined to do whatever necessary to answer the King's question. Filled with twists and turns the whole way, JANUARY BLACK is the perfect book for anyone who loves trying to figure out a centuries old mystery and can't set the book down until they do--I'm guilty!
I absolutely loved this book. I read over 50% of it on one sitting. I would've been able to finish it in a day if it hadn't been for life reminding me of my responsibilities. I loved how Russo had me guessing THE WHOLE ENTIRE TIME. I was right there with Matty, trying to figure out what January Black was, and all the other unanswered questions that came about during his research. I love solving puzzles and this book was a giant one. Russo knew exactly how to keep the reader's interest. It seemed like every time I thought I had figured it out, Matty found something else incriminating that had me second guessing myself. In fact, I did a lot of that. All the characters Matty encountered over the course of two years had me going back and forth, debating whether they were good or evil. If they tipped Matty off on what to look up next, I was convinced they were doing it with an ulterior motive. They would then do something else that made me think they were doing these things for a good reason. I think this was one of Russo's strengths. She gave you little details here and there that made you question everything. Only towards the end did you really find out the answers. She gave us, and Matty, so many little clues throughout that I didn't even think to pay attention to. As the whole kingdom started to unravel, I found myself flipping back to a certain scene and saying "HOW DID I MISS THIS?! IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE NOW!" This novel is like an amazing, make-you-think movie where you just have to watch it again to see everything you missed. JANUARY BLACK is just that: a novel you'll be dying to read again. As soon as I finished, I wanted to start it all over again. I know there are some many clues I could've picked up on but didn't.
I loved Iris and Matty's relationship. They are both teenagers, finding love for the first time. Matty is a typical boy who can't seem to pick up on subtle hints Iris gives to him. He likes her, she jokingly called him a stalker, he freaked out and didn't see her again for days. I just wanted to shake his shoulders and say "she likes you dummy!" Some may say that their relationship evolved too quickly, but I disagree. They were discovering the real world they lived in, together. Iris opened Matty's eyes to what really goes on in Columbia, outside of The Hill. They then start trying to solve the King's puzzle which brings them even closer. All of this drew them together, making them fall head over heels. They love, they bicker, they disagree but that's what makes their relationship so real. Matty has to learn that sometimes you must sacrifice things for the ones you love.
The technology that Hadrian has is crazy, to put simply. It's so complex but the way Russo describes it it seems so easy. If you aren't into technology driven stories, don't worry. The few pieces of technology mentioned are very neat and are completely crucial to the story. This novel is more about discovery. Discovery of love, discovery of history, discovery of what is missing from history, discovery of trust, discovery of knowledge, and one huge discovery that'll completely throw you for a loop. You'll have to wait towards the end of the story for that one though ;) It's also about defying the rules and making sacrifices if it means it's for the better good. This is a beautifully written story that will have readers up all night, dying to figure out all the questions that are raised. Russo doesn't deal her cards all at once; trust me when I say you'll want to stick around until the very end!
This review can be found at
April 30, 2013
I just recently finished reading January Black, received from the author for an honest review, and my head is still spinning. So much to wrap my mind around and I'm loving every moment just thinking about it. I haven't read such a thought provoking book of fiction in a long time.
Strong characters, strange gadgets, leaders, secrets, betrayals, love, hope, disappointment, intrigue, leading up to the answer of what was January Black and proceeding to a whole other story of who is Matty Ducayn.
I really enjoyed this story but I found myself a little confused on the imagery of the story. What I thought things looked like at first turned out to be totally different and than when I switched my thinking, things took even another turn. This took a little from the story from me, but not enough to distract me from the story as a whole. I wanted to know more about what was going on, whenever I had a spare moment I was picking it up and reading. Sometimes this got me as far as a page, but that brought me one page closer to answers.
I loved Iris. Spunky, spirited, head strong, loving and knowing what she wanted out from life. When you hear the saying that behind every good man is a good woman, this is Iris. Matty, well, he started off with some issues and quirkiness but as his relationship with Iris grew he seemed to grow in his own maturity and a bumpy road became smoother for him. The King has you scratching your head every once in awhile trying to figure him out.
Now Wendy Russo really threw me for a loop. Some of the things she did with her characters really felt like a punch in the gut, but you eventually find out why they did what they did. Not saying you still don't feel like taking out some personal revenge on them if you had the chance, but the emotional stronghold eventually becomes peaceful. There was even a place, which I wasn't expecting, that made me a bit watery eyed. The emotional rollercoaster than Ms. Russo put me on was well played.
Do I recommend this book? Yes I do. I give it 4 1/2 stars, and if I wasn't trying to figure out some of the clothing, structures, etc, I would have given it 5. This isn't an action packed story, but it moves like one. There is never a dull moment and your brain is constantly on the go with it.
Well done Ms. Russo, well done. You did not let me down and I look forward to reading more books from you in the future.
Strong characters, strange gadgets, leaders, secrets, betrayals, love, hope, disappointment, intrigue, leading up to the answer of what was January Black and proceeding to a whole other story of who is Matty Ducayn.
I really enjoyed this story but I found myself a little confused on the imagery of the story. What I thought things looked like at first turned out to be totally different and than when I switched my thinking, things took even another turn. This took a little from the story from me, but not enough to distract me from the story as a whole. I wanted to know more about what was going on, whenever I had a spare moment I was picking it up and reading. Sometimes this got me as far as a page, but that brought me one page closer to answers.
I loved Iris. Spunky, spirited, head strong, loving and knowing what she wanted out from life. When you hear the saying that behind every good man is a good woman, this is Iris. Matty, well, he started off with some issues and quirkiness but as his relationship with Iris grew he seemed to grow in his own maturity and a bumpy road became smoother for him. The King has you scratching your head every once in awhile trying to figure him out.
Now Wendy Russo really threw me for a loop. Some of the things she did with her characters really felt like a punch in the gut, but you eventually find out why they did what they did. Not saying you still don't feel like taking out some personal revenge on them if you had the chance, but the emotional stronghold eventually becomes peaceful. There was even a place, which I wasn't expecting, that made me a bit watery eyed. The emotional rollercoaster than Ms. Russo put me on was well played.
Do I recommend this book? Yes I do. I give it 4 1/2 stars, and if I wasn't trying to figure out some of the clothing, structures, etc, I would have given it 5. This isn't an action packed story, but it moves like one. There is never a dull moment and your brain is constantly on the go with it.
Well done Ms. Russo, well done. You did not let me down and I look forward to reading more books from you in the future.
May 2, 2013
The cover of this book is what initially attracted me to signing up for the book tour. They say “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover� but in this case I am happy I did! This book sucks you in really quickly right from the first few pages and keeps you wondering what January Black actually is.
This book is well written with few grammar and spelling mistakes. It does have several swears and some YA romance but it is in no way offensive or over the top and had I not been reading it for the purpose of a review I wouldn’t have noticed these things at all.
This story was not really what I expected from it and it has a LOT of technology that I am not sure if it even exists outside of this book and it has many twists and turns that keep you wondering and waiting for that moment where it all comes together and every word you read you know your one step closer to figuring it out.
I consider this book to be a mystery because of that edge of your seat need to know goodness. It was truly a refreshing book, a little Dan Brown-ish in how the story and characters are built up and the technology and symbolism the author used but in no way was it a copy of Brown’s work.
This book will be with me for a long time and I would love to have a paperback copy to donate to the school for kids like my own to read as the reading kids do today is so advanced.
I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone so long as the odd swear or sexual connotation is okay. This book could easily become the favorite for a middle school kid to an adult of any age.
My only real issue about this book are the references to the United States as I am from Canada and don’t necessarily know all of the references. The book could have been better by using a generic reference instead of singling out the USA.
I would give this book a solid five stars –meaning I think it will grab the attention of the majority of readers. I look forward to more works from Wendy S. Russo and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for it in the local book stores.
This book is well written with few grammar and spelling mistakes. It does have several swears and some YA romance but it is in no way offensive or over the top and had I not been reading it for the purpose of a review I wouldn’t have noticed these things at all.
This story was not really what I expected from it and it has a LOT of technology that I am not sure if it even exists outside of this book and it has many twists and turns that keep you wondering and waiting for that moment where it all comes together and every word you read you know your one step closer to figuring it out.
I consider this book to be a mystery because of that edge of your seat need to know goodness. It was truly a refreshing book, a little Dan Brown-ish in how the story and characters are built up and the technology and symbolism the author used but in no way was it a copy of Brown’s work.
This book will be with me for a long time and I would love to have a paperback copy to donate to the school for kids like my own to read as the reading kids do today is so advanced.
I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone so long as the odd swear or sexual connotation is okay. This book could easily become the favorite for a middle school kid to an adult of any age.
My only real issue about this book are the references to the United States as I am from Canada and don’t necessarily know all of the references. The book could have been better by using a generic reference instead of singling out the USA.
I would give this book a solid five stars –meaning I think it will grab the attention of the majority of readers. I look forward to more works from Wendy S. Russo and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for it in the local book stores.
May 31, 2013
This book was totally unexpected. I read the summary, it looked interesting so I signed up for the tour and asked for a review copy. Boy was I surprised!
The twists and turns this book take will keep you reading. Little hints dropped here and there, to keep your attention. Did I know what was going to happen in this book? Yes sometimes there were just too many little hints to make it almost obvious. But I'm good at solving puzzles so that could be why. However, that being said it still managed to throw a couple surprises in there to keep me going.
I saw such a strong comparison in the story between their lives and our own. Such strong political views were represented. And I must say as a politically minded woman I enjoyed seeing someone mirror my beliefs. Freedom isn't Free, it MUST be fought for, sometimes with dire consequences. I loved how the author mixed in the fantasy world she created along with our own foundation as Americans. *yes I know I live in Australia but I am now and always will be an American* As such my values get me into trouble here when I open my mouth and my freedom of speech is not protected here as it is in the USA. So luckily or unluckily I have been on BOTH sides of this story. One where Freedom rings, and one where things are hidden from the populace for their own good. Personally like the characters in this book, I would fight for the previous and turn over the later.
I highly recommend this book. You will immediately love Matty and Iris, and even "Jack". You will form a strong bond with the characters and you will want good to overcome corruption. And you will even be surprised at a few things that pop up in the book that you will recognize from your own lifetime.
5 out of this world stars for this book!
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review
The twists and turns this book take will keep you reading. Little hints dropped here and there, to keep your attention. Did I know what was going to happen in this book? Yes sometimes there were just too many little hints to make it almost obvious. But I'm good at solving puzzles so that could be why. However, that being said it still managed to throw a couple surprises in there to keep me going.
I saw such a strong comparison in the story between their lives and our own. Such strong political views were represented. And I must say as a politically minded woman I enjoyed seeing someone mirror my beliefs. Freedom isn't Free, it MUST be fought for, sometimes with dire consequences. I loved how the author mixed in the fantasy world she created along with our own foundation as Americans. *yes I know I live in Australia but I am now and always will be an American* As such my values get me into trouble here when I open my mouth and my freedom of speech is not protected here as it is in the USA. So luckily or unluckily I have been on BOTH sides of this story. One where Freedom rings, and one where things are hidden from the populace for their own good. Personally like the characters in this book, I would fight for the previous and turn over the later.
I highly recommend this book. You will immediately love Matty and Iris, and even "Jack". You will form a strong bond with the characters and you will want good to overcome corruption. And you will even be surprised at a few things that pop up in the book that you will recognize from your own lifetime.
5 out of this world stars for this book!
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review
May 14, 2013
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I really liked this book. I really did. It was original and I loved the mystery and the riddle Matty has to solve and I loved discovering it with him. This was a pretty good book.
So this is the story of Matty. He's really smart. Seriously. I had a headache when he was talking or thinking smart things. Wendy did her research on that department. I liked the world she created and the references to this time. You know, the months, Yesa (I see what you did there Wendy, smart, really smart, lol.), That was really cool. So this smart guy doesn't like the school he goes to because the teachers are actually less smart then he is and he is bored all the time. So the King offers him a master's diploma but first he has to answer the question: What was January Black? It's a ship, but that's not the answer the King wants. So Matty has to figure out what January Black really was and I loved that we learned everything together with him. It kept me guessing and it was so fascinating. This was a really fascinating book.
I loved Matty. Like I said, he gave me a headache every now and then, but I liked him. For some reason I kept hearing his voice in a British accent. Don't know why. I loved Iris and they were very cute together. It didn't feel forced and it was nice to see them grow as a couple. To see them fall in love with each other. I didn't know whether or not to like King Hadrian. Some times I did, then I didn't. Same with his dad. But I loved his mother.
I don't exactly know what genre this is exactly. YA fantasy I think. So if you love that genre, you should read this book. If you don't, but you like books with mystery and smart guys that gives you a headache and sound British in your head, then you should read it too. I actually recommend it. The British accent thing. It's kind of sexy.
I really liked this book. I really did. It was original and I loved the mystery and the riddle Matty has to solve and I loved discovering it with him. This was a pretty good book.
So this is the story of Matty. He's really smart. Seriously. I had a headache when he was talking or thinking smart things. Wendy did her research on that department. I liked the world she created and the references to this time. You know, the months, Yesa (I see what you did there Wendy, smart, really smart, lol.), That was really cool. So this smart guy doesn't like the school he goes to because the teachers are actually less smart then he is and he is bored all the time. So the King offers him a master's diploma but first he has to answer the question: What was January Black? It's a ship, but that's not the answer the King wants. So Matty has to figure out what January Black really was and I loved that we learned everything together with him. It kept me guessing and it was so fascinating. This was a really fascinating book.
I loved Matty. Like I said, he gave me a headache every now and then, but I liked him. For some reason I kept hearing his voice in a British accent. Don't know why. I loved Iris and they were very cute together. It didn't feel forced and it was nice to see them grow as a couple. To see them fall in love with each other. I didn't know whether or not to like King Hadrian. Some times I did, then I didn't. Same with his dad. But I loved his mother.
I don't exactly know what genre this is exactly. YA fantasy I think. So if you love that genre, you should read this book. If you don't, but you like books with mystery and smart guys that gives you a headache and sound British in your head, then you should read it too. I actually recommend it. The British accent thing. It's kind of sexy.
January 25, 2013
Matty is a sixteen-year-old genius who is somewhat of a contradiction. He thinks in numbers and understands the complex new technology that is a given on this world, but also loves the smell of old books and appreciates the beauty of “old world� items. He bristles at the rules imposed by his strict class-based society and questions all authority, but also has trouble relating to others. Until he meets Iris.
Iris is also sixteen and also full of contradictions. While she works as a gardener on The Hill, where the ruling class and King reside, she wasn’t born into the working class. Her father (now deceased) was a blind tech genius who helped invent much of the people-tracking technology still used in their world. She doesn’t know quite what to think when one of the Regents starts paying attention to her, and then the King himself intercedes to help set up their first date. And then she finds out this boy who seems to be friends with the King is also her boss’s son. A strong personality in her own right, none of this seems to faze Iris too much until Matty gets closer to answering the question posed by the King.
King Hadrian has given Matty a quest of sorts, to answer a single question in order to receive a Master’s diploma. Although it seems simple on the outside, the question is itself something of a riddle that has Matty delving into the very origins of his society and discovering the true meaning of Liberty that seems to have gotten lost somewhere along the way.
I enjoyed this story and its perspective on a society losing its ultimate ideals and values in pursuit of peace and safety. So much of the story line is timely for our current, post-911 society. How much of our personal liberties are we willing to sacrifice, and once sacrificed can we ever regain them? What is each of us willing to risk or sacrifice in order to make our world a better place?
Iris is also sixteen and also full of contradictions. While she works as a gardener on The Hill, where the ruling class and King reside, she wasn’t born into the working class. Her father (now deceased) was a blind tech genius who helped invent much of the people-tracking technology still used in their world. She doesn’t know quite what to think when one of the Regents starts paying attention to her, and then the King himself intercedes to help set up their first date. And then she finds out this boy who seems to be friends with the King is also her boss’s son. A strong personality in her own right, none of this seems to faze Iris too much until Matty gets closer to answering the question posed by the King.
King Hadrian has given Matty a quest of sorts, to answer a single question in order to receive a Master’s diploma. Although it seems simple on the outside, the question is itself something of a riddle that has Matty delving into the very origins of his society and discovering the true meaning of Liberty that seems to have gotten lost somewhere along the way.
I enjoyed this story and its perspective on a society losing its ultimate ideals and values in pursuit of peace and safety. So much of the story line is timely for our current, post-911 society. How much of our personal liberties are we willing to sacrifice, and once sacrificed can we ever regain them? What is each of us willing to risk or sacrifice in order to make our world a better place?
April 27, 2013
I love when I come across a book that has the ability to not only surprise me, but surpass my expectations completely. January Black did this and I was so glad that I decided to venture out of my reading comfort zone and take part in the blog tour for this amazing book.
The premise of the novel sounds simple enough. King Hadrian gives young student Mattie a challenge in order to earn a Masters degree: What was January Black? Readers are then taken on a journey as Matty attempts to answer the King’s question.
I loved the characters of the book! Matty was my favorite, but I also adored King Hadrian and Iris. Matty was a complete sweetheart and his romance with Iris was adorable. Matty was so earnest, it was completely endearing. Matty is idealistic and his ideals play an important part of the underlying themes of liberty and civil rights.
There are so many mysteries presented during the novel, I found myself anxious to keep reading. Figuring out what January Black was makes up only a small part of the story. I was also trying to figure out the setting of the novel and how the kingdom was created. World building was phenomenal and the advanced technology was interesting to read about.
What I also loved about the book is the mass appeal of the novel. There are very few books that I read which I can imagine my husband also enjoying. I plan to recommend this to not only my husband but also my teenage stepdaughter. If you’re looking for something to read that’s unique and thought provoking, I highly recommend January Black.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
I received this novel as part of the I Am a Reader, Not a Writer Blog Tour.
The premise of the novel sounds simple enough. King Hadrian gives young student Mattie a challenge in order to earn a Masters degree: What was January Black? Readers are then taken on a journey as Matty attempts to answer the King’s question.
I loved the characters of the book! Matty was my favorite, but I also adored King Hadrian and Iris. Matty was a complete sweetheart and his romance with Iris was adorable. Matty was so earnest, it was completely endearing. Matty is idealistic and his ideals play an important part of the underlying themes of liberty and civil rights.
There are so many mysteries presented during the novel, I found myself anxious to keep reading. Figuring out what January Black was makes up only a small part of the story. I was also trying to figure out the setting of the novel and how the kingdom was created. World building was phenomenal and the advanced technology was interesting to read about.
What I also loved about the book is the mass appeal of the novel. There are very few books that I read which I can imagine my husband also enjoying. I plan to recommend this to not only my husband but also my teenage stepdaughter. If you’re looking for something to read that’s unique and thought provoking, I highly recommend January Black.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
I received this novel as part of the I Am a Reader, Not a Writer Blog Tour.
September 7, 2016
Fantastic! Intelligent! Sweet! & Well written!
A novel should make you feel something. It should spark your imagination and grab your heartstrings. January Black does not disappoint and has so much more to offer than the casual page turner! It is a thought provoking puzzle intertwined with history, sweet first love, family secrets, and political dissension.
Matty Ducayn is an upper-class teen in the city of Aventine. After being expelled from school for one-upping his instructor, he is given a task by King Hadrian. Matty is quickly entangled in a behind the scenes, political exploitation of his intelligence, naiveté, willingness to bend, if not break the rules and laws that govern his world, all while falling deeply in love with Iris.
Although the novel is set in the future, I feel that the story is relevant to the present. The scenes are descriptive but not wordy. The future technology is imaginative but not farfetched. The characters are well written and relatable. The dialog extremely enjoyable. It is a fascinating tale where seekers of freedom and a new beginning end up with a government that sees and controls everything - or at least tries to.
Is Matty being unfairly manipulated, or is he part of a greater scheme for a better future? You’ll have to read it to find out.
I would like to add one humble note: I do not care for anyone to push their thoughts, opinions, or beliefs on me and this novel DOESN’T come across that way at all. It is a story. Well told and inspiring.
My only regret about January Black is that I didn’t read it sooner.
A novel should make you feel something. It should spark your imagination and grab your heartstrings. January Black does not disappoint and has so much more to offer than the casual page turner! It is a thought provoking puzzle intertwined with history, sweet first love, family secrets, and political dissension.
Matty Ducayn is an upper-class teen in the city of Aventine. After being expelled from school for one-upping his instructor, he is given a task by King Hadrian. Matty is quickly entangled in a behind the scenes, political exploitation of his intelligence, naiveté, willingness to bend, if not break the rules and laws that govern his world, all while falling deeply in love with Iris.
Although the novel is set in the future, I feel that the story is relevant to the present. The scenes are descriptive but not wordy. The future technology is imaginative but not farfetched. The characters are well written and relatable. The dialog extremely enjoyable. It is a fascinating tale where seekers of freedom and a new beginning end up with a government that sees and controls everything - or at least tries to.
Is Matty being unfairly manipulated, or is he part of a greater scheme for a better future? You’ll have to read it to find out.
I would like to add one humble note: I do not care for anyone to push their thoughts, opinions, or beliefs on me and this novel DOESN’T come across that way at all. It is a story. Well told and inspiring.
My only regret about January Black is that I didn’t read it sooner.
April 22, 2013
The Story-
16 year old Matty is a genius. So much so that he is kicked out of school for being ahead of his teachers. He gets a second chance when King Hadrian asks him to work on a special project to earn a master's degree. The project- What is January Black?
Common knowledge holds that January Black is one of the ships that brought settlers to live in the kingdom. But, that is not what the king is after. There is more to the story, a deep, dark secret. Matty's search leads him into forbidden territory and he is arrested with a sentence of death. The only way out is to solve the riddle of January Black, and quickly!
My Thoughts-
This is a really good book. The mystery that the plot revolves around is buried deep within the history of the kingdom. Matty's search takes many twists and turns, eventually leading to a life changing choice. I loved the whole premise and eagerly followed Matty's journey. There is also a sweet sub-plot about a romance.
The book is YA, but it seems to read more middle grade, minus the romantic parts. I think that is because the book takes a leap back in time to fill the reader in on Matty's complete journey. So, we start when he is younger.
And hold on to your hats! January Black isn't the only twist in the book. There are 2 HUGE plot twists at the end of the book that are fun. This book is definitely worth reading. It is an action/ romance/ mystery rolled up into one.
16 year old Matty is a genius. So much so that he is kicked out of school for being ahead of his teachers. He gets a second chance when King Hadrian asks him to work on a special project to earn a master's degree. The project- What is January Black?
Common knowledge holds that January Black is one of the ships that brought settlers to live in the kingdom. But, that is not what the king is after. There is more to the story, a deep, dark secret. Matty's search leads him into forbidden territory and he is arrested with a sentence of death. The only way out is to solve the riddle of January Black, and quickly!
My Thoughts-
This is a really good book. The mystery that the plot revolves around is buried deep within the history of the kingdom. Matty's search takes many twists and turns, eventually leading to a life changing choice. I loved the whole premise and eagerly followed Matty's journey. There is also a sweet sub-plot about a romance.
The book is YA, but it seems to read more middle grade, minus the romantic parts. I think that is because the book takes a leap back in time to fill the reader in on Matty's complete journey. So, we start when he is younger.
And hold on to your hats! January Black isn't the only twist in the book. There are 2 HUGE plot twists at the end of the book that are fun. This book is definitely worth reading. It is an action/ romance/ mystery rolled up into one.
March 21, 2013
I've thought about this book for days, now, and it just won't leave me alone. You see, January Black is haunting. The story takes place in a futuristic society where you're never really sure if Matty and everyone around him are on a different planet, in a dystopian future, or what.
It's kind of confusing, and that's half the fun.
Matty is a troublemaker. Well, his teachers think so anyway. I think they're just jealous because he's smarter than they are—which is why they expel him from Regent school.
But the king offers Matty a sliver of hope. Answer one question, one teensy, tiny, itty-bitty little question, and the king would give Matty a Masters degree.
Who wouldn't jump at that?
But when Matty delivers his answer, he discovers the king is a friend of semantics (don't you hate those?) and then Matty plunges deeper into his world, a world where information is closed off to the public, where news and records and reality have been altered, a world where freedom doesn't ring as it should.
A world much like our own. (Oh, wait. Sorry. That was me getting somewhat political.)
In Matty's pursuit of answers, he falls in love, learns that family is more than genetics, and learns that freedom and liberty must be protected at all costs.
This was a great read (4 Stars). One I recommend for young and old alike.
It's kind of confusing, and that's half the fun.
Matty is a troublemaker. Well, his teachers think so anyway. I think they're just jealous because he's smarter than they are—which is why they expel him from Regent school.
But the king offers Matty a sliver of hope. Answer one question, one teensy, tiny, itty-bitty little question, and the king would give Matty a Masters degree.
Who wouldn't jump at that?
But when Matty delivers his answer, he discovers the king is a friend of semantics (don't you hate those?) and then Matty plunges deeper into his world, a world where information is closed off to the public, where news and records and reality have been altered, a world where freedom doesn't ring as it should.
A world much like our own. (Oh, wait. Sorry. That was me getting somewhat political.)
In Matty's pursuit of answers, he falls in love, learns that family is more than genetics, and learns that freedom and liberty must be protected at all costs.
This was a great read (4 Stars). One I recommend for young and old alike.
May 20, 2013
I LOVED this book! I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars because I had a lot of trouble really getting into the book. It took me a few chapters to really be excited about it. Also, the tech-talk confused me. I had no idea what Matty was talking about a lot of the time. Otherwise, this book was phenomenal. I loved the idea of January Black being more than just what the public thought it was. The puzzle was really exciting to work through with Matty and Iris. All the frustration they had to go through and all the questions with no answers made for a really intriguing story. I really loved that Iris and Matty came from totally different backgrounds. It really shows that two people, no matter where they've come from, can be together and make it work. Although Matty doesn't seem to be like all the other Regents, his parents are. Hadrian was a great character. The idea of a laid-back king is just pure awesome. I wasn't expecting that, but I loved it. The ending (the revelations) really surprised me! One of the best endings I've read. I love anything that's set in a future earth/world so I figured I was bound to like this, but it exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it to anyone that likes dystopian.
April 29, 2013
I fell in love with this book on the very first page. The story sucks you in and doesn’t release you till the end. Russo did a fantastic job of world-building; there’s so much detail and uniqueness to her setting that it’s probably one of my favorite things about January Black. That, and the mystery that puzzles the reader just as much as it puzzles the characters. Soooo many YA “mysteries� turn out to be bland and predictable, thus I was overjoyed when January Black proved to be something entirely different.
I also enjoyed the romance. Matty is such a fun character to follow- his intelligence gains him the reader’s respect. His relationship with Iris is relatable, as is his feelings, despite being a male MC. I don’t usually read too many books with male MCs, but after reading January Black, I wish I did.
I definitely enjoyed this one and highly recommend it. I’d say it could be read by middle grade readers, but beware as there are some romantic implications that might not be appropriate. I wasn’t entirely convinced I’d like January Black, but it turned out to be a surprisingly entertaining read.
Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*
Language: Mild (a few minor words throughout)
Violence: None/Mild
Sexual: Mild –Moderate
I also enjoyed the romance. Matty is such a fun character to follow- his intelligence gains him the reader’s respect. His relationship with Iris is relatable, as is his feelings, despite being a male MC. I don’t usually read too many books with male MCs, but after reading January Black, I wish I did.
I definitely enjoyed this one and highly recommend it. I’d say it could be read by middle grade readers, but beware as there are some romantic implications that might not be appropriate. I wasn’t entirely convinced I’d like January Black, but it turned out to be a surprisingly entertaining read.
Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*
Language: Mild (a few minor words throughout)
Violence: None/Mild
Sexual: Mild –Moderate
January 1, 2014
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
January Black is a YA book that will capture the attention of anyone reading it. For those that like riddles, they will love the single question that Matty has to answer in order to get a Masters degree. His growing feelings for Iris actually help to calm his ever active brain. This book is filled with political intrigue and the beginning of teenage romance. These two things would not usually work together in a novel, however Wendy Russo not only makes it work, she makes the reading enjoyable. The reader will find themselves unable to put the book down once they begin to read it. I tried not to put the pieces together as little clues were given through out the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers that like this genre. I found it a well written, attention keeping book that allowed me to forget about the pain of a torn up knee. When a book can hold the attention of the reader enough that they let everything they had planned to do slide, it is a book well worth the price. I look forward to reading more of Wendy Russo's work.
January Black is a YA book that will capture the attention of anyone reading it. For those that like riddles, they will love the single question that Matty has to answer in order to get a Masters degree. His growing feelings for Iris actually help to calm his ever active brain. This book is filled with political intrigue and the beginning of teenage romance. These two things would not usually work together in a novel, however Wendy Russo not only makes it work, she makes the reading enjoyable. The reader will find themselves unable to put the book down once they begin to read it. I tried not to put the pieces together as little clues were given through out the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers that like this genre. I found it a well written, attention keeping book that allowed me to forget about the pain of a torn up knee. When a book can hold the attention of the reader enough that they let everything they had planned to do slide, it is a book well worth the price. I look forward to reading more of Wendy Russo's work.
January 30, 2014
Wendy Russo’s January Black is a fascinating, unusual read. Set in a world that is at once distant and quite close to our own, January Black is full of questions whose answers lead to more questions for the main character, Matty. Charged with answering a question � what was January Black? � young Matty discovers a tangled web of secrets beneath the glittering surface of the world of Columbia. Along the way, he meets a girl who throws him for a loop.
The story is refreshingly intelligent, and asks a number of thought-provoking questions that are near to us in a modern society. It is also full of interesting technology and smart world-building. For me, much of the fun in reading was digging into all the clues as Matty did, then having the jaw-dropping realization that a much greater secret lay beneath the surface. I can’t give much more without spoiling some of the surprise, but rest assured that there are many wonderful twists and turns in the pages of January Black.
If you enjoy a good mystery and intelligent characters with a slight hint of dystopia, then January Black will be right up your alley!
The story is refreshingly intelligent, and asks a number of thought-provoking questions that are near to us in a modern society. It is also full of interesting technology and smart world-building. For me, much of the fun in reading was digging into all the clues as Matty did, then having the jaw-dropping realization that a much greater secret lay beneath the surface. I can’t give much more without spoiling some of the surprise, but rest assured that there are many wonderful twists and turns in the pages of January Black.
If you enjoy a good mystery and intelligent characters with a slight hint of dystopia, then January Black will be right up your alley!
April 22, 2013
Review of January Black by Wendy Russo Review written by � Alexis O’Shell
I have to say when I first started reading this book it really confused me. The further into I got I was able to keep up a little better and I realized what a wonderful romance was blooming throughout the pages!
I don’t normally read a lot of books where it is in the male’s point of view but I really just loved Matty. He was charming, funny and so sweet, and even though I am a girl I could still relate to his feelings. As a matter of fact my favorite part of the book was his relationship with Iris, whom I also really liked. They just had likable personalities and I loved how they fought so deeply for each other. Their love felt really genuine and it just doesn’t get better than that.
The quest that Matty was sent on was a bit confusing for me and even though it got straighten out in the end it was still a little hard to wrap my head around it. All in all if you like a lot of twist and turns and some serious surprises this book is definitely for you!
I have to say when I first started reading this book it really confused me. The further into I got I was able to keep up a little better and I realized what a wonderful romance was blooming throughout the pages!
I don’t normally read a lot of books where it is in the male’s point of view but I really just loved Matty. He was charming, funny and so sweet, and even though I am a girl I could still relate to his feelings. As a matter of fact my favorite part of the book was his relationship with Iris, whom I also really liked. They just had likable personalities and I loved how they fought so deeply for each other. Their love felt really genuine and it just doesn’t get better than that.
The quest that Matty was sent on was a bit confusing for me and even though it got straighten out in the end it was still a little hard to wrap my head around it. All in all if you like a lot of twist and turns and some serious surprises this book is definitely for you!
December 21, 2013
Review to follow soon, but for now I'll say I LOVED THIS BOOK! It doesn't quite reach the 5-star level for me, for reasons I will explain, but it was a tremendous novel from a small publisher! Ms. Russo has major talent - I was consumed by this book for the four days or so that I read it! And despite seeing at least one grammatical/technical/formatting error per page on my Kindle, I did not stop to mark any of them. Not even ONE! I was so caught up in the story that, while I notice the missing word here and there, use of the wrong word, etc., I just rolled with it. That is a pretty major thing for me - I typically find myself marking each and every error I see in books (even ones from big publishers) but I just didn't want to stop reading long enough to make a note here! Again, I'll lay out more thoughts soon, but if you've been considering reading this book, DO IT! Especially now when it's on sale (I think for the month of December) for just $2.99!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.