Ronit J

Fantasy Author of Absurd Stories

January 2025 Reading Wrap-Up | Tintin, Tchaikovsky, Fahrenheit 451, and more…

January 2025 Reading Wrap-Up, and what a month it has been! Well, it wasn’t a great start, but the positive way to look at it is—compared to that horrible disappointment of a first read, every other read this year is going to be great! And honestly, that was the case for January. The rest of my January reads were all amazing! Plus, I’m just a few reads away from completing my r/Fantasy Bingo Card!

So, without further ado—

3 books read, with 1 almost finished

January 2025 Reading Wrap-Up!

Tintin au Congo by Herge – ★

Extremely racist and stupid with a ton of animal cruelty. I get this is for kids, but what in the actual f*ck?

TinTin in Congo by Hergé

Not even worth reviewing in full. The only reason I read it was to practice my French (that’s why even my review is in French). Also, a lot of my friends told me Tintin is a great series. After these first 2 disappointing entries, I wonder if it’s even worth continuing with the series…

Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky – ★★★★

I received an eARC from Netgalley, and I am so happy I finally got to read a Tchaikovsky novel!

Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Although the science lingo and characters were a tad difficult to read, the atmospheric dread and cosmic-horror-esque alien POV were an absolute delight to read.

My full review is posted on SFF Insiders!

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – ★★★★

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

It’s scary to see how relevant this book is even today—72 years later! Especially if you live in a country that’s decided to skip over important parts of its history in school textbooks because those parts don’t align with the agendas of the people in power. An absolute must-read!

My full review is live on SFF Insiders.

January 2025 Reading Wrap-Up | Current Read:

Jade City by Fonda Lee

Since 2017, I’ve had this book on my TBR. As a rule, I avoided reading anything about it because I like to dive into books with zero expectations or prior knowledge. However, in early 2025, I spoiled myself with a stray pitch for the Green Bone Saga, which was something on the lines of “The Godfather, but Fantasy”. That’s what finally prompted me to pick this up. I would say that cultural inspirations of the book are making me want to rewatch Kitano’s Outrage trilogy, as well as Infernal Affairs (the film that Martin Scorsese remade as The Departed.)

I’m almost done with Jade City. I’ll probably finish it over the weekend. Expect my review on SFF Insiders!

Finally,

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! I hope my January 2025 Reading Wrap-Up helps you decide on your next read. Check out my other posts for more reading recommendations, mini-reviews, and more:

If you haven’t yet, subscribe to my newsletter! (I only send out one a month, unless I have any other major announcements to make.) Plus, you get a free e-copy of my grimdark anthology, Abandoned by the Gods!

Hope you had an amazing 2024! Until next time!

ronitjauthor

January 31, 2025