I received this book through interlibrary loan. The sending library had it classified as adult fiction. My designation would have been young adult.

There were numerous editing errors - words omitted, cut and paste mistakes, etc. I completed it because I wanted it to count as my ColorCAT read for the month. Russo paints good pictures, you can see every move the characters make. But, for me, the story lacked depth. The world and its dangers never became real. It was more of a fairy tale. I give it three stars. ( )

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.
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I was provided a Kindle copy of January Black in exchange for an honest review. I normally do not read this genre, but I liked the cover and decided to give it a try. I will not provide a synopsis of the story as others have already done so in previous reviews. My review may contain spoilers.

The overall story of Matty and the quest for January Black was interesting and well paced. Every step he took was engineered by the Seven to discover truths that would forever alter history. Wendy Russo did a good job of keeping the readers in the dark of the Seven's true intentions and their identities. It added a layer of suspense to the story that was greatly appreciated.

Matty's relationship with Iris was a typical boy meets girl plot. They fell madly in love by the end of their first date. Having finished the book, I would like to think that their meeting was not by chance and that the Seven may have orchestrated it to help Matty figure out the secret of January Black. After all, it seems that Iris was related to a key figure in Columbia's history - Amy Locke. In reality, their relationship probably addressed class inequality present in society, since Matty and Amy came from different social classes. Like others have stated, there were underlying themes concerning the lack of privacy and freedom from the governing class.

I liked Hadrian. His interest in Matty was a mystery throughout. It was hard not to think he was setting the boy up. And in a way, he was. I have to admit that I wasn't sure what his motives were until right before the big reveal. I completely missed the clue about the feet. Although, when I read about it early in the book, I did remember pausing and thinking why was it relevant that that the commandant covered his feet at all times. But I did find it a bit incredulous that Matty had realized his father's identity because of it, since I don't think having a second toe larger than the big toe is that rare.

The scenes in the Bazaar were done quite well. I liked the idea of a section of town living on the outskirts fending for themselves and ignoring the rules dictated by the governing class. I wanted to learn more about the characters living in the Bazaar. Who were there ancestors in the Old World? Did that determine their strong stance against the regents?

Hope there is a sequel. I look forward to seeing how King Mathias rules the city. ( )

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!
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